Ready to set off from the Glasfryn.
Looking across the field towards St., Mary's Church, Mold from the Glasfryn.
The west side of Gwysaney Hall.
The west side of Gwysaney Hall.
Snowdrops in the grounds of Gwysaney Hall.
Snowdrops in the grounds of Gwysaney Hall.
Snowdrops next to the path leading through Ram Wood.
The view towards the Dee Estuary as we left Ram Wood heading for Quarry Farm.
Stretching out along Wat's Dyke Way.
Walk stats:
Distance: 5.2 miles. Climb: 489'.
Time: 2 hours 17 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.
Temperature: 5.5 Celsius on car thermometer as we arrived. Seemed a lot warmer than that for most of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: At most 2, just a light breeze, but we were well sheltered by the hedges on much of the walk.
Group: Martyn, Sue (unfortunaley Michel wasn't feeling at his best and stayed at home), Mikle, Fran, Nigel( elaine joined us at the Glasfryn for lunch).
The meal was booked from 12-15, so it was good that all those walking arrived on time and we were able to set off promptly at 09-45.
The weather forecast wasn't brilliant, but optimistically we hoped that light showers would be just that. Thankfully it was and the predicted winds of 15 m.p.h. winds never materialised. We even had short periods of sunshine.
Setting off along the lane towards Black Brook, gave good views towards Mold, and the bird of the day a Sparrowhawk hunting in an adjacent field towards the hedge line.
The quiet lane was pleasant enough, but the best part of the walk was through the groundsof Gwysaney Hall and the section along Wat's Dyke Way.
This provided us with our best sightings of Snowdrops this year, those in the grounds of Gwysaney Hall were magnicent, the photos taken don't do them justice.
The surprise of the day was on the Wat's Dyke Way as we neared the stile onto the Sychdyn Road. two sheep jumped over the fence infront of (at least 2' in the air and they were sheep notl Spring lambs). The farmer from the house next to track, said it happens often and suggested we stood close to one side of the path to allow the sheep to head back past us, rather than jump over the stile onto the road. thankfully did just that, and were were thanked for doing what he wanted us to do,
The route through the houses in Sychden was made easy by the detailed description given, and we manage to get back to the Glasfryn just before 12-00, in fact we had a brief stop for one or two to have a hot drink they had brought in the event they would be allowed to do so!
Birds seen or heard today included: Greenfinch, Black billed magpie, Song thrush, Dunnock, Common pheasant, Rook, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Sparrowhawk and European robin.
Arriving back at the cars, Sue manage to trap her finger with the boot lid and spent much of the meal time with her fingers her fingers dipped in cold water.
The beer of choice today for most was Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale, alas I was driving, so a pot of tea had to do!
Meals were ordered, but alas a message came back from the chef, my choice was no longer available. I chose the belly pork, but when it arrive the "crackling" was so rubbery I couldn't even cut it! It came back, but it was no better, but at least the extra "cooking" meant the pork itself was well cooked. When I said I wasn't happy, the manage came out as explained the "crackling skin" should of been removed before being serving! Belly pork without crispy crackling isn't worth having! I was offered a free dessert as a good will gesture, but I didn't take up the offer. Although the rest of my meal was enjoyable, I won't be choosing "belly pork" at the Glasfryn again.
No-one else had any signifcant issues, although Nigel's gammon wasn't totally cooked to his liking. Most of the group still had room to enjoy a dessert.
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