The approach to the highest point on Bryn Alyn.
The highest point of the walk on Bryn Alyn Escarpment.
Lunch - after the bubbly and rum flavoured fruit cake!Walk stats: Distance: 6.4 miles; Climb: 1050'.
Time: 3 hours 32 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, birthday boy Richard, Celia, Dave and Sue Pearson, Michel and Sue Pelissier, Fran and Tito
Authorised absences: Catherine, Sylvia and Dave J, Nigel and Elaine Taylor, Dick and Jill.
A later start than usual and slightly shorter than many of a our walks, but this one turned out to be just about right for the occasion. Dry throughout and good views in all directions throughout the walk. The highest point of the day was the limestone escarpments on Bryn Alyn. The descent from this high point started with Michel taking a tumble, followed by Martyn who decided that the only way to continue was to continue to slide down the slope on the slippy glue like surface. Celia was the third one to fall, not something she had planned after her experiences on the walk prior to Christmas, but this time everything seemed O.K.
Much to everyone's surprise lunch was offered at just after 1200 hours, nearly an hour before our normal time, but the leader knew what he was doing. This was going to be the best spot and there were no dissenters! As usual rum flavoured fruit cake was on offer as well as bubbly (supplied and carried by the Pearsons, Richard had another bottle in reserve) in recognition of Richard's 60th birthday. Two more walkers joined us in the celebrations (nationality unknown but believed to be Welsh or Lancastrian, but local to the Hawarden area (at least that's where he played his golf!).
After lunch it was a gentle stroll mainly on minor roads to Llanarmon yn Ial and back to the car park.
Birds seen or heard today were few and far between, but included: Nuthatch, Blackbird and Chaffinch. Were the birds asleep or was it us?
Birthday celebrations were held at the Colomendy Arms (spelled correctly this time!). The best pint of the day was was the Deuchars IPA. The landlady was surprised when birthday boy paid for the first round, but that's tradition for you!
Overall an excellent start to the new year.
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