The Great Northern diver on the Marine lake.
The whole group at the Northern end of the Marine Lake, just before five of the group decided to leave us!
The Memorial on Grange Hill.
Is this really a happy bush?
Hilbre from the trig point on Grange Hill.
The Dee Estuary from the Beacon on Column Road.
Walk stats: Distance: 6.2 miles. Climb: 350'.
Time: 3 hours 3 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Annie, Sue and Michel, David S., Celia, Fran, Tito, Catherine. Sue and Dave P.
This was the first time for long time that the temperature and wind made it feel wearing Winter walking gear and gloves was the right choice. As we arrived at West Kirby the thermometer on the car gave a reading of 2 Celsius and the wind made it feel even cooler.
We set off around the Marine lake in a clockwise direction and it wasn't long before we came across a few twitchers/photographers taking pictures of the Great Northern diver that was only twenty yards or so from the walk way, giving good views even with the naked eye.
Tito and Dave P and the Chester set headed off a little before some of us. We managed to catch Dave P up, but didn't catch Tito up until he decided to wait for us at the end of the Marine Lake. I think he must be practising Nordic walking!
At this point five returned to the cars and six of us set off along the beach towards Hilbre Point. Eventually we arrived at the top of Grange Hill where we had a choice of six benches for our lunch spot. We chose two that gave us good views towards Hilbre and the Dee estuary beyond.
Fruit cake was provided, but that wasn't enough for some, they even took sandwiches!
Birds seen or heard today included: Great Northern diver, Oystercatcher, Eurasian Curlew, Common redshank, Meadow pipit, Feral pigeon, Linnet, Goldfinch, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Tufted duck, Common coot, Moorhen and Mallard.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, where Brimstage brews Trapper's hat and Scarecrow went down well, three decided on hot drinks and Celia as usual had a continental style lager.
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