Limekilns, Quarries and More from the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, 5th March 2015

Walking around the ramparts of Moel-y-Gaer at Rhosesmore.

Panorama from the Kame at Moel-y-Crio - looking towards Clwydian Hills.

Panorama from the Kame at Moel-y-Crio - looking towards Moel-y-Crio and Halkyn Mountain.

Hatching a plot at the Waenbrodlas limekilns?

Pen yr Henblas Quarry from the South.

Phil pointing out some fresh water mussels in a pool in Pen yr Henblas Quarry.

"Move over, it's my (Annie's) turn now".

Young lambs at Midlist Farm, Halkyn

Walk stats: Distance: 10.6 miles. Climb: 1641'.

Time: 5 hours 12 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group; Martyn. Sue and Michel, Phil, Celia, Annie and Wendy.

 A relatively early start, we were on our way well before 10-00 a.m., our usual aim to start by time. Overall a very dry day, and even the expected muddy matches were quite dry. Not much Sun and the cool wind made sure we had no chance of over heating!

 We had frequent good views, especially from the Kame at Moel-y-Crio and the trig point on Halkyn Mountain. Views across the Dee estuary showed Parkgate to be having more sunshine than us.

 At lunch time, we had to shelter from the wind in mine workings on the South side of Pen yr Henblas Quarry.

 At this point I realised we would get back to the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn too early avail ourselves of their hospitality, so I had to think of ways to extend the walk slightly wherever the opportunity arose! We ended up exploring inside the Pen yr Henblas Quarry from both of its possible entry points. Amongst the quarry spoils we saw several samples of rocks with patterns and markings that didn't exactly look like fossils but were just as beautiful.

  Arriving back at the twin masts, we were still too early, so I had to add another short extension that took us past the primary school, clay pigeon shoot and Midlist Farm.

 This extension enabled us to see the new born lambs in the fields next to Midlist Farm. These were the youngest lambs that we have seen on walks this year.

 We eventually arrived back at the Blue Bell Inn, just before 15-00, just about perfect timing!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Chaffinch, House sparrow, Song thrush, Common blackbird, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Dunnock, European robin and Sparrowhawk.

 After walk drinks enjoyed today included Purple Moose's "Calon Lan Bitter", brewed each year at the time of the Six Nations Rugby.