Walks and Dates February 2016

Walks Updated 16-50 on Monday 17th February 2016.
Celia -latest (19/02/2016)
Celia has had the plaster removed from her arm and has been told to get on with using it as nuch as she can.
She says visitors are still welcome, but there is a good chance that she will be able to make the tea.
She would lkie to theank everyone for their kind words and messages.
Celia's mobile may not be working for a short time, so if you need to contact her, use her landline number or e-mail.
Thursday 4th February 2016.

Annual Meal and Walk - Boathouse, Parkgate the elbow.

The Walk.

Distance: 5 miles. Climb: 150'.
Start: The Boathouse Parkgate, car park. Grid ref: SJ275787.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
The walk sets off from the Boathouse car park towards the Old Baths car park and along the quay wall past the golf course. At the end we will head North up the road as far as the Wirral Way. We will follow the Wirral Way Eastward past Parkgate as far as Moorside. Initially we can use footpaths from the Wirral Way through Moorside to reach houses in Moorside. A short section left and then right through the estate will lead us back to the shore at Parkgate. A short stroll along the front will take us back to the car park. I anticipate that we will arive back at the Boathouse at about 13-00.
Bring binoculars with you if you have them.
 We will probably stop for a drink at about 11-15. I suggest you bring a drink with you and a snack if you think you need it to put you on until the main meal at about 13-30.
I anticipate that we will arive back at the Boathouse at about 13-00 to give us time to change out of our walking gear.

If you are just coming just for the meal, I suggest you arrive at between 13-00 to 13-15.

Saturday 6th February 2016.

Caer Drewyn, Pen-y-Pigyn and an on to Cynwyd.

Distance: 8 miles; Climb:1000'.

Start: Corwen centre car park next to the Public Convenience. Grid Ref: SJ080435.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines to walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" with a there and back extension to Cynwyd. The visit of Caer Drewyn is described as enchanting and the second walk as being a delightful walk through the wooded hillside above Corwen and concludes with lovely walk alongside the River Dee.

Thursday 11th February 2016.

Around the Little Orme to Rhos On Sea.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 700'.

Start: Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.

This has become a regular walk at any time of the year, but it will be the first time that we have done it February. The views from the top of the Little Orme are always superb, but the main reason for doing the walk so early in the year is to see if there are any Seals around Porth Dyniewaid.

Bring binoculars with you if you have them.

Saturday 13th February 2016.

A Pen-y-Bwlch Gwyn Round. 
Postponed, see below for alternative.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 2000'.

Start: Pont y Bala Car Park. Grid ref: SH929362.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This is another walk from Dave Berry's book"Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn".

He describes it as a walk through the hills north of Bala. It skirts a prominent hill called Moel Emoel. but perhaps we may be able to reach its summit! The open hill section he advises is for "experienced walkers only and should be avoided in poor visibility!" Last time we didn't read the small print and as it suggested route finding at the North end of the walk isn't easy, especially when the paths aren't well used across the moors. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and we will have good views all day!

 When we did this walk in 2011 we saw Red kites, so bring your binoculars with you ifyou have them.

Alternative Walk.

Connah's Quay Docks to Chester.

Distance 10 miles. Climb:100'.
I intend to catch the No. 11 Chester to Holywell bus (leaving Chester at 09-30) , alight at the Hare and Hounds, Connah's Quay and walk back to Chester along the Coastal Path and Cycle Way back to Chester. I may change my mind and use the Coastal Path all the way back to Chester. This will allow me to try my new boots out without getting them muddy!

Thursday 18th February 2016.

Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1000' at a guess.

Start: Boncyn Foel-bach Forest Car Park Grid ref: SJ055520. This is on the B5105 Ruthin to Clawdd Newydd road.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  I have only done this walk once before starting from this car park and that was more than 10 years ago. It is described as being a varied walk through forest, quiet lanes, including one that was used on a pilgrims' route and an attractive riverside path.

 Part of the route, particularly sections of the riverside path have in the past been rather boggy (Remembered from it being on walks starting from Melin-y-Wig). The section through the forest can be boggy too. The only other thing I remember about this walk is that the final section involves climbing out of the valley upto the car park - not the most ideal way to end a walk.

Saturday 20th February 2016.

Rhos-on-Sea, Bryn Euryn and Coed Pwllcrochan.

Postponed

Distance: 12 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Roadside parking on Marine Drive in Rhos-on-Sea, near to St., Trillo's Church. Grid ref: SH841811. It may may be better to park in Trillo Avenue, opposite the church.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
This walk combines three walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llandudno and Prestatyn".

One is described as a varied walk exploring the hinterland behind Rhos-on-Sea and includes the hillfort in Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve. The other walk offers panoramic views as it meanders through the undulating countryside bordering on Mochdre, Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea.
 I'm sure that a few short cuts will  e made to ensure that distance will be closer to our usual 10 miles.

Thursday 25th February 2016.

Puddington and Shotwick

Distance: 10 miles.Climb: 380'

Start: Lay-by on Parkgate Road (A540) just North West of the Yacht Inn. Grid ref:: SJ354733.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m. I'm sure the unpleasant smell experienced in 2011 will have dispersed by now!

This walk combines two walks from Anthony Annakin-Smith's book "Wirral Walks".  I've been hoping to include the Shotwick walk on the list for some time, but the need to find a suitable start point and the need to negotiate busy roads have put me off in the past.  At times care will be needed as we have to negotiate busy roads and locating a suitable lunch spot may be challenging too.  These walks allow us to explore the villages of Shotwick and Puddngton, both recorded in the Doomsday Book.  Hopefully we will also visit the site of Shotwick Castle too, although I don't think there is much evidence to  see!

Saturday 27th February 2016.

Clip-y-Orsedd and The Druid Circle.
This walk will probably be replaced by the walk planned for the 20th February 2016.

Distance:10 miles. Climb:1800'.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
Start: Car park behind the bank in Llanfairfechan. Turn right of Village Road. Grid ref:SH682747.
his walk uses two walks Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast." These two walks combine to make one of my favourite walks in this area as they explore the hills behind Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr. We will visit the impressive Druids' Stone Circle, but how much further we go will depend on the day and the weather.