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When? Started: 1993 Who? Started with staff and friends from U H S, Chester. Organiser: Martyn Harris We walk every Wednesday and Saturdays, New Years day and May Day. How many walk? Walks take place as long as there are at least 2 wanting to walk on that day. More walk on a Wednesday than on a Saturday. Most ever: 29. Current group size walking: 2-10 in mid-week and 2-4 on Saturday. Where do we walk? Saturday: Anywhere in North and Mid-Wales, Peak District, Shropshire and the Long Mynd and as far North as the Trough of Bowland. Thursday: Anywhere within about 40 miles of Chester. Type of walk: Distance: 6 – 14 miles (but usually under 10 miles). Climb: up to 4000’ (but usually very much less!). People involved on walks in 2020:- Martyn Harris, Fran Murphy, Sue and Michel Pelissier, Mike Dodd, David Savage, Wendy Peers, Celia de Mengle, Wendy and Ian Peers, Roger Smith, Paul Collinson, Ed Meads, Nigel and Elaine Taylor, Celia de Mengle, Sue Pearson.

Saturday 16 March 2024

Swallow Falls, Cyffyty Mine and More 16th March 2024

View from the footbridge at Betws-y-coed Station,
The Afon Llugwy from Pont-y-Pair.
The woodland path heading towards the Miners' Bridge.
the path from the Miners' Bridge - it seems easier going down!
I thought the Swallow Falls would be better than this!
The Swallow Falls - that's more like it!
The road bridge by the Ugly House ( Ty Hyll).
The view from our lunch spot at the Tynllwyn picnic site.
The Cyfftty Mine site - not explored today!
Heading for the leete.
I think we are on the leete now.
Rising vapour on the other side of the valley.
The deralict farm building where we went wrong!
Descending the yellow / blue path.
The train now leaving Betws-y-coed is for Llandudno.
Walk Stats:
Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1414’.
Time: 5 hours 20 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 7.8 – 12.2 Celsius
Beaufort Wind Force: 0-1, no more that the occasional Light air.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.
The weather forecast today wasn’t brilliant and we had dampness in the air all day!
Ed suggested that we should try doing the walk in a clockwise direction for a change. All went well in the morning, we met a couple overlooking the Swallow Falls that were obviously celebrating a special occasion as they had a “glass” of Prosecco”.
Our first problem occurred as we approached the Ugly House, the steps up to the road were fenced off due to a partial collapse of the steps and wall. Not wanting to retrace our steps, we managed with care to climb the steps to the road.
Lunch was taken at Tynllwyn picnic site, where the views suggested the clouds were getting lower!
After lunch all went well, until we reached a known derelict farm building where we missed the path we wanted and everything from then on became a challenge and ending up with us using footpaths that I don’t particularly want to use ever again!
Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, European robin, Common blackbird, Great tit, Blue tit, Common buzzard, Common chaffinch, Wood nuthatch and Pied wagtail.
Overall a very enjoyable walk that would have been much better if we had not missed a vital footpath next to a derelict building!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell at Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter was excellent and the Ginger beer and Pipers Sweet Chilli Crisps went down well.

Friday 15 March 2024

Walk and Dates March 2024


 Latest Information About Harris Hikers from 23rd March 2023.
After much discussion between group members, those present decided to follow DS’s suggestion that “Short walks with an. option of a meal at a nearby venue” should take place on the fifth Wednesday in a month, and members of the group would take it in turns to plan the walk and venue.
There are three such Wednesdays left in 2024. 
.These are:- May 29th, July 31st, and  October 30th.
It was also agreed that Wednesday Walks should in the main be walks of around 8 miles with no more than about 1200’ of climb. If proposed walks exceed these suggestions routes should have obvious short cuts to reduce distance and / or climb involved.
It was also agreed that each month a different member of the group should plan the walk.
This walk should be for the Wednesday in the month and that would include the “Short Walk and Meal Option” on the fifth Wednesday.
In order to include that walk in the monthly “Dates and Walks Post", details of the walk need to be sent to me by 15th of the previous month.
Wherever possible I would like people to let me know of their intention to walk or not to walk by Monday afternoon/early evening prior to the walk on Wednesday. There isn’t an issue with last minute cancellations for any reason. This happens anyway when adverse weather is forecast at the last minute.
Where the “Short Walk and Meal” is concerned, the person planning the walk and meal should
be contacted directly and informed of their intentions as soon as you have made your decision.
Saturday 2nd March 2024.
Rhos-on-Sea, Bryn Euryn and Coed Pwllcrochan.
Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Roadside parking on Marine Drive in Rhos-on-Sea, near to St., Trillo's Church.
Grid ref: SH841811.
It may may be better to park in Trillo Avenue, opposite the church.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed.
Those not walking: 
This walk combines three walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llandudno and
Prestatyn".
One is described as a varied walk exploring the hinterland behind Rhos-on-Sea and
includes the hillfort in Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve. The other walk offers panoramic views as
it meanders through the undulating countryside bordering on Mochdre, Colwyn Bay and
Rhos-on-Sea.
Wednesday 6th March 2024.
Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.
Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb:1250'.
Start: Pensarn Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH944787. Park near the PC block as we will be heading South towards the centre of Abergele.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Fran, Ed?.
Those not walking: Sue and Michel, Nigel.
Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.This walk is by Debbie Hamelton and starts in the centre of Abergele, but we will start on the coast. This will extend the walk by about 2 miles. The main walk is described as exploring the beautiful North Wales countyside South of Abergele. The outward route passes a well preserved watch tower. The last time we did this walk in March 2019 and it was a little on the breezy side Hopefully the weather will be kinder to us this time.
Saturday 9th March 2024.
The Swallow Falls, Cyffty Mine and More.
Postponed due to a bad weather forecast.
Alternative walk. 
A walk from Chester Railway Station starting at 11-00.
Distance: 8 - 9 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Betws-y-coed Station (Long Stay) Car Park (Pay and Display £5-00?) Grid ref: SH792567
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 
Those not walking: Mike .
This walk uses part of a walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and The Conwy Valley" with an extension takes us into part of the Gwydir Forest, with the return route following the Afon Llugwy riverside path from the Miners' Bridge  back to Betws-y-coed.
Wednesday 13th March 2024.
Above Helsby and Frodsham.
Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb; 1000'.
Start: Helsby Quarry Woodland Car Park. Grid ref: SJ490750 Post code: WA6 9PT
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: Sue and Michel.
This walk is taken from the book "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". Much of it we have done before when following walks on the Sandstone Trail. However part of the walk around Helsby Hill is new to me and it is the first time that we have started from this car park. On a clear day, the views across the estuary is superb. The walk is described as being energetic. As the walk is a little shorter than usual, we may wish to explore the Woodhouse Hill fort a little more.
Saturday 16th March 2024.
Llanrwst, Llyn Geirionydd, Llyn Crafnant and Trefriw.
Postponed - Ed informs me that there has been flooding in the Llanrwst / Trefriew Area.
Ed has suggested that we do the Swallow Falls Walk originally planned for 9th March 2024.
This is probably a good option, weather permitting.
Unfortunately weather forecasts suggest 50-70% chance of rain for most of the day.
Unless the forecast changes significantly for the better, it looks like I will be staying at home. 
Distance: 10 miles; Climb:1561'.
Start:Llanrwst Plas yn Dre car park. Grid ref:SH796618
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 
Those not walking: 
This is a walk devised by Ed, which we first did on 6th April 2019. Last time we took over 6 hours for the walk, but I'm sure Ed will find a short cut ot two if need be!
Wednesday 20th March 2024.
Coed-y-Felin, Moel Ffagnalt and Moel-y-Gaer.
Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Coed-y-Felin, Hendre. Grid ref: SJ196678.
Leave Chester at 09-00.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel . 
Those not walking: Sue and Michel.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's booklet " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain.
It is a few years since we last walked from this from Coed-y-Felin, and this will be the first time we have done so on a Saturday.. The main walk explores the varied countryside between the Wheeler Valley and and Halkyn Mountain, whilst the extensions explores Moel Ffagnalt and the area around Rhes-y-cae.Weather pemitting we can expect good views from both Moel Ffagnallt and Moel-y-Gaer.
Saturday 23rd March 2024.
Bollington to Bowstones.
Distance: 9-10 miles.
Climb:1800' at a guess.
Start: Adlington Road, Car Park. Adlinton Road is on the north of Bollington, a left turn just off the B5090.
Grid ref: SJ93087802
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: .
This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks", and is the second walk from this book that we will undertake. He describes this walk as an exhilarating walk to the Bowstones, and is a popular walk. It includes a fair portion of Lyme Park and sections of the Gritstone Trail. He describes the walk as strenuous, but I think we can still cope, even though it is over fifteen years since we last dit it.
Wednesday 27th March 2024.
Moel Fferna and Nant-y-Pandy.
Distance: Including Moel Fferna. 9 miles. Climb: 2000’.
Distance: Without Moel Fferna 6.5 -7.5 miles depending on return route taken.
Climb: 1375' - 1600'. depending on return route taken.
Start: Lay-by adjacent to the Butterfly Man Craft Centre on the A5 Llangollen to Corwen road
near Glyndyfrdwy. Grid ref:SJ1586942449.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: Sue and Michel.
The described part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry’s book “Walks Around Llangollen and
the Dee Valley”. He describes it as a fascinating walk through the wooded.
Nant-y-Pandy with its old slate works. The extension takes us to the summit of Moel Fferna,
in the past most of the group have left out the visit to the summit of Moel Fferna, but the option
is still there for those that do.
Saturday 30th March 2024.
Either
Pen y Benar 
followed by 
Dolwyddelan Village and Castle.
Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1600'.
Start: Dolwyddelan Station Car Park. Grid ref: SH737522. 
Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: Mike.
This walk combines two walks from Michael Burnett's Booklet "Walks East of Snowdon.  From Dolwyddelan the walk climbs up the Afon Cwmpenamnen Valley as far as Tan y Bwlch using Sarn Helen,
the highest point of the walk, Pen y Banar is described as being a spectacular viewpoint.
The second walk explores Dolwyddelan Village, including visiting Dolwddelan Castle.
As this is a figure of eight walk, lunch will probably be taken at the picnic site next to Dolwyddelan Station car park.
Either
Carreg Alltrem and Ty'n y Cwm 
followed by 
Dolwyddelan Village and Castle.
Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1200'.
Start: Dolwyddelan Station Car Park. Grid ref: SH737522. 
Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: Mike.
This walk combines two walks from Michael Burnett's Booklet "Walks East of Snowdon.
The first walk is described as a delightful walk taking you to the head of the deep sided Penamnen Valley. The return route follows Sarn Helen past the ancient settlement of Tyn y Cwm and Ty Penamnen.  At one point we should get good vews of the Maesgwm waterfall.
As this is a figure of eight walk, lunch will probably be taken at the picnic site next to Dolwyddelan Station car park.



Wednesday 13 March 2024

Above Helsby and Frodsham Hills 13th March 2024

One of the three notices at the start of our walk.
The second notice at thye start of our walk today.
On the trail through Helsby Quarry.
On the way through Snidley Moor Wood to Shepherds Houses.
A male Pintail on the right, but not sure about the one on the left.
Time for a rest and drinks - elevensies!
"I haven't finished yet!"
The Sandstone Trail from the elevensies spot.
Looking across the River Mersey towards Liverpool Cathedrsl as we crossed the field towards Beacon Hill, Frodsham.
The view across the Mersey from Frosham Hill.
On the Sandstone Trail across Frodsham Hill.
Sandstone outcrops on Frodsham Hill.
Looking over Helsby from the Sandstone Trail near Woodhouse Hill.
Liverpool Cathedral from the Sandstone Trail near Woodhouse Hill.
Walk Stats:
Distance: 7.6 miles. Climb: 1339’.
Time: 4 hours 32 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 11.1 – 13.7 Celsius
Beaufort Wind Force: 2 – 3, mainly just a Light breeze, but around Memorial on Frodsham Hill it increased to a Gentle
Group: Martyn, Ed, Nigel, Fran and Mike.
This was a last minute switch as the Frodsham area had a better forecast than Flintshire.
This was a good decision as we only experienced a few odd spots of rain.
This was a good varied walk with a fair bit of ups and downs and at times giving us good views across the Mersey.
The only downside to the walk was the paths through the woods around Frodsham and Helsby Hill that challenged us in our attemps to avoid sinking too deep in the mulch!
Lunch was taken at the Memorial on Frodsham Hill, where there were plenty of benches to suit our needs.
Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Rook, European robin, Common blackbird, Great tit, Blue tit, Common buzzard, Wood nuthatch, Black billed magpie, Greenfinch, Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Pintail, Shoveler, Grey heron, Moorhen, Collared dove and Dunnock.
Overall a very enjoyable walk, that felt a lot longer than the 7.6 miles recorded!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the White Lion at Alvanley, where all three Robinsons real on offer were sampled by the group. The pot of tea I had was the largest I have had to date. I gave up after 4 cups.
 

Tuesday 12 March 2024

Walks and Dates April 2024

Latest Information About Harris Hikers from 23rd March 2023.
After much discussion between group members, those present decided to follow DS’s suggestion that “Short walks with an. option of a meal at a nearby venue” should take place on the fifth Wednesday in a month, and members of the group would take it in turns to plan the walk and venue.
There are three such Wednesdays left in 2024. 
.These are:- May 29th, July 31st, and  October 30th.
It was also agreed that Wednesday Walks should in the main be walks of around 8 miles with no more than about 1200’ of climb. If proposed walks exceed these suggestions routes should have obvious short cuts to reduce distance and / or climb involved.
It was also agreed that each month a different member of the group should plan the walk.
This walk should be for the Wednesday in the month and that would include the “Short Walk and Meal Option” on the fifth Wednesday.
In order to include that walk in the monthly “Dates and Walks Post", details of the walk need to be sent to me by 15th of the previous month.
Wherever possible I would like people to let me know of their intention to walk or not to walk by Monday afternoon/early evening prior to the walk on Wednesday. There isn’t an issue with last minute cancellations for any reason. This happens anyway when adverse weather is forecast at the last minute.
Where the “Short Walk and Meal” is concerned, the person planning the walk and meal should
be contacted directly and informed of their intentions as soon as you have made your decision.
Saturday 6th April 2024.
The Swallow Falls, Cyffty Mine and More.
Distance: 8 - 9 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Betws-y-coed Station (Long Stay) Car Park (Pay and Display £5-00?) Grid ref: SH792567
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 
Those not walking:  .
This walk uses part of a walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and The Conwy Valley" with an extension takes us into part of the Gwydir Forest, with the return route following the Afon Llugwy riverside path from the Miners' Bridge  back to Betws-y-coed.
Wednesday 10th April 2024.
Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Eryrys and Around Moel y Gyw.
Distance:8-9 miles; Climb:1700'.
Start:Pistyll Gwyn Quarry car park. 1 mile north of Llanarmon-yn-Ial. Grid ref:SJ188573.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,Nigel,Fran, Mike. 
Those not walking: .
This walk uses two walks taken from Carl Roger's book "Walking in the Clwydian Hills". We have completed both walks before, but have never tried to link them together before. The Eryrys walk is described as exploring the lesser-known limestone hills separated from the main Clwydian ridge by the Alyn Valley. Views throughout the walk are superb! The second walk involves the ascent of Moel Gyw which also has superb views of the Clwydian Hills to both the north and the south.
The last time we did this walk in November 2015, we had to negotiate a path that was partially flooded in order to get to a footbridge over a river in spate. Hopefully at this time of the year it shouldn't be to bad underfoot.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,Nigel,Fran, Mike. 
Those not walking: .
Saturday 13th April 2024.
Barber Hill, Vivod Estate and the Horseshoe Falls.
Distance: 8-9 miles.
Climb: 1500' Start: Llantysilio Green Natiional Trust (Bring Membeship Card if you have one) car park. Grid ref: SJ198433
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m. 
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: Mike, . 
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley".  This can be a glorious walk, if the weather is good.
Wednesday 17th April 2024.
Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge.
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: Mike, . 
 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.
Saturday 20th April 2024.
A Walk Around Disley and Lyme Park.
Distance: 8 -10 mile. Climb: 1200'.
Start: Disley Station Car Park. Grid ref: SJ972845. (If the car park is full, we will go to Lyme Park and park there, so if you are a National Trust member, bring your membership card with you.)
Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: Mike, . 
This walk combine a walk from Jen Darling's book "More Pub Walks in Cheshire and the Wirral", with a walk from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire".
The latter route takes us along the Gritstone Trail through Lyme Park and up to the Bowstones, where on a good day you get good views of Shutlingsloe and the Cheshire Plain.  The other walk on the East side of Disley, climbs Black Hill and gives good views towards Kinder.
If we miss out Black Hill, it will reduce the walk to about 8 miles.
Wednesday 24th April 2024.
Coed Allt-y-Tywod, Coed y Garreg, Coed Pen-y-gelli and more
Distance: 7  -10 miles. Climb: 700’.
Start: Roadside parking at Lloc. If approaching from Holywell on the A5026, turn left by the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. Park on left. If approaching on the A5026 from its nearest junction with the A55 (Prestatyn junction), Turn right in front of the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. This is just after the Pant Y Wacco sign and the road starts to bear left. St Asaph Road is one way and can only be approached from then A5026.
Grid ref: SJ145765.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. 
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking:   .
This is one of our annual Bluebell Wood walks.Usually done in May, but some people have predicted the Bluebells will be aabout two weeks earlier than usual.  It is a figure of eight walk based on Lloc. The walk includes parts of two walks taken from Dave Berry's booklet “Walks around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain."
As this is a figure of eight walk, there are plenty of opportunties to shorten the walk if desired.
Saturday 27th April 2024.
Deganwy Castle with a Gunsite Extension. 
Distance: 6 miles; Climb: 750'.s (Gunsite extension: Distance: 3-4 miles. Climb: 666'.)
Start:Roadside parking near the Public Conveniences on the West shore of Llandudno. Grid ref:SH773819.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: .
The main walk today is the Deganwy Castle walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". Sections of this walk have been known to be muddy in the past.
This walk visit a watch tower and the site of Deganwy Castle, both giving extensive  views
The extension to the walk starts after returning to the car and is weather dependent.
One posibility is to explore the gunsite area north of Llandudno West Shore.
When we did this walk in May last year, the Bluebells around Deganwy Castle were superb, so hopefully they will this year as well.



 

Saturday 9 March 2024

A Chester Round With Memories for one of us 9th March 2024

Usually an avenue for glorius flowering Crocus, perhaps they are abit late this year.
One or two starting to show!
It's 24 years since I last crossed this footbridge!
UHS has changed a lot since I left!
Bluebells of the cultivated variety on the roadside in Dutton's Lane.
Daffodils on the roadside in Dutton's Lane.
An Acres Lane mystery - a crop to be harvested, but when and for what purpose?
At the start of our walk on the path throgh Chester Zoo.
Judging by the car park, Chester Zoo is doing pretty good today!
Metallic Artwork at our lunch spot - looks like a feeding station as well!
A Great tit takes advantage of the fat balls on offer.
Another metallic artwork, but without the bird feeding station.
A few Woodpigeons take to the air on the otherside of the canal.
A peaceful time on the canal as we approach Blacon.
Buzzards everywhere!
I wonder "Do Moorhens get stiff neckes?"
A Mute swan song as we approached Telford's Wa\rehouse.
Approaching Telford's Warehouse, but not our choice of hostelry today!
Good to see these Mute swans are still here.
Walk Stats:
Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 327’.
Time: 3 hours 33 minutes.
On the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 8.7 – 11.7 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 2 – 4 Mainly just a Light breeze, but reached a 14.1 m.p,h. Moderate breeze just after lunch as we walked along the towpath from Caughall Bridge.
Group: Martyn and Ed.
This was a walk devised by Ed in an area we thought had the best chance of staying dry.
Not a lot needed to describe this largely urban walk, well known to the Upton lot, but it was an enjoyable contrast between the urban approach through Chester and Upton and the more open walk along he towpath from Caughall Bridge.
Apart from the Sun coming out after lunch, our surprise of the day was finding a bench by the canal at Caughall Bridge with a bird feeding station where the birds kept us entertained as we had our lunch break. On Wednesday we were serenaded by Skylarks, today it was the roaring lion!
As Mike had warned us a section of the towpath near the Countess o Chester Country Park was still closed, but it wasn’t much of a detour to get round.
Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Rook, European robin, Common blackbird, Great tit, Blue tit, Long tailed tit, Common buzzard, Wood nuthatch, Black billed magpie, Greenfinch, Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Mallard, Moorhen, Collared dove and Dunnock.
Overall a very enjoyable walk, even to some it was little more than a “Mickey Mouse Walk”!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bull and Stirrup, where Titanic Brewery’s Chocolate and Vanilla Stout went down well, and if your mode of transport was on the bus, you could enjoy a second pint!

Thursday 7 March 2024

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf 6th March 2024

Lesser celandine in flower next to the path in Abergele.
A limekiln next to the path South of Abergele.
Heading downhill through through Coed Abergele.
Emerging from Coed Yseirallt onto the road.
One of the problem stiles that need reporting again.
Another problem stile, but at least there was an open gate nearby.
At the trig point on Moelfre Isaf.
Yr Eryri from our lunch spot on Moelfre Isaf.
More of Yr Eryri from our lunch spot on Moelfre Isaf.
More of Yr Eryri from our lunch spot on Moelfre Isaf.
More of Yr Eryri from our lunch spot on Moelfre Isaf.
The wind farm off Llanddulas seen from our lunch spot on Moelfre Isaf.
A bank of Daffodils in the hedgerow nrear Pen-y-allt Farm.
Looking northward towards the watchtower on Tower Hill.
The youngests lambs seen on one of our walks this year, but they seem camera shy!
Yes, I think it is Moel Famau in the distance.
At the watchtower on Tower Hill.
Time for an afternnon drinks break on seats with a view.
A cute pony in a paddock West of Tan-y-bryn Farm.
A flower display near the entrance to Pentre Mawr Park.
A Little egret in Pentre Mawr Park main pond.
A male Teal on Pentre Mawr Park main pond.
Looking across Pensarn beach at the end of our walk.
Walk Stats:
Distance: 9.7 miles. Climb: 1528’.
Time: 5 hours 38 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 9.6 – 11.7 Celsius, but at times it felt much colder!
Beaufort Wind Force: 2 – 4 Mainly just a Light breeze, but reached a 14.1 m.p,h. Moderate breeze as we descended Moelfre Isaf after lunch.
Group: Martyn, Fran, Mike and Ed.
This was a really good day for walking weather-wise, mainly sunny and feeling quite warm, although it did feel on the cool side whenever the clouds blocked out the Sun.
Today we decided to complete the walk in an anticlockwise direction in the hope that a couple of awkward stiles would be easier to cross this way round – alas there weren’t!
As expected some of the field we crossed were very waterlogged and others very muddy, but we were able to stand in a stream near the end of the walk and to some extent get rid of most of the mud.
We arrived at Moelfre Isaf to be serenaded by several singing Skylarks – our first on a walk this year.
We arrived back at the cars with the Sun shining and blue skies, but we still had a problem to solve. Fran’s car wouldn’t start, but Ed had some jump leads and a complete stranger came to our rescue and pointed out where to place the leads on Fran’s car and it wasn’t long before the engine roared into life.
Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Rook, European robin, Common blackbird, Great tit, Blue tit, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Goldfinch, Wood nuthatch, Black billed magpie, Greenfinch, Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Little egret, Mallard, Common coot, Moorhen and Skylark.
We decided not to stop for liquid refreshments, preferring to not to stop in case we couldn’t get the car started again.
Arriving home at 17-00, I still had time to clean my boots, only to find the sole on one of the boots was hanging off. Looks like another expensive trip to Cotswolds Outdoor for me when I get time!