About Me

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When? Started: 1993 Who? Started with staff and friends from U H S, Chester. Organiser: Martyn Harris We walk every Wednesday and Saturdays, New Years day and May Day. How many walk? Walks take place as long as there are at least 2 wanting to walk on that day. More walk on a Wednesday than on a Saturday. Most ever: 29. Current group size walking: 2-7 in mid-week and 2-4 on Saturday. Where do we walk? Saturday: Anywhere in North and Mid-Wales, Peak District, Shropshire and the Long Mynd and as far North as the Trough of Bowland. Thursday: Anywhere within about 40 miles of Chester. Type of walk: Distance: 6 – 14 miles (but usually under 10 miles). Climb: up to 4000’ (but usually very much less!). People involved on walks in 2024:- Martyn Harris, Fran Murphy, Sue and Michel Pelissier, Mike Dodd, David Savage,, Ed Meads, Nigel and Elaine Taylor, Winston Feather.

Thursday, 12 June 2025

Trevor Rocks and the Eglwyseg Escarpments from the Monument 11th June 2025

A new sign at the start of our walk at te Monument parking area.
Part of our route above the Panorama Walk.
At our highest point above Panorama Walk.
The path that descends towards Trevor Rocks.
Linnet.
Another view of the Linnet.
Sheep keeping out of the Sun.
The path heading towards Eglwyseg Mountain moorland
Our first Whinchat.
Our second Whinchat.
Our lunch spot was sheltered, but the trees nearby were waving in the breeze.
More trees waving in the wind.
The moorland above the Eglwyseg Escarpments.
Unusual growths around the conifers in this area.
The Eglwyseg Escarpments.
The path along the edge of the Eglwyseg Escarpments.
Striding out.
The Berwyns from the Eglwyseg Escarpments.
More of the Eglwyseg Escarpment path.
This lamb stopped in its tracks when it spotted us coming down the path.
Time for afternoon drinks.
A male Stonechat seen on the Eglwyseg Escarpments.
A  Wheatear seen on the Eglwyseg Escarpments.
The path we followed , taking us away from the cliff edge.
Cattle  grazing on the moors.
The delightful path above Trevor Rocks.
The final descent from Trevor Rocks and the "steep " road back the the Monument parking area.
Distance: 9.4 miles.
Climb: 1706’
Time: 6 hours 30 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.
Temperature: 17.2 Celsius to 23.4 Celsius. 25 Celsius at the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 3. Mainly a Light breeze, but never a 11.2 m.p.h. Gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn and Nigel.
The weather turned out to be really pleasant, warm sunny day with largely blue skies. After lunch there was plenty of clouds passing through, giving us brief respite from the direct rays of the Sun. The wind blowing on our face was very pleasant, especially when we were able to take our hats off briefly.
This is always a delightful walk, completed very slowly thanks to the number of birds we stopped to see or in the case of the singing Skylarks that we were unable to spot.
I was testing out my new camera, so that slowed us down even more.
Distant views were good, particularly towards the Berwyns and Llantysilio Mountains.
On much of the walk, you feel as though you are walking on top of the world! Crossing the moorland of Eglwyseg Mountain was the area where we had good views of Whinchat and head lots of Willow warblers and Meadow pipits.
However, several birds seen today such as the Whinchat and Linnet were special spots.
Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Whinchat, Feral pigeon, Winter wren, Barn swallow, Great cormorant, European robin, House sparrow, Herring gull, Rook, Black billed magpie, Stonechat, Whinchat, Red kite, Willow warbler, Meadow pipit, Song thrush, Coal tit, Common kestrel Peregrin falcon, Raven and Wheatear.
Perhaps the bird of the day was a Green woodpecker that flew in front of the car as headed down the tortuous road to the Sun at Trevor.
Purple Moose’s Cwrw Eryri went down a treat, just what was needed after our walk today.


Thursday, 5 June 2025

Walks and Dates June 2025

 

Saturday Walks.
I have decided that it has become pointless for me to plan Saturday walks in advance as most weeks I am the only one around.
However Saturday walks can be arranged on request.
One short walk a month could be included on request.
Wednesday 4th June 2025.
A Two Canal Walk from Anderton Lift.
Distance: 8-9 miles, Climb: < 400ft
Based on 7th April 2021 walk led by Mike Dodd and Upton Trekers 17th July 2021
Start; Anderton Boat Museum Car Park, Lift Lane, Anderton - CW9 6FW - SJ646754. Pay & Display - Ticket on foot
Leave Chester 09-00.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: .

Access via M56 J10, A559, Gib Hill and Comberbach due to long term closure of Soot Hill
From the Anderton lift descend to Winnington Swing Bridge and take the Weaver Navigation tow path downstream almost to Acton Swing Bridge. Here go right and up a slight rise to gain the Trent & Mersey Canal at Bridge 208. Go right along the tow path to Bridge 207 where go off left to reach Little Leigh. Suggested lunch break in the village. Leave Little Leigh on a path which leads back to the Trent & Mersey at Bridge 204. Continue left along the tow path and negotiate two tunnels by walking over the top. The descent from the top of Barnton Tunnel and another mile of tow path leads back to the car park.
Saturday 7th June 2025.
Ramshaw Rocks and the Roaches.
Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1400’.
Start: Lay-by on West side of Hen Cloud, opposite the track to Windygates. Grid ref: SK006618.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: .

Ramshaw Rocks were visited for the first time last year and combined with The Roaches it makes a superb walk, worth repeating on a n annual basis.
This walk allows us to explore Ramshaw Rocks seen so many times as we have walked over the Roaches. Ramshaw Rocks from a distance have always looked to be an interesting place in which to walk. This time Ramshaw Rocks will be our main objective with a North to South traverse of the Roaches a bonus towards the end of the walk. If time and legs permit, Hen Cloud may be included as an extension. The route heads North and then North west leading to Well Farm. From Well Farm field paths are used to reach the Churnet Way near Naychurch. The Churnet Way is followed North over Ramshaw Rocks and then leaves the Churnet Way and heads North to visit Black Brook Nature Reserve, After a complete circuit of the Reserve the route drops down to the road South of Newstone Farm. The road is then followed North for about a mile before heading west across Goldstich Moss in to the Black Brook Valley. After crossing the brook on a footbridge the path then rises to Roach End. At Roaches End the main path over the Roaches is followed past the trig point and Doxy Pool back to the start.

Boggy area guaranteed!
Wednesday 11th June 2025.
Eglwyseg Escarpment and Trevor Rocks.
Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1200’. Can be made shorter if need be.
Start: Off road parking on the Panorama road just east of the monument. Grid ref: SJ247426.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,  . 
Those not walking: Mike, Fran
This must be one of the best walks in the Llangollen area, especially on a sunny day. This is a walk that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world with superb views in all directions, including the Dee Valley, Dinas Bran, the Llantysilio Mountains and the Berwyns. This is one of my favourite walks and is always on the list at least once every year.
We usually do this walk in mid-week, so it will be a change to do it on a Saturday but hopefully everyone else will be staying at home to watch the coronation!
At this time of the year, we could still hear and see Cuckoos. 
Cuckoo reportedly arrive in the valley at the beginning of May, so hopefully we won't be disappointed.
Saturday 14th June 2025.
No planned walk 
Wednesday 18th June 2025.
Chirk - Offa's Dyke, Two Canal Tunnels and a Castle.
Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 800'.
Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Looks like I am going birdwatching)
Those not walking: Mike, Fran, Nigel
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 Dyke Footpath. Part of the route follows the Llangollen canal towpath and includes going through a short tunnel we may in fact go through a second tunnel. You may wish to bring a torch, but there is a handrail to guide you.
Saturday 21st June 2025.
No planned walk 
Wednesday 25th June 2025
A Walk Around the Great Orme.
Distance: 8 miles. It can be easily be shorted or extended on the day to suit the needs of the group.
Climb: 500'-1000', depending on the route we take.
Start at Llandudno West shore. Roadside parking near the boating lake. Grid ref: SH771820.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
We will probably start by heading up Marine Drive and taking the Monks' Path upto the plateau. Following the paths on the north west side of the Great Orme. After visiting the summit trig point we will probably head for Happy Valley for lunch. At lunch we can decide if we want to return to the West shore via the invalids' terrace or return to the summit and drop down the zig-zag steps.
It is a good time to see butterflies, so hopefully we will se the Pearl bordered blue.
Saturday 28th June 2025.
No planned walk 
Suggestions for Saturday Walks.

Wales.
Moel y Garneddd.
Distance: 7-8 miles.
Climb: 1200'.
Start: Fronfeuno Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car park Grid ref: SH917351.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". The walk explores the undulating countryside West of Bala. The route follows a a bridleway up to moorland, eventually crossing Moel y Garneddd at a height of 1170'. We can expect to see superb views as we cross the open moorland. The return route goes through attractive woodland. This is a walk for experienced walkers only and should not be attempted in poor visibility. Careful navigation is required.
Caer, Gai, Cwm Dyfrydwy with an extension over Garth Fawr.
Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.
Start: Roadside parking in Llanuwchllyn on B4403. Park opposite the PC and chapel. Grid ref: SH875302.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m. 
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". One walk is described as a fascinating walk featuring a Roman fort and historic houses and the other explores both sides of the Dyfrdwy Valley. The optional extension explores the countryside South of Llanuwchllyn, climbing to open moorland around Garth Fawr at a height of 1079'. It returns along the Western side of the Afon Twrch (Cwm Cynllwyd).
Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge.
Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1010'.
Start: Lay-by on the Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. Approaching Loggerheads on the A494, Mold to Ruthin Road and after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a smalll new housing estate), take the next road on the right just before the newsagent. The lay-by is almost immediately on the right by the telephone kiosk.
Leave Chester: 09-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's Book " More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" He describes it as an excellent walk exploring beautiful valleys and foothills. We usually start at Loggerheads, but as it is £5 to park for more than 4 hours we will start up the road in Cadole.

A Two Canals Walk from the Anderton Boat Lift Museum 4th June 2025

Mallard family on the Trent and Mersey Canal.
More Mallards on the Trent and Mersey Canal. (FM)
Striding out on the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath.
Buttercups giving a splash of yellow along the Trent and Mersey towpath.
Flag iris on the Trent and Mersey towpath.
Fox, Grey heron and a Kingfisher wood carvings placed on tree stumps next tpo the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Bridge over the Weaver Navigation near the Leigh Arms at Little Leigh.
One narrow boat and one barge on the Weaver Navigation.
Somewhere in the picture are two mem in a canoe / kayak.
Approaching Saltersford Locks on the Weaver Navigation.
Exploring Saltersford Locks.
Leaving Saltersford Locks.
Nigel trying to work out what type of boat this is.
Insects visiting Bindweed.
Distance: 8.4 miles.
Climb: 276’
Time: 4 hours 44 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: 17.2 Celsius for most of the walk, measured 22.2 Celsius at lunch in the warm sunshine.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 2. Mainly a Light breeze, but never reached the Moderate breeze given on the forecast.
Group: Martyn, Mike, Nigel and Fran.
The weather turned out to be much better than forecast, more sunshine, just a few brief spots of rain and less wind than we expected.
The outward route took along the towpath of the Trent and Mersey Canal, and the return route took on the path next to the Weaver Navigation Canal.
We saw several families of Mallards, one Coot and cootlet and one Moorhen and chick
Masses of buttercups gave a delightful splash of yellow along most of the towpath.
Lunch was taken soon after starting the return leg along the Weaver Navigation path. E took advantage of a structure that according to Nigel contained the metal for the anodic protection of the nearby pipe line.
We only saw narrow boats on the Trent and Mersey Canal, but saw a variety of boats, including a kayak on the Weaver Navigation.
Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Cetti warbler, Mallard, Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Barn swallow, Great cormorant, European robin, House sparrow, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Rook, Common starling, Black billed magpie, Greenfinch, Mute swan, Sedge warbler, Common coot and Moorhen.
Arriving back at the Boat Museum, a member of the Canal and River Trust persuaded all of us to make a donation to trust, the least we could do after we had completed a walk on paths next to two canals.
We arrived back at the car, having had a very enjoyable leisurely walk. At least one member of the group would have liked to extend the walk to include the Marbury Country Park loop, but we ended up heading for the Morris Dancer in Kelsall for liquid refreshment. Beers from Brightside and Mancunian breweries were enjoyed by Fran, Nigel and Mike, while I enjoyed my pot of tea with two small jugs of hot water.

Sunday, 1 June 2025

Holyhead Breakwater and South Stack Country Parks 31st May 2025

The Wales Coast Path leading to bay west of Soldiers Point.
Looking towards the mainland from the Wales Coastal Path.
Our first Common whitethroat.
Even the harbour is in mist.
Irish Ferries appearing through the mist as it heads for port.
Even Holyhead Mountain Summit is still in cloud.
Our second Common whitethroat.
A delightful section of the Wales Coastal Path.
Investigating the former quarry explosive store.
FM's Heath orchid.
My Heath orchid.
Murky view of South Stack Lighthouse.
A few Guillemots at South Stack.
There may be a Puffin this picture, but if there is I can't see it!
The usual view of South Stack Lighthouse from the steps.
Wall flowers.
Heading for the last climb of the day.
The Stena Line Ship is now in port as well as Irish Ferries and the Cruise Liner.
Looking sown on Holyhead Breakwater Country Park Visitor Centre and Car Park.
Waves crashing into Holyhead Breakwater Wall.
Distance: 6.5 miles but 7.0 miles after walking from the Bodlondeb Car Park to the Albion in Conwy.
Climb: 1526’ GPS wind assisted reading. It was 1326’ when we did the walk in 2024.
Time: 4 hours 41 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 14.5 Celsius at the start. 18.5 Celsius after lunch in a sheltered spot. 17.5 Celsius at the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 5. Mainly a Light breeze, but reached a 19.7 m.p.h. Fresh breeze on the steps to South Stack Lighthouse. It felt stronger than this, and I had a job to hold my camera steady enough to take a photo!
Group: Martyn, Mike and Fran.
This was a good day for walking, especially when we were sheltered from the wind. Distant few were somewhat misty, and never the high tops of Eryri were always in cloud.
Even the Irish Ferry boat seemed to be coming through mist.
The bonus today was seeing so many flowers, the Heath orchid being the best. We did see a few Bluebells still in flower, but most were past their best.
There were plenty of tourists around South Stack, but they like us would have been disappointed if they were hoping to see a Puffin.
Lunch was taken near Ellin’s Tower, where we were somewhat sheltered from the worst of the wind.
The return from South Stack was less strenuous than the morning walk, and largely completed in warm sunshine. It was along the wall lined paths that we saw most of the flowers. These included: Red campion, Buttercups, Ox-eye daisy, Bluebell, Honeysuckle, Herb Robert, Bell heather, Bird's-Foot Trefoil, Thrift and Heath Orchid.
Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Common whitethroat, Red billed chough, Mallard Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Barn swallow, Great cormorant, European robin, House sparrow, Common buzzard, Common pheasant, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Rook, Common starling, Linnet, Guillemot, Meadow pipit, Black billed magpie, Greenfinch and a Red kite seen from the car on our way home.
When we were only a short distance from the start, we could see the waves crashing into the Breakwater wall, indicative that the wind onshore was now much stronger than when we set off.
We arrived back at the car, having had a good walk, and ready to head for the Albion in Conwy for refreshments. Beers sampled included; Hafod’s Vanilla Porter, Conwy’s Welsh Pride and Snowdonia Craft Brewery’s Snowdonia IPA.