Mount Vernon

[anna]

Surely Mount Vernon in the Wither Hills -Blenheim should be included.  This is very accessible and good for families. Lots of options for circular walks too and the peak itself is quite striking with a 'stone henge' near the top.  I run this area every week so would be happy to give advice!

[Jon (aka site admin)]

Yes sounds great Anna!

post what you know about it here, and any pics if you have them, and I'll make a page for it

[anna]

Hi Jon
Sorry for the late reply have been away running the Rotorua marathon!
Mount Vernon is most easily accessed from the Wither Hills Farm Park car park at the end of Redwood Street in Blenheim.   The walk takes you up Sutherland stream then on a zig zag track to Mount Vernon.  The walk up to 'Stone Henge' takes approximately an hour, is steep in places but is on a very well defined path with good signage.  There is water and a toilet at the Sutherland Stream junction and water at the top.  To reach the trig (420m) requires another 10-15minutes walking but offers satisfaction and views across to the North Island.  You can choose to come back the same way or come straight down the ridgeline (my kids enjoy running or rolling down this!) The walk can be extended almost infinitely using tracks on the Farm Park.  Good maps of the Farm Park are available at the i-site and on the Council website http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/content/docs/reserves/WitherHillsBrochureMapDec08.pdf