Exploring the Borderlands Around Llanymynech in Search of Flowers 28th June 2023

"Yes miss, we all understand"

A good brood of Mallards on the canal.

An even better breed of Mute swans.

I can appreciate one part of this notice!

A Yellow water lilly on the canal.

One of many Moorhens seen on the canal.

A Golden dragonfly seen on the walk.

Even thistles can be beautiful!

    Who knows where we go?  

Just normal on our walks.

At the trig point on Llanymynech Hill.

One of the many orchids seen today (Pyramidal).

The quarry at Llanymynech.

A few more orchids in Llanymynech Quarry.

The Hoffman Kiln.

The Hoffman Kiln - explained!

Walk stats: 7.6 miles. Climb: 787’.

Time: 5 hours 52 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.8 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.

Temperature – 22.4 Celsius at the start. Max - 24.7 Celsius. Lunch – 23.3 Celsius.

Wind Force: 0 – 1. Calm to light air.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Ed, Nigel and Elaine, Fran, Catherine and Janet.

The weather forecast was pretty accurate today, except that the rain showers forecast arrived before lunch rather than mid-afternoon.

This walk was suggested by Fran, but in reality it was her sister Catherine that expertly guided us around the walk identifying all the flowers that we saw, not just the orchids that we were hoping to see. The rain arrived just as we reached the trig point on Llanymynech Golf Course when we were looking for a suitable place to stop for lunch. We tried to shelter under the trees, but it wasn’t entirely successful, but at least the rain had stopped as we set off after lunch. As well as flowers, we saw a few butterflies and a Banded Blue damselfly and a beautiful Golden dragonfly. Several small Common frogs were seen and a much larger Common toad.

A family of Mute swans seen on the canal was the best bird spot, but the number of orchids present in Llanymynech Quarry was also impressive.

The walk ended with giving us a potted history of the Hoffmann Kiln as we went through it and walked around the site.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Black billed magpie, House sparrow, Barn Swallow, Common, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Eurasian jay, Greenfinch, Great tit, Moorhen, Mallard, Mute swan and Peregrine falcon.

I usually remember all the birds that we see or hear, but it ids for others to remind me of all the flowers that we saw!

Overall an enjoyable walk, celebrated by a visit to the Bradford Arms Hotel, in Llanymynech, where Blacksheep bitter and Bank’s Mild went down well. A friendly hoselry well worth supporting.

 

South Stack and Around Holyhead Mountain 24th June 2023.

The small bay north west of Soldiers Point  the start of our walk.

Looking southwest towards Holyhead Mountain in cloud / mist.

I think there is a Lifeboat out there!

That's definatelu a Lifeboat.

Rescue nearly done.

Common spotted orchid.

Distant views still not very clear.

North stack in the "mist".

On guard at the "explosives" store.

South Stack in the "mist".

A few Guillemots on the cliffs at South Stack.

Blue skies above Holyhead Mountain.

Essention work being done, but what does mark - a well?

An Irish Ferry leaves Holyhead.

An Irish Ferry leaves Holyhead.

Walk stats: 8.1 miles. Climb: 1316’.
Time: 4 hours 52 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature - 17.8 Celsius at the start. Max - 24.7 Celsius. Minimum – 15.6 Celsius.
Wind Force: Max – 5 (a 22 m.p.h. Fresh Breeze).
Group: Martyn and Ed.
This wasn’t the best day for trying to see birds or trying to take their photo. Cloud /mist accompanied us throughout most of the day and the strong wind made it difficult keeping your binoculars or camera steady.
The top of Holyhead Mountain was decked in cloud / mist, although we could still hear that some people were climbing the rock face, even though we didn’t see them until much later in the afternoon.
There were lots of people at South Stack, most trying to spot a Puffin, but some were visiting the Lighthouse. The disappointment today was that there was no live filming of the Puffins that you usually see in Ellin’s Tower.
Lunch was taken at South Stack, where two bench seats provided good vantage points once the mist started to lift a little and we could see the sea!
The return route from Ellin’s Tower took us via the impressive cafe and visitor centre where we were grateful to take advantage of the facilities.
The inland route back to the start involved a little more road walking than we would have liked but at least most of the cars passed us leaving at least a metre between us.
Birds seen or heard today included: Stonechat, Jackdaw, Red billed chough, Great cormorant, Herring gull, Common blackbird, Meadow pipit and Great black backed gull, Guillemot, Black billed magpie, House sparrow, Barn Swallow, Oysteratcher, Common pheasant and maybe a Puffin.
Overall an enjoyable walk, helped by the wind that kept us cool despite the forecast being >85% humidity. The wind despite being pretty strong all day, never felt cold and in the main was a bonus.

 

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer from Craig-y-Don 21st June 2023

Llandudno Bay from the Little OrmeHead

The Carneddau fro the Little Orme Head.

At the trig point on Little Orme Head.

Who else would have been inspecting the winding gear?

The descent to the main quarry level doesn't look that bad.

Porth Dyniewaid - it was a good job we didn't come to see the Grey seals!

At lunch in the shade.

The Great Orme from Nant-y-Gamar.

The path leading to Gloddaeth Hall (St David's College).

Viper's Bugloss next to the path across Coed Gaer.

Mynydd Pant fro the wood s we headed towards Penrhyn-side.

Last view of the Little Orme and its lonley trig pint.

Common gulls on the field opposite the Lifeboat Station.

Walk stats: 7.8 miles. Climb: 1306’.
Time: 5 hours 10 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.8 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 22 Celsius at the start. 24.2 Celsius at lunch. 25.6 Celsius at the end of the walk.
Wind Force: 0 – 3. A refreshing Light breeze accompanied us for most of the walk, but briefly as we descended towards Gladdaeth Hall it reached as much as a 8.1 m.p.h. Gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn, Nigel, Fran and Ed.
This is always an enjoyable walk, today done at a very leisurely pace, due mainly to the fact that we spent quite a bit of time looking closely at the many flowers spotted on route. Not as many orchids as we had hoped to see, although it started well as we entered the nature reserve heading towards the Little Orme few Pyramidal orchids were seen next to the path.
The star spot was by Ed, who saw a Slow worm on the path.
Quite a few butterflies were on the wing too, including, Meadow brown, Speckled wood and Painted lady. We also saw a very small blue butterfly that we couldn’t identify.
Birds seen or heard today included: Rook, Jackdaw, Red billed chough, Great cormorant, Fulmar, Herring gull, Blackcap, Common blackbird, European robin, Greenfinch, Long tailed tit, Song thrush and Common gull.
Overall an enjoyable walk, with everyone grateful to take off our boots and let our feet enjoy the cool breeze!
After walk drinks were experienced at the Picture House in Colwyn Bay where most of us enjoyed a pint of Hanlon’s Yellow Hammer before heading home.

Walks and Dates June 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 two such Wednesdays left in 2023.
 August 30th and November 29th.
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.
This walk should be for the Wednesday in the month and that would include the “Short Walk and Meal Option” on the fifth Wednesday.
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.
Where the “Short Walk and Meal” is concerned, the person planning the walk and meal should be contacted directly and informed of theirr intentions as soon as you have made your decision.

Suggestions for all 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!

Saturday 3rd June 2023.

Beyond the Ro and Moel Fferna

Distance: 9-10 mile. Climb:1900'.
Start: Lay-by next to The Butterfly Man and Craft Centre on the A5. Grid ref: SJ1586942449.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed.

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 7th June 2023.

Corwen, Pen-y-Pigyn, Llangar Church and Caer Drewyn.

Distance: 7 - 8 miles; Climb:1000'- 1200’.

Start: Corwen centre car park next to the Public Convenience (Pay and Display). Grid Ref: SJ080435.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

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

Those not walking: Fran, Nigel, Sue and Michel. 

This is a variation of walk we have done from Dave Berry's book "Walks around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" in which he describes the walk to Pen-y-Pigyn as being a delightful walk through the wooded hillside above Corwen followed by a lovely walk alongside the River Dee. The visit of Caer Drewyn is described as enchanting but I have never thought of it like that!

The first objective today will be to climb out of Corwen to the Pen-y-Pigyn Monument and viewpoint.  Leaving Pen-y-Pigyn, we can follow contour round on forest tracks to the covered reservoir and on down to meet a minor road at Bryn Saint Alternatively from Pen-y-Pigyn, we can follow Nant y Pigyn to reach the upper open reservoir and then follow a path that leads to the covered reservoir.

The next objective is Llangar Church before taking a riverside loop and joining the old railway track (now part of the North Berwyn Way).

The North Berwyn Way is then followed back to the A5 at Corwen.

We will then turn left, cross over Pont Corwen and take the riverside path on the north side of the River Dee as far as Trewyn Fawr.

At Trewyn Fawr we will take the minor road (Part of the Dee Valley Way) to join the path that leads up Caer Drewyn.

After visiting the hill fort we will follow along the road past the sports centre and playing field back to the start.

Saturday 10th June 2023.

Shutlingsloe and Tegg's Nose.

New Start Point - Trentabank Car Park.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 2300'.

Start: Trentabank car park.(Pay and Display) , unnamed road (standing Stone Road?), Sutton, Macclesfield.Grid ref: SJ950732.

Leave Chester 08-30.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Mike. 

Those not walking:  .

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 including 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 14th June 2023.

Around Minera Mountain. 

Postponed - weather looks a little on the warm side and this walk has no cover at all around mid-day.

See below for change of walk.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Minera Lead Mine Centre Car park. grid ref: SJ276509.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, 

Those not walking: Fran (has a better offer - a Welsh exam!)

This walk is a modified walk initially taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Ruabon and Hope Mountain". The walk is described as being quite demanding, especially on the open access moorland. A walk for experienced walkers only.

We have done this walk several times now and haven't always found it easy finding the path from Ty Hir. This time we will miss out the dificult boggy moorland part of the walk

We willfollow the deribed route to Ty Hir Farm, but afterwards we will take the path that heads south and eastward past Park Farm to the World's End Road., cross the road and head for the trig point on Esclusham Mountain. We will then ontine southward to join the Fron Deg Deg Path.

At Fron Deg we will head norhward on a path that leads eventually to New Brighton and a path into the Minera Lead Mines Country Park.

The change of walk will be one starting at the The Yeld, Kelsall and is very likely to be one similar to the walk done in December 2022 and February 2023. 

An Eddidbury Castle, Pale Heights, Manley Common and Delamere Forest Round.

Distance: 8 miles Climb: 700'.
The Yeld Car Park, Kelsall. Grid ref: SJ532602
Leave Chester at 09-30. DS informs me that the car park at The Yeld doesn't officially open until 10-00, so we don't want to get there too soon.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed, Nigel.

Those not walking: Sue and Michel, Fran (has a better offer - a Welsh exam!), David S.

The walk will start by heading down the lane opposite (Forest Gate Lae) the car park towards the Sandstone Trail, but at the end of the lane, we will take the woodland path past King's Chair that eventually links with the Sandstone Trail. 

After crossing the Sandstone Trail we will takethe path eastward, reaching a lane by the "Poo - tin" and then down the lane as far as the path to Eddisbury Castle. After visiting Eddisbury Castle we will descent to meet a track that leads past the masts on the way to to Pale Heights.

We wilthen head to the Delamere Forest Visitor Centre and into the forest taking the path on the west side of Blakemere Moss, We will take a path past Pinewood Fam, Kingswood Cottage, eventually joining the eddisbury Way  as far as Manley Common (a possible lunch spt if we haven't found anywhere better before then).

After leaving Manley Common, it is then a stroll through the forest on parts of the Sandstone Trail taking the track to Forest Gate Lane and back to the start.

Saturday 17th June 2023.

Holyhead Breakwater Country Park and South Stack.

Postponed.

Distance:10-12 miles. Climb:1326'.

Start: Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (Pay and Display - £8-00 last year). SH225833

or

Parking area at SH234835 on the road to the Holyhead Breakwater Park.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Mike

This is another walk that has become an annual favourite. Along the coastal section there should be  good chances of seeing Choughs, Guillemots, Razorbills and even Puffins. Bring binoculars if you can. If time and energy reserves allow we may visit the summit of Holyhead Mountain.

As we start at the Country park, we will again do the walk in a clockwise direction,  finishing the  walk along the Coastal Path. 

Wednesday 21st June 2023.

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer.

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.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel, Fran, Ed

Those not walking: Sue and Michel, Mike, David S. 

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.

As the Bluebells are on the way out, orchids are starting to show, and thee often good displays of orchids on the limestone slopes north west of St., David's College.

Saturday 24th June 2023.

World's End and Gyrn-y-Brain from the Ponderosa.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1600'.
Start: Car parking area opposite the Ponderosa Cafe. Grid ref: SJ192480.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,
Those not walking: Mike.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book “Walks Around Ruabon Mountain, the Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain." This is described as an exhilarating walk of great variety, on good upland paths and tracks with panoramic views capes. Last time we did this, it was in November and conditions underfoot were still boggy in places. Hopefully at this time of the year it will have dried out a little.

Wednesday 28th June 2023.

Exploring the Borderlands North East of Llanymynech.

Distance: 6-8 miles. Climb: 1000’. 
Start: Llanymynech  car park behind The Dolphin  pub Grid ref: SJ266210 or Llanymynech Limeworks Heritage Centre Car Park, adjacent to the A483, six miles south of Oswestry. Grid ref: SJ266211.

I suggest we all meet up at a suitable location and go in convoy to make sure we all end up at the same start point.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Fran, Nigel, Elaine?, Ed, Sue and Michel.
Those not walking: Mike, David S. 

This is walk chosen by Fran, who wanted to do this walk at the time of the year when there is a good chance of seeing orchids in flower.

the walk is based on the walk "A Foot in Both Camps" devised by Shropshire Council. 

The actual walk we do depend o the areas Fran wants to explore looking for flowers as there are many paths criss - crossing the are between llanymynech Hill and Llynclys Hill.

The walk at times follows parts of the Offa's Dyke Path and Wat's Dyke way (if we choose to follow Shropshire Council Guide. 

We should also be able to see the remains of the Roman Hill Fort and see evidence of the areas past mineral wealth.

An Eddisbury Castle and Delamere Forest Round 14th June 2023

The start of a delightfl path towards the King's Chair.

Near the gateway to eddisbury Castle.

At the Pale Heights Cairn.

our slunch spot at the Delameare Forest Outdoor Education Centre.

A red squirrel in Delamere Forest.

A mouse in Delamere Forest.

A ral Grey squirrel in Delamere Forest.

Can you spot any birds on Blakemere?

No, but that isn't unusual!

Walk stats: 6.3 miles. Climb: 696’. (More for the rest of the group.)
Time: 3 hours 7 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Temperature: 20.2 Celsius at the start. 25.0 Celsius at lunch. 25.5 Celsius at 13-10 in the shade at The Yeld.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 3. At best on Pale Heights an 8.0 m.p.h. Gentle breeze on Pale Heights
Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.
It was a pleasant enough temperature when we set off, hoping that it wouldn’t rise too much and the wind would be more noticeable. Hope it was and the temperature continued to rise throughout the day and the wind never seemed to have enough “puff”.
Distant views from Eddisbury Castle ramparts were very hazy but we did just about make out the mast on Sutton Common and Shutlingsloe nearby.
This was confirmed when we arrived at Pale Heights as the cairn here had plaques indicating what you could see in the distance.
We arrived at the Delamere Forest Visitor Centre a minute or two before mid-day but decided that this was a good place to stop for lunch.
We were able to use the picnic tables by the Outdoor Education Centre that thankfully were in the shade of the nearby trees.
It looked like getting unpleasantly hot for me, so I headed straight back to The Yeld and let the others continue on the route as planned.
I made the right decision for me, finding a picnic s table in the shade and s being cooled by a pleasant breeze.
I expected the rest of the group to arrive back about an hour after me, but they took a bit longer than expected, but I hadn’t taken into account Mike extending the walk!
Birds seen or heard today included: Woodpigeon, Common buzzard, Common whitethroat, Barn swallow, Blackcap, Common blackbird, Goldfinch, Black billed magpie, Carrion crow, Winter wren, Wood nuthatch, European robin and Common kestrel.
After walk drinks were enjoyed by two of the group at the Stamford Bridge Country Inn, where a 4.7 % Hyde’s brew seemed to go down particularly well!