Dates and Walks May 2009

Updated 22nd May 2009.

Good News

Avis (Fran and Catherine's mother) has been allowed home.

and

Congratulations to the Ravazzolos.

Fran and Tito are hot footing it to Italy to see their grandson (born yesterday).

Saturday 2nd May 2009.
The Lawley and Caer Caradoc.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:2000'.
Start:Church Stretton centre car park (pay and display). Grid ref:SO454911.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

It's Dotterel time again, so this is another walk that may give us the chance of seeing them again. The walk combines two walks taken from Ian Jones' booklet "20 Walks From Church Stretton".It is a walk that we first did in 1998 and have done several times seince then. This is a superb walk, especially on a good day. It is the nearest that you can get to a ridge walk, particularly along the Lawley!

Monday 4th May 2009.
The Great Orme and More.

Distance:9 miles; Climb:1800'.
Start: Roadside parking on Llandudno West Shore near play area and PC. Grid ref:SH773819.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Always a good walk and one I never tire of doing. In the main we should avoid the throngs of tourists except when we are near the summit trig point. Again there is a chance of seeing Dotterel!

Thursday 7th May 2009.

Coed Pen-y-Gelli and the Gorsedd Round - the Bluebell Walk.

Distance: 12 miles; Climb:1500'. Start: Roadside parking in the quiet lane by the Rock Inn, Gorsedd. Grid ref:SJ144765.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk is two weeks earlier than last year, so hopefully we catch the Bluebells at their best!

Saturday 9th May 2009.
The Big Moor, Curbar.

Distance: 9-00 miles; Climb:2000+'.
Start:National Trust Car Park at Curber Gap. SK263747.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is one taken from Bob Harris's book "Walks in the Ancient Peak District" It explores areas of the Peak District not covered on our previous walks, especially the higher White Edge on Big Moor. The walk gives us the opportunity to seek out ancient sites such as the Hukling Stone and a Stone Flat Circle.

Thursday 14th May 2009.

On the Pilgrims' Trail and Derwen.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb:1500'.

Start:Melin-y-Wig, by the notice board or up the road on the bend by the footpath sign. Grid ref:SJ487040.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". This is a lovely walk that in the past we have done in the Winter months when it has been wet underfoot and pouring with rain too. Perhaps completing the walk in Spring will show the riverside walk in it best light. We should also have time to explore two Medieval churches, part of the Pilgrims Route from St., Winifred's Well, Holywell to St., David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire.

Saturday 16th May 2009.

Ragleth Hill and Bowdler Hill.

Distance:8+ miles; Climb:2000+'. Start:Church Stretton centre car park (pay and display). Grid ref:SO454911. Leave Chester 8-00 a.m. Another two walks from Ian Jones' booklet "20 walks from Church Stretton". The walk across the ridge of Ragleth Hill has always looked inviting and the views across Church Stretton should give us a different prospect of the Long Mynd. If it is possible w will attempt o cross Hazler Hill with its mast, but I think the summit itself will be off limits. Hope Bowdler has always looked good when we have have walked alongh Caer Caradoc. What ascebnt er do wil be decide on our approch. It is still Bluebell time so we'll have another chance to them in their glory.

Thursday 21st May 2009.

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer.

Distance:7-8 miles; Climb:1760'.
Start: Roadside parking close to PC on the beach road at Craig y Don.Grid ref:SH799822.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
Always a good walk. This walk is becoming an annual event in search of orchids and possible seal sightings. The views across the bay to the Great Orme are stunning.

Saturday 23rd May 2009.
Bincliff and Thors Cave.

Distance:11 miles;Climb:1500'.

Start:Wetton Village Car park. Grid ref: SK108552. Leave Chester 8-00 a.m. This walk was originally planned for 7th February 2009. It combines two walks from Mark Richard's book "White Peak Walks - Southern Dales". It is a long time since we first visited Thors cave, so it will be good to explore it again. The Bincliff walk is a new one to me. New walks are always a bonus.

Thursday 28th May 2009

Cwm Dulas and Gopa Wood.

(I am away camping! Dave J has the route directions. As I am away and can not coordinate the transport, it was decided that the easiest solution was to meet at the Pelisiers and decide how many cars would be needed, remembering of course that Richard will be at the Britannia!

Distance:9 miles; Climb;1400'.
Start:Pensarn Beach Car Park, Abergele. Near PC block. Grid ref:SH942786
Leave Chester 9-0 a.m.
This is another one of our favourite walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". Walks by the sea are always special. Perhaps we can explore the Gopa Wood a little more extensively than we have in the past.

Saturday 30th May 2009.
The High Peak Trail, Tissington Trail and Biggin Dale.

Distance:12 miles; Climb:1200'.
Start: Hartington Old Station. Grid ref:SK149321.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Mark Richard's book "White Peak Walks - Southern Dales". It is a long time since we have completed these walks and should be a gentle stroll through beautiful countryside.