The group at the Pen y Ball Monument.
Snowdonia from the Pen y Ball Monument.Walk stats: Distance: 9. 7 miles; Climb:1167'.
Time: 4 hours 35 minutes; Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave J., Celia, Annie H., Sue and Michel P.
This walk was completed throughout in bright sunshine. I was thankful that I was wearing my new reactalight glasses and they worked well! Despite the sunshine temperatures were on the cool side, never rising above zero Celsius, and at times I'm sure felt more like minus five Celsius or even cooler. However we managed to get a little shelter from the wind, and Sue revived us with some superb homemade Stolon cake, and Michel revived our spirits with a tot or two (for some) of slow gin!
Back to the walk, the ground underfoot was frozen, but we still had to take care crossing the muddy sections! Too often the frozen surface gave way under our weight and it was just as muddy beneath. These problems were only on a short section as we approached Holywell racecourse. Views from Holywell Common and the Pen y Ball Monument were outstanding with the Snowdonia mounts clearly in view from Moel Siabod, Snowdon, the Glyders, Tryfan and the Carneddau all there to see. This was all the more amazing where near to the Dee estuary was shrouded in mist and the Wirral had disappeared all together.
Birds seen or heard today included, Nuthatch, Great spotted woodpecker, Blue tit, Great tit, Wren, Magpie, Fieldfare, possibly Redwing, Blackbird, Sparrowhawk, Robin and Buzzard.
As is normally the case when we walk in this areas, after walk drinks were enjoyed in that wonderful Lees hostelry, the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. The Lees bitter once again being in fine fettle.
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