Dates and Walks January 2019

Updated 17th January 2019.

Happy New Year

Hopefully we will be able to experience many great walks together.

Advanced Notice: Walkers Meal 2019.

Date: Wednesday 13th March 2019.

Proposed Location Pant-yr-Ochain, Gresford.

This is later than usual in order to avoid the February half-term holidays in Flintshire and Cheshire which together spread from 18th February to 3rd March 2019.

Towards the end of January I will endeavour to contact everyone I think may be interested.

Tuesday 1st January. 2019.


Hilbre Island.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 100' at a guess!

Start: South Parade, West Kirby Marine Lake. Park between the old baths and the Sailing Club at the Southern end of the lake Grid ref: SJ214860.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

It's a few years since we last did this walk on New Year's Day, but after looking at the Tide Guide, it looks like being a good option today. High tide is about 07-19, so we should be able to cross the sands following the tide as it goes out.

 Bring binoculars, their should be plenty of Wintering birds to see and hopefully seals too.

Fortified fruit cake will be provided, assuming that it hasn't all been eaten by those on the last two walks in December!

Wednesday 2nd January 2019

No planned walk.
Saturday 5th January 20180.

A Walk Around Hoylake and More.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: Royden Country Park. Grid ref: SJ246858.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

To get Royden Park, follow the A540 from Chester to Hoylake. After passing Thursaston Hill and Caldy Rugby Club, turn right at the roundabout onto Montgomery Hill (signposted Frankby). At the Farmers Arms turn right to stone gate post into Royden Park.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "More Pub Walks in Cheshire and Wirral.

Thia is a new walk for me, although much of it has been covered in walks that we have done. Part of the walk follows the beach from Red Rocks to West Kirby and then goes around the Marine Lake. High tide is at around 10-15 and is a erelatively a big tide 9.0 m / 29.4', but by the time we get there, we shouldn't have any problems walking along the beach.



Wednesday 9th January 2019.





Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur.

Distance: 7-9 miles. Climb: 1380'.

Start: Llangwyfan Forestry car park: SJ138668

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  This area of the Clwydians has so much to offer, and Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau are particularly good.  On a good day the views from both hill forts are superb.






Saturday 12th January 2019.

Prestatyn, Talacre and The Point of Ayr.


Distance: 10 miles.(Less if we don't do the Point of Ayr loop). Climb: 200'.



Start at Prestatyn Barkby Beach.. I suggest that you park at Beach Hotel car park, (£2-00) On our visit in January 2019 , this is the same as the pay and display car park!) on the large parking area by the PC,  Grid ref: SJ068839



Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. You will need to go into the hotel to purchase a car park ticket.



This is a walk that is always on the list at this time of the year, as it is always a good time to see Little terns, so bring binoculars with you. Hopefully we will see orchids too.

High tide is at about 14-30, and is about 27.4', so we go through the Golf Course, Caravan Park and The Warren Nature Reserve on the way to Talacre and the Point of Air.We will take lunch using one of the picnic tables along the path leading to the Point Of Air. We will decide on the day whether to extend the walk as far as the RSPB observation point. Our return route will be along the beach. 


Wednesday 16th January 2019.







Thurstaston Common, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.

On Tuesday I will be out from 07-00 in the morning, 

so contacting me by text or e-mail are the best options.

Alternatively contact me on Monday. 

Distance: 7-8 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 08-07, and is a 24.4' tide (7.4 m), By the time we get there, it will be almost low tide, so we should have no problems walking along the beach.


Saturday 19th January 2019.






Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest. 

Postponed - weather forecast for Macclesfield Forest predicts temperatures of 1 Celsius, but feeling like - 6 Celsius and probably snow.

See below for the replacement walk.

Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list at this time of the year. Wintering birds sometime visit the many reservoirs we walk around, so it is useful to bring binoculars just in case.






Replqacement Walk.

Leasowe Lighthouse to New Brighton.


Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 200'.



Start: North Wirral Coastal Park car park. Grid ref: SJ257915.



To get to this car park, instead of turning left towards the lighthouse, as the A551 turns right onto Leasowe Road, go straight on (past PC block on right and cafe/snack hut on left). This car park has a good tarmac surface.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.



Usually this is a walk along the beach to Perch Rock Fort, However this time, High tide is at about 09-20, 8.7 m, 28.5'. Although his is quite a low tide, we may have to walk along the promenade to Perch Fort Rock. From Perch Fort Rock, we will continue onto Vale Royal Park (where we in the past we have had lunch) and onto Wallasey Gardens. Hopefully the weather will be a little less windy than last recent years, but if it is there is always the Wind Shelters by the Marine lake to sit in as we have lunch.

 After lunch, if possible we will walk along the beach back to Leasowe



Hopefully there will be plenty of birds to see, so bring binoculars with if you have any.










Wednesday 23rd January 2019.



Around the Little Orme to Rhos On Sea.


Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 700'.



Start: Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno.



Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.



This has become a regular walk at any time of the year, but it will be the first time that we have done it in December. The views from the top of the Little Orme are always superb, but the main reason for doing the walk so early in the year is to see if there are any Seals around Porth Dyniewaid. I last did this walk on 2nd December when we saw at least 53 Grey seals.



Bring binoculars with you if you have them.

Low tide is about mid-day, so we should have a good chance of seeing Grey seals on the beach.

 As the tide should be well out for all of the walk, we should be able to walk along the beach, particullarly in Penrhyn Bay and maybe beyond.


Saturday 26th January 2019.



A Walk on Halkyn Mountain from the Blue Bell Inn.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

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

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

This is a walk devised by Steve (the former landlord at the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn. It covers much of our regular walk that we do called "Halkyn Mountain, Limestone and Lead". However this route takes us in a clock-wise direction and around Moel-y-Gaer before heading to Rhes-y-cae. It also takes us  around the North of the Pen-y-Henblas quarry - we have only seen the quarry from its Southern side.

Wednesday 30th January 2019


A Walk Around Waen, Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog.

Distance : 9 miles. Climb: 600'.

Start: Aberwheeler  is on B5429. Approaching from the Mold road, turn left and after passing the play area and Bro Lleweni. This lane is opposite the chapel and the bus stop turning area. Park carefully in the lane next to the houses. Grid ref: SJ096693.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is a walk taken from R.J.A. Dutton's book "Hidden Highways of North Wales". It explores the  Roman and Medieval Roads between Waen Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog. 

There is a good chance that this walk will be adapted to use quiet lanes if the riverside route looks boggy.

Dates and Walks February 2019

Advanced Notice: Walkers Meal 2019.

Date: Wednesday 13th March 2019.

Proposed Location Pant-yr-Ochain, Gresford.

This is later than usual in order to avoid the February half-term holidays in Flintshire and Cheshire which together spread from 18th February to 3rd March 2019.

Towards the end of January I will endeavour to contact everyone I think may be interested, by e-mail if I have one or by text if I don't have an e-mail.

Saturday 2nd February 2019.

No Walk today as I will be attending the induction service at Waverton Evangelical Fellowship (WEF) of our new pastor Robin Gerrard.

Wednesday 6th February 2019.

Burton and Parkgate.

Distance:10 miles. Climb:338'.
Start: Roadside parking on Denhall Lane next to benches overlooking the marshes. Grid ref: SJ301747.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The Burton circuit is taken from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral". The extension will involve some road walking through Neston to link up with the Wirral Way and onto Parkgate. The return route will use coastal paths as much as possible and passes Neston Old Quay and Denhall Quay on the way back to Denhall Lane.
High tide is at 12-08. 9.2 m / 30.1'. If the tide hasn't ebbed suffiiently, we may have to use the Wirral Way/Cycle path back to the start.

Saturday 9th February 2019.

Clip-y-Orsedd and theThe Druid Circle. 

Distance: 9 miles. Climb:1400'.

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

Start: Car park behind the bank in Llanfairfechan. Turn right of Village Road. Grid ref:SH682747.

This walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast." These two walks combine to make one of my favourite walks in this area as they explore the hills behind  Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr. We will visit the impressive Druids' Stone Circle, but on this occasion we will miss out Foel Lus.  On a good day we should get good views, especially towards the coast and Tal y Fan. We will only extend the walk as far as the Druids Circle.

Saturday 16th February 2019.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest. 

Reaarranged from 19th January 2019

Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.


This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list at this time of the year. Wintering birds sometime visit the many reservoirs we walk around, so it is useful to bring binoculars just in case.

Alternative walk - if conditions at Tegg's Nose are unfavourable.


The Edge to Nether Alderley and the Edge and Hough.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: Not a lot (less than 1000' at a guess).

Start: National Trust car Park close to the Wizard Restaurant, Alderley Edge. This is a Pay and Display car park - Free to National Trust Members. Grid ref: SJ860773.

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m. and meet at the car park.


This walk combines two walks from Graham Beech's book " East Cheshire Walks". He describes it as being moderate. The walk will again probably give us views of the communications tower on Croker Hill/Sutton Common. We may also get the opportunity to visit Nether Alderley Mill (National Trust- so bring your N.T cards with you if you are members.)


Wednesday 20th February 2019.

Rhuddlan L.N.R ., the Rhuddlan to Rhyl Riverside Walk with possible extensions to the Brickworks Pool N.R. and the Forydd.


Distance: 8 -11 miles. Climb: 200'.



Start: Park at the Rhuddlan L.N.R. car park. Grid ref: SJ020776. 

The car park is on the Western side of Rhuddlan. To get to the car park, from the A55, turn right on to the A525 (St. Asaph Road towards Rhyl and Rhuddlan), at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Station Road (to Rhuddlan centre / Castle). The car park is on the right, opposite a new hotel. If you get to the bridge over the river you've gone too far!

This walk is an annual favourite, at least for those that like to do as little birdwatching as well. It is a good time of the year as there are lots of Winter visitors that frequent coastal areas and river estuaries. Bring binoculars with you.  Last time we had lunch by the Marine Lake, near the Foryd.  We have also had lunch on the beach at the Foryd. Although we didn't see Snow buntings on the Foryd last year, with a bit of luck we may see them this year. 

High tide at the Foryd is at 11-18, 10.0 m / 32.8'.

Last year we didn't do any of the extensions!  Extension, if any will  be taken at each appropriate point in the walk and decided on the day depending on how everyone feels.

The West bank of the river can be quite muddy, so we may opt to keep our boots clean and retrace our steps on the tarmac path on the East side of the river.



Saturday 23rd February 2019.

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.

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.

Wednesday 27th February 2019.

Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.

Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 950' .

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.

This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  We last did this walk in February 2016 and I enjoyed it then. I thought that it would be good to do it again, but in a different season. 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 final section involves climbing out of the valley up to the car park - not the most ideal way to end a walk, but it isn't that steep.

Leasowe to New Brighton and Back 19th January 2019

Looking back towards Leasowe Lighthouse ten minutes after setting off.

.Turnstones on the rock breakwaters.

Common redshank feeding on the shore as the tide goes out.

The Stenna Line Ferry leaving Liverpool on the ebbing tide.

The Lighthouse at Fort Perch Rock.

Roosting birds on the pontoon in New Brighton Marine Lake.

Jim at the Black Pearl ship created from drift wood and other flotsam.

Leasowe Lighthouse in the distance.

Looking towards New Brighton  as we left the coastal path and headed towards Leasowe Lighthouse.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.9 miles. Climb: 366'.

Time: 4 hours 2 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Jim.

We set off from Leasowe with a little light rain in the air and distant views somewhat fuzzy, but at least it wasn't very windy and didn't feel as cold as most forecasts had predicted.

 The tide was well in as we set off and very little sand was visible to tempt us onto the beach. We did however walk on the beach from Fort Perch Rock to the Black Pearl pirate ship - a creative masterpiece.

 Although he wind was against us as we headed for New Brighton at lunch we had averaged 3.0 m.p.h. and consequently had to take an early lunch in one of the wind shelters next to New Brighton Marine Lake.

 Both before lunch and after lunch, we encountered lots of walkers, many of them with dogs, most of them friendly, especially two "Lassie Come Home" Collies. Unfortunely too many dog owners failed to pick up the presents left behind by their pets!

 In the end we didn't walk on the beach at all on the return journey and we were back at the car before two, just failing to pass the ten miles for the walk, despite extending the walk slightly by extending the walk to the Leasowe Lightghouse.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Mute swan, Mallard, carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Common redshank, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Common gull, Pied wagtail, Purple sandpiper, Common starling and Black-billed magpie.

 Overall we had had a good brisk walk and for "Fit Bit" enthusiasts had easily achieved over 10,000 steps for the day and arrived back at the car with clean boots and without getting wet.

 We headed straight home, as Jim anticipated going to visit his mother who had earlier in the day been taken into hospital. Hopefully once there, the medics will be able to sort out the problem and she will make a quick recovery.

Thurstaston Common, The Dungeon, caldy and More 16th January 2019

Looking across the estuary towards Wales from the Wirral Way South east of Thurstaston Visitor Centre.

On Wirral Way South east of Thurstaston Visitor Centre.

The Dungeon South east of Thurstaston Visitor Centre.

Thursaston Church.

At the toposcope on Thurstaston Common.

The view from  the toposcope on Thurstaston Common.

At the trig point on Thurstaston Common.

Eurasian curlew in fields as we approached Caldy.

Free range chickens in fields as we approached Caldy.

The cross and church at Caldy.

Hilbre Island from he beach at Caldy.

Point of Ayr from the beach at Caldy.

Brent geese on the shore between Caldy and Thursaston.

The coast from Shore Cottage, Thurstaston looking towards Parkgate.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.1 mile. Climb: 597'

Time: 4 hours 7 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger and David S.

With a forecast of rain in the morning and the possibility of sunshine in the afternoon, we optimistically set off. The forecast was pretty good, and the rain we had ws minimal, and indeed as we finished the walk along the beach we were in glorious sunshine.

 Views across the estuary before lunch weren't particularly good, but did improve as we reached the beach at Caldy.

 This was a varied walk, and took us along paths that we hadn't used for some time, especially around ThustastonCommon and Roden Park.

 Lunch was taken at Royden Park, where we took advantage of one of the many picnic tables.

 It was a little early for lunch really, but e knew his was the last chance we would have to have a bench and table to use at lunch.

 Once again we went past the farm at Caldy where we could see hundreds of chickens running freely in the fields next to the sheds, many running towards us as they saw us walking on the adjacent footpath.

 The walk along the beach from Caldy to Thursaston, was a pleasant stroll, with distant views towards Parkgate and accompanied by the conued calls of Oystercatchers and Eurasian curlews.

 we arrived back at the car, having had a very enjoyable walk and ready for liquid refreshments.

 Birds seen or heard today included: lue tit, Great tit, Bullfinch, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Eurasian curlew, European robin, Shelduck, Mallard, Common  coot Moorhen, Oystecatcher and Brent goose.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, where Titanic's Plum Porter and Brimstage's Trappers Hat went down well.

Prestayn to Point of Ayr and Back 12th January 2019

Mute swans on Prestatyn Gutter .

On the beach heading towards Talacre.

Point of Ayr lighthouse.

Prestatyn Beach Hotel in the distance.

Breaking waves near Barkby Beach just before high tide.

Oystercatcher roosting on the pepples on Barkby Beach at high tide.

The Coastal Path between Prestatyn Golf Course and the dunes near Barkby Beach.

Looking East over the dunes towards Talacre.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 1367' (GPS reading - testament to the strength of the wind), In reality about 150'.

Time: 4 hours 30 minute. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. (2.9 m.p.h. on my newest GPS). Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Marty and Jim.

 An overcast day, with a strong wind assisting us on the outward journey, but at least we didn't get wet. A short spell of light rain accompanied us along the dunes a we approached the the end of the walk.

 Heading for Talacre, the tide was well out and we walked along the beach to the Point of Ayr lighthouse.

 Looking for lunch spot that was sheltered from he wind wouldn't be easy, the best on offer was the Point of Ayr Bird Hide, but we did at least have a bench to sit on. A few birders were already there, looking out across the estuary as the tide came in (High tide was two hours after we arrived, and an hour and a half after bwe left)

 On the return journey, we first headed through The Warren Nature Reserve, where at one point we saw sixteen Black-billed magpies, the most that I have ever seen in one place at the same time.

  Our return route was planned to be along he beach from the Little tern viewpoint, but we were eventually forced to take the Coastal Path through the sand dunes as we approached the Barkby Beach.

 With high tide covering the sandy beach, lots of Oystercatchers were roosting on the pebbles and rocks near the dunes.Birds seen and heard today included: Mallard, Teal, Little grebe, Common coot, Moorhen, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion crow, Fieldfare,  Eurasian curlew, Shelduck, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Linnet, Winter wren, Common redshank and Woodpigeon.

 We arrived back at the car, having had an enjoyable , bracing 10 mile walk.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, where two brews from Lees  (Including Tan y Draig / Dragon's Fire)were sampled as well as the Gwynt y Draig's Black Dragon Cider.

.

Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau 9th January 2019

Snowdonia from the slopes of Moel Arthur..

Snowdonia from the slopes of Moel Arthur..

Arrenig Fawr from Moel Arthur.

At the top of Moel Arthur.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral  in the distance as we descendd Moel Arthur.

Dave Evans's dream home, but was it finished to his original plans?

The view from the RCGAF lunch spot.

Moel Famau from the RCGAF lunch spot.

At the summit cairn on Penyclddiau.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.5 miles. (7.8 miles on my newest GPS). Climb: 1295'.

Time: 4 hours 32 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. (2.5 m.p.h.on my newest GPS)..

Group: Martyn, Roger, Sue and Michel and Ed.

This was a glorious day for walking, a touch warmer an it would have been the first shorts day in 2019! Largely blue skies, hardly any wind and at times warm sunshine. However at times gloves were needed, particularly as we approached the top of Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.

 As we set off, the distant views of Snowdonia were good, and we were optimistic that they would get better as we reached Penycloddiau. Alas this didn't happen and the best views were seen from the top of Moel Arthur.

  A testament to the fine weather was the fact that we saw lots of other walkers, most of them with more than one dog.

 Lunch was taken just round the corner from the impressive water tank on the West side of Penycloddiau, taking advantage of the suitably angled grass bank at a spot that will be forever known by the group as the RCGNF (Roger Can  Go No Further) lunch spot.

 After lunch we set off along a pleasant track contouring around the West side of Pencloddiau to Offa's Dyke that headed South west to the summit. It always seems like a hard climb, but in reality is only a steady gentle climb of just over a mile.

 The views towards the Dee Estuary and Moel Famau were good, but by now the high tops of Snowdonia were in cloud.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a really good walk in almost perfect weather conditions and boots requiring just a little cleaning when we got home.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common buzzard, European robin, Carrion crow, Raven, Wood nuthatch, Common chaffinch, Black billed magpie, Blue tit, Great tit and Meadow pipit.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, where the Lees bitter was excellent. A short pint was reluctantly toppd up, not the best way to encourage customers make to return for another pint!. No doubt I will, the Lees Bitter is so good!

Around Hoylake from Royden Country Park 5th January 2019

Dreaming of bacon butties.

The Memorial on Grange Hill from the South east side of Hoylake.

Hilbre Island from the beach at Red Rocks, Hoylake.

Jim and Roger on the beach at Red Rocks, Hoylake.

A few waders on the water edge between Red Rocks and West Kirby.

Looking over the reedbed and the Royal Liverpool Golf Course towards the Memorial on Grange Hill.

Turnstones on the edge of West Kirby Marine Lake.

Brent geese on West Kirby Marine Lake.

Art work in the Coronation Gardens West Kirby.

On the link path between Kings Drive South and Kings Drive North.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.2 miles. Climb: 302'.

Time: 4 hours 46 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger and Jim.

As expected, we had cloud cover all day, but the lack of any significant wind meant that it felt much warmer that the 7 Celsius forecast.

 The first surprise of the day was along the track North west of Long Rake Farm, where we spotted a notice on a field gate. It said "Dog Walking Fields . 6 acres available for hire by the hour". We did see a dog walker in the field, but we weren't able to determine if they had paid for the privilege of using the fields.

 We arrived at the beach at Kings Gap early, bu the tide had receded sufficiently for us to walk along the beach path on the West of the dunes, rather than use the higher boardwalk route needed whenever there are very high tides.

 We met a local campaigner who informed us that Wirral Council didn't want to maintain the boardwalk, and that the locals were trying to get this route designated a right of way. Further details can be obtained on: www.facebook.com/redrocksboardwalk/

We continued around the Marine Lake, before having lunch in West Kirby Coronation Gardens where we had a choice of benches to use for lunch.

 After lunch we had just over three miles to go, including most of the climb for the day, but we shouldn't complain the total climb for the walk was only just over three hundred feet.

 We arrived back at Royden Country Park, having had an excellent walk of great vaiety, still smiling even though we had walked over ten miles, a rarity for us these days!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Woodpigeon, Collared dove, Black-billed magpie, Common blackbird, Blue tit, Common chaffinch, Herring gull, Turnstone,Brent Goose, Common redshank, House sparrow, Great cormorant, Eurasian curlew. Oystercatcher and Dunlin.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, where Brimstage Brewery's Trappers Hat and Titanic Brewery's Plum Porter went down well.