Cwm Dysgyfna and around Bryn Golau 23rd July 2025

 

A visitor to my garden yesterday.

A Sparrowhawk patiently waits for visitors to my bird feeders.

Thankfully without success when I was watching.

Looking back to the lay-by and the start of our walk today.

The road that effectively is the start and finish of the walk today.

the start of the greenway.

Knapweed on the roadside,

Harebellls next to the greenway.

Penycoddiau.

Is it a wasp or fly?

Nigel waits at the gate.

Is that an orange phone next ti Nigel?

Distant views to the north are not too good!

The path contouring around the north east slopes of Penycloddiau.

Rosebay willowherb blocks the distant views.

Yes, thef are still soe boggy bits that need to be negotiated.

"Can you see a a path through this reedy area?"

Nigel heads for gate that allows us to escape from the reedy area.

Our lunchtime view from our lunch spot next to the entrance to Caban Eric.

A Meadow brown butterfly on the road leading to Nannerch.

An Ox-eye daisy and feeding insect next t the road leading to Nannerch

A Mute swan on the one of the fishing lakes at Wal-goch.

Nannerch's well known hostelry, but it's too soon for us

St., Michael and All Angel's Church at Nannerch.

One of many Specked wood butterflies seen today.

Bryn Rug hillfort.

On the delightful riverside6 path.

The last road walk of the day.

Looking aross te valley to St., Mary's Church, Ysceifiog.

Look at my new shirt!

Halkyn Walkers 2023.

Halkyn Walkers 2024.

These last two photos could apply to us as well!

Distance: 8.7 miles.

Climb: 1414’

Time: 5 hours 34 minutes.

On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Temperature: 17.2 Celsius to 21,2 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 3. Mainly no noticeable wind, but when it blew, it was always welcome. Towards the end of the walk, it briefly reached a 10.1 m.p.h. Gentle breeze.

Group: Martyn and Nigel. Fran had a last minute more important appointment to take her very old cat to the vet for the last time.

The temperature today was much better for walking, although at times it did feel rather humid.

This proved to be a varied walk, including country roads, stony tracks, greenways, boggy paths, reedy pathless sections, woodland paths and paths by a stream through a wood.

Lunch was taken, sitting on the roadside next to Caban Eric. Just before lunch we met a local walking her dog. We assumed that she was a Welsh speaker, as the dog responded to instruction in Welsh!

Birds seen or heard today included: Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Coal tit, Common buzzard, Winter wren, Mistle thrush, Mute swan, Black billed magpie, House martin, Barn swallow, Grey heron and Wood nuthatch,

We did see lots of butterflies including: Small white, Large white, Meadow brown, Small tortoiseshell and Gatekeeper.

Overall, an enjoyable walk, despite route finding was challenging at times, but most of it was our fault as Dave Berry’s route description was really good!

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn in Halkyn, where I enjoyed Gwynt y Ddraig’s Black Dragon cider and Nigel had a pint of lemonade without ice!

Home in time to clean my boots outside and complete the tortuous job of removing seeds that had attached themselves to my socks!

Walks and Dates August 2025

Wednesday and Saturday Walks.

It is still the holiday season, so I have decided not to suggest specific walks each Wednesday and Saturday. 

Instead I have suggested a few walks to choose from, if you want to walk.

All walks during August will be arranged on request.

One or more short walks a month could be included on request.

However Saturday walks can be arranged on request.

Saturday 2nd August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 6th August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Saturday 9th August 2025.

Wednesday 13th August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Saturday 16th August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 20th August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Saturday 23rd August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 27th August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Saturday 30th August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

List of Possible Wednesday Walks.

Chirk - Offa's Dyke, Two Canal Tunnels and a Castle.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 800'.
Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Dave berry's booklet “Walks Around the Berwyns and The Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk of great variety and explores the attractive undulating countryside around Chirk. At times it follows the Offa's Dyke Footpath. Part of the route follows the Llangollen canal towpath and includes going through a short tunnel we may in fact go through a second tunnel. You may wish to bring a torch, but there is a handrail to guide you.

Ysceifiog Lake, Caerwys, Maes-Mynan and Pwll-Gwyn Woods.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb:1400'. 
Start: Ysceifiog. Park next to the village play area. Grid ref: SJ152715.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

The last record of the group doing this walk was in November 2011. With a recorded distance of nearly 12 miles, I cut out part of the walk to shorten the distance a little.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "More Walks On the Clwydian Hills". Both walks we have done several times, but not for some time. One walk is described as a delightful walk exploring the valley and foothills of the Clwydian Hills and the other walk as exploring the attractive and varied countryside overlooking the Wheeler Valley. Perhaps this time we will actually go round Pwll Gwyn Woods!

The Alyn Valley and Coed Ddu.

Distance: 7 miles. Climb: 1200'. (8.5 miles. Climb; 1300', if we do the there and back to Hendre).

Start: Car park area West of Cilcain. Grid ref: SJ170652.
To get to the car park take A541 Mold - Denbigh Road. After Hendre take the road signposted Cilcain. In the centre of Cilcain, at a crossroads turn right (West) and continue West past the church. After about 400 yards take the minor road left. The parking area is about 300 yards along this road, on the right after a few houses. In all about 700 yards from the crossroads in Cilcain.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet More Walks on the Clwydian Range".

It is described as as a walk exploring the attractive varied countryside between Hendre and Cilcain.

We last did this walk around 2015, but then we included Plas Plas-yw and the distance was over 11 miles with a climb of over 2000'', too much for me!

The walk is shorter than usual, but I can't see an easy way to extend the walk without missing out large parts of the described route. We could do a there and back from point 2 on the route to Hendre and this would allow us to experience all of the walk as described.  This would add an extra 1.5 miles and 100' of climb.

List of Possible Saturday Walks. 

Moel y Garneddd.

Distance: 7-8 miles.

Climb: 1200'.

Start: Fronfeuno Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car park Grid ref: SH917351.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". The walk explores the undulating countryside West of Bala. The route follows a a bridleway up to moorland, eventually crossing Moel y Garneddd at a height of 1170'. We can expect to see superb views as we cross the open moorland. The return route goes through attractive woodland. This is a walk for experienced walkers only and should not be attempted in poor visibility. Careful navigation is required.

Caer, Gai, Cwm Dyfrydwy with an extension over Garth Fawr.

Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Llanuwchllyn on B4403. Park opposite the PC and chapel. Grid ref: SH875302.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m. 

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". One walk is described as a fascinating walk featuring a Roman fort and historic houses and the other explores both sides of the Dyfrdwy Valley. The optional extension explores the countryside South of Llanuwchllyn, climbing to open moorland around Garth Fawr at a height of 1079'. It returns along the Western side of the Afon Twrch (Cwm Cynllwyd).

Ramshaw Rocks and the Roaches.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1400’.

Start: Lay-by on West side of Hen Cloud, opposite the track to Windygates. Grid ref: SK006618.

Leave Chester at 08-00.

Ramshaw Rocks, combined with The Roaches, makes a superb walk, worth repeating on an annual basis.

This walk allows us to explore Ramshaw Rocks seen so many times as we have walked over the Roaches. Ramshaw Rocks from a distance have always looked to be an interesting place in which to walk. This time Ramshaw Rocks will be our main objective with a North to South traverse of the Roaches a bonus towards the end of the walk. If time and legs permit, Hen Cloud may be included as an extension. The route heads North and then North west leading to Well Farm. From Well Farm field paths are used to reach the Churnet Way near Naychurch. The Churnet Way is followed North over Ramshaw Rocks and then leaves the Churnet Way and heads North to visit Black Brook Nature Reserve, After a complete circuit of the Reserve the route drops down to the road South of Newstone Farm. The road is then followed North for about a mile before heading west across Goldstich Moss in to the Black Brook Valley. After crossing the brook on a footbridge the path then rises to Roach End. At Roaches End the main path over the Roaches is followed past the trig point and Doxy Pool back to the start.

Boggy area guaranteed!

Town Brook Hollow, Helmeth Wood and the Pike.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:1500+'.

Start:Church Stretton centre car park (Pay and display). Grid ref:SO454941.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk combines three short walks taken from Ian R. Jones's booklet "20 Church Stretton Walks". Town Brook Hollow (Ashlet Hill) and the Pike are to the North of Church Stretton and Helmeth Wood is to the South. It may be possible to include a traverse of Hazler Hill with its TV mast.

Please feel free to make suggests of walks that you would like to be included.

Please remember, I have a Prayer Meeting at Church on the first Wednesday of each month every, so I will be looking for walks not too far away.

Walks and Dates July 2025

Wednesday and Saturday Walks.

It is still the holiday season, so I have decided not to suggest specific walks each Wednesday and Saturday. 

Instead I have suggested a few walks to choose from, if you want to walk.

All walks during July will be on request.

One or more short walks a month could be included on request.

Wednesday 2nd July 2025.

No planned walk.

I will probably go birdwatching to see the Little terns at Gronant.

Wednesday 9th July 2025.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge/Cilcain and the Alyn Valley

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1010'.
Start: Lay-by on the Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. Approaching Loggerheads on the A494, Mold to Ruthin Road and after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a smalll new housing estate), take the next road on the right just before the newsagent. The lay-by is almost immediately on the right by the telephone kiosk.

Leave Chester: 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's Book " More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" He describes it as an excellent walk exploring beautiful valleys and foothills. We usually start at Loggerheads, but as it is £5 to park for more than 4 hours we will start up the road in Cadole.

Wednesday 16th July 2025. 

Fron Hen, Loggerheads and Big Covert.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1250'.

Start: Layby on the A494 Mold to Ruthin Road, about 1/2 mile South of Llanferres. Grid ref: SJ187597.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Fran, Nigel.

Those not walking: .

This walk explores the lower slopes of the Clwydians on the way to Loggerheads and eturns to Llanferres along the Western edge of Big Covert.

This a walk that Mike and I did in February this year, but hopefully the weather this time will be a little kinder.

Wednesday 23rd July 2025. 

Cwm Disgynfa and Bryn Golau.

Distance: 8.5 miles Climb: 1500’.

Start: Park in either of two lay-bys on the A541 Mold to Denbigh Road. Grid ref: SJ143711.

The lay-bys are situated about 0.75 miles east of Afonwen.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel and .

Those not walking: .

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry’s booklet “More Walks On The Clwydian Hills.

The Cwm Dysgynfa walk is described as a walk around the attractive Disgynfa Valley and across the lower eastern slopes of Penycloddiau, reaching a height of 1066’.

The Bryn Golau walk is described as a walk exploring the hills and valleys near Nannerch, descending to Melin-y-Wern before following the delightful river valley.

As far as I know, we haven't done this combination of walks before.

Wednesday 30th July 2025. 

Walk arranged on request.

As most of the group are away on holiday or have other commitments, I have decided not to suggest walks each Wednesday.

List of Possible Wednesday Walks.

Chirk - Offa's Dyke, Two Canal Tunnels and a Castle.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 800'.
Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Dave berry's booklet “Walks Around the Berwyns and The Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk of great variety and explores the attractive undulating countryside around Chirk. At times it follows the Offa's Dyke Footpath. Part of the route follows the Llangollen canal towpath and includes going through a short tunnel we may in fact go through a second tunnel. You may wish to bring a torch, but there is a handrail to guide you.

Ysceifiog Lake, Caerwys, Maes-Mynan and Pwll-Gwyn Woods.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb:1400'. 
Start: Ysceifiog. Park next to the village play area. Grid ref: SJ152715.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

The last record of the group doing this walk was in November 2011. With a recorded distance of nearly 12 miles, I cut out part of the walk to shorten the distance a little.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "More Walks On the Clwydian Hills". Both walks we have done several times, but not for some time. One walk is described as a delightful walk exploring the valley and foothills of the Clwydian Hills and the other walk as exploring the attractive and varied countryside overlooking the Wheeler Valley. Perhaps this time we will actually go round Pwll Gwyn Woods!

The Alyn Valley and Coed Ddu.

Distance: 7 miles. Climb: 1200'. (8.5 miles. Climb; 1300', if we do the there and back to Hendre).

Start: Car park area West of Cilcain. Grid ref: SJ170652.
To get to the car park take A541Mold - Denbigh Road. After Hendre take the road signposted Cilcain. In the centre of Cilcain, at a crossroads turn right (West) and continue West past the church. After about 400 yards take the minor road left. The parking area is about 300 yards along this road, on the right after a few houses. In all about 700 yards from the crossroads in Cilcain.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet More Walks on the Clwydian Range".

It is described as as a walk exploring the attractive varied countryside between Hendre and Cilcain.

We last did this walk around 2015, but then we included Plas Plas-yw and the distance was over 11 miles with a climb of over 2000'', too much for me!

The walk is shorter than usual, but I can't see an easy way to extend the walk without missing out large parts of the described route. We could do a there and back from point 2 on the route to Hendre and this would allow us to experience all of the walk as described.  This would add an extra 1.5 miles and 100' of climb.

Please feel free to make suggests of walks that you would like to be included.

Please remember, I have a Prayer Meeting at Church on the first Wednesday of each month every, so I will be looking for walks not too far away.

A 6 bus journey Friday / Saturday 18th /19th July 2025

It's not what you think! It's Gwynt y Ddraig's Black Dragon cider!

Where am I/

Another clue to where I am

The final clue, the view from the bus stop!

A 6 bus journey, four five pubs, 6 coffees and alcoholic drinks in only two hostelries.

 two breakfasts, but what are they? 

Where did I post a parcel and get a leather belt and purse?

Where did I get a Gwynt y Ddraig coder at under £3 a pint without using a CAMRA voucher?

Around Fron Hen, Loggerheads and Big Covert 16th July 2025

Welsh blacks, but they didn't respond to "ydych chi'n siarad yn Gymraeg!"In need of some tlc at From Heulog.

Bryn Alyn from the slops of Fron Hen.

"Why are we waiting?"

Following mum.

Llanferres from the slopes of Fron Hen.

Fran's good view from the slopes of Fron Hen.

"Can we come with you?"

Storm damage above Fron Hen farm.

More storm damage above Fron Hen farm.

"They've taken our mums away!"

Deep in thought?

Hollyhock on the roadside.

More Hollyhock on the roadside.

Lunchtime at Loggerheads.

Looking for a short cut.

Nigel emerging after crossing our first stile leading to our only short cut.

Strolling through Big Covert.

The delightful track through Big Covert.

Crossing the stepping stones near the end of the walk.

Dancing Beautiful demoiselles.

Looks like Sea bindweed, but is it?

Distance: 8.9 miles.
Climb: 889’
Time: 5 hours 28 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 17.2 Celsius to 19.8 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 2. Mainly no noticeable wind, but when it blew, it was always welcome.
Group: Martyn, Fran and Nigel.
The temperature today was much better for walking, although we did seek out the picnic table in the shade for our lunch at Loggerheads Country Park.
As we approached the highest point of our walk near Fron Heulog, the cloud was still hanging over Foel Fenlli, so we were pleased that we were staying much lower down today.
Distant views weren’t brilliant, although we could still make out Big Covert and Bryn Alyn across the valley above Llanferres.
We saw plenty of butterflies, mainly Large white, Small white, Red admiral, Peacock and Meadow brown.
Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Coal tit, Common buzzard, Winter wren, Song thrush and Wood nuthatch,
The highlight of the walk was seeing Beautiful demoiselles dancing over the water of a stream near the end of the walk.
Perhaps the surprise of the day was talking to two locals and on both occasions, we ended up talking about bin collections in Denbighshire. The one occasion when we could all admit to talking a load of rubbish!
Overall, a very pleasant and enjoyable walk.
We also came across two people ding a cadis fly count by the same stream.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Druids Inn at Llanferres, where Purple Moose’s Cwrw Eryri went down well.