Halkyn, Limestone and Lead, Moel y Gaer and Cwm Conwy 16th August 2007

On the top of Halkyn Mountain.


On the top of Halkyn Mountain.

Richard assessing the horse whimsey?

Walk stats: 10.4 miles; Climb: 1540'; Time: 5 hours 31 minutes; Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.;
Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave and Sylvua J.

This was a walk starting and finishing at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn - always a special walk!

The weather forecast was just as they said, sunshine and showers, but after lunch (on this occasion taken early at 12-15 p.m.) proved to be sun almost all of the time. This walk is always enjoyable as it meanders over Halkyn Mountain through old mine workings towards towards the radio masts. This time we think, thanks to Dave J, that we found the remains of the old horse whimsey. The views from the top of Moel y Gaer were excellent, and as ever the two donkeys in the old quarry towards Rhosesmore looked in prime condition. One even seemed to wag its tail when Sylvia called out to it. The woodland walk through Cwm Conwy was very pleasant but didn't add to the bird list, although a Buzzard did fly up just as we crossed the stream in to the field. The Water Buffalo in the field near Midlist Farm looked in good condition. Perhaps one of them (a small piece of one) will be on my menu list later in the year!

An excellent pint or two or three was enjoyed at the Britannia Inn. I know Celia will be disappointed to have missed them, but the Boxers were back. Alas not for ever, they were just on holiday! Both mother and son were as friendly as ever, but they seemed to have been de-slobbered!

Birds seen or heard on the walk: Swallow, House Martin, House Sparrow, Stonechat, Bullfinch, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon and Buzzards.

Thanks everyone for the birthday money, it will probably go to buy a new colour printer cartridge and some copy paper. An excellent choice of card, and the answer I should give is Wales, but you all know it has to be Whim Ales Hartington Bitter which is of course comes from England.