Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest 29th May 2021

Macclesfield Forest from Tegg's Nose.

Who's that in the  crane?

Bluebells on the south west slopes of Tegg's Nose.

Tegg's Nose from the south.

Tegg's Nose from Hacked Way.

Bluebells in the north side of Macclesfield Forest.

I've had better views from my lunch spot!

The view across the calm waters of Ridgegat reservoir.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 1690'.

Time: 5 hours 24 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h ,
Temperature: 18.8 Celsius at Trentabrook Visitor Centre Picnic Site at about 12-45. 21.1 Celsius on Saddle Way at about 14-45.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2. Mainly calm and occasionally, light air and briefly gusting to a light breeze on Saddle Way.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

Largely overcast and at times rather humid, particularly in the morning as we headed along  Teggsnose Reservoir towards Five Ashes and through Macclesfield Forest.

We headed through Tegg's Nose Quarry, where we saw the Buxton Mountain Rescue Team about to start a training exercise.

Our biggest surprise of the day was seen some superb displays of Bluebells throughout Teggsnose Wood and later.

As we descended Tegg's Nose, a Nordic walking group were heading for the top, and throughout the morning until we reached Forest Chapel they kept on overtaking us after we passed them when they were waiting for their slower members to catch up.

Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Jackdaw, Skylark, Carrion crow, Common pheasant, Common blackbird, Song thrush, Rook, Mallard, Coot, Great crested grebe, Tufted duck, Barn swallow and Canada goose.

Lunch was taken at the Macclesfield Forest Trentabank Visitor Centre, where were were able to enjoy using the picnic tables for our leisurely lunch break.

We arrived back at the cars, having had an enjoyable walk, glad to take our boots off and looking forward to refreshments at the Morris Dance at Kelsall.

We sat outside and enjoyed sampling either a Three Tuns brew or one from Wincle Brewery (Hen Cloud). The pot of tea went down well too.

The Gop, Golden Grove and Sea Views 26th May 2021

At The Gop cairn.

Is that Moel Famau in the distance?

An historical cave below The Gop, but no-one seems interested!

"I don't believe it - two red blobs approaching!"

Lunch time on the long bence at Gwaenysgor.

A Common spotted orched next to the path on our walk today.

Looking towards the coast on our way to the Golden Grove.

Final views of Moel Famau.

Distance: 7.3 miles. Climb: 1161'.
Time: 4 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 13.4 Celsius at Gwaenysgor.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0-2. Calm to light air and gustingn to light breeze.
Group: Martyn, David S, Ed, Fran and Mike.

A good day for walking, largely overcast with minimal sunshine and at times with a coolish north westerly breeze.

An unusual walk in that for one reason or another we ended taking to "short cuts", but in the ended it suited us call as we ended the walk early enough for most of to visit the Britannia Inn at Halkyn for a celebratory drink, Lees Bitter for most and a coffee for DS.

A slower than usual overall average walking rate, but I put that down to having ten minute chat to a friendly farmer and a longer than usual lunch break at Gwaenysgor, wher we ended up sharing the wall in the Memorial Garden.

Distant views weree somewhat misty although we couls still make out Moel Famau being threated by a cloud ready to engulf the top on the top. Moel Siabod at one point could be made out and as usual we had good views over Prestatyn towards Barkby Beach and the Irish Sea.

This is quite a varied walk a few ups but with plenty of opportunities to recover with flat sections and  downs.

Birds seen and heard today included: Common blackbird, Goldfinch, Song thrush, Barn swallow, House martin, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Common buzzard, Common whitethroat, European robin, Common Chaffinch, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven and Skylark.

It was good to see lots of flowers on display including: Common spotted orchid, Bluebells and Red valerian.

Overall an enjoyable walk, leaving us with the challenge to remove the remains of sheep dropping from the treads of our boots with its reluctance to let go of your boot.

Harris Hikers Socially Distance Walks May 2021

 

Assuming all goes according to plan in relation to Covid-19 Infection rates, then the Welsh Government has proposed that Organised Outdoor Activites will be allowed to take place from the 26th April 2021 with upto 30 allowed.
Welsh Covid-19 rules still apply:- registering the intent to walk with the walk organiser, keeping socially distancing on the walk and going to the start of the walk independently. Bring a face covering, just in case it is required.

Saturday 1st May 2021

Grinllwm.

Distance: 8 miles; Climb:1400'.

Start:Llanrwst Plas yn Dre car park. Grid ref:SH796618
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is another walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley".  In the past we have often extended the walk by going to Llyn Gerionydd, but this time I thought the shorter walk would be better for starters. It is a walk of great variety and includes two waterfalls and the remote ancient Llanrhychwyn church and the outlying hill of Grinllwm. In the past we have heard Cuckoos calling on this walk.

Those planning to walk: Martyn and Roger. 

Thursday 6th May 2021.

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer.

 This is change of day from the normal Wednesday in the hope that we won't get wet!

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 800'.

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

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This has become a regular walk at any time of the year, but at this time of the year. When we did this walk last year we did see see Seals around Porth Dyniewaid, so hopefully they will be there this year as well.  The views from the top of the Little Orme are always superb. This is always an enjoyable walk whatever time we do it.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Sue and Michel, David S and Fran 

Saturday 8th May 2021.

A Walk Around the Great Orme.

Distance: 8-10 miles, but will be decided on the day.

Climb: 500'-1000', depending on the route we take.

Start at Llandudno West shore. Roadside parking near the boating lake. Grid ref: SH771820.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

Wednesday 12th May2021.

Coed Pen-y-Gelli, Pantasaph and Gorsedd.

Distance: 7 - 9 miles. Climb:700 -800’.

Start: Roadside parking at Lloc. If approaching from Holywell on the A5026, turn left by the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. Park in left. If approaching on the A5026 from its nearest junction with the A55 (Prestatyn junction), Turn right in front of the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. This is just after the the Pant Y Wacco sign and the road starts to bear left. St Asaph Road is one way and can only be approached from then A5026.

Grid ref:SJ145765.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. This is one of our annual Bluebell Wood walks. It is a figure of eight walk based on Lloc. The walk is all of the Coed Pn-y-gelli walk taken from Dave Berry's booklet " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain." This would be a about 7 miles. If there are any takers, the short extension goes to Pantasaph, onto Carmel and long the road  through Gorsedd back to the start.

Whn I last did this walk on 25th April, the Bluebells were just starting to show,so hopfuly today there will be a good display.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Sue and Michel, Wendy

Saturday 15th May 2021.

Gwydir Forest from Llanwrst.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Start: Plas yn Dre,Riverside car Park, Llanrwst . Grid ref: SH795617.
The walk is taken from Carl Roger's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley. It is described as a
moderately strenuous route exploring the Eastern sectrions of the forest with its many lakes.
It follows mainly good forest tracks and paths.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed.

Wednesday 19th May 2021.

Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.

Distance: 7-9 miles. Climb: 1380'.
Start: Llangwyfan Forestry car park: SJ138668
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills". This area of the Clwydians has so much to offer, and Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau are particularly good. On a good day the views from both hill forts are superb.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Sue and Michel, Mike, Fran.

Saturday 22nd May 2021.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

This walk replaces the Porth-Llwyd Falls walk below.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb:1250'.Start: Pensarn Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH944787. Park near the PC block as we will be heading South towards the centre of Abergele.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.This walk is by Debbie Hamelton and starts in the centre of Abergele, but we will start on the coast. This will extend the walk by about 2 miles. The main walk is described as exploring the beautiful North Wales countyside South of Abergele. The outward route passes a well preserved watch tower.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed and Mike.

Porth-Llwyd Falls, Cwm Port-Llwyd and Moel Eilio.

Postponed until later in the year.

Distance:10.3  miles; Climb: 2100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Dolgarrog next to the Dam Disaster Memorial. Grid ref:SH767686
Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". One walk he describes as a demanding 3 mile walk ascending the steep wooded slopes above Dolgarrog and includes a waymarked trail commemorating the 1925 dam disaster. The second walk explores remote upland valleys using an old 2' narrow railway track and returns across Moel Eilio ridge. The final part of this walk passes Porth-Llwyd Falls, a popular attraction with Victorian visitors.

Upto six or upto 30 for organised groups.

Wednesday 26th May 2021.

Gop Hill, Golden Grove and Sea Views.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1300'.
Start: Llanasa, opposite the church and pub. Grid ref: SJ106815.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines one walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" with a walk from Bob Harris's book "Walks in Ancient Wales". One walk is described as an exhilarating walk with breathtaking contrasting views and the other visits the ancient sites, including the cairn on Gop Hill. 

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Mike, David S, Fran.

Saturday 29th May 2021.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

 Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1913'.
Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m. 

It only takesabout an hour to get there.
This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list but normally in Winter. It is useful to bring binoculars just in case we get a chance to see the Summer visiting bird..

Planning to walk today: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

Moelfre Isaf and More from Abegele 22nd May 2021

A Mute swan in Pentre Mawr Park, Abergele.

A Coot family in Pentre Mawr Park, Abergele.

At Tower Hill.

Looking toward vthe coast from Tower Hill.

At the trig point on Moefre Isaf.

The watch tower on Tower Hill.

Bluebells in the the wood at Pen-y- graig.

Looking across Abergele beach towards the Great Orme. 

Wind noise takes over from the sound of the waves on Pensarn Beach, Abergele.
Distance: 10.6 miles. Climb: 1425' / 1571. Depending on GPS readings.

Time: 5 hours 7 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk averag: 2.0 m.p.h.
Temperature: 8.2 Celsius at trig point on Moefre Isa and 14.6 Celsius at Pensarn Beach at the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: 4.  Moderate breeze at the trig point on Moelfre Isaf.

This was a good day for walking, cool and breezy at first but it wasn't long before we were discarding outer layers and reaching for sun hats.

As expected we experienced the coolest temperature and stongest winds at the trig point on Moelfre Isaf, but it also gave us the bonus of seeing and hearing several Skylarks singing.

We had godd views from Moefre Isaf, especially towards the sea.

Lunch eas taken in a a quarried area near bthe road, north north of  the trig point on Moelfre Isaf,  sheltering from the cool north westerly breeze.

After lunch, it was a steady discent, but gave us plenty of opportunities to test out our boots and enjoy slithering through muddy paths. Thanfully we had the4 opportunity to stand in a steam and remove most of the mud. Surprisingly the water in the stream felt pleasantly warm.

Towards the end of the walk, we meandered through the steets of Abergele, trying not to get to the start too soon as Ed was going for his second jab just after 15-00.

Birds see or heard today included: Common blackbird, Common coot, Mute swan, Mallard Moorhen, Barn swallow, Chiffchaff, Willoe warbler, European robin, Common kestrel, Commom buzzard, Greenfinch, Common pheasant, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Jackdaw and Skylark. Overall an enjoyable walk, celebrated with Lees bitter and Black Dragon Cider at the Blue Bell in Halkyn by two of the group.

Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur 19th May 2021

Starting along the forest track through Coed Llangwyfan on the way to Penycloddiau.

The advanced party waiting for us!

Moel Arthur and Moel Famau from Penycloddiau.

The descent of Penycloddiau, looking towards Moel y Parc.

Our lunch spot.

Plenty of Bluebells seen on the western side of the track near or lunch spot.

Fran's Cuckoo Calling

Fran at the summit cairn on Moel Arthur - the rst of the group were hurriedly putting on their waterproofs  but was it really necessary!

Snowdonia on the skyline.

Snowdonia on the skyline.

Distance: 8.3 miles. Climb: 1434'.
Time: 4 hours 25 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall wal average: 19 m.p.h.
Temperature: 11.2 - 14.6 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 1, gusting to 3. Light air to a gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn, Ed, Fran, Mike, Sue and Michel.

Initially I had hoped that this would be the first walk that Dave J had planned to join us, but unfortunately he had to pull out when his sciatica flared up. Hopefully it won't be too long before he is able to join us.

This was a good day for walking, mainly dry, lots of sunny periods and a cooling breeze. I decided that the walk would be in an anticlockwise direction. The last time we did that at this time of the year, I was able to see, hear and take a photo of a Cuckoo. We weren't that lucky this year, but we did hear the Cuckoo persistingly calling just afyter lunch. Ed thought he had also seen it.

However as we crossed Penycloddiau we were serenaded by Skylarks and saw at least four. We also saw Meadow pipits, including one displaying its  charactereistic parachute discent.

Birds seen or heard today included: Willow warbler, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Raven, Winter wren, Common whitethroat, Common pheasant, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch and a Red legged partridge (seen on the road as we approached the car park.

Lunch was taken near to the track on the west side of Moel Arthur where several tree had been felled and we could use the felled trunks to sit on. It proved a good choice as it had started to rain, but the canopy of the trees meant we didn't get wet.

Distant views weren't very good, but improved considerably, just as we were decending Moel Artthur to wards the Coed llangwyfan Car Park.

After walk drinks were celebrated at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, where we received a warm welcome from the landlady and the chef.

We all enjoyed the excellent pint of Lees bitter and it was good to see other locals that had returned to he Brit now that it has been released from its Covid restrictions.

An enjoyable walk with a perfect ending!

 

Gwydir Forest with Ed's Route Adjustments 15th May 2021

Llanrwst from the forest track heading towards Betws-y-coed.

Moel Siabod crowned with cloud.

The view from our lunch spot.

The Song thrush that serenaded us at lunch time.

Llyn Glangors.

Ed on the delightful woodland path on the way towards Llanrhychwyn.

One of the waterfalls seen today, but one that isn't named on the OS map.

Many fallen trees but at least they aren't blocking the flow of the stream.

Not a Bluebell walk, but that were still good to see and smell.

Ramsons, another flower giving off its characteristic garlic odour.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Time: 5 hours 3 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 -1. Calm to light air.
Temperature: 12 - 15 Celsius, although it felt warmer towards the end of the walk.

Group: Martyn and Ed.

We both arrived at the car park in Llanrwst, having not received texts from each other calling off the walk after looking at the latests MET office and BBC weathe forecasts.

Although it was still raining slightly, we decided to walk anyway and put on full waterproofs. that was a mistake, by lunch time I was wet more from the "boil in the bag" syndrome than from the rain. The better option would have been to forget about waterproofs and just use an umbrella during the occasional shower, which I did do for most of the after lunch part of the walk. Towards the end of the walk we did get a very heavy ten minute shower, followed by sunshine and hail together.

Normally on this walk, we would get good views of some of the high peaks of Snowdonia but even Moel siabod was topped in cloud today and we diidn't see any of the others.

Our best views were of the various lakes / reservors that we passed, but they were near views!

Lunch was taken by a small reservoir/ lake on the way to Llyn Glangors. A seat by the lake was must appreciated as we were seranaded by a variety of birds, particularly a Song thrush that sang throughout our lunch from the top of a nearby tree.

Birds seen or heard today includd: Common blackbird, Goosander, Mallard, Herring gull, House sparrow, Pied wagtail, Great tit, Barn swallow, Woodpigeon, Blackcap, Common chaffinch, Greenfinch, Eurasian jay, Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler and Song thrush.

We arrived back at the cars with the Sun blazing down, having had a really good walk and glad that we had not acted on the full of rain weather forecasts and thankful that most of the rain showers on the forecast missed us!

The worst rain I experienced was on my way home, when the rain between Llanddulas and Abergele when the rain was so heavy that the windscreen wipers couldn't cope and most of the cars, including me dropped there speed to below 40 m.p.h.

Thankfully by the time I got to Halkyn, it was sunshine again and I could collect my takeaway of Lees Bitter from the Blue Bell Inn.

Coed Peny-gelli and more 12th May 2021

The first Bluebells seen in Coed Allt-ytywod.

A few more Bluebells seen in Coed Allt-ytywod.

Walking through an avenue of  Bluebells seen in Coed Allt-ytywod.

Views of the Dee Estuary and Hilbre in the distance as we emerged from the north side of Coed Allt-y-tywod.

Dog violets in Coed y Garreg.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 883'.

Bluebells in Coed Pen y gelli.

Lunch time in the Coed Pen y gelli Nature Reserve, but Ed's gone missing!

Cowslips at Gorsedd.

Moel Famau and the Clwydians on the skyline from our walk south of Gorsedd.

Not quite ripe, but stil a Lords and Ladies Plant / Cuckoo Pint.

Time: 4 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Max temperature: 18.2 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2 . Mainly calm with the occasional gust to a very pleasant light breeze.
Group: Martyn, Ed, Sue and Michel and Wendy.

This was the first Bluebell Walk that all Harris Hikers could have come on if they so wished. We only had five takers, but they were rewarded with some fine displays of Bluebells in the three woods visited, Coed Allt-y-tywod, Coed y Garreg and Coed Pen-y-gelli.

We even investigated a path east of the usual path after crosing the A5151 that leads to Crown Wood. It wasn't trampled by cows, so was marginally better than the most direct path, but had the added challenge of more stiles and briers waiting to triping you up.

Coed Allt-y-tywod, the first wood did not disappoint, the display of Bluebells got better and better the further north and east into the wood we got.

Emerging from Allt-y-tywod we had magnificent views over the estuary towards Hilbre and the Wirral.

The second wood, Coed y Garreg wasn't so good, but there were patches of Blubells showing, but much of the north west side of the wood had been felled and looked in a dreadful state. No doubt nature will improve it with time.

Coed Pen y gelli was also pretty good, particularly the sectionof wood north west of the cricket ground.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, House sparrow, Great tit, Collared dove, Dunnock, Barn swallow, Rook, Raven, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, European robin, Song thrush, Blaclcap, Great spotted woodpcker, Woodpigeon, Common starling, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Willow warbler, Common pheasant and Winter wren.

In the morning we had times of dampness / light showers, but never enough to make me get my waterproofs out of my rucksack but I was the only one to remain in shorts, short sleeved shirt and a sunhat throught the walk!

As well as Bluebells, other niteable flowers seen included: Cowslips, Dog violets, Red campion, Early purple orchid and Lorss and Ladies /Cuckoo Pint, Green alkanet, Jack by the Hedge and the not so rare Daisy and Dandelion.  

It was good to see bees around the flowers too.

Lunch was taken at the Coed y gelli Nature Reserve, taking advantage of a limestone ledge that that privided sutable perching spots for every length of leg to rest in comfort.

The only down side to this walk was being back at the cars at 14-05, far too early to head for the Bluebell at Halkyn for a pint of Lees bitter!

The bonus being getting home to clean my boots before it rained again!