Prestatyn to Talacre and Back 18th May 2019

The path through the dunes South of  Barkby Beach.

Continuation of the path through th dunes.

Birds song in the dunes.

There still seems a long way to go before escaping from the dunes.

Sea holly in the dunes.

A rather shy dune resident.

New developments at the Gronant Dunes viewpoint.

The Little tern colony, but no-one is at home!

The sounds of Little terns around the Gronant Little tern Colony.

More Skylarks singing in the area behind the Little tern visitor centre.

An orchid behinf Presthaven Sands.

A singing Reed bunting - Presthaven Sands.

Excalibur sails the Irish Sea.

Pount of Ayr lighthouse at high tide.

Three of the nineteen Little egrets on the marsh at Talacre.

A Mallard duckling going round in circles in the Prestayn Gutter.

And now there are three Mallard ducklings.

Walk stats: Distance 9. miles. Climb: 279'.

Time; 5 hours 34 minutes. on the move wealking average; 2.5 m.p.h. overall walk average; 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

Being on my own, I was able to make and earlier than usual start and had set off from Barkby Beach just before 09-00 a.m. It was rather overcast, but pleasantly warm with hardly any breeze. It was only as I approached the Point of Ayr lighthouse that I felt that I needed to put on my sunhat, but too lazy to stop and take it out of my rucksack.

 Although it was a fairly high tide, I was still able to walk along the coast from Presthaven past the lighthouse to the Talacre.

 One or two jellyfish were stranded on the shore.

 Skylarks and Meadow pipits seemed to be everywhere and the Skylarks singing accompanied me all the way from Prestatyn to Presthaven Sands.

  I spent about twenty minutes at the visitor hut at the Gronant Little tern colony, chatting to the volunteers on duty. The Little terns seemed to be everywhere (>300 counted so far this year so far), but none close enough to be photographed with my limited camera. Ringed plover were also seen in the protected area (protected by battery powered electric fences that are are also being charged by solar panels.

 The surprise of the day was to find that the access to the Gronant Dunes Viewpoint was now accessible by wheelchair and a new shelter had been added at the end of the boardwalk across the marsh between the sand dunes.

 I didn't quite make it to the Point of Ayr hide by lunch time, but stopped to have lunch on the first available picnic table by the path that heads towards the hide from Talacre.

 As I was having my lunch i heard the characterisic bubbling  noise made by Little egrets at their nesting sites coming from the trees nearby, then looked out towards the sea to see nineteen more Little egrets on the marsh.

 The return route through the Warren proved many more chance to see flowers now in bloom, including : Orchids, Bird's foot trefoil, Sea campion, Red campion, Red clover, Common vetch, Rapeseed, Flag iris and Red Valerian, Buttercup and Daisy

 Birds seen or heard today included: Little tern, Ringed plover, Great cormorant, Starling, Herring gull (including one nesting on the top of a caravan in Presthaven Sands), Lesser black-back gull, House sparrow, Skylark, Meadow pipit, Mallard, Blackbird, Stonehat, Sedge warbler, Reed bunting, Shelduck, Mute swan, Linnet, Black-billed magpie, Mallard, tufted duck, Common pheasant (m), Wheateae, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Rook, Barn swallow and Common whitethroat.

Some butterflies and moths were seen too, including: Peacock, Common blue, Small whites and a couple of moths.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, even if I couldn't identify all the flowers that I photographed.

Dates and Walks May 2019

Updated on 8th May 2019

Wednesday 1st May 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.
 On Tuesday I will be in Burnley for most of the day, so if you want to contact me 
during the day please do so on my mobile number. I will be at home in the evening.

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. 

Some of the stiles on this route have in the past proved to be rather awkward to negotiate. If we use the riverside route there is a chance to see Kingfisher(if we are lucky) and Sand martins nesting in vertical river bank.

This walk will be adapted to use quiet lanes if the riverside route looks boggy.







Saturday 4th May 2019.

Gwydir Forest from Llanwrst.
Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Start: Llanrwst Riverside car Park. GRid ref: SH795617.
The walk is taken from Carl Roger's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley. It is described as a
moderately strenuous route exploring the Eastern sectrions of the forest with its many lakes.
It follows mainly good forest tracks and paths.




Wednesday 8th May 2019.

The Clywedog Valley including Bersham, Felin Pullston, Nant Mill and the Minera Lead Mines.



Cancelled - no mates willing to brave the elements!

Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 840'.

Start: Layby (West of Bersham Iron Works. Grid ref: SJ308491.

To  get to the layby take the A483 from Chester to Wrexham. At Junction 4 on the A483, turn left onto the A525 and follow brown signs marked Bersham and Clywedog Trail. Take the first turn on the right, the B5098 (Berse Road). At the T-junction turn right onto the B5099 and take the next right. The lay-by is on the left after passing under the A483 road bridge.

This walk combines three walks from Dave Berry's booklet " walks Around Ruabon Mountain, The Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain".

The three walks combine to explore both side of the Clywedog valley between, Minera Lead Mine Centre, Nant Mill and Felin Puleston.


The walk follows the Clywedog trail, and follows some attractive wooded valley paths and passes through several woods, including a delightful track through the ancient woodland of Plas Power.

Hopefully the section of path closed during the lambing season will have reopened, if not we will have to improvise a diversion.


Saturday 11th May 2019.


Pendle Hill – the annual search for Dotterel.


Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb:1900’.

Start: Downham Village Car park. Grid ref: SD785442.

Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

This is a little shorter than our usual Saturday walks.  The route today is the one in Terry Marsh’s book “Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire”. He describes it as “undoubtedly the finest ascent of Pendle Hill”. Let’s hope for a good day weather-wise, topped up with good views of  Dotterel as we did a few years ago.  Don’t forget to bring binoculars.

The last few times we have done this walk, the weather hasn't been kind.lets hope the weather is better this year.



Wednesday 15th May 2019.

Denbigh Castle, Goblin Fields and St Dyfnog's Well.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 670'

Start: Roadside parking by the weir, West of Brookhouse Mill and Pottery. Take the A525 from Denbigh. Just before the Brookhouse Mill Tavern on the A525, at a signpost for "Pottery", turn right (West), go past the marked parking bays for the pottery   and park on the left side of the road by the weir. Grid ref: SJ069656.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

These two walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". One walk explores the attractive and varied countryside between Llanrhaeadr and Brookhouse and gives us the opportunity to see again the famous Tree of Jesse medieval stained glass window (1533) and Ann Parry's gravestone with its inscription"God kept His word".  The walk also includes two mile of riverside  alongside the Afon Ystrad and Afon Clwyd

The second walk is described as interesting and takes a "green"approach to a little known castle in Wales.

Saturday 18th May 2019.

Garth Wood, Felin Blwm Wood and Maen Achwyfan.

Postponed. 

New walk: Prestatyn to Talacre 

See below for details.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: 1264'.

Start: Whitford village. Roadside parking opposite the church. Grid ref: SJ147782.

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m. 


This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". It is quite some time since I have done the first walk. Unfortunately it is only 4.5 miles and the only other walk that links in well with it is Maen Achwyfan, a walk that we have done many times before.






Prestatyn, Talacre and The Point of Ayr.




Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 200'.



Start at Prestatyn Barkby Beach.. I suggest that you park at Beach Hotel car park, (£2-50 less than 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 11-15, and is about 30.9. The route to Presthaven Sands wll probably follow the path along sthe top of the dunes as far a the Little Tern colony. After visiting the RSPB Viewpoint and Visitor Hut, we will probably go through the 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, if it is accessible, if not we will retrace our steps and go through the golf course back to Prestatyn. 




Wednesday 22nd May 2019.



Gop Hill, Golden Grove and Sea Views.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1300'.

Start: High Street Car Park in Trelawnyd. Turn right off the A5151 in the centre of the village. Grid ref: SJ090798.



Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.




This walk combines one walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" with a walk from Bob Harris's book "Walks in Ancient Wales". One walk is described as an exhilarating walk with breathtaking contrasting views and the other visits the ancient sites, including the cairn on Gop Hill. 

Saturday 25th May 2019.

Mow Cop, Congleton Edge and More. 


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


Start: New start Point. Cheshire's Close lay-by on Congleton Road, Mow Cop. Grid ref: SJ8673058565

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.




This walk combines a walk from Carl Rogers's book "Circular Walks Along The Gritstone Trail" and part of a walk taken from the "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". This walk is a little shorter than the one that we did in 2008. Good views from the ridges.

We have often done this walk in the Winter, so I thought that it was about time that we repeated the walk in Spring/Summer conditions.

Wednesday 29th May 2019.





Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest. 

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

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.
This is the first time that this walk has been included on the mid-week list, but it only takes 
about an hour to get there.

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.

St. Dyfnog's Well and Llwyn Wood from Brookhouse 15th May 2019

What a nice footbridge, but not one for public use.

The Afon Ystrad East of Brookhouse, Denbigh.

Two Greylag geese trying to hide.

Walking on t6he Afon Clywedog embankmant.

Following our leader.

I didn't think we were so popular with the bovine community.

Heading to the fingert post hrough a crop, but are we in a straight line?

Ann Parry's gravestone with the inscription in Welsh that translates as "God kept His word". 

Just before she died God promised her that her body would remain as incorruptible as her soul. 43 years when her son was to be buried in the same grave her coffin fell open to reveal that her body was perfectly preserved, hence the reason for the inscription on the gravestone.

St. Dyfnog's Well at Llanrhaeadr.

Locals on their patch - Blue face  / Taxal cross?

Early purple orchid in Llwyn Wood.

Buttercups and Daises as we approach Ystrad Farm.

The Clwydian Hills on the horizon.

Not far to go now, two fields and we are back to the start at Brookhouse.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.5 miles. Climb: 572'.

Time: 4 hours 55 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn,Roger, Sue and Michel, Fran and David S.

This was a glorious day for walking, dry, blue skies all day, pleasantly warm and very occasionally a cooling breeze.

 This wasn't a particularly challenging walk, although we had to cross several fields of lunch grass, cross through the middle of a crop, friendly cows and a route description that took us to a gap in a wall through which padlocked gate not barred our way.

 That taken into account this was a very enjoyable walk. Plenty of flowers to see including Bluebells and Early purple orchids and even a family of Greylag geese on the Afon Clywedog.

 When we arrived at the church at Llanrhaeadr, the church was open, and we were invited to see the famous "Jesse window and the grave of Ann Parry, the history of which was enthusiastically described to us.

 Lunch wa taken in the woodland between Llanrhaeadr church and Dyfnog's Well. The Pelissier's indulged us by proving everyone with a piece of a French a very rich buttery , high calorie bakers delight. No-one resisted the temptation to enjoy the offer - Brexit didn't come in to the consideration!

 A mile or so into the walk, a realise that I was carrying a dead platypus in my rucksack as my back was wetter that I would expect through sweat!

 i surprise of the day and delight too, was to see so many flowers, including Bluebells and Early purple orchids. Other flowers included: Buttercup, Daises, Stitchwort, Field forget me nots, dandelions, Herb robert, Common dog violet and Himalayan balsam,

 Birds seen or heard today icluded: house sparrow, Pied wagtail.Barn swallow, Mallard, House martin, Pied wagtail, Chiffchaff, rook, Carrion crow, Eurasian curlew an  Greylag goose.

 Butterflies were about as well, including Orange tip and Small white.

 In warm weather we don't that quick, so it was decided unanimously not to extend the walk to visist Denbigh Castle, and instead head back to the cars and onto liqiod refreshement at the Dinorben Arms , where Snowonia Ale ad Brunning and Price's own brew went down well.

 An enjoyable walk ending with realtive clean boots, nless you happened to step onto the presents that sheep leave behind ( still preperable to what ant dog leaves behind)!

Pendle Hill from Downham 11th May 2019

Bluebells still in flower south east of Downham.

Pendle Hill from Great Coppy.

Treking across Great Coppy.

A singing Skylark trying to make itself heard above the noise of the wind.

The popular trig point on the Beacon/Big End, Pendle Hill.

Lunch at the new wind shelter on Pendle Hill.

A Russian inscription at the new Pendle Hill wind shelter.

It means "beauty" but why is it a Russian inscription there?

Green hairstreak on Pendle Hill.

Skylark on Pendle Hill.

A Skylark on Pendle Hill.

Rain approaching?

Crossing Pendle Hll towards the wind shelter and Scout Cairn beyond.

More Blubells on the south west side of Downham.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.2 miles. 1540'.

Time: 5 hours 25 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger and Jim.

 Arriving at Downham, I was surprised to find that once more a fell race taking place, having previously checked on the internet and found that the Pendle Hill Fell race had taken place in April. In addition a local mayor had chosen today for his charity walk, so we set off knowing that there was no chance of seeing any Dotterel.

 We started an hour before the fell race was due to start, and didn't see any fell racers until around mid-day when we started to climb the wide path from Pendle House to reach the plateau south of the trig point.

 So fr the weather had been kind to us, being largely bright and sunny, with a cooling wind at times. We didn't see any Dotterel, but frequently heard Willow warblers and Skylarks. The Skylarks seemed to be everywhere as w crossed the Great Coppy and the area of Pendle Hill plateau as we headed east towards the large high walled wind shelter.

 The trig pount was very crowded, so we deided a team photo at the highest point on the walk wouldn't be easy, so we carried on in search of a sheltered spot for lunch.

 Our surprise today was to find a new wind shelter that w hadn't previously noticed before, even though it had been built in 2017 by a stonemason called Pill Dolphin.

  Apparently it had been designed to enable people to sit and enjoy the views across Pendle Hill towards the east. Perhaps the beautiful views from this excellent wind shelter was the origin of the inscription " Kpacota", but why I still don't know why it should be in Russian.

 However we did linger here for some time as we basked the the warm sunshine sheltered from the wind as we had our lunch. Even a small bright green butterfly joined ius for a while.

 As we headed eastward across the Pendle Hill plateau towards the Scout cairn, we could see bad weather coming in the Trough of Bowlands direction. We were hopeful it would just miss us, but alas it didn't, and we were forced to put our waterproofs on, as the hail started. It didn't last long and as often happens by the time we had put on all of our waterproofs it had stopped. We decided to leave them on until we had dropped down about 600' and were on the path adjacent to Burst Clough on the west side of Worston Moor.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Greenfinch, Common chaffinch, Rook, Raven, Common buzzard, Stonechat, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Willow warbler, European robin, Common blackbird, Barn swallow, Fieldfare, Goldfinch and red grouse.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a really good walk, and learned that the fell racers had completed a 14 mile race with over 4000' of climb, I don't think doing a fell race would ever get on my "bucket list", if I decided to make one.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Netherton Hall in Frodsham, where thankfully the Lees Bitter was once more available to revive us (our legs had stiffened up, and we all hobbled in like three old men! I suppose we should in reality admit that is what we are!)

Dates and Walks June 2019

Saturday 1st June 2019.

Y Foel.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Mill Street (A539), riverside car park, Llangollen. Pay and display car park adjacent to the Ponsonby Arms. Grid ref: SJ216421 (LL20 8RY).
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley.
The walk explores the upland area to the south of Llangollen. The route visits the summit of y Foel and the remains of Biddulph Tower. We should get good views in all directions from this point. The return route inludes using a the North Berwyn Way from Vivod Mountain. This will the first time we have used this section of the North Berwyn Way as it heads north east towards Ffynnon-las Wood.

Wednesday 5th June 2019.

Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Llangwyfan Forestry Car Park. Grid ref: SJ139668.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk that we haven't done for several years. After climbing Moel Arthur it takes a path along the west side of Plas-yw, heads over Bryn-ffynnon before following a path past Pen-y-bryn on the east side of Penycloddiau. Penycloddiau is then traversed from North to South back to the start.
This can be quite an exhilarating walk as it explores the foothills east of the main Clwydian Hills. On occasions sections of the path have proved to be somehat boggy, but at ths time of the year it shouldn't be a problem.

Saturday 8th June 2019.

Holyhead Breakwater Country Park and South Stack.

Distance:10 miles. Climb:1326'.

Start: Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (Pay and Display). SH225833

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This is another walk that has become an annual favourite. Along the coastal section there should be  good chances of seeing Choughs, Guillemots, Razorbills and even Puffins. Bring binoculars if you can. If time and energy reserves allow we may visit the summit of Holyhead Mountain.

As we start at the Country park, we will again do the walk in a clockwise direction, finishing the  walk along the Coastal Path.
Wednesday 12th June 2019.
Vivod and Vivod Mountain.

Distance:10 -11 miles.

Climb: 2000'
Start: Llantysilio Green car park.Grid ref: SJ198433. This is a National Trust Pay and Display Car Park, so bring  your membership card with you if you have one.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk explores hills South of Llantysilio Green, using lots of quiet country roads, particularly at the start, where we follow the steep road from tha A5 past Plas-yn-Vivod, associated with Richard Ellerton, William Wagstaff and Thomas Brassey in he mid-nineteen century.
 We have the option of extending the walk a little by visiting Y Foel and the Biddulph Tower as on the first Saturday walk mof the month.
The return rout visits the top of Vivod Mountain and the follows the North Berwyn Way past Ffynnon-las Wood  north east to the Berwyn, Vivod Ceiriog road.
 At this point we can return to the Chainbridge on our usual route, or use minor roads northward all the way to the A5.

Saturday 15th June 2019.

A Rivington Pike and Winter Hill Walk.

Distance: 8-9miles.1500'.

Distance: 8-11 miles. Climb: 1300'

Start: Car park and picnic site, Rivington Park Lower Barn. Grid ref: SD628138.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.
This is another walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". He describes the walk as a generally easy walk on good tracks throughout, and is a trek through history. Weather permitting, we should get good views of the Darwen Moors.
The last time we did this walk was in November 2010, where if I remember correctly it was clear blue skies, but very cold.
  It is possible that a variation on this route will be followed, if our local friends are able to join us.

Wednesday 19th June 2019.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge and More.


Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1300'.



Start: Lay-by on the  Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. Approaching Loggerheads on the A549, Mold to Ruthin Road and after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a building site), take the next road on the right just before the newsagent. The lay-by is almost immediately on the right by the telephone kiosk.




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

Saturday 22nd June 2019.




Wylfa, Cemlyn Bay and More.


Distance: 9 miles.

Climb:750'.

Start: Mynydd Wylfa LNR Car park. Grid ref: SH356937.

This walk combines one walk from each of the books by Carl Rogers on walks on the Anglesey coast. This walk explores the coast to the West of the power station. It will also allow us to explore he area around "the lagoon" nature reserve. If time allows it will also allow us to explore again the Mynydd Wylfa LNR. Don't forget to bring binoculars with you.

Wednesday 26th June 2019

Prestatyn, Talacre and The Point of Ayr.




Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 200'.



Start at Prestatyn Barkby Beach.. I suggest that you park at Beach Hotel car park, (£2-50 less than 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 17-10, and is about 23.7'. so We will 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. 


Saturday 29th June 2019.

Shining Tor and the Goyt Valley.
10 miles. Climb: 2000'.

Start: St. Mary's Church Car park, Taxal. Grid ref: SK006797. This is a car park with an honesty box donation, that can be used by walkers, providing there isn't a function like a wedding taking place.

If we are unable to park a the church, we will use a layby on the A5004, South of Horwich End. Grid ref: SK008798.

Leave Chester 08-30 am.

This is walk that we haven't done for quite some time, March 2007.

The walk is taken from Mark Richard's book " High Peak Walks". This is a varied vwalk, including  a ridge walk along Windgather Rocks and the climb to the summit of Shining Tor. The return route descends to the Goyt Valley past Errwood and Fernilee Reservoirs.

Gwydir Forest With Extras From Llanrwst 4th May 2019

Pont fawr at Llanwst.

Llanrwst from the bowling green in the Gwydir Forest.

This how the bowling green in the Gwydir Forest would have appeared when used in defiance of Henry VIII.

Admiring one of the better sculptures (The spur) on the Sulpture Trail in the Gwydir Forest.

Time for a rest!

Moel Siabod.

The Glyders and Tryfan.

Snowdonia from near Llyn Glangors.

Bluebells in the wood as we descended to Llanrychwyn.

Time for refection at at Llanrychwyn.

Happy forager - breakfast in the making.

More Bluebells as we approached Whitebarn.

The Gower footbridge at Llanrwst.

Walk stats: distance 9.8 miles (10.5 miles on my newest GPS.) Climb: 1663'.

Time: 6 hours 3 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Jim and Ed.

Overall this was a good day for walking, many sunny spells, a cool breeze at times and quite warm when the trees protected us from the wind.

 Ed persuaded us to start the walk by taking the Sculpture Trail and some pieces were pretty good and the skills of the craftsmen good be seen. The Spur was probably the best and the piano the worst. Having seen them once they won't be on my "must visit again list".

 Heading along the Llyn y Parc towards Llyn sarnau always gives good views towards Moel Siabod and Snowdonia and some of the tops were decked in snow.

 Lunch was taken at the picnic site at Llyn Sarnau where we sat in warm sunshine with views across the lake towards the hills.

 One of the best views sen on the walk was just after cross the dam at Llyn Glangors, where Sowndon, the Glyders and Tryfan could easily be identified.

  Descending through woodland towards Llanrychwyn we encountered our best display of Bluebells and heard distant call from a Cuckoo. In fact we continued to hear the Cuckoo calling all the way down the track until we reached Llanrychwyn.

 As we approached Whitebarn we saw even better displays of Bluebells and Ramsons too.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Mute swan, Barn swallow, Sand martin, Herring gull, Grey heron, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Common blackbird Chaffinch, Blackcap, Wood warbler, Canada goose, Stonechat, Meadow pipit, Grey wagtail and Cuckoo.

 Overall a really good walk enjoyed by all, not many walkers seen, but plenty of dog walkers and even more mountain bikers.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bluebell In at Halkyn, where the Gwynt y Draig, Black Dragon Cider and Lees Bitter went down well.