Nant Pandy from Glyndyfrdwy 29th March 2023

"Why are we waiting?"

Nant y Pandy.

A waterfall on Nant y Pandy.

A rainbow welcomes us to our lunh spot.

Our lunch spot shelterng by the small wood.

Setting off after lunch  - remeber not to leave anything behind!

At last a good path!

Spot the helicopter.

The Glyndyfrdwy War Memorial.

Distance: 8.3 miles. Climb: 1394’.
Time: 4 hours 46 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 11. Celsius at the start. 12.8 Celsius at lunch. Max – 17.8 Celsius towards the end in a quiet lane in full sunshine.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max - 4 (a gust of 15.7 m.p.h.) just a moderate breeze.
Group: Martyn, Sue P, Nigel, Fran, Mike and Ed.
We arrived at the start to see even the low lying hills were still in cloud, and there was a dampness in the air that persisted for most of the day. It wasn’t cold and we did enjoy brief spells of warm sunshine.
On reaching open moorland, we opted to take a track, rather than to do a mile or so of heather hopping.
As we approach a small wood we were greeted by a superb and complete rainbow that appeared over the small wood where we decided to stop for lunch.
Just after lunch the views started to appear, especially across the Dee Valley towards the Llantysilio Mountains, but Moel Fferna remained in cloud throughout.
The only bad part of the route was the track that leads to Allt-y-celyn. This track was largely on a slate bed that proved to be very slippy and in future will by taking field paths south eastward towards Cwm Isaf.
Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Black billed magpie, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Chiffchaff, Wood nuthatch, European robin, Common chaffinch, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Canada goose (seen from The Grouse Inn) and a Common buzzard (seen from the car on the way home.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at The Grouse Inn at Carrog, where Lees bitter was enjoyed by some before heading for home.
Taking the back road from Carrog towards Corwen, the roadside verges were clothed in lots of deep yellow daffodils, the best display I have seen so far this year.
Overall an enjoyable walk and no-one complained about missing out Moel Fferna!

Walks and Dates March 2023

Latest Information About Harris Hikers from 23rd March 2023

After much discussion between group members, those present decided to follow DS’s suggestion that “Short walks with an option of a meal at a nearby venue” should take place on the fifth Wednesday in a month, and members of the group would take it in turns to plan the walk and venue.
There are only four such Wednesdays in 2023.
March 30th, May 31st, August 30th and November 29th.
March 30th - Short Walk and Meal – Cancelled.
DS will plan a replacement walk for “Short Walk and Meal”, currently down for 26th April.
It was also agreed that Wednesday Walks should in the main be walks of around 8 miles with no more than about 1200’ of climb. If proposed walks exceed these suggestions routes should have obvious short cuts to reduce distance and / or climb involved.
It was also agreed that each month a different member of the group should plan the walk.
Which day in the month wasn’t agreed, but it would make sense that it should be the last Wednesday in the month and that would include the “Short Walk and Meal Option” on the fifth Wednesday in the month.
In order to include that walk in the monthly “Dates and Walks” Post, details of the walk need to be sent to me by 15th of the previous month.
Wherever possible I would like people to let me know of their intention to walk or not to walk by Monday afternoon/early evening prior to the walk on Wednesday. There isn’t an issue with last minute cancellations for any reason. This happens anyway when adverse weather is forecast at the last minute.
This will enable me to provide the right number of maps/ descriptions, hence reducing unnecessary printing costs.
Where the “Short Walk and Meal” is concerned, the person planning the walk and meal should be contacted directly and informed of your intentions as soon as you have made your decision.

Suggestions for Wednesday Walks are always welcome.

Remember to let me know that you plan to walk so that it becomes easier to arrange car sharing. in addition it helps me to know how many route maps I need to bring and on special occasions how many pieces of fruit cake or treats will be needed.

Letting me know that you won't be walking is just as important otherwise I am left guessing as to how many maps to run off and invariably I end up printing too many!

Wednesday 1st March 2023.
The Moor, Valley, Coast and Coed Strand. 
Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 800'. 
Start:  Bryn Celyn Car Park, Holywell. Grid ref: SJ189769. This a free car park on the B5121 on the Hoywell to Greenfield Road. The car park is on the right after the pub an the Bryn Celyn sign. This may be a new start point for some.
Leave Chester 09-00.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel, Mike, Ed,Wendy .
(Those not walking: Sue and Michel, David S. Fran)
This walk combines one walk from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones' 
booklet " 10 Walks Around Holywell" and one walk from Dave Berry's book " Walks 
Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". 
One walk is described as a walk of great variety and interest, including sections of the Wales
 Coastal Path, east of the Duke of Lancaster.
The final section of the walk returns via Coed Pen-y-Maes and Coed Strand before meeting
the disused railway track through the Greenfield Valley Heritage Park.
Saturday 4th March 2023.
Around Alltwen, Cwm Gyrach, Foel Lus and the Druids Circle.
Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1600'.
Start: Top of the Sychnant Pass. Grid ref: SH750770.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,Nigel, Mike Ed.
(Those not walking:  )
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast."  We last did this walk min November 2012, so it is probably about time we did it again.  One walk explores the scenic hills and valleys around the Sychnat Pass, and the second walk visits the Bronze Age Stone Circle.  On a good day we can look foreward to exhilarating panoramic views as we go around Foel Lus on the Jubilee path.
Wednesday 8th March 2023.
Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Eryrys and Moel y Gyw.
The Met Office Forecast gives a temperatue of -2 Celsius, feels like -6 Celsius. 
The road heading to the start point are likely to be icy, so I have decided to postpone this walk.
Distance:8-10 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start:Pistyll Gwyn Quarry car park. 1 mile north of Llanarmon-yn-Ial. Grid ref: SJ189574.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed .
(Those not walking: Sue and Michel, Wendy, David S., Fran.)
This walk uses two walks taken from Carl Roger's book "Walking in the Clwydian Hills". We have completed both walks before, but have never tried to link them together before. The Eryrys walk is described as exploring the lesser-known limestone hills separated from the main Clwydian ridge by the Alyn Valley. Views throughout the walk are superb! The second walk involves the ascent of Moel Gyw which also has superb views of the Clwydian Hills to both the north and the south.
 Last time out we reduced the walk to about 8 miles, so there is a good chance we will do the same today.
Replacement Walk.
Wepre Park, Aston Hill and Northop Hall.
Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: 860'.
Start: Wepre Park, South of Wepre Drive, Connah's Quay. Grid ref: SJ295684.
Leave Chester at 09-30 a.m. (to start walking by about 10-00.)
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed.
This walk includes the four mile "Wepre" walk from the booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire", but has been extended to explore the area around Northop Hall. The Wepre walk is described as a moderate walk and includes a wooded river valley and a ruined castle.
 The extension heads for Ewloe Green via Aston Hill on the way to Northop Hall. After exploring the countryside North of Northop Hall, it eventually rejoins the dismantled railway track shown on the original route that will leads us back to Wepre.
When I last did this walk in 2021, they were about to repair a bridge over a stream along the dismantled railway track. Hopefully it will have been comleted by now. 
David S and Wendy are doing a morning walk from Hawarden.
 Contact DS if you want to join them or meat at 09-30 at Hawarden.
Saturday 11th March 2023.
Beyond the Ro and Moel Fferna
Postponed due warnings that to road condition could be hazardous / icy.
Distance: 9-10 mile. Climb:1500'.
Start: Lay-by next to The Butterfly Man and Craft Centre on the A5. Grid ref: SJ115436.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
(Those not walking:  )
This walk combines one of the walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" with an extension to the summit of Moel Ferna (weather permitting). We will decide the return route on the day. We have visited Moel Ferna in all sorts of conditions, some good, some not so good, hopefully it will be a good one this time.
Wednesday 15th March 2023.
Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball 
Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb:  600'.
Start: Holywell Common, opposite the Crooked Horn, Brynford. Grid ref: SJ185740.
This is a variation of the walk that we have done many times, when we cross the common to Brynford on he way to the old racecourse.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Fran, Nigel, Ed.
(Those not walking:  Sue and Michel, Wendy )
We may explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda, woods, but last time we missedit out In addition we will only follow the Western side of the old racecourse and instead use the road to Pantasaph, before using field paths to get to Pen-y-Ball Top. After visiting Pen-y-Ball Monument take a new path on the west side of the monument to reach the track and the bridge over the A55 to the golf course and our usual route back to the start.
Saturday 18th March 2023.
Rhos-on-Sea, Bryn Euryn and Coed Pwllcrochan.Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Roadside parking on Marine Drive in Rhos-on-Sea, near to St., Trillo's Church.
Grid ref: SH841811. 
It may may be better to park in Trillo Avenue, opposite the church.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed.
(Those not walking:  )
This walk combines three walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llandudno and 
Prestatyn".
One is described as a varied walk exploring the hinterland behind Rhos-on-Sea and 
includes the hillfort in Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve. The other walk offers panoramic views as 
it meanders through the undulating countryside bordering on Mochdre, Colwyn Bay and 
Rhos-on-Sea.
Wednesday 22nd March 2023.
A Short Christleton Walk and Meal at The Ring O Bells.
CANCELLED 
At "Our Day Out" Meal at the White Horse, Churton, the Upton Contingent unanimously decided
 that they didn't want to go on a muddy walk around Christleton or to go for a meal at 
The Ring O Bells either.
Consequently I have had to cancel the planned walk. As i am rather busy over the next few days,
 the Upton group have decided that they will organise the replacement walk and liaise with 
members of the group not at the White Horse meal. 
(no meal option included.)
If I get details of their planned walk before Monday evening, I will post them on the blog. 
After Monday evening, 
If I don't get sufficient details of the walk by then, I will not be able to put the details on the blog 
or print off appropriate maps as I am busy all day on Tuesday and don't get home until around
 22-30. 

Replacement Walk Wednesday 22nd March 2023
Chirk and the Llangollen Canal.
Distance: 6.0 miles. Climb: 550'.
Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Wendy Nigel, Fran, David S. 
(Those not walking: Sue and Michel  )
Mike has found this walk through the "Country Walking" web site.
The initially heads for the Llangollen Canal and its twpath follewed as far as Chirk Bank. Leaving the canal it heads for Gledridpicking up field paths to Nefod Lane before entering Rhos-y-llan Wood where the path crosses Wat's Dyke.
The reurn route psses through Ifton Meadows Nature Reserve, a former Colliery site which has since been re-clothed by nature to provide a diverse mosaic of habitats. skylarks are known to beed here, so hopefully we may see and hear skylrks singing.
The final part of the walk uses country lanes to reach Chirk Green and back to the start.
Saturday 25th March 2023.
Tegg's Nose and Shutlingsloe.
Postponed until later in the year.
Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 2300'.
Start: Car Park, Tegg's Nose Country Park.(Pay and Display) Grid ref: SJ950732.
Leave Chester 08-30.
Those planning to walk: 
(Those not walking: Martyn, Mike, Ed, Elaine, John .)
This walk to visit the summit of Cheshire's highest hill nominally starts at the Trentabrook Car Park, but today the walk will add a little more distance and climb by inclding Tegg's Nose as well.
The Shutlingsloe walk is taken from the Pathfinders Guide to Walks in Cheshire.
The walk starts by heading uphill from the Trentabank Car Park in Macclesfield Forest along forest tracks through the conifer trees, before reaching open moorland and the path to the summit of Shutlingsloe.
After leaving the trig point the route descends to Wildboar Clough before contouring round the hillside, eventually descending back to Trentabrook.
The final section retraces are steps before taking the easiest climb up the bridle path back to the start.
Wednesday 29th March 2023.
Moel Fferna and Nant-y-Pandy.Distance: Including Moel Fferna. 9 miles. Climb: 2000’. 
Distance: Without Moel Fferna 6.5 -7.5 miles depending on return route taken. 
Climb: 1375' - 1600'. depending on return route taken.
Start: Lay-by adjacent to the Butterfly Man Craft Centre on the A5 Llangollen to Corwen road 
near Glyndyfrdwy. Grid ref:SJ1586942449.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Fran, Nigel, Mike, Ed, Sue and Michel .
(Those not walking: David S  )The described part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry’s book “Walks Around Llangollen and
 the Dee Valley”. He describes it as a fascinating walk through the wooded.
Nant-y-Pandy with its old slate works.  The extension takes us to the summit of Moel Fferna, 
in the past most of the group have left out the visit to the summit of Moel Fferna, but the option
 is still there for those that do.

MD's Short Walk From Chirk 22nd March 2023

The end of a fine tree.

Time for a drink and rest in Ifton Meadows Local Nature Reserve.

A reminder of Ifton Meadows Local N.R. Past.

Is that really Moel Famau?

Lesser Celelandine on the verge.

Not a descent I want to repeat!

Wood anemone.

Not the best bridge to coss even with two lekis!

One of the youngest lambs seen on our walks this year.

It looked quite a good rainbow when most of the group shared a bench for lunch.

Looks like a good lunch spot at Chirk Bank - seat for four and plenty of stones for many more!

Residents of a Rookery - my entertainment at my lunch spot atChirk Bank

The second part of my entertainment at my lunch spot at Chirk Bank

Two of the group decided that they wanted to go through the tumnnel, the rest of ther group didn't and waited for them by the station.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 6.7 miles. Climb: 692’ (550’ on Memory Map Route)
Time: 3 hours 37 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walking average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: Max 16.1 Celsius In one of the quiet lanes, in a sheltered spot the Sun.
13.1 Celsius at lunch next to the Llangollen Canal at Chirk Bank.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max – 4 a moderate breeze at the most exposed spot west of Garden Village, St. Martin’s CP.
Group: Martyn, Fran, Nigel, David S, Mike and Wendy.
The weather forecast for today was pretty accurate, with rain/ showers on the menu between 12-00 and 13-00and at time strong winds (thankfully we didn’t experience the scale of gust predicted.
His was a walk Mike D found on the Country Walking site, an enjoyable varied walk with the Ifton Meadow Local Nature reserve being new to all of us. No Skyarks today or Bluebells today, so only the debate we could muster was as whether we could see Moel Famau or not!
Lunch was taken by the Llangollen Canal, most stopped at the first bench that they arrived, just as we could see a superb rainbow just above the trees. Not enough space to sit six and quite muddy as well, I continued to the next bench at Chirk Bank – same sort of bench set on a dry slab of concrete and in glorious sunshine by the time I got there. I was entertained by the Rooks in the Rookery behind me and the Mallards on the canal in front of me.
Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Rook, Common buzzard, Common pheasant, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, House sparrow, Blue tit, Great tit, Winter wren and European robin.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-yr-Ochain, where Purple Moose’s Snowdonia Ale and Titanic Brewery’s Plum Porter were tried. The latter went down better than the first!
A good walk, marred only by a little more road walking than necessary, a bad stile and decent and a footbridge that was collapsing (could be avoided by fording the stream, but no-one took up that option!)

 

Is it now time to bring Harris Hikers to a close - maybe not

After venting my feeling to Mike and Ed after the walk today, I felt I needed everyone else in our group needed to hear as well.

Since 2005/2006 i have pannned two walks a week, every Saturday and Thursday and currerly every Wednesday.

I don't think all members appreciate how much time it takes to plan walks, taking into acount walks we have done in the last twelve months and post it a month in advance, as well as post a walk report with pictures after each walk.

I have received so much negativity about suggested walks of late that I wonder why do I still do it?

Contacting me late on Tuesday doesn't help either as I am out until about 22-30 as I have a House Group Meeting (Phone on mute ) every Tuesday until then.

Contacting me when you don't plan to walk is just as imprtant as when you do plan to walk, but not everyone does this on Monday at the latest.

Canceling a commitment to a walk several days or even less, isn't helpful either, especilly  when booking a meal venue is involved.

Several walks of ate, I have felt that on most of the walk, I have been walking solo, another reason for feeling, I might as well do that without any planning, and do more walks when I can walk solo, bird watching at the same time.

Is it time to end Harris Hikers (UK) and leave it to Conley?

I think!

After receiving comments from group members, I happyto believe that  everyone now appreciates that we all have different abilities in terms of our firness and capabilties to walk distance, especially when it involves climbs as well.

If we are to continue walking together and enjoy walking together, I think everyone realises we must all take into account the capabilties and limitations of all other members in the group.

Taking that into account, I will continue to plant monthly walks, but will probasbly give other members of the group the opportunity to organise walks, especially short walks followed bt a meal if these are to be continued.

Rhos-on-Sea, Bryn Euryn, Mochdre and Coed Pwllcrochan 18th March 2023

The 17th Century lychgate of St Trillo Church, Llantrillo Yn Rhos.

St Trillo Church, Llantrillo Yn Rhos.

St Trillo Chapel, Rhos on Sea.

The first time I have ever seen fishermen standing in the sea at Rhos on Sea.

The sandy beach at Rhos on Sea.

Llys Euryn, but oo early for lunch

Looking towards Colwyn Bay Rugby Club from Bryn Euryn

Lesser celandine just coming into flower.

I think that's Mike and Ed above Llangwystenin Quarry.

Dog violets in flower too.

Th view from our lunch spot in Mochdre.

Bryn Pydew from The View Toposcope.

A new (to me ) path through Coed Pwllychrochan.

The golden pool , giving its name to Coed  Pwllychrochan.

Distance: 9.9 miles. Climb: 1650'.

Time: 5 hours 42 minutes. On he move walking averae: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h. 

Temperature: aximum - 1.1 Celsiuis at lunch.

Beaufort Wind Force: Max 2 - a light breeze, but rarely felt!

Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

We arrived at the Bryn Euryn car park to be seranaded by a Song thrush, bt no matter how much we looked we didn't spot it. Nevertherless it was still great to hear.

We started the walk by heading to the coast, via St Rillo's Church and Chapel. at the Chapel we saw a recently married couple(at least the bride was still in her weddin dress) having the wedding photos taken. Did they get married in St.Trillo's Chapel - prsumably, but we will never know for certainty.

We walked along the front to see how the work the road and pomenade works were progressing and how much extra sand had been added to the beach - rather a lot!

Not a lot to be said for the rest of the morning walk, except it started to rain heavily as we approched Mochdre. Thankfully we found a bus shelter to shelter in as we had lunch.

The last part of our walk to  Coed  Pwllychrochan was not as originlly planned, but at least it shorten the walk slightly and took me through part of the wood I hadn't been through before.

The last part of the walk through Cowy Bay back to the start was along roads not the best route, but at least we didnt have to think where we were putting our feet!

Birds seen or heard today included: Song thrush, Common blackbird, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Great cormorant, Lapwing, House sparrow, woodpigeon, Great tit, Wood nuthatch, Beak billed magpie, Goldfinch and European robin.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at The Picture House in Colwyn Bay.

 

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball Top 15th March 2023

The high tops of Yr Eryri decked in snow - taken from Holywell Common.

Tryfan and its neighbours.

Escaping the worste of the mud on this now closed off road track.

Not looking too happy coming in last on this part of Holywell Racecourse!

One happy lamb.

A few more appy lambs in the centre of Holywell Racecourse.

Not as much snow on Moel Famau as I expected!

The view frommy lunch spot at Pantasph Friary.

Some of the Snowdrops on the grass verge still looking good.

At Pen-y-Ball Top trig point, but someone couldn't wait for the rst of the party to arrive!

The Pen-y-Ball Monument erected in 1893 commemorating the marriage of the Duke of York (heir to the then throne).

The former Crooked Horn Inn at Brynford - obviously in the process of being upgraded to new "Destination Holywell Common (Brynford)".

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 720'.

Time: 4 hours 4 minutes. n the move wlking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m,.p.h.

Temperature: 4.5 Celsius 0 ^.6 Ce;sius (although at times it felt much cooler tha that!).

Beaufort Wind Force: 1 - 2. Light air to light breeze, but at times not even noticeable.

Group: Martyn, Nigel, Fran and Ed.

A good forecast for the morning with the prospect of lots of rain after lunch, meant w needed to make sure we stopped for lunch at the Pantasaph Friary before well before 13-00.

As we crossed Holywell Common we had some superb views of he high tops of Yr Eryri decked in snow. Moel siabod, Tryfan and the Carneddayu could easily be made out.

The first challenge of te day came as we made our way towards Graeana, where the track was so badly damaged that only tractors would be able to negotiate the deep ruts now present  it soon became obvious why several  "road closed" signs had been put up.

It wasn't that easy for walkers either, but at all we suffered was muddy boots!

The star turns today we the good numbers of Spring lambs - the smallest that we have seen tis year on our Wednesday walks.

We made it to our lunch spot just after 12-00, so were able to enjoy lunch in the dry, and using a couple of benches to sit on. We all happy to use the outside facilities at Friary, open, even though the cafe wasn't.

The expcted rain started at 12-50, bu at least wasn't the very heavy rain forecasted.

Our only problem came after visiting the trig point on Peny-Ball Top, the direct path was blocked by vegetaion / gorse that had been cut and left in a place that blocked the path. We eventually arrived at the Pen-y-Ball Monument after about a mile detour.

Birds seen or heard toda included: Dunnock, Common buzzard, Wood nuthatch, Blue tit, Woodpigeon, Herring gull, and Rook. 

The other surprise was the renovation being carried out at the former Crooked Horn Inn - now destined for grater things!

We arrived back at the cars, too early to head for the Blue Bell Inn, so Ed went straight home and the rest of us headed for Rake Hall at Little Stanney.  Ed would have enjoyed the Titanic Plum Porter that was on offer,, as did at least one member of the party.

I even got home in time to clean my boots outside!

An enjoyable walk for some!

 

Wepre Park, Ewloe Castle Aston Hill, Ewloe Green and Northop Hall 8th Mach 2023

The new "waterfall / hydroelectric system" on Wepre Brook in Wepre Park.

A Little egret on Wepre Brook in Wepre Park.

Wepre Brook on the way to Ewloe Castle in Wpre Park.

Ewloe Castle head.

Guess who thinks he is the king of Ewloe Castle,

A distant view of a Common kestrel, seen from Magazine Lane.

Ed's view from his lunch spot at Northop Hall War Memorial.

The path along he dismantled railway track through Coed Pentre Moch.

Is Mike in the picture?

Snowdrops, but not the most common varety.

The memorial island in the middle of The Rosie - a fishing lake in Wepre Park.

Walk stats: 

Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb: 725'.

Time: 3 hours 45 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. (although one GPS gave 2.7 m.p.h.) Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Temperature: 3.2 Celsius  (near Aston Hill). 6.6 Celsius (at lunch), 4.4 Celsius after lunch until we arrived back a the cars.

Baufort Wind Force. Max 3 a Gentle Breeze, making it feel quite cool and requiring us to wear gloves/mits for most of the walk!

Group: Martyn, Mike, Ed.

This was a walk chosen at the last minute to avoid any threat of walking in temperatures feeling as low as - 6 Celsius , and prosects of it being icy underfoot.

Thankfully that objective was achieved.

It was good to see a smally nursery group of children having an outdoor activity session in the park, and a whole class of children enjoying a session in the childrens' swing/slide/ activity area in Wepre Park before heading back to school, just as a flurry of snow started.

Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Winter wren, Wood nuthatch, Great tit, Common kestel, Mallard, Moorhen, Little egret, Common buzzard, Rook, Great tit, Herring gull, Black headed gull and Oystercatcher.

Overall an enjoyable walk, less muddy than expected (but boots still needing to be cleaned!), and worthy of a refrshing pint of Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale and  Dark Side of the Moose at the Central Hotel in Shotton ( another Wethersponns hostelry of course!).