Dates an Walks November 2019

Updated 9th November 2019.

Saturday 2nd November 2019.

The Little Orme and Bryn Euryn. 
Postponed

Distance: 8 miles Climb: 800'.
Roadside parking
Leave Chester at 08-30. Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno. Grid ref: SH799821.
It may be a little early, but there is a chance that we will be able to see seals i Porth Dyniewaid.
After the Little Orme we head along the coast. High tide is at about 13-45, so we will probably be able to walk alog the beach towards Rhos-on-Sea. After climbing ut of Rhos-on-Sea to Bryn Euryn. On a clear day we should get good views from the top of Bryn Euryn to compliment those we get from the Little Orme. The return route to the start is largely along quiet lanes.

Wednesday 6th November 2019.

Thurstaston Common, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 700'

Start: Thursaston Visitor Centre Car Park. Grid ref:SJ239835.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

This is a repeat of the walk that we did on 1st January 2010 and combines two walks from Raymond Roberts' booklet "Wirral Walks - the West Wirral Six". This is a relatively easy walk with good views along the way, especially from Thurstaston Hill. We hope to walk back Thursaston along the beach, so bring binoculars with you. High tide is at 06-25, and is a 23.2' tide (7.1 m), By the time we get there, it will still be just after low tide, so we should have no problems walking along the beach.


Saturday 9th November 2019.


Around Bosley Cloud. 

Postponed due to the weather.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1020'.

Start: Lay-by on the A523, South of its junction with the A54. Grid ref: SJ917657.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Best Pub Walks in Cheshire", although we won't take her advice on the local hostelries! The walk takes us to the top of Bosley Cloud with its panoramic views over the Cheshire plain.. After visiting the trig point on Bosley Cloud, the walk heads West to meet up with the Macclesfield Canal, which we follow for an easy four mile stretch.

Wednesday 16th November 2019.

The Sandstone Trail - Beeston and Peckforton.


Postponed. We have had so much rain of late that 

I thinks some of the paths will be extremely muddy.

See below for the replacement walk.
Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Pay and display car park at Beeston Castle. Grid ref: SJ540591. The Pay and Display machine only starts at 10-00.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

In the past we have done this walk,as part of a sreies of walks along the Sandstone trail. It involves Walk 6 and Walk 7 from Carl Rogers' book "Circular Walks on the Sandstone Trail".

 I will probably look for ways of reducing the mileage a little.


Replacement walk.


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


Distance: 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. 



Usually we start this walk by walking around the Marine Lake and the walking along the beach to Red Rocks, but high tide is at about 11-20 and is a large one at 9.2 m / 30.2'.

If we can't access the route across the beach, we will have to complete the walk in an anti-clockwise direction.

Assuming we can continue the walk in a clockwise direction.

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.






Saturday 16th November 2019.


Monsal Head And More.

Distance 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 1900'.

Start: Monsal Head Car Park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SK184714.

Leave Chester at 08-00.

It is a long time since we started a walk from the Monsal Head. This walk is a rather contrived walk, but it will enable us to walk along the Monsal Trail, including going through a three tunnels, Litton, Cressbrook and Headstone tunnels. There are lights in the tunnels, but taking a torch is recommended just in case they fail for some reason.





The walk follows Water-cum-Jolly Dale,Miller's Dale before joining the Monsal Trail just beyond Litton Mill. The trail is followed as far as Longstone Lane which is followed south before linking up wth field paths back to the start.



Wednesday 20th November 2019.

The Afon Maes Valley.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llanelidan. Grid ref: SJ108503. To get to the parking area, take the A494 Ruthin to Bala road, 2 miles after Pwllglas, turn left towards Llanelidan. Keep ahead at the crossroads as you enter the village, then go down a "No through road" past houses, telephone and a chapel to the end of the road where there is a parking area.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks in the vale of Clwyd." In the past we have always done this walk after having completed the Craig Adwy-wynt walk and have only completed it once before. On the last two occasions, it was on very warm days and we opted to head to a local hostelry for refreshments instead.

 I decided that the only way to complete this walk was to to actually make this the walk.

Dave Berry describes this walk as a splendid figure of eight walk exploring the beautiful unspoiled undulating countryside around Llanelidan.

Saturday 23rd November 2019.

The Llyn Padarn Circuit and the Powdr Oil Walk.

Distance: 10-11 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Lakeside car park close to Llanberis (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SH750770 .
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is a walk that the group attempted in October 2008, when the weather was somewhat too wet for me and I abandoned the second half of the walk. The rest of the group did complete the walk and agreed it would be good to do the walk again when they could see where they were going! The walks are taken from Dave Salter and Dave Worrall's book "New Walks in Gwynedd From Mountain Tops to Valleys". Fine views are anticipated on a fine day. We did complete the walk again in 2009, so I thought that it was time we did it again.

Or

Craig Bron-Banog and Part of Cwm Alwen. 



Distance: 9 -10 miles; Climb:1100'.

Start:Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr. Riverside picnic site. Grid ref:SH987496. Take the Ruthin to Cerrigydrudion road. Turn right just after the bridge by the Crown Inn. Continue down the road past the church. The picnic area is on the right just before the school.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Both walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks In the Hidden Heart North Wales". The Craig Bron-Banog walk is new to us. He describes it as an eight mile figure of eight walk exploring the afforested undulating countryside South-east of Llyn Brenig. The route meanders through Clocaenog Forest, passes a hidden waterfall and an ancient standing stone before reaching the highest point of Craig Bron-Banog with its panoramic views.

Wednesday 27th November 2019.

Graig Fawr frpm Prestatyn via the North Wales Path and Return via Offa's Dyke Path.

Distance:9-10 miles; Climb: 750'.
Start: Prestatyn beach car park. Grid ref: SJ068840. There is a large car park by the toilet block, just before the beach car park. The last time we started at Barkby Beach, we used the Beach Hotel Car Park, tickets obtained from rececption. (cheaper than the Pay and Display car park by the toilet block.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

This is a walk that I have done many times before and always enjoy. The route uses the North Wales Path and Offa's Dyke path to link up with the walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".

West Kirby, Red Rocks, Gilry N.R., Gramge Hill and Caldy Hill 13th November 2019.

Roosting Common redshank and Turnstones on the rocks by the Old Baths, West Kirby.

The seaward side of West Kirby Marine Lake.

One man and his dog are somewhere there in the picture!

Feeling safe now that we are in Marine Lake car Park.

Brent geese on West Kirby Shore.

Just a few Dunlin and Knott.

Swirlng Dunlin and Knott over the sea between the shore and Hilbre.

Swirlng Dunlin and Knott over the sea between the shore and Hilbre.

More swirlng Dunlin and Knott over the sea between the shore and Hilbre.

The Memorial on Grange Hill from the Carr Lane Footpath.

Flooded fiels near Carr Lane

On our welcome escape route.

Why we needed an escape route.

The west facing side of Grange Hill Memorial.

The east facing side of Grange Hill Memorial.

Descending on the path over Caldy Hill, eventually passing a few posh houses to the Wirral Way and the coast

Heading northward through the cliff top picnic site back to West Kirby.

Last views of Hilbre. 

A lone walker on the beach, but not one of ours.

Walk stats: 8.9 miles: Climb: 370'.

Time: 4 hours 31 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h. ( Slower than usual as I stopped for afternoon tea!

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, David S., Mike, Paul and Scrumble.

The forecast today was pretty good for walking, overcast , but little chance of rain, a gentle breeze and a little sunshine.

 Our first challenge of the day was the walk along the west side of the Marine Lake, with the tide coming in fast, would be beat or would we get wet feet?

We did make, although we did get splashed a little as the waves crashes on the rocks near us.

  We were also able to walk along the beach towards Red Rocks, taking the recently accepted right of way footpath across the dunes next to the golf course.

 From this vantage point we had some good views of waders on the thousands swirling around over the sea between us and Hilbre.

 Our next challenge came as we was along Carr Lane as it went across flat fields towards Newton/Frankby. Unfortunately much of these fields were flooded and all are efforts to get round the flooded area failed, but we did end up with clean boots rather than muddy boots.

 We did find an alternative route, perhaps not on a right of way, but at least it was  "dry" route to the Gilroy N.R.

 We eventually arrived at the top of Grange Hill, where we took advantage of the many benches there. Fortified fruit cake was provided to energise us for the rest of the walk. By now we were basking in pleasant sunshine.

 After lunch this warm sunshine accompanied us all the way back to the start. I should have taken my jacket off at lunch time, rather than wait to the Caldy Wirral way picnic site and "afternoon tea stop".

Considering our boggy field experiences, this was an enjoyable walk, capped with after walk drinks at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, Brimstage Brewery's Tapper's Hat went down well.

Birds seen or heard included: Dunlin,  Turnstone, Common redshank, Great cormorant, Black headed gull, Great Black backed gull, Knott, Pied wagtail, Goldfinch, European robin, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon,House sparrow, Carrion crow, Common kestrel and Eurasian curlew.

Thurstaston, Caldy and Royden Park 6th November 2019

Looking across the Dee Estuary from the Wirral Way south west of the Dungeon.

A small waterfall in The Dungeon.

On the path through the upper section of The Dungeon.

They must have had a pumpkin event in this field!

Yes it was a "Family Fright Night at Church Farm".

Thurstaston beach - taken by Wendy.

A Little Egret on the shore between Thurstaton an Caldy.

"I wish we were in Wales."

or

just admiring the view across the Dee Estuary.

Looking northward towards Hilbre from Caldy.

Autumnal colours in Stapledon Wood, Caldy.

Walking through the trees across Thurstaston Common.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.2 miles. limb: 433'.

Time: 4 hours 30 minutes. On he move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, and Wendy.

The forecast for today was not good, we could expect rain all day, particulary around the time we were expecting to stop for lunch.

 It did rain, just after we had set, and particularly as we climbed through The Dungeon. thankfully it was very light, and least there was very little wind and it didn't feel quite as cold as the"feel like 5 Celsius" given on  all of the weather forecasts.

 Views across the Dee Estuary were somewhat unusual, as there seemed to be low cloud/mist clinging to the river but the hills of Wales rising above.

 It wasn't long before I realised that I had left my binoculars in the car, and Michel suggested altering the planned route by returning to the car if it was at all possible. It was, but it meant we had to walk down Station Road from Thurstaston Parish Church, not once but twice - original planned route missed it out altogether!

 This we did, and after picking up my binoculars, we set off across the beach towards Caldy.The tide was well out, but we did see a good number of waders and frequently heard the call of Eurasian curlews, Oystercatchers and Common redshank.

 Arriving at Caldy, we debated whether we should have lunch on the beach, but ended up having lunch in the Caldy picnic site using one of the benches that had bee covered by fallen leaves almost like a table cloth.

 After lunch, energised by some fortified fruit cake we climbed from Caldy through Stapledon Wood along its eastern edge.

 Arriving at Royden Park, I decided it was time to stop for afternoon tea, but surprisingly I was the only one to partake of the remaining dregs of my fruit tea. In reality I had stopped to take off my jacket, change my shirt for the third time in order to feel more comfortable on the last leg of the walk.

 Arriving back at the car, we had had a really good walk and made the most of the day and as a bonus had not experienced the level of rain on most forecasts.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Common blackbird, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Eurasian jay, Eurasian curlew, Shelduck, Common redshank, Carrion crow, Rook and Little egret.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed in the Wheatsheaf Inn at Raby, where Plum Porter, Trapper's Hat and Coffee all went down well.

Around Lyme Park 31st October 2019

The beginning of Autumn in Knightslow Wood.

Fallen leaves in Knightslow Wood.

The Cage from the Knightslow Wood to Bowstones Gate.

The path leading from Bowstones Gate to Lantern Wood.

Distant view (not one of the best) of Shutlingsloe from the Bow Stones.

Looking east towards Whaley Moor from our refreshments stop.

Looking over Bollinghurst Reservoir towards The Cage.

Looking towards The Cage from the path on the northern side.

Descending from The Cage to Lyme Hall.

Looking through the gates to Lyme Hall.

Walk stats: Distance: 5.2 miles. Climb: 1015' wind assisted GPS reading. Memory Map value 900'.

Time: 2 hours 38 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Sue Powell.

A little on the cool side thanks to wind, but at times it pleasantly warm whenever we found ourselves in sheltered spots.

This was the first time that I have started a walk by parking in Lyme Park, Although it was busy, the overspill parking areas had been opened up, so we had no problem parking.

 The fallen leaves and occasional sunbeam through the trees reminded us the Autumn had started, but as yet the rich red and orange colours were absent.

 Distant views were were not very clear and towards the end of the walk it looked as though Manchester was getting wet.

 Thankfully we only had a few spots of rain as we descended fro The Cage to Lyme Hall, not enough to demand putting on waterproof.

 We had a brief spot for refreshments a little south west of Bolder Hall. The remains of an old stone provided suitable perching spots.

 Walkers approaching us from the opposite direction to us, pointed out that one of the paths to Lyme Hall was closed. Although it was the one on our route, it was easy to re-route and take the path along the east side of Bollinghurst Reservoir and enter the grounds near Parkgate.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Winter wren, Eurasian jay and Black billed magpie.

 Overall a very enjoyable stroll around this delightful park, despite having muddy boots to clean when we got home.

Holywell. Stokyn, Gwibnant and the Coastal Path 30th October 2019

The Clock Toweropposite Battery Cottages in the upper Greenfield Valley.

Coastal views on the approach to Sokyn Hall.

The Duke of Lancaster can just about be seen.

Getting down on your knees is the only way!

Approaching Mostyn Dock along the Coastal Path.

Looking a cross the fields towards the Duke of Lancaster.

Why is in Christ Church, Gwibnant getting such a close look?

A closer look at the Duke of Lancaster - one that an hour earlier we didn't expect to get!

Par of the Coastal Path from Llannerch-y-mor to Greenfield Dock.

Part of Greenfield Dock.

On the new easy access path leading to the Greenfield Heritage Park from main car park on the Flint Road (A548).

Basingwerk Abbeyfrom the old railway track to Holywell.

Yet another improved section on the old railway track from Greenfield to Holywell.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.2 miles. Climb: 998' (GPS reading, probably a little wind assisted).

Time: 4 hours  51 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Nigel.

This was a good day for walking, largely sunny and on the cool side, but not sufficiently cold to warrant full Winter Paramo gear. Within an hour the jacket was banished to the rucksack and i Had been forced into my first change of shirt!

 As we crossed Bryn Celyn, we had our first views across the Dee estuary, although quite good, they were no match for our walk earlier in the year when we could see Blackpool Tower and the Lake District mountains beyond.

 Our first unexpected problem was as we descended the bridleway from the special school to the Hen Dafarn at Llannerch-y-mor. Our path was blocked by a fallen tree, that meant the only way to make progress was to take off our rucksacks and crawl underneath the barrier.

 We arrived at Llannerch-y-mor quite early,so we decided to start on the extension to take the Coastal Path towards Mostyn Docks and on to Gwibnant before descending back to Llannerch-y-mor.

 This was when we realised that we had another problem. The high tide had risen above the banks and flooded over the paths - our intended route from Llannerch-y-mor to Greenfield Dock seemed to be a none starter!

 We decided the extension to Gwibnant and back to Llannerch-y-mor, and lunch i the grounds of Abakan would give us time to come up with the best alternative options to get round the flooded section.

 We were able to take lunch on one of the many picnic tables at Abakan, shielded from any breeze and basking in the warm sunshine.

 Setting off after lunch, once more, we left Abakan at the north east corner of the car park. To our utter amazement, the tide had receded so much (dropping the water level by at least 3') that the path we wanted to use was now accessible.

 We happily resumed our planned walk.

 Our next surprise cane as we crossed the Greenfield Valley Heritage Car Park on the A548 Flint Road, a new easy access path had been added as had improvements along the old railway track to Holywell.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Black billed magpie, Common blackbird, Winter wren, Woodpigeon, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Rook, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Rook.

 Overall a good and enjoyable walk and capped with a good pint of Lees Bitter bat the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

Dates and Walks October 2019

Updated on 25th October 2019

Wednesday 2nd October 2019.

Grange, Pantasaph and Llwyn Ifor.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb 1100'.

Start: Holywell, Halkyn Street Car Park (pay and display - £1 on our last visit). Grid ref: SJ18957548.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is another figure of eight walks from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones's book " 10 Walks Around Holywell".

 Again the walks take us along many paths that we know well, but there are a few new ones for us to explore too. Good views, especially towards the coast once we get on higher ground above Holywell.

Saturday 5th October 2019.

Beaumaris and Penmon. 
Postponed until 19th October 2019.
There are major road works on the A55, so I will switch this walk to one that doesn't involve using the A55 around the Abergele area.
Replacement Walk.
Llugwy and Lledr,

See below.

This walk combines one walk from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 1" with a walk from his book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 2" .  We enjoyed these walk when we last did it in March 2011.  High tide is at 15-08, so it should be possible to walk along the beach for the first part of the walk.  This is a good and varied walk, passing Penmon Priory and the site of Castell Aberlleiniog.
However I am sure a few short cuts will be made to reduce the distance to around 10 miles.

The Llugwy and Lledre Valley. 

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 1500'.

Start: Railway station car park in the centre of Betws-y Coed. Grid ref: SH795565. 

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's new book "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley". This walk links the beautiful wooded Llugwy and Lledre Valleys. It takes in Sarn Helen, the former Roman Road, and reaches over 800' before descending in to the Lledre Valley. It involves a steep climb to Llyn Elsi or at least that is what Dave Berry says!

Wednesday 9th October 2019.

East of Holywell,The Moor and Greenfield Valley.

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

Start: Halkyn Sreet car park Holywell. (opposite the hospital). Grid ref: SJ18957548.

This is a figure of eight walk, combing one walk from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones' booklet " 10 Walks Around Holywell" and one walk from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". The first walk explores the moor and valley to the North of Holywell and the other walk explores the undulating countryside between Holywell and Bagillt.

Saturday 12th October 2019.

Moel-y-Gaer and Halkyn Moutain from the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn.
Postponed as it looks as though I will be Billy No Mates again.

Distance: 8-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Common ground opposite the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn. Grid ref: SJ209702.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m. (A bonus time to start for some!)

This walk attempts to combine two walks from the Blue Bell Inn's web site, but it isn't that easy to extend the walk beyond the 6 miles in the described routes! The route includes many of the paths that we have used on our regular walks in this region, but many are in the opposite direction to the usual way that we go. We will probably extend the route by visiting the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

Wednesday 16th October 2019.

Around Gwysaney and More.

Distance: 6.0 miles, 8.5 miles or 9.5 miles or 10.5 miles (decided on the day, as and when we have to make a decision!).

Climb: 1500', but depends on the actual route we decide to take after lunch! 

Start. Parking area near the children's play ground in Rhosesmore. Grid ref: SJ214684.

The walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Holywell Mountain and Halkyn Mountain. Our usual route normally includes Cwm Conwy, but I suspect that today's walk won't! The Gwystaney walk is described as a walk through the undulating countryside between Rhosesmor and Sychdyn, exploring the lush wooded Gwysaney Estate. The second walk at least includes visiting Moel Y Gaer hill-fort and how much more depends on us!.

Saturday 19th October 2019.

Beaumaris and Penmon. 
Postponed - weather forecast suggests it will rain al day.
Replacement walk will be more local.
Moel Famau via Coed Clwyd, Moel Ffrith and possibly Moel Dywyll
An 8 -10 mile walk  with a climb of either 1700' or 2000'
from 
 Bwlch Penbarras car park (pay and display). Grid ref: SJ161605.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

or
as a last resort

Halkyn Mountain from the Common Ground opposite the Blue Bell. Grid ref: SJ209702.

Distance:13 miles. Climb: 1300'.

Start: The car park on the left just past Beaumaris Castle. Grid ref: SH609762.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk combines one walk from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 1" with a walk from his book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 2" .  We enjoyed these walk when we last did it in March 2011.  High tide is at 13-28, so it should be possible to walk along the beach for the first part of the walk.  This is a good and varied walk, passing Penmon Priory and the site of Castell Aberlleiniog.
However I am sure a few short cuts will be made to reduce the distance to around 10 miles.

Wednesday 23rd October 2019.

Fron Hen and Bryn Alyn.

Distance: 10 -11 miles. Climb: 1800'. 
Although the distance will probably be reduced by taking a few short cuts.

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.

This walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book More Walks in the Clwydian Hill".  We have combined these walks on several occasions before and the section over Bryn Alyn is always good. It will also give us another opportunity to test our route finding skills through Nercwys Forest again! Admittedly the last couple of times we have had no problems in finding the right path, we've done it so many times over the years that at last the route seems to be etched in to our memories!

This good walk has its challenges and its delights too!

Saturday 26th October 2019.

Monsal Head And More.
Postponed - heavy rain forecast all day.

Distance 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: Monsal Head Car Park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SK184714.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
It is a long time since we started a walk from the Monsal Head. This walk is a rather contrived walk, but it will enable us to walk along the Monsal Trail, including going through a three tunnels, Litton, Cressbrook and Headstone tunnels. There are lights in the tunnels, but taking a torch is recommended just in case they fail for some reason.
The walk sfollows Water-cum-Jolly Dale,Miller's Dale before joining the Monsal Trail just beyond Litton Mill. The trail is followed as far as Longstone Lane which is followed south before linking up wth field paths back to the start.

Wednesday 30th November 2019.

Stokyn, The Coastal Path and More.

Distance: 8.0 miles Climb: 800'.
Start: Holywell Halkyn Street Car Park. Grid ref: SJ18957548.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones' booklet "10 Walks Around Holywell".  Much of the walk is familiar to all of us. As this walk is nominally shorter than our usual walk, it will probably give us time to explore the grounds of Basingwork Abbey, or maybe extending the walk after perusing the map at lunch time. Last time we did this walk, we ended up doing 10.3 miles.

Around Bryn Alyn and Eryrys 23rd October 2019

Glimpses of Burley Hill Quarry.

Burley Hill Quarry.

On the path in Big Covert on the west side of Burley Hill Quarry.

Moel Famau from west of Bryn Alyn.

The way to Nercwys Mountain and Forest.

Distant views toward Clocaenog Wind Farm.

Limestone pavements on Bryn Alyn.

The panorama as we descended fro Bryn Alyn towards Plymog.

The Druid's Inn at Llanferres.

Walk stats: 8.0 miles. Climb: 1390'.

Time: 4 hours 53 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S and Mike.

This was a great day for walking weather wise, cool at first but it wasn't long before it was bright and sunny and with very little wind it was quite warm.

 walking through Big Covert was particularly delightful as the sun's rays broke through the trees now that much of their foliage had been shed.

 Much of the climbing was done in the morning, first on the way to Maeshafn through Big Covert and then from near Burley Quarry up the north eastern slopes of Bryn Alyn.

 On the way to Nercwys Forest we once again we encountered a field containing cows with calves and of course the mandatory bull. Thankfully the bull paid little attention to us as we took a wide track round them.

 Lunch was taken part way through Nercwys Forest at point where many of the trees had been felled, leaving suitable stumps on which to sit and enjoy having lunch basking in the warm sunshine.

 After lunch, much to our surprise, it wasn't long before we started to climb again, but before long we were starting to descend towards Eryrys. It was probably at this point that we had our best distant views when we could see as far a the Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm. 

 As we approached Eryrys we encountered our second field of cows, calves and a bull and these headed straight towards where we wanted to go. Thankfully once more we could avoid them by choosing a different path to the Eryrys Road.

 We didn't see that many birds today, but one road in Eryrys seemed be be a hot spot for House sparrows.

 Our final climb through limestone pastures and onto Bryn Alyn gave us our best views of the day. This was over the Bryn Alyn limestone pavements and towards the Clwydian Hills and of course, Moel Famau.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House spoarrow, Common blackbird, European robin, Winter wren, Stonechat, Pied wagtail, Woodpigeon, Rook, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook and Common buzzard.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, shorter than usual, but it did mean we were just in time to enjoy a refreshing pint of Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale before the Druid's Inn closed at 15-00.