Saltney Ferry to Chester Along the River 17th September 2025

The start of my walk at Saltney Riverside Park.

Saltney Ferry Footbridge ahead.

Looking towards Saltney from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

The North Wales Coastal Path heading towards Chester.

Not quite a toposcope, but just as good.

A message as you cross the border.

A better than usual finger post.

A selfie with Deva Stadium in the background.

Chester's Deva Stadium.

Tansy next to the path.

The approach to Crane Wharf.

Crane Wharf.

Part of the Riverside Promenade Trail.

The Roodee, Chester.

The old Dee bridge, Handbridge,

Chester Weir today.

The Groves.

Autumnal leaves in The Groves.

Grosvenor Park, showing wear and tare after the Summer Concerts.

Not long before a refreshing pint now.

Distance: 7.4 miles
Climb: 100'.
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Overall wall average: 3.2 m.p.h.
Temperature: Not measured, but it felt very warm, probably around 20 Celsius.
BWF: Wind not measured, but it was a welcome cooling Gentle breeze.
Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Mallard, Dunnock European robin, Song thrush, House martin, Barn swallow, Great cormorant, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Black billed magpie, House sparrow, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon and Winter wren.
A late start to miss the forecast rain for the day. I decided to join the riverside path at the Saltney Riverside Park on River Lane, but heading towards the Saltney Ferry Footbridge. I then followed the North Wales Coastal Path to Chester, then the Riverside Promenade past the Roodee to the Groves, through Grosvenor Park and ending at the Bull and Stirrup for refreshments.
This was a very enjoyable walk, reminding me of the Solo walks that I did during COVID restrictions in 2019/2020. Not COVID restrictions for me today, just ZIO monitor issues.

My first drinks enjoyed today was Sharp's. Atlantic Pale Ale
After that, I couldn't resist the Gwynt-y-Draig Black Dragon cider, one of my favourites.

Walks and Dates September 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 September 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.

I won't be able to go on any of our normal walks between 

11th September and 25th September 2025

Wednesday 3rd September 2025.

An Eddidbury Castle, Pale Heights, Manley Common and Delamere Forest Round.

Distance: 8 miles Climb: 700'.
The Yeld Car Park, Kelsall. Grid ref: SJ532602
Leave Chester at 09-30. The car park at The Yeld doesn't officially open until 10-00, so we don't want to get there too soon.

Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will drive), .

Those not walking: .

The walk will start by heading down the lane opposite (Forest Gate Lae) the car park towards the Sandstone Trail, but at the end of the lane, we will take the woodland path past King's Chair that eventually links with the Sandstone Trail. 

After crossing the Sandstone Trail we will take the path eastward, reaching a lane by the "Poo - tin" and then down the lane as far as the path to Eddisbury Castle. After visiting Eddisbury Castle we will descent to meet a track that leads past the masts on the way to to Pale Heights.

We will then head to the Delamere Forest Visitor Centre and into the forest taking the path on the west side of Blakemere Moss, We will take a path past Pinewood Fam, Kingswood Cottage, eventually joining the Eddisbury Way  as far as Manley Common (a possible lunch spot if we haven't found anywhere better before then).

After leaving Manley Common, it is then a stroll through the forest on parts of the Sandstone Trail taking the track to Forest Gate Lane and back to the start.

Saturday 6th September 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 10th September 2025.

Exploring the Environs of Moel-y-Parc.

Distance: 9 -10 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: Aberwheeler.  Layby opposite Bro Lleweni (or in road round the corner to the left). Grid ref: SJ096694.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

This walk allows us to once again explore areas north and south of Moel-y-Parc. In 2024, we didn't find route finding very easy. Hopefully the next time we do this walk, we will do a little better!

The walk combines two walks in Dave Berry's new booklet "More Walks in the Clwydian Range (Third Edition)".

Saturday 13th August 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 17th September 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Saturday 20h September 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 24th September 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Saturday 27th September 2025.

No Planned walk

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 October 2025

 Saturday Walks.

I won't be planning any walks for Saturday this month.

However Saturday walks can be arranged on request.

Wednesday 1st October 2025.

West Kirby, Gilroy Nature Reserve, Grange Hill Caldy Hill and the Wirral Way.

Distance: 8-9 miles

Climb: 400' .

Start. South Parade, West Kirby. Grid ref: SJ214860. Park near the Life Boat Station and old Baths, towards the Southern end of the Marine Lake.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. 

Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will drive), .

Those not walking: .

High tide is at about 05-00 and is at 6.7 m / 22'.

We will start the walk by going around the Marine Lake and then we will walk along the beach from West Kirby to Red Rocks.

At Red Rocks follow Stanley Road to the cross roads at The King's Gap, turn right and at the roundabout go straight to Station Road.  After crossing the railway turn right into Carr Lane and follow this to its end when it becomes a footpath.  At a junction of paths, turn right towards power lines. When the path meets a fence turn left along the fence. This footpath eventually goes to Gilroy Nature Park and then onto Gilroy Road. 

 From here we will head across Grange Hill and descend to the beacon on Column Road.

 From the beacon, our route takes us south to Caldy Hill to met King's Drive. Heading down hill, turn right onto a path that leads to the Caldy Road.  At Caldy Road we will turn left and the right into Croft Drive West. At the junction with Croft Drive, we will turn right, heading towards the estuary.  We will then turn right and follow the Wirral Way as far as Ashton Park in West Kirby and then head west through the houses back to South Parade and the start of our walk.

Last time we did this walk, we went wrong, so this time we will probably miss out the Carr Lane to Gilroy NR, instead taking the path next to the railway line and heading for Grnge Hill.

Saturday 4th October 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 8th October 2025.

Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 975'.

Start: Boncyn Foel-bach Forest Car Park Grid ref: SJ055520. This is on the B5105 Ruthin to Clawdd Newydd road.
Leave Chester at 09-00. 

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  I have only done this walk once before starting from this car park and that was more than 10 years ago. It is described as being a varied walk through forest, quiet lanes, including one that was used on a pilgrims' route and an attractive riverside path.

 Part of the route, particularly sections of the riverside path have in the past been rather boggy (Remembered from it being on walks starting from Melin-y-Wig). The section through the forest can be boggy too. The only other thing I remember about this walk is that the final section involves climbing out of the valley up to the car park - not the most ideal way to end a walk.  We may have to dip our boots in disinfectant as we go through th grounds of a chicken farm.

Saturday 11th October2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 15th October 2025.

Coed Ceunant and the River Clwyd.

Distance: 8.3 miles. Climb: 680'.
Start: Start: Ruthin Craft Centre Car park (free) on Lon Parcwr (4th turning off the roundabout if approaching from Mold/Chester. It is opposite Tesco). Grid ref: SJ125586.

Leave Chester at 09-00. 

Those planning to walk: . 

This walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks In the Vale of Clwyd" that we have done several times before, but not for some time In the past we have linked them with other walks that take the mileage to about 13 miles, more than most of us want these days. He describes the walk as  one exploring varied countryside, with excellent views and visits the charming ruins of a Medieval church using field paths and some delightful bridleways between Ruthin and Llanbeddr Dyffryn-Clwyd. It explores the attractive lower slopes of the Clwydian's, including a lovely wooded area.

Saturday 18th September 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

Wednesday 22nd October 2025.

 In Search of St. Cynhafal.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 700',
Start: Roadside parking in Llandyrnog on the Llangynhafal road (Gladstone Terrace) . Park on the wider part of the road after Nant Glyd. Grid ref: SJ109650.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: .

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd" 
It is described as a delightful walk exploring the attractive countryside between the Afon Clwyd. and the lower slopes of the Clwydian Hills.

Saturday 25th October 2025.

No Planned walk

See walk list below for possible walks.

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.

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

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. 

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

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.

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

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 and Ragleth Hill.

Distance: 9 -10 miles; Climb:2400'.

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

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

This walk combines two short walks taken from Ian R. Jones's booklet "20 Church Stretton Walks". Town Brook Hollow (Ashlet Hill) to the North of Church Stretton and Ragleth Hill is to the South.   The two walks effectively create a figure of eight walk around Church Stretton, making Church Stretton a good place to look for a lunch spot.

It isn't easy to translate the Town Brook Hollow R. Jones 's map to the OS map, so we  a more recent booklet "Walks in the Shropshire Hills"  by Steve Goodier, so we might use his description for the Town Brook Hollow walk.

The Ragleth Hill walk includes quite steep climbs and descents, so we will probably do that walk first.

The Ragleth ill walk is 5.4 miles with a 1137' of climb and the Town Brook Hollow walk is 3.8 miles with 1244' 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.

Saltney Ferry to Shotton Along the River 13th September 2025

Moel Famau from Mold Junction railway bridge.

Looking towards Saltney from Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Looking towards Queensferry from Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Mute swan on the River Dee near Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Mute swan on its way to Queensferry.

An early morning start for this farm worker (taken at 08-00).

Hawarden Bridge and the former John Summers Steelworks HQ.

The former John Summers Steelworks HQ taken from the south side if the river.

The engraved metal picture of the former John Summers Steelworks HQ that is displayed in The Central Hotel, Shotton.

Destination breakfast!

Distance: 7.4 miles. Climb: 100'.
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes. 

Overall walk average: 3.3 m.p.h.
Temperature: Not measured, but it felt quite cold.
BWF: Not measured, but no noticeable wind.
Birds seen or heard:-European robin, Carrion crow, Black headed gull, Chiffchaff, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Jackdaw, Mute swan, Great cormorant, Lapwing, Mallard, Little egret, Common redshank, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Canada goose, Coal tit, Winter wren, Chaffinch, Great tit, Black billed magpie, Woodpigeon, Collard dove, Feral pigeon, and two doubtful head by Merlin, a Siskin and Ring plover.
I set off at 07-00, hoping to get to The Central Hotel, Shotton before any rain arrived. Thankfully that was the case, but I didn't see the Sun either. The rain started around 10-00, but that no longer mattered for me.
For nearly an hour, I had Coastal Path to myself. In all, I only saw 5 runners and 6 cyclists.
At Saltney Ferry footbridge there was a Mute swan on the river, starting to swim towards Queensferry. I tried to catch it up, but it beat me to the blue bridge!
As a change, I crossed the blue bridge, and followed the Coastal Path on South side of the river. I even walked across the Upper level Shotton Station to get the main road.
I arrived at The Central Hotel at 09-15, and had started my breakfast by 09-30.
Overall an enjoyable early morning stroll, celebrated with a large traditional breakfast and a few cups of tea (too early for anything stronger!) before catching th bus home.

Moel y Parc from Aberwheeler 10th September 2025

 This will be my last group walk until after 25th September 2025.

Moel y Parc from Aberwheeler.

On the gentle climb from Berllan to the Offa's Dyke Path.

This is the easy bit!

The going is still good.

Time to put waterproofs on for some.

Which way now?

A bee feeding on the heather.

A nice patch of flowering heather.

Looking northwards from the western ridge on Moel y Parc.

Nigel takes a rest to admire the views.

It looks like it's raining over Denbigh.

Distant views of the Little Orme.

Moel Famau on the skyline.

Moel y Parc mast, trig point and cairn in the rain!

Moel Famau from the cairn on Moel y Parc.

At the summit cairn on Moel y Parc - taken by Nigel.

The path leading to Offa's Dyke Path from Moel y Parc.

Tree growth bending to the prevailing south westerly winds.

Our lunch spot next to the Offa's Dyke Footpath.

Looking towards the Vale of Clwyd from my lunch spot.

Strolling down the Offa's Dyke Footpath towards Aberwheeler.

Bodfari from the Offa's Dyke Footpath.

Aberwheeler ahead!

I don't think the owner of this farm wants you to park by this gate!

Enjoying a drink in the Dinorben Arms at Bodfari.

Distance: 5.6 miles.
Climb: 1358'.
Time: 4 hours 8 minutes
On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Overall wall average: 1.4 m.p.h.
The weather forecast for today wasn’t too good, and we were expecting rain from about 11-00 onwards. We just hoped it would be just showers and the wind wouldn’t be too strong and using umbrellas would be an option.
Two of us had attempted this walk before, but found following the walk description impossible.
Once on the western slopes of Moel y Parc all paths disappeared, and we ended up contouring through bracken until we able to climb up the ridge to the top of Moel y Parc.
The wind was at its strongest as we contoured around the slope, and on several occasions, it was strong enough to blow our umbrellas inside out. The rain lasted for about an hour, but thankfully it stopped when we decided to have lunch.
At times, distant views were quite good, and the Little Orme could still be made out.
After lunch, we decide to head straight back to the start, following the Offa’s Dyke Path and the path leading to the lane by Ty’n-y-celyn.
We arrived back at the car at about 14-30, having had an enjoyable and varied walk with some challenging bracken to be negotiated. At best we were able to pick up the odd sheep track, but it became much easier once we were climbing the ridge.
Birds seen or heard today included: Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, House martin, Winter wren, Meadow pipit, Common Kestrel, Common buzzard and Raven.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Dinorben Arms at Bodfari. Two of us enjoyed Purple Moose’s Cwrw Eryri, one enjoyed Brunning and Price’s own named bitter and Mike had a pint and a half of Coca Cola, so he must have enjoyed that as well.