Walk and Dates March 2024

 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 three such Wednesdays left in 2024. 

.These are:- May 29th, July 31st, and  October 30th.

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 their intentions as soon as you have made your decision.

Saturday 2nd March 2024.

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 6th March 2024.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

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 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Fran, Ed?.

Those not walking: Sue and Michel, Nigel.

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. The last time we did this walk in March 2019 and it was a little on the breezy side Hopefully the weather will be kinder to us this time.

Saturday 9th March 2024.

The Swallow Falls, Cyffty Mine and More.

Postponed due to a bad weather forecast.
Alternative walk. 

A walk from Chester Railway Station starting at 11-00.

Distance: 8 - 9 miles; Climb:1500'.

Start: Betws-y-coed Station (Long Stay) Car Park (Pay and Display £5-00?) Grid ref: SH792567

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: Mike .

This walk uses part of a walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and The Conwy Valley" with an extension takes us into part of the Gwydir Forest, with the return route following the Afon Llugwy riverside path from the Miners' Bridge  back to Betws-y-coed.

Wednesday 13th March 2024.

Above Helsby and Frodsham.

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

Start: Helsby Quarry Woodland Car Park. Grid ref: SJ490750 Post code: WA6 9PT

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Sue and Michel.

This walk is taken from the book "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". Much of it we have done before when following walks on the Sandstone Trail. However part of the walk around Helsby Hill is new to me and it is the first time that we have started from this car park. On a clear day, the views across the estuary is superb. The walk is described as being energetic. As the walk is a little shorter than usual, we may wish to explore the Woodhouse Hill fort a little more.

Saturday 16th March 2024.

Llanrwst, Llyn Geirionydd, Llyn Crafnant and Trefriw.

Postponed - Ed informs me that there has been flooding in the Llanrwst / Trefriew Area.

Ed has suggested that we do the Swallow Falls Walk originally planned for 9th March 2024.

This is probably a good option, weather permitting.

Unfortunately weather forecasts suggest 50-70% chance of rain for most of the day.

Unless the forecast changes significantly for the better, it looks like I will be staying at home. 

Distance: 10 miles; Climb:1561'.

Start:Llanrwst Plas yn Dre car park. Grid ref:SH796618
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: 

This is a walk devised by Ed, which we first did on 6th April 2019. Last time we took over 6 hours for the walk, but I'm sure Ed will find a short cut ot two if need be!

Wednesday 20th March 2024.

Coed-y-Felin, Moel Ffagnalt and Moel-y-Gaer.

Postponed due to a bad weather forecast.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1400'.

Start: Coed-y-Felin, Hendre. Grid ref: SJ196678.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike . 

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

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's booklet " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain.

It is a few years since we last walked from this from Coed-y-Felin, and this will be the first time we have done so on a Saturday.. The main walk explores the varied countryside between the Wheeler Valley and and Halkyn Mountain, whilst the extensions explores Moel Ffagnalt and the area around Rhes-y-cae.Weather pemitting we can expect good views from both Moel Ffagnallt and Moel-y-Gaer.

Saturday 23rd March 2024.

Bollington to Bowstones.

Postponed due to the weather - too wet and windy!

Distance: 9-10 miles.

Climb:1800' at a guess.

Start: Adlington Road, Car Park. Adlinton Road is on the north of Bollington, a left turn just off the B5090.

Grid ref: SJ93087802

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks", and is the second walk from this book that we will undertake. He describes this walk as an exhilarating walk to the Bowstones, and is a popular walk. It includes a fair portion of Lyme Park and sections of the Gritstone Trail. He describes the walk as strenuous, but I think we can still cope, even though it is over fifteen years since we last dit it.

Wednesday 27th March 2024.

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 former 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, Mike, Nigel, Ed Fran?.

Those not walking: Sue and Michel.

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.

Saturday 30th March 2024.

Either

Pen y Benar 

followed by 

Dolwyddelan Village and Castle.

Postponed.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1600'.
Start: Dolwyddelan Station Car Park. Grid ref: SH737522. 
Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Mike.

This walk combines two walks from Michael Burnett's Booklet "Walks East of Snowdon.  From Dolwyddelan the walk climbs up the Afon Cwmpenamnen Valley as far as Tan y Bwlch using Sarn Helen,

the highest point of the walk, Pen y Banar is described as being a spectacular viewpoint.

The second walk explores Dolwyddelan Village, including visiting Dolwddelan Castle.

As this is a figure of eight walk, lunch will probably be taken at the picnic site next to Dolwyddelan Station car park.

Either

Carreg Alltrem and Ty'n y Cwm 

followed by 

Dolwyddelan Village and Castle.

Postponed.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1200'.
Start: Dolwyddelan Station Car Park. Grid ref: SH737522. 
Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Mike.

This walk combines two walks from Michael Burnett's Booklet "Walks East of Snowdon.

The first walk is described as a delightful walk taking you to the head of the deep sided Penamnen Valley. The return route follows Sarn Helen past the ancient settlement of Tyn y Cwm and Ty Penamnen.  At one point we should get good vews of the Maesgwm waterfall.

As this is a figure of eight walk, lunch will probably be taken at the picnic site next to Dolwyddelan Station car park.

Actual Walk.

Rhaeadre Fawr, Rhaeadre Fach (Aber Falls) and More 30th March 2024

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1400'.

Start: Abergwyngregyn Car Park. Grid ref: SH65657284.

Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Mike.