Cadair Berwyn from Llandrillo 31st July 2021

Looking northward towards Llandrillo.

We know our route is over there, but it doesn't look too promising.

Bog aspodel.

Crossing the moorland on the west side of Carnedd y Ci.

Just before crossing Nant Cwm Tywell near the sheepdip.

A fingerpost points the wayup Foel Fawr and Cadair Berwyn.

Nigel at the trig point on Caair Berwyn.

At Cadair Berwyn trig point.

Crossing the Cadair Beryn ridge on the way to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd.

Lunch time at the top of BwlchMaen Gwynedd.

Distant views from the path near Moel Pearce on our descent.

Druids at the Bronze Age cairn circle on Moel Ty-uchaf?

No,  an elderly couple and in the centre a couple of teenagers that were enjoying the view and something else that we could smell as we went past them.

Distance: 10.4 miles. Climb: 2480' on one GPS and 2078' on the second GPS.

Time: 7 hours 0 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Max temperature on the way up: 25.2 Celsius. Lowest temperature: 13.2 Celsius o Cadair Berwyn.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Mainly calm/light air/light breeze and gentle breeze at Bwlch Maen Gwynedd.

Group: Martyn and Nigel.

The forecast for today wasn't good, but we were optimistic that the mist/fog/low cloud would lift by the time we got there. it almost did, we didn't get really good views from the Berwyn Ridge, although we did get that magical moment when the cloud /mist lifted and we had a good view south down Cwm Bwlch Maen Gwynnedd.

Our main challenge toay was crossing streams, the Chlochnant, an unnamed stram and Nant Cwm Tywell, but it was the first one that gifted us wet feet for the rest of the day.

The only rain we had, lasted for about half an hour when I had to resort to using my umbrella.

Surprisingly we did see more people on the moors than we expected, a farmer checking his sheep and a group of four walkers on the summit ridge and a lone walker out with his dog.

Conditions were such that we didn't stop for lunch until 14-00, when we dropped down on the south side of Bwlch Maen Gwynedd to get out of the cool wind.

It was while we had lunch that we had some superb views of Red kites, briefly being able to look down on them.

Not many birds seen or heard today but those we did included: Red kite, Common buzzard, Wood nuthatch, Goldfinch and Meadow pipit.

The path we used in descent from Bwlch Maen Gwynedd contouredaround the west of Cadair Bronwen and Moel Pearce, before visiting the Bronze Age cairn curcle on Moel Ty-uchaf.

We arrived back at the car, knowing we had had a good walk lasting exactly 7 hours and with feet still wet.  This didn't bother us, and at least Nigel could put a tick next to Cadair Berwyn on his list of hills/mountains done!

Owan Glyndwr's Mount and Nant Friddisel 28th July 2021

 A long wait for the next train at Carrog Station.

The iew over the River Dee from Owain Glyndwr's Mount.

Owain Glyndwr's Mount see from the A5 south east of the moat.

Looking over the Dee Valley towards the Llantysilio Mountains the path south east of 

Carrog-uchaf.

A little tree cutting has been done in the Carrog Plantation since our last visit in 2017.

Carrog and our final destination for today - the Grouse Inn.

A family of Goosandes on the River Dee, south of Carrog.

Distance: 5 miles. Climb: 974'.

Time: 3 hours 48 minutes. On the move alking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: 22.3 Celsius in the valley and !9.2 Celsius at the highst point of the walk, south east of the Carrog Plantation.

Beaufort wind force: 0 - 2 Calm - ligh air - light breeze.

Group: Martyn and David S.

Both of us arrived early, so we set off in glorious sunshine at about 09-45.  Part of the walk was along the A5, but thankfully thee was a pavement. It was already on the cards that the extension to Moel Ffena was in doubt, so missing a visit to Owain Glyndwr's Mount was a must. This is an interesting little hill described as a moat on the OS map, which must have given good 180 degree views of the Dee Valley.  Unfortunately too many trees have sprouted up to gis us the same views today.

The climb above Carrog-uchaf farm gave us some superb views of the Llantysilo Mountains.

As we contoured around the hillside towards the Carrog Plantaion, we were greeted with the continuous sound of gunfire which we attributed to clay pigeon shooting south west of the forest.

We did see the "shooters" returning to their 4 x 4s as we approached the Carrog Plantation. They must ave been returning to their vehicles for refreshments / lunch as we never heard gunfire again.

As we approached Llidiart-y-Parc, we experience our first rain shower, but by the time we had put mbrellas up or waterprrof jackets on, it had stopped and the Sun was shining again.

Birds seen or heard toda included: Barn swallow, House sparrow, Common buzzard, Common blackbird, Meadow pipit, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Grey wagtail and Goosander.

A much shorter walk than usual, but with a very "iffy" weather forecast, we felt we had "beaten" the weather and ad to go to ther Grouse Inn at Carrog to celebrate the fact with a pint of Lees Bitter.

Only the   974' climb saved this walk from being the first ever Harris Hikers Wednesday "Micky Mouse" walk!

Harris Hikers Socially Distanced Walks July 2021

 

 July 2021

Welsh Covid-19 rules still apply:- registering the intent to walk with the walk organiser, keeping socially distancing on the walk and wherever possible going to the start of the walk independently. Bring a face covering, just in case it is required.

Saturday 3rd July 2021.

Wylfa, Cemlyn Bay and More.

Distance: 9 miles.

Climb:750'.

Start: Mynydd Wylfa LNR Car park. Grid ref: SH356937

This walk combines one walk from each of the books by Carl Rogers on walks on the Anglesey coast. This walk explores the coast to the West of the power station. It will also allow us to explore he area around "the lagoon" nature reserve. If time allows it will also allow us to explore again the Mynydd Wylfa LNR. Don't forget to bring binoculars with you.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike.

Wednesday 7th July 2021.

Chirk - Offa's Dyke, A Canal Tunnel and maybe a Castle.

9.0 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyns and The Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk of great variety and explores the attractive undulating countryside around Chirk. At times it follows the Offa's SDyke Footpath. Part of the route follows the Llangollen canal towpath and includes going through a short tunnel. You may wish to bring a torch, but there is a handrail to guide you.

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

Saturday 10th July 2021.

Tremeirchion, Y Graig, Sodom and Moel Yr Gaer.

Now on Saturday 17th July 2021

Distance: 9 miles; Climb:1600'.
Start: Off road parking, minor road East of Tremeirchion. Grid ref:SJ095740.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
The walk is based on two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". This is another walk that is one of my favourite walks and one that often appears on the list most years. At this time of the year it should give us the opportunity to look for Spring/Summer flowers, particularly around Y Craig Nature Reserve. We will probably visit St Beuno's chapel on the hill again. In the past it has been quite muddy in places, but hopefully not at this time of year.

Not usually a Saturday walk, but parking is limited and if everyone of the Wednesday group plans to walk there may not be sufficient space to park.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike.

Wednesday 14th July 2021.

Moel Fenlli and Cwm Blaenant.

Distance: 6-7 miles.

Climb: 1524'

Start: Bwlch Penbarras car park (Pay and display).

Grid ref:SJ162606.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". It is described as an interesting walk, visiting an impressive iron-age hill-fort. Sections meander along the Offa's Dyke footpath as far as the Clwyd Gate. The return route will take us through little known Western fringes of the Clwydian Hills. It includes attractive woodland paths  and explores a delightful hidden valley. Most of the walk is along clear paths with excellent views throughout.
 The walk is nominally shorter than usual, but I remember doing it in July 2008, and we didn't bother with any extension, admittedly the weather wasn't good! However if the group are keen to extend the walk, it will be easy to do so. This is a decision we can leave until we get back to the cars if need be. There are plenty of tracks through the forest at Moel Famau Country Park to create an extension  loop of whatever length we want.

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

Saturday 17th July 2021.

Llyn Brenig and its Southern Environs.

Postponed.

Replaced by the walk originally planned for 10th July 2021 (see above for details).

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1000'

Start: Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre car park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SH968547' . (Remember to pay just for parking, there are dearer options if you intend to go fishing)

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd and the Denbigh Moors" or in the revised book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd and the Hiraethog Moors".
 This walk explores the the Afon Alwen valley South of the dam. It passes through the village of Pentre-llyn-cymmer and heads along the river to visit Caer Dunod. 
Some of the paths are waymarked Mynydd Hiraethog.
 A varied walk. Bring your binoculars if you have them, the last time I did this walk we had good views of Redstarts.
 The only downside to this walk is that the last half a mile from Pente-llyn-cymmer is uphill, especially as the track heads up to the top of the dam.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike.

Wednesday 21st July 2021.

Cwm Dulas, Cefn yr Ogof and Gop Wood.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb:1300'.
Start location. Abergele, Pensarn Beach car park by PC. Grid ref:SH942786.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
The bulk of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast", with an extension to include the small hill Cefn yr Ogof. Always a good walk with several opportunities to have extensive views. Once again we may decide to explore Gop Wood a little more or even be tempted to paddle in the sea at the end of the walk.

Can be made shorter, if we miss out Cefn yr Ogof.

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

Saturday 24th July 2021.

Rowen, Llanbedre-y-cennin and Caerhun.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb:1500'.

Start: Roadside parking opposite the post office in Rowen. Grid ref: SH761719.

Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.

This walk combines one walk from Carl Rogers's book "Walkng in the Conwy valley with one walk from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". One walk is described as a walk exploring the attractive undulating countryside between two attractive villages with a possible extension to the top of Moel y Gaer.  The other walk is described as an easy walk, visiting a Medieval church and a the site of a Roman fort. Both Llanbedr-y-cennin and Caerhun are known locations for Hawfinch.  Will we be lucky this time! Bring binoculars, just in case.

Hopefully the weather will be kind enough to encourage us to complete the Caerhun section of the walk.

Those planning to walk: Martyn.

Wednesday 28th July 2021.

Owain Glyndwr's Mount, Nant Friddisel and Moel Fferna.

Distance: 8-10 miles; Climb: 1600'.

Start: Pont Carrog. Grid ref: SJ115437.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and The Dee Valley", along with an extension to visit the summit of our old friend Moel Fferna. The exact approach and route of descent will be decided on the day depending on the weather conditions!

After walk drinks will be at the Grouse Inn at Carrog, and hopefully it will be good weather and we can sit outside overlooking the Dee valley.

The walk can be shortened, if the group objects to visiting the summit of Moel Fferna.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, David S.

Saturday 31st July 2021.

Cadair Berwyn Cadair Bronwen - this is a new walk.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 2700'
Start: Llandrillo Riverside Car Park. Grid ref: SH035372.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk for experienced walkers. It includes two ancient upland paths and visits the summit of Cadair Berwyn (2722') and the summit of Cadair Bronwen at 2558'. Once on the Berwyn ridge, we should get some stunning views of Cadair Idris, Snowdonia and even the Shropshire Hills. Moorland sections and the paths along the Chlochnant Valley have in the past proved somewhat boggy, but hopefully at this time of the year we shouldn't get wet feet! Although the route misses out most of the Clochnant Valley Path when it heads south towards Cwm Tywyll, I expect crossing the moorland west of Carnedd y Ci and over Foel Fawr to the Berwyn Ridge will be just as challenging.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel

Rowen, Llanbedr-y-Cennin and Caerhun 24th July 2021

 

View of Tal-y-Fan from a happy bush.

Guineafowl - an unexpected sighting.

Crosing the stile at point 4 - now we know where we are!

Mike returning on a mission with the the "lost plastic bag"!

Bracket fungi on a dead tree next to the track to Carehun.

The church at Caerhun.

The path through yet another Barly field.

Mute swans on the banks of the Afon Conwy, south west of Tal-y-cafn.

Distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: 1500'..Time: 6 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 mm.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h. (Slower than usual, but much use of secateurs and hand saw was needed to allw us passage on some sections of the route).

Temperature: Start - 22.1 Celcius.  Max 25.6 Celsius.

Beaufort wind force: 0 - 2. Calm to light breeze but the latter wasn't experienced enough!

Group: Martyn and Mike.

We set off from Chester in order to get an early start when the temperature as still not too hot.

This was a good decision, and most of the walk was completed without being in the blazing sunshine, although we did still need to keep our sunhats on.

We had three main challenges today, paths through Barley fields, head high bracken and an apparently diverted path that ended with us hacking our way through gorse and ending with us going through someone's garden!

Lnch was taken at Llanbedr-y-Cennin where we were able to take advantage of a bench est the church.

Apart from that, this was a very enjoyable and varied walk, to be reeated, but with slight variations on the short cuts!

Birds seen and heard today included: House sparrow, House martin, Common swift, Barn swallow, Common buzzard, Goldfinch, Mistle thrush, Goldfinch, Wood nuthatch, Common blackbird, Jackdaw, Ped watail, Guineafowl, Raven and Mute swan.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell, Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter was in superb condition.

Gopa Woods and Cwm Dulas from Abergele 21st July 2021

 

Views of Gopa Woods an Gwrych Castle from Pentre Mawr Park.

A better view of Gwrych Castle from the view point in Gopa Wood.

A better class of waymarker pointing the way out of Gopa Wood.

Admiring the views towards the hills of North Wales.

Making their way trogh a field of barley.

Lunch time in the shade on the south side of Rhyd-y-foel.

Is it a Northern marsh orchid?

A star plant on the Wales Coast Path between Llandulas and Abergele.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.2 miles. Climb: 883'.

Time: 4 hours 50 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Max temperature: 29.2 Celsius,

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 (occasional welcome breeze, but never enough to even register moe than calm on the BWF scale.)

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Mike and Fran.

This was a day that had weather forecasts predicting temperatures approaching 30 Celsius, so as we set off we were all wondering had we made the right decision to walk today.

Sue suggested that it might be better to climb to Gopa Wood first and leave the two plus mile coast path walk to the end. Never to question a lady, this was what we did.

It turned out to be a good choice as completing the walk this way round gave us more sections in the shade than we thought we would get.

As we walked south of Betws Lodge Wood we had our first hazy distant views of Snowdonia.

Lunch was taken in the wooded area below Pen-y-corddyn mawr ( Rhyd-y-foel) as this meant we were out of the direct glare of the sunshine.

The stretch from the wst side of Ryd-y-foel was along the road, but we didn't mind as it was a largely tree lined vroad and we were in the shade.

A rs we crossed a bridge over the Afon Dulas, we were a little jealous of a couple bathing the river below.

The hardest part of the walk was the final 2.5 mile trek along the Wales Coast Path from Llandulas to Abergele, easy walking on tarmac that made us feel our feet were on fire!

A good day for spotting flowers, butterflies, grasshoppers, but not that nay birds.

Birds seen or heard today included: Herring gull, Black headed gull, Mallard, Coot, Commo blackbird, Barn swallow, Common pheasant, Oystercatcher and Common buzzard.

Overall and enjoyable walk, with the only regrt, thetide was out too far to tempt us all to go for a paddle in the sea (and more than that for some!0.

I was no time to get over our disappointment and head for the Britannia Inn at Halkyn for an excellent pint of Lees Bitter.I'm still enjoying my takeaway as I watch the first cricket womens 100 match.

Tremeirchion, Cefn Du, Y Graig and More 17th July 2021

Moel Siabod from Cefn Du.

Sun rays through the trees creating patterns on the road.

Sun rays through the trees creating patterns on the road.

Taking advantage of one of the very welcome new kissing gates around Tremeirchion,

One of the many Foxgloves encountered on the walk today.

Rosebay willowherb that seems to be spreading everywhere.

Our final views of Snowdonia from near the access track to Aelwyd-uchaf farm.

Distance: 8.2 miles.Climb: 1380'.

Time; 5 hours 23 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Ovwerall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Beafort wind force: 0 - 1, occasionally 2). Calm to light air, but delightful when it occasional reached as high as a light breeze.
Group: Maryn and Mike.

The forecast for today suggested it would be the hottest day of the year so far, with very little wind to cool us.

Thankfully the tree and tall hedge lnrd lanes gave us more shade than we expected.  Even lunch on Y Graig, we were able to use one of the picnic tables that had been position by a tree that gave is some shade, and being a small hill, it also attracted a very pleasant breeze.

Our slower than usal overal average walking pace can be attributed to two main factors, the frequent need to stop briefly in the shade to take off our sunhats to allow our heads to cool a little and the several occasions we engaged in conversation with other walkers and some of the locals encountered on route.

We even met someone that lives in the same street as me, Jack and his friend that were following Offa's Dyke Path to Prestatyn with their walk being nearly three times our walk.

Even from the start, we had good views of the high peaks of Snowdonia, although they were somewhat hazy.

Our best surprise of the day was to find that many of the awkward stiles around Tremeichion had been replaced by galvanised kissing gates, not liked by everyone we know, but much appreciated by us today.

With the temperature approaching 30 Celsius, I decided that I would cut the walk short and miss out the St., Bueno's section, and Mike didn't object too strongly!

We arrived back at the car, having had a ore challeging walk than we expected, and glad that we hadn't driven all the way to do the south of Llyn Brenig Walk originally planned.

We were definatly ready for that refreshing drink of Lees bitter at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn. It didn't disappoint.

Birds seen or heard today included European robin, Common whitethroat, Common buzzard Barn swallow, House martin, Rook and Common pheasant.

Cwm Blaennant and Moel Fenlli 14th July 2021

"I hope they know where they are going?"

Looking west down Cwm Blaennant.

Moel Eithinen from our lunch spot.

A delightful wooded path south esst of Moel Eithinen.

Cwm Blaennant from the Offa's Dyke Footpath, south of Moel Fenlli.

Decision time on the ramparts of Moel Fenlli.

The ascent of Moel Fenlli.

Around the ramparts of Moel Fenlli, ending with a history lesson.

Bracken cutting - a hero!

Distance:7.0 miles (a little less for some). Climb: 1516' (a little more for some).
Time: 4 hours 40 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2 (calm to light breeze).
Temperature: 21.2 Celsius.(max).
Group: Martyn, David S, Fran, Nigel amd Mike.

A good day for walking, although i the morning without much of a breeze, it was s a little on the warm side, especially around Cwn Blaennant.

In the past we have usually started the walk by follwing Offa's Dyke Path over Moel Fenlli, but today, we decended the road from Bwlch Penperra and went round Cwm Baennant, finishing the walk with the descent from Moel Fenlli.

Only those wearing shorts experience any discomfort with the vegetations, especially nettles rampant and keen to attack any exposed skin they could attack.

However one member of the group did forget (not me today) his walking boots and cap and had to complete the walk in casual footwear and borrow a cap ( no need to improvise with a hankerchief knotted in four corners!).

We did encounter one problem, trying to follow a path that went diagonally through a field of barley. We tried to follow the track made by other walkers, but they didn't get it quite right.

We didn't see many other walkers today, seven in all, but two of us did spend time talking to a man that taught wood craft skills and he enlightened on the Ash die back problem in the area and how much it would cost to fell these very mature Ash trees that had the disease.

The bonus today wass finding a good lunch spot with views towards Moel Eithinen. An old wall / bank provide good places to see to make everyone happy, sitting in the Sun or shade as suited.

Birds seen or heard today included: Meadow pipit, Stonechat, Raven, Common buzzard, Woodpigeon, House martin, Song thrush, Common whitethroat and Black billed magpie.

It was good to see plenty of flowers on route, including one good display of Hare bells.

Part of the group decided to dcided to head over the top of Moel Fenlli, while the rest preferred to enjoy the views across the Vale of Clwyd towards the Berwyns and Arennigs.

As we descended to Bwlch Penbarra, we watched a tractor cutting back bracken on hillside west of the pass.

Overall an enjoyable walk and think everyone agreed that descending the road first was a better option that having to struggle up it a the end of the walk.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Druid Inn at Llanferres, where Purple Moose, Snowdonia Ale was the perfect refreshing pint of beer to nd should a good walk.

Chirk, Chirk Castle and Two Tunnels 7th July 2021

Fran's photo showing Wendy and David about to emerge from Chirk Tunnel.

Emerging from the first of the tunnels on the south west side of Chirk.

Narrow boats queuing up to get through the tunnel on the way to Llangollen.

The Ceiriog Vaalley loking towards Llangollen, taken from the aquaduct through the arches of the viaduct.

Taken from the same spot, but Fran's photo is looking in the opposiite direction.

Heading down to the Ceiriog Valley.

Good views of Chirk Castle.

Ponies that totally ignored us, obviously happy to be in the shade of the trees.

Sorry no more photos, my camera must have gone to sleep after lunch!

At our Chirk Castle Grounds lunch spot.

Distance: 10.9 miles. Climb: 1060'.

Time: 5 hours 47 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 1.Calm to light air.
Temperature: Max: 24.2 Celsius.
Group: Martyn, David S., Mike, Fran and Wendy.

The weather today was probably better than the forecast suggested, we only had a couple of real shower when my umbrella came out and we certaily had more sunshine than we expected.

In the past we have only walked through one of the Chirk Canal Tunnels, but today I decided that we would go through both of them. Not everyone's cup of tea, especially when you forget to gt your head torch out and my GPSs didn't like the experience.

After a couple of deviations from the planned route, one enforced because of a path closure that resulted in more climbing, we eventually arrived at our lunch spot in the grounds of Chirk Castle, where strategically placed felled tree trunks provided us with suitable spaced seats for all that needed them.

The final part of the wal along the Llangollen Canal always seems much longer than we expect, but at least today we had the distraction of the heavy narrow boat traffic on the canal. We found out that every company offering narrow boats for hire were currently fully booked.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Common buzzard, Moorhen, Common blackbird, Song thrush, Jackdaw, Rook, Carion crow, Barn swallow, House martin, Goldfinch and Black billed magpie.

Overall, a good and varied walk, perhaps  little longer than some of us woud ideally like, but we all survived. 

We decided to celebrate this fact in the Hand at Chirk, but as they had no real ale, we decided to go to The Stanton House instead.  Initially as we enteted we weren't impressed, but at least tey had one beer on hand pump, we decided to stay.  After engaging with the ar person, her friendly cheerful manner, change our minds and the excellent Hydes beer that we sampled helped as well!