Harris Hikers Adventures (stll solo for some) Saturday 4th July 2020

A Saltney Ferry Footbridge and Old Dee Bridge Round.

The view south west from The Cop on Sealand Road, Chester.

Looking along New Crane Wharf, part of the Chester Riverside Promenade.

Looking across The Roodee Racecourse with Grosvenor Road Bridge and th Handbridge Water Tower on the right.

The Groves from the Old Dee Bridge.

A slightly dfferent view of the weir and The Groves.

Black headed gulls taking a trip on a boat as the tide is rising.

Grey heron perched in a tree opposite our lunch spot in Edgars Field.

A family of Mute swans can be seen through the arch.  Not easy  to see, but they are there!

At least you can tell that they are Mute swans now.

The Grey heron on the bank of the River Dee opposite  Saltney Quay.

Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 172'.

Time: 4 hours 19 minutes.

Group: Martyn and Roger.

Roger joined me at The Riverside on River Lane, Saltney so that he could complete a slightly longer circuit than the last time.

It started to rain, just as i was leaving my house, so my umbrella had to be deployed, but thankfully it was only needed until I got as far as Stone Bridge. It was pleasantly warm for walking with an intermittent breeze that helped us as we headed along the Wales Coast Path towards Chester.

It didn't seem quite so busy with cyclist today, and most had bells and used them as they approached. a few walkers, dog walkers and joggers were out as well and they too were well behaved.

Not many birds about either, but those we did see or hear included: House sparrow, Common starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Common blackbird, Barn swallow, House martin, Chiffchaff, Common whitethroat, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Oystercatcher, Lesser black back gull, Winter wren, Black headed gull, Mallard, Grey heron, Carrion crow, and Mute swan (probably the spot of the day, especially when it was identified as a pair with at least two cygnets).

As we went passt the Ship inn on nthe Handbridge side of the river we noticed it was open and had a few customers, but certainly wasn't over run with desparate drinkers. I might have been temped to call in for a pint of real ale, but having left my wallet at home it was no longer an option.  Soup in Edgars Field wil have to do.

We had lunch, using one of the many benches in Edgars Field and it from this position that we could see the swans through the arch of the Old Dee Bridge.

Roger's spot of the day was seeing a brown butterfly by the path as we headed towards Saltney Quay.  When it eventually stopped on a plant and we could take a closer look, it turned out to be a Ringlet.

The tide was still rapidly rising as we headed along the Wales Coast Path, and had just topped the weir when we arrived at the Old Dee Bridge. By the time we see the river from the path adjacent to the Chester Golf Course, the tide had turned.

After passing Saltney Quay and reaching River Lane, Roger went left heading for home and I turned right to complete my usual round.

Ed's Welsh Wanders.

A 5 mile Nip Around Nant-y-Glyn.

Guinnea fowl and Ponies.

The Old Water Works.

Nant Y Glyn Valley.

The cows were mainly sitting down, it was damp in the air so the proverb could be true or they might just be resting and chewing their cuds.