Walks and Dates May 2026

Suggestions for ALL Wednesday walks welcome, especially for the short walks.

Saturday 2nd May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

 Wednesday 6th May 2026.

Rivacre Valley Country Park.

Distance: 3-4 miles.
Climb: 200’.
Start: Rivacre Country Valley Country Park,
The car park for the Reserve is located on Rivacre Road (B5132), just off junction 7 of the M53.

Leave Chester at 10-00 am.

Those planning to walk: Martyn (only if I can get a lift, I am without my car for three days), .
Those not walking:  
This walk was suggested by Fran, a walk that should be done when the Bluebells are in flower.
May is usually the month for Bluebells, hence the reason for suggesting this for the May Short Walk. I know this is a little shorter than our usual walk, but if the group wanted to extend it, we could drive to the nearby Eastham Country park (only 3.3 miles away) and explore there as well.

It could be just a morning walk, stopping for lunch at the end after completing the circuit.  We could then decide if we wanted to call it a day or go to Eastham Country Park for an afternoon stroll.
Spring is a special time at Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, when the woodlands are truly stunning. Carpets of bright yellow celandines and delicate white wood anemones are soon followed by bluebells, filling the air with their heady scent. Look out for the electric blue flash of the kingfisher hunting for eels along Rivacre Brook.
Anthony Annakin-Smith describes the walk as a lovely walk through several deciduous woodlands, besides streams, and along a meadowy valley.

Saturday 9th May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 13th May 2026.

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, .

Those not walking: .

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 16th May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 20th May 2026.

Thurstaston Common, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.

Distance:8-10 miles. Climb:750.

Start: Thurstaston Visitor Centre Car Park. Grid ref:SJ239835. This is a Pay and Display Car Park about £5-00 if my memory is correct.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will drive), .

Those not walking: Mike, .

This is a repeat of the walk that we did on 1st January 2012 and combines two walks from Raymond Roberts' booklet "Wirral Walks - the West Wirral Six".  However, e have one this walk many times, often returning from Caldy along the beach. This is a relatively easy walk with good views along the way, especially from Thurstaston Hill. We hope to walk back from Caldy to Thurstaston along the beach, so bring binoculars with you.

Saturday 23rd May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 27th May 2026.

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: .
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. 

Saturday 30th May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

I am happy to change the designated walks as long it is requested by the Monday and a suitable alternative walk suggested.

Please feel free to make suggests of walks that you would like to be included.

Please remember, I have a Prayer Praise Meeting at Church on the first Wednesday of each month, so I will be looking for walks not too far away.

Walks and Dates June 2026

Suggestions for ALL Wednesday walks welcome, especially for the short walks.

Wednesday 3rd June 2026.

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. 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 (I will drive), .

Those not walking: .

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 take the 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 will then 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 spot 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 6th June 2026.

Exploring The Area Around Norton Priory Museum, Gardens and Walled Garden.

Distance: 3.6 miles. Climb: 315'.

Start: Norton Priory Grid ref: SJ 5484 8311. Sat Nav: Tudor Road, WA7 1SX.

Leave Chester at 09-15, so that we are walking by 10-00.

Those interested  in joining us on the walk, including the Museum and Walled garden: Martyn, Mike, Nigel, Elaine, Fran, Sue and Michel, Sue Pearson, David S.

Martyn will drive picking up Sue and Michel at 09-00 and Mike at 09-15.

Museum open: 10-00 to 16-00.

Walled Garden Open: 12-00 to 15-00.

Entrance fee about £14, reduced, if we get a Group rate. However, we would need to recruit a few more as their leaflet says Group are 12 or more 

It is anticipated that we do the Woodland Trust walk first, followed by the Walled Garden, leaving the Museum until last.

The Woodlands Trust Walk.

Distance: 3.6 miles. Climb: 315'.This is an easy and varied walk through woods, parkland and along the Bridgewater towpath.

Wednesday 10th June 2026.

Those planning to walk: Martyn .
Those not walking:  

Wednesday 10th June 2026.

Around Minera Mountain. 

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:  .

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 difficult boggy moorland part of the walk

We will follow the described 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 continue southward to join the Fron 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.

Saturday 13th June 2026.

Holyhead Breakwater Country Park and South Stack.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1326'.

Start: Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (Pay and Display - £8-00 in 2024). 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: 

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.

If we start at the Breakwater Country Park paring area, we will do the walk in a clockwise direction, if we park in the free parking area, we will go along the coastal path first.

Wednesday 17th June 2026.

No planned walk - I have a hospital appointment.

Those planning to walk:  .
Those not walking: Mike.

Saturday 20th June 2026.

Visit to Gronant Dunes Nature Reserve to see the Little tern colony.
 Those planning to walk:  Martyn.

Those not walking: Mike.

Wednesday 24th June 2026.

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 (I will drive) , .
Those not walking: Mike.
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 27th June 2026.

No planned walk. 

Walk arranged on request.

 Those planning to walk:  Martyn.

Those not walking: Mike

Possible Saturday Walks

Possible Saturday Walks.

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.

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

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. 

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

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).

Town Brook Hollow and Ragleth Hill.

Distance: 9 -10 miles; Climb:2400'.

Start: Church Stretton centre car park (Pay and display). Grid ref:SO454941.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: .

Those not walking: .

This walk combines two short walks taken from Ian R. Jones's booklet "20 Church Stretton Walks". Town Brook Hollow (Ashlet Hill) to the North of Church Stretton and Ragleth Hill is to the South.   The two walks effectively create a figure of eight walk around Church Stretton, making Church Stretton a good place to look for a lunch spot.

It isn't easy to translate the Town Brook Hollow R. Jones 's map to the OS map, so we  a more recent booklet "Walks in the Shropshire Hills"  by Steve Goodier, so we might use his description for the Town Brook Hollow walk.

The Ragleth Hill walk includes quite steep climbs and descents, so we will probably do that walk first.

The Ragleth ill walk is 5.4 miles with a 1137' of climb and the Town Brook Hollow walk is 3.8 miles with 1244' of climb.

Conwy Mountain and Around Maen Esgob and Craigfedwen.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb:1447'.
Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. Pay and Display. Grid ref:SH781773. Post code: LL32 8LS

The walk starts by heading through the castle walls and on the North Wales Coastal Path along the harbour as far as the secondary school. The North Wales Path is the followed over Conwy Mountain through Castell Caer Seion and onto the Sychnant Pass.

 The views from the Conwy Mountain Ridge can be superb, with the Great Orme in one direction and Tal y Fan in the other, as well as good views towards Conwy castle and the Conwy Valley.

 After crossing the Sychnant Pass Road, the North Wales Path is once more folowed. At the point where there is a definite fork, it is possible to make a short there and back extension to visit the site of a monument. Returning to the North Wales Path, it is then followed along the East side of Maen Esgob as far as the head of the Fairy Glen. A path heading eastward then takes us past Llyn y wrach.

 Once the West side of Maen Esgob is reached, the main track is followed parallel to the stone wall towards Craigfedwen, where the footpath goes South of Waeny-fedwen and onto the minor road near Llechwedd. The route goes Northward on the road ad then takes the first path on the right which leads around Bryn-mawr to a minor access road. It is along this road that several large and/or interesting properties can be seen. at the T-junction, the route goes right and in a very short distance a broken kissing gate leads the way to a field path leading  to the Sychnant Pass Road at Mount Pleasant on the outskirts of Conwy. The Sychnant Pass Road  is then followed back to Conwy.

Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills.

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

Start: Abergwyngeryn Free Car Park Grid ref: SH0652728. Post code: LL33 0LF

PC (opens about 09-30) nearby and a cafe at the outdoor centre that allows walkers to use the toilets (opens earlier than PC.)

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast". The Traeth Lafan and it Foothills. This walk is an annual favourite and has in the past given us some wonderful experiences, especially in Winter trampling through soft fluffy knee deep snow, that didn't stick or wet our legs.  You never know we may get some  snow, this time too. It should be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you as we may visit The Spinnies Nature Reserve on the way back to our car.

This walk is described as walk of contrasting coastal and upland scenery with good views from the higher points on the North Wales path.

 This time we will use the road to The Spinnies, and avoid the unpleasant smelly muddy experience of taking the path through the farm yard,

We may see a Kingfisher at The Spinnies, but that often depends on whether the tide is coming.

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.

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: . 

We will probably start by heading up Marine Drive and taking the Monks' Path up to 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 the wrong time of the year to seethe Pearl bordered blue., but hopefully we will see Grey seals in Pigeon Cove.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb:1500'.

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 .

Those not walking: .

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 countryside South of Abergele. The outward route passes a well preserved watch tower. The last time we did this walk in March 224, the weather was really good, with largely blue skies.  Hopefully, it will be kind to us again. However, we did encounter one or two stiles that were in definite need of some  TLC.

Possible Wednesday Short Walks

Forward planning.

Wednesday 4th November 2026.

Hilbre Island.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 100' at a guess!

Start: South Parade, West Kirby Marine Lake. Park between the old baths and the Sailing Club at the Southern end of the lake Grid ref: SJ214860.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

High Tide is at 07-00 and is 26.0' / 7.9 m, so it looks like being a good option today. We should be able to cross the sands following the tide as it goes out.

Low Tide is at 13-06

Bring binoculars, their should be some plenty of birds to see as Wintering birds start arriving around now. We should also be able to see  the Grey seals seals on the sand banks in the estuary.

Possible Short Wednesday Walks.

Great Barrow and Plemstall.

Not suitable after lots of rain!

Distance: 5-6 miles. Climb: 280’.Start: Layby on Barrow Lane, Great Barrow. Grid ref: SJ46916846.

Leave Chester at 10-00. 

Those planning to walk: . 

This is one of the walks provided by the Stamford Bridge Country Inn.
This a low-level walk involving many field paths and quiet country lanes. Some of the field paths can be quite muddy after heavy rain.
The walk allows us to visit two villages, Great Barrow and Plemstall. At Plemstall we can visit St. Peter’s Church, Plemstall with its nearby St. Plegmund’s Well. At Great Barrow we can visit St. Bartholomew’s church.
Last time I did this walk was with Ed on a very hot day and I managed to lose my Leki! We also made the mistake of trying to complete all three of the Stamford Bridge walks in one go. We won't be doing that today!

The walk can easily be extended by an extra 2 miles and 50’ of climb.

On Foot to Eyarth Halt.

Not suitable after lots of rain!

Distance: 5-6 miles. Climb: 305’.
Start: Ruthin Craft Centre Car park (free) on Lon Parcwr (4th turning off the roundabout if approaching from Mold/Chester. It is opposite Tesco). Grid ref: SJ125586.

Leave Chester at 10-00. 

Those planning to walk: . 

This walk is taken from Dave Berry’s booklet Walks in the Vale of Clwyd.
It is described as a fascinating walk exploring the countryside between Ruthin and Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd.
The last time this walk was on the list was in 2010, but then it was part of a 13 mile walk that included Craig Adwy-wynt and Nant Clwyd Hall

Nant y Ffrith (2)

Start: Roadside parking in Cefn Road, Bwlchgwyn. Grid ref: SJ268534. 

To get to the car park turn off the main A525 into Brymbo Road, and then opposite the primary school turn left into Cefn Road. If we park just after the its junction with Cefn Lane, the road gets a little wider.

Distance: 5.3 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Leave Chester at 10-00.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry’ booklet Walks Around Ruabon Mountain.

It is described as a walk through the Nant y Ffrith valley to the Roman settlement of Ffrith. The walk returns via an old pack-horse trail, quiet lanes and field paths.

Audlem and the Shropshire Union Canal.

Distance: 5.6 miles. Climb: 180!

Start: Cheshire Street Car park, Audlem. Grid ref: SJ659436.

Leave Chester  at 09-15. (It takes just under an hour to drive to Audlem)

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire", 

The walk is described as exploring the attractive valley of the River Weaver with fine views throughout.

Nant y Pandy and the Slopes of Moel Fferna 13th May 2026

St Thomas's Church, Glyndyfrdwy.

Nanty Pandy.

On the path in the Nant y Pandy valley.

Getting around the fallen tree the easy way.

A "waterfall" on the Nant y Pandy.

The biggest waterfall in Nant y Pandy.

The main waterfall in Nan -y Pandy.

The descending stream in Nant y Pandy.

Not the prettiest breed of sheep in a field near Nant.!

Descending the moor to our lunch spot.

Tormentil next to the moorland path.

New growth on the fir trees next to our lunch spot.

Relaxing at lunch.

The view from my lunch spot.

The clouds moving over Moel Fferna.

Clouds moving over the slopes of Moel Fferna.

Who has left their Lekis this time?
Memories of previous visits!

The Llantysilio Range from our footpath across the slopes of Moel Fferna.

Distant views of Moel Fferna.

A dead tree highlighted when the Sun's rays made it glisten.

A blocked path and the way we made progress.

It looks like a faceoff, but the sheep turned round and ran off.

Taking the high road.

It looked like a crop of Gorse. If not why were the plants all roughly the same height?

More black sheep.

Two quite large lambs.

Farmer Taylor and Farmer Dodd in discussion.

A good showing of Bluebells in the lane leading to Glyndyfrdwy and our parked car.

Distance: 7.9 miles. Climb: 1696'.
Time: 5 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walking average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 4.5 Celsius at the start. 9.7 Celsius at lunch in the warm sunshine. 12.2 Celsius mid-afternoon.
Beaufort Wind Force 3 – 5. Mainly a Gentle breeze, but gusted to a 19.2m.p.h. Fresh breeze as we crossed the slopes of Moel Fferna.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Nigel.
The forecast for today wasn’t good, lots of rain, very windy and feel-like temperatures of around 6 Celsius.
Fran was put off by the forecast, but three of us decided to risk it. Thankfully it was the right decision! We did get a couple of showers in the morning, but it never felt as cold as in he forecast. In Nant y Pandy, we were protected from any wind, and it wasn’t until we crossed open moorland that we felt any wind at all.
At lunch time, we managed to shelter from the wind by a small wood, and the Sun came out, making it feel very pleasant half an hour stop.
Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, Common pheasant, Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, European robin, Willow warbler, Barn swallow, Common chaffinch, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Common buzzard Stonechat, Meadow pipit and Mallard.
Overall, it was a very varied and enjoyable walk, and unexpectedly we arrived back at the car with all of our gear dry!.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Grouse Inn at Carrog, where two of us enjoyed Lees Founder’s and Mike sampled the Guinness Zero served in Guinness Zero glass.

Nigel presented us with gift of rhubarb that Elaine had picked from her garden. Thank you, Elaine.

Home to Shotton Along the River 9th May 2026

A few of the flowers seen along the river taday.

Dandelion.

Creeping buttercup.

Plantain.

Plantain.

Green alkanet.

Hawkweed.

Red clover.

White campion.

Garlic mustard.

The yellow flowers of Bird's foot trefoil.

Three-cornered garlic.

Hawthorn blossom.

A squirrel carving in Alexandra Road Park, Shotton.

A singing Skylark, even if you can't see it!

Distance: 5.8 miles
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes. Walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.
The forecast for today wasn't good, with a warning that rain was highly likely. However, the window was only light, so I decided too risky it, but made sure my umbrella was near to hand. In fact, it sunny for most of the time. There were a few spots of rain as I arrived at Shotton Station, but not enough to get my umbrella out.
Overall, another enjoyable solo walk, celebrated with a meal and a pint of Weetwood's Silverback stout at the Central Hotel in Shotton.
Birds seen or heard: Chiffchaff, Winter wren, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Greater whitethroat, European robin, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Lapwing, Black billed magpie, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Skylark, Mallard, Woodpigeon, Collared dove, Canada goose, Goldfinch, House martin, Barn swallow, Common Chaffinch, Blue tit, Great tit. and Common pheasant.
Flowers seen included: Oil seed rape, in Creeping buttercup, Cow parsley, Plantain, Yarrow, Corn flower, Crane's bill, Red clover, Red valerian, Hedge geranium, Nettle, Comfrey, Dandelion, Vetch, Garlic mustard, Three cornered leek, White campion and Greater periwinkle.
Trees seem included: Hawthorn, Sycamore, Common lime and Common Maple.