Walks and Dates December 2017

Happy Christmas Everyone

Advanced Notice
Change of Walk Day.
I have decide that starting in January 2018,
I will be switching the mid-week walk day 
from 
Thursday to Wednesday.
The reason for changing the day is to give my knees an extra day to recover before the Saturday walk.
It also means that our Annual Meal will also be switched to the Wednesday.
Advanced notice.
Harris Hikers Annual Meal 2018.
Probable Venue: The Red Fox, Thornton Hough. 
This is another Brunning and Price hostelry.
Date: Wednesday 7th February 2018.
I haven't approached the Red Fox yet, and won't do so until early in January 2018, so if you prefer another venue, I am open to suggestions.

I will contact everyone by e-mail in December to check how many are interested in joining us for the meal.
Saturday 2nd December 2017.
Postponed.

Pincyn Llys from Bontuchel.
This walk will now replace the Gwydir Forest walk originally planned for the 9th December.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 2187'.
Start Forest Car Park near Bontuchel Grid ref: SJ08165708.
To get to the car park at Ruthin follow the through route and at the rugby club roundabout take the B5105 road towards Llanfwrog. Just after passing the church and the narrow bend in the road, take the right turn signposted to Bontuchel and Cyffylliog. At Bontuchel turn left immediately after crossing the bridge over the river. Follow the road uphill. The Forest car park in about half a mile up the road on the left.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes." However his walk starts at Cyffylliog, but parking there isn't easy. Starting from Bontuchel allows to get round that problem, but does involve walking along a about a mile to link in with the described walk. The walk explores the undulating upland pastures and forest between Cyffylliog and Clocaenog as well as following open side valleys and forest around Pincyn Llys.
 This has always been a favourite walk for the group, but I do like to include it now and again. It is four years since we last did this walk.

Thursday 7th December 2017.

St. Cwyfan's Trail and More.

Distance: 9-10 miles. The main part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills
Start: Roadside parking in Llandyrnog on the Llangynhafal road (Gladstone Terrace) . Park on the wider part of the road after Nant Glyd. Grid ref: SJ109650.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
The main part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills" and the extension is around the lower slopes of  Penycoddiau along the Clwydian Way.
It is described as a delightful walk in the countryside North of Llandyrnog and visits the smallest church in the Vale of Clwyd.

Saturday 9th December 2017.
Pincyn Llys from Bontuchel. 
Postponed - Billy no mates again!
See 2nd December 2017 for details.
Gwydir Forest From Llanwrst. Cancelled.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1200'.
Start: Llanrwst car park, behind library and PC. Grid ref: SH796616.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Carl Roger's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley. It is described as a moderately strenuous walk with some sustained ascents, mainly on good forest tracks. it explores the Eastern section of Gwydir Forest with its numerous lakes.

Thursday 14th December 2017.

Burton and Parkgate.

Distance: 8-10 miles. Climb: 500'.

Start: Roadside parking on Denhall Lane next to benches overlooking the marshes. Grid ref: SJ301747.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The Burton circuit is taken from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral". This walk is just 5 miles, but we will extend it. Last time we did this walk trying to find the exact path through Burton Wood to Mill Lane proved to be a challenge, it may be this time too!  
 The extension will involve some road walking through Neston to link up with the Wirral Way and onto Parkgate. The return route will use coastal paths as much as possible and pass Neston Old Quay and Denhall Quay on the way back to Denhall Lane.
There is an option to miss out Parkgate and shorten the walk by about 2 miles and the climb by about 100'.
The 27' / 8.2 m high tide is around  08-15, so we shouldn't have any problem using the coastal path as long as it isn't flooded for other reasons.
 It is possible that we may see Marsh harriers and Hen harriers hunting over the marsh, soit may be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you.

Saturday 16th December 2017.

Deganwy Castle and the Great Orme. 
Postponed.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:1900'.

Start:Roadside parking near the Public Conveniences on the West shore of Llandudno. Grid ref:SH773819.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The main walk today is the Deganwy Castle walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". Sections of this walk have been known to be muddy in the past.

The extension to the walk , after returning to the car, will involve most of the circuit of the limestone plateau on the Great Orme, including a visit to the trig point and descent via the Monks' path to the toll road. There are plenty of options to shorten the walk if required.

Thursday 21st December 2017. 
The original walk has been changed. 
The New Walk is described below

Ysceifiog-Caerwys and More.
This will be our last walk on a Thursday before our switch to a Wednesday.
Last we sampled the fruit cake that I made a couple of months ago, but there is still enough left, so I will be bringing some again this week. 
Make sure you let me know that you are coming so that I know how many pieces of cake to bring.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: Ysceifiog, park adjacent to the children's play area. Grid ref: SJ152715.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

  in view of the considerable amount of rain/snow we have had recently, I have decided to change the walk as in the past we have found the original walk to be very muddy where cattle have been grazing.
 This new walk is based on a walk taken from the Liverpool daily Post around 1955 and is described as a ramble exploring woodland scenery, sylvan paths and pretty lanes. Our walk start at the tranquil village of Ysceifiog and heads for the interesting small town of Caerwys.
 The described walk is linear a it assumes that people are using buses, so we will complete the walk by exploring paths and lanes on the South side of A541.
 Much of this walk attempts to avoid the mud, by using quite lanes, but if we feel we the urge to slip and slide across muddy fields there are plenty of opportunities if we so wish!

Saturday 23rd December 2017.

No walk.

Walks and Dates November 2017

Advanced Notice
Change of Walk Day.
I have decide that starting in January 2018,
I will be switching the mid-week walk day 
from 
Thursday to Wednesday.
The reason for changing the day is to give my knees an extra day to recover before the Saturday walk.
It also means that our Annual Meal will also be switched to the Wednesday.
Advanced notice.
Harris Hikers Annual Meal 2018.
Probable Venue: The Red Fox, Thornton Hough. 
This is another Brunning and Price hostelry.
Date: Wednesday 7th February 2018.
I haven't approached the Red Fox yet, and won't do so until early in January 2018, so if you prefer another venue, I am open to suggestions.
I will contact everyone by e-mail in December to check how many are interested in joining us for the meal.
Thursday 2nd November 2017

Deborah's Well, Moel Findeg and Big Covert

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb: 1300'.

Start: Lay-by on the  Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a building site), 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 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  This is another chance to visit the summit of Moel Findeg with its fine views of the Northern Clwydians  and across the Cheshire plain to Peckforton and Beeston.  Hopefully we will make it as far as the ancient Deborah's well this time. We may even do it first this time, if we park in the Cadole lay-by.

Saturday 4th November 2017.

A Walk Around Disley. Postponed

Distance: 9-10 mile. Climb: 1200'.
Start: Disley Station Car Park. Grid ref: SJ972845. (If the car park is full, we will go to Lyme Park and park there, so if you are a National Trust member, bring your membership card with you.)
Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.
This walk combine a walk from Jen Darling's book "More Pub Walks in Cheshire and the Wirral", with a walk from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire".
The latter route takes us along the Gritstone Trail through Lyme Park and up to the Bowstones, where on a good day you get good views of Shutlingsloe and the Cheshire Plain.  The other walk on the East side of Disley, climbs Black Hill and gives good views towards Kinder.

Thursday 9th November 2017.

Grindley Brook to Marbury.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 200' at a guess.
Start: Layby on the A41, East of Grindley Brook Locks Cafe and about 400 m before the roundabout / junction with the A49. Grid ref: SJ 524428.
Leave Chester at 09-00.
This walk is one that Phil saw in the Times, planned by Christopher Somerville, so ignoring the preduces of many of the group I decided to give a go! The walk starts at the Horse and Jockey, but we will start in the layby a little East of that particular hostelry.
The walk is described as one which goes through a countryside that is a maze of drumlin hills and kettlehole lakelets. I womder if we will be able to identify these two features of the landscape. He describes the walk as being boggy in places, but he did it in February, hopefully it won't be as bad for us! The walk included parts of Bishop Bennett's Way, the Sandstone Trail, South Cheshire Way and parts of the Shropshire Union Canal.

Saturday 11th November 2017.

Jumbles, Wayoh, Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs. 

Distance:10 miles. Climb:1100'.

Start:Waterfold Car Park, off Bradshaw Road (A676), Jumbles Country Park. Grid ref: SD736139

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

This walk is based on a walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". He describes the walk as a pleasant walk on good paths. The extension to Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs includes another section of the Witton Weaver Way and crosses Turton Heights and a hill called Cheetham Cross. A good and varied walk. Has been known to be on the boggy side on the descent from Cheetham Cross! The last time we did this walk, we missed out Cheetham Cross, making the walk just over 9 miles.

Thursday 16th November 2017.

Owain Glyndwr's Mount, Nant Friddisel and the Pen y Grog Mines,

Distance: 6-7 miles. Climb: 1400'.

Start: Grid ref: SJ115437. Road side parking on B5437 on the South side of Pont Carrog.

This walk is a little shorter than usual, but takes in to account that route finding might be more difficult than usual. The main objective is to visit the Pen y Grog disused mines using a footpath that would be an extension to our normal walk which we last did in July, but having climbed Moel Fferna no-one has been very keen to extend the walk further. The call of the Grouse Inn might have had something to do with it!

 This route starts by heading alongside the river, before taking the paths that climb up to the mine. After retracing our steps the walk uses a path through the Carrog Plantation that we have used before and may take some finding. Having successfully negotiated our way through the forest and on to open moorland we then follow familiar paths towards Carrog-uchaf, but just before the farm we head back South in to the Carrog Plantation to contour on forest paths around Owain Glyndwr's Mount and finally descend to Llidiart y Park and along the B5437 back to Pont Carrog. 

Saturday 18th November 2017.

Ramshaw Rocks and the Roaches. 
Postponed until Summer 2018.
I'm having electrical work done at home.

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.
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!

Thursday 23rd November 2017.

Sandbach and More.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 500'.
Start: Waitrose Car park on Brookhouse Road,  Sandbach. Grid ref: SJ758605. Park at the bottom of the car park near the A533/534 roundabout, well away from the supermarket itself.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Although the described walk starts in the centre of Sandbach, this is a figure of eight walk around the village of Hassall Green.
The main part of the walk is taken from the Patherfinder Guide to Cheshire. Whilst part of the walk includes the centre of Sandbach, most of the walk visits more secluded areas just outside the town. It is described as including peaceful sections, including two secluded valleys and a section of the Trent and Mersey Canal.
The extension takes us East along th Trent and Mersey Canal as far as Thurlwood, before heading for Lawton Heath End and returning to the car park along the Salt Line.
 This is a new walk for the Thursday group. As it is only 45 minutes from Chester to Sandbach, I thought it would be within distance for a Thursday.

Saturday 25th November 2017.

Llugwy and Lledre. 

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 1000'.

Start: Railway station car park in the centre of Betws-y Coed. Grid ref: SH795565. 

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m. (It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes from Saltney)

This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's new book "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley". This walk links the beautiful wooded Llugwy and Lledre Valleys. It takes in Sarn Helen, the former Roman Road, and reaches over 800' before descending in to the Lledre Valley. It involves a steep climb to Llyn Elsi or at least that is what Dave Berry says!
The last couple of times I have done this, the weather has not been kind, but hopefully at this time of the year it may not be quite so wet!
This is about the fifth time that I have attempted to put this walk on, hoping for good weather and have ended up postponing the walk. Hopefully this time it will go ahead.

Thursday 30th November 2017.

Gadlys, Nant-y-Flint and More.
This walk has been modified by request!

Distance: 7 - 9 miles; Climb:1100'.

Start: Public car park adjacent to the Stag Inn at Bagillt. Grid ref:SJ219753.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walks is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain" and is nominally 7 miles. The walk explores the attractive undulating rural hinterland between Bagillt and Flint.

This walk was last done in 2010 and our desire for walks over 10 miles has waned a little since then, so I have of reduced by missing out most f the east of Holywell walk that we did last time. This means that walk will be between 7 and 9 miles, depending on whether we decide to extend the walk a little from the described walk. there are two possible short extension, one to the West and one to the East. We can decide on the day if we want to do both, one or none of them!
 Some of the field paths have been known to be somewhat muddy on past visits and we have had to wade through longish grass - gaiters recommended!

Walks and Dates October 2017

Advanced notice.
Harris Hikers Annual Meal 2018.
Probable Venue: The Red Fox, Thornton Hough. 
This is another Brunning and Price hostelry.
Date: Thursday 8th February 2018.
I haven't approached the Red Fox yet, and won't do so until early in January 2018, so if you prefer another venue, I am open to suggestions.
I will contact everyone by e-mail in December to check how many are interested in joining us for the meal.
Thursday 5th October 2017.

Thurstaston Common, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.

Distance:8-10 miles. Climb:1000'.

Start: Thurstaston Visitor Centre Car Park. Grid ref:SJ239835.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

This is a repeat of the walk that we usually do in January, so I thought it was about time we tried it out in a different time of the year.  The route combines two walks from Raymond Roberts' booklet "Wirral Walks - the West Wirral Six". This is a relatively easy walk with good views along the way, especially from Thurstaston Hill. We hope to walk back to Thursaston along the beach, so bring binoculars with you. High tide is at 13-27, even though it is a 30.5' tide (9.3 m), it should have gone out far enough by the time we get to the coast. If not we have always got the Wirral Way.

Saturday 7th October 2017.

Llugwy and Lledre.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 1000'.

Start: Railway station car park in the centre of Betws-y Coed. Grid ref: SH795565. 

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m. (It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes from Saltney)

This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's new book "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley". This walk links the beautiful wooded Llugwy and Lledre Valleys. It takes in Sarn Helen, the former Roman Road, and reaches over 800' before descending in to the Lledre Valley. It involves a steep climb to Llyn Elsi or at least that is what Dave Berry says!
The last couple of times I have done this, the weather has not been kind, but hopefully at this time of the year it may not be quite so wet!

Thursday 12th October 2017.

Lady Bagot's Drive and More.

Distance:8-0 miles. Climb: 600'.

Start: Ruthin Riverside Car park (Pay and display - £3-50). Grid ref: SJ121582.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  We have completed this walk many times before in all sorts of weather conditions. Conditions underfoot have been particularly challenging after lots of rain and the Afon Clwyd is in spate.  In the past we have seen Kingfishers and Salmon jumping the weir, seeing either again would be nice.

Saturday  14th October 2017.

No walk - I'm going for my flew jab.

Thursday 18th October 2017.

Cwn Dulas, Cefn yr Ogof and Gop Wood.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:1300'.
Start location. Abergele, Pensarn Beach car park by PC. Grid ref:SH942786.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
The bulk of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast", with an extension to include the small hill Cefn yr Ogof. Always a good walk with several opportunities to have extensive views. We may decide to explore Gop Wood a little more. If we miss out Cefn yr Ogof, the walk will be a mile or so shorter and the climb reduced by about half.

Saturday 21st October 2017.

Deganwy Castle and the Great Orme. 
Postponed due to the weather forecast suggesting high winds and heavy rain all day.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:1900'.

Start:Roadside parking near the Public Conveniences on the West shore of Llandudno. Grid ref:SH773819.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The main walk today is the Deganwy Castle walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". Sections of this walk have been known to be muddy in the past.

The extension to the walk , after returning to the car, will involve most of the circuit of the limestone plateau on the Great Orme, including a visit to the trig point and descent via the Monks' path to the toll road. There are plenty of options to shorten the walk if required.

Thursday 26th October 2017.

Around Gwystaney and More.

Distance: 6.0 miles, 8.5 miles or 9.5 miles or 10.5 miles (decided on the day, as and when we have to make a decision!).

Climb: 1500', but depends on the actual route we decide to take after lunch! 

Start. Parking area near the children's play ground in Rhosesmore. Grid ref: SJ214684.

The walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Holywell Mountain and Halkyn Mountain. Our usual route normally includes Cwm Conwy, but I suspect that today's walk won't! The Gwystaney walk is described as a walk through the undulating countryside between Rhosesmor and Sychdyn, exploring the lush wooded Gwysaney Estate. The second walk at least includes visiting Moel Y Gaer hill-fort and how much more depends on us!

Saturday  28th October 2017.

Mynydd Eilian and Point Lynas and More.

Distance: 7-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Llaneilian Car Park. Grid ref: SH474929.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Best Walks in North Wales". The walk visits one of Anglesey's high points, and follows a section of the Coastal Path. A good section of the coastal path is on concessionary paths that are closed on some days. I've e-mailed Anglesey Council, but as yet they haven't go back to me.  I'm sure that we can use our map reading expertise to get round any path that is closed! Walking along the coast is always good at any time of the year, especially if you get good weather'. Let's hope we will get good weather on this occasion.
The difference in mileage depends on how much of an extension we add on to the planned walk.

Walk and Dates September 2017

Saturday 2nd September 2017.

Around Llyn Trawsfynnyd. 

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Trawsfynydd Cafe and Fishing Permit Car Park, just off the A470 down the road to the Power Station. Grid ref: SH696383.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is another walk that Ed has found. It is in a walk that is totally new to me, so I will enjoy exploring this area.

 It is described as a fine 8 mile walk with spectacular views in places. The walk goes round the lake in a clockwise direction, heading South towards the village of Trawsfynnydd. It involves a small section of the A470, but doing the walk this way round gets the road section over quite early in to the walk. Thankfully it is also on a wide footpath. After this the route heads towards the lake and crosses what is described as a unique footbridge. The route on the West side of the lake, looks as though it may be interesting in terms of path finding, whilst the section on the North side is described as going through as a swampy section, so this might be challenging too!

Thursday 7th September 2017.

Llansannan and Mynydd Tryfan.

Distance: 8-10 miles; Climb:1500'.

Start:Car park behind PC opposite the Post Office in Llansannan. Grid ref:SH933658.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk is mainly a walk taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walking in the Vale of Clwyd". This is a varied walk along the Afon Aled and its tributaries, through rolling pastures edge with thick hedges and pockets of woodland, with a backdrop of mountains. However we will include an extension to include Mynydd Tryfan.

Saturday 9th September 2017.

Astbury Mere and More.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb:500'.
Start: Astbury Mere Country Park. Grid ref: SJ846627.
Leave Chester 08-30.

The described part of the walk is taken from the Patherfinder Guide to Cheshire. It is described as following mainly enclosed tracks, part of the Macclesfield Canal and visits the attractive village of Astbury. The extension is along the canal to High Town, the Gritstone Trail to Dane in Shaw, field paths to Heather Bank farm and Northward back to the canal and the described walk.

Thursday 14th September 2017.

The Alun Valley, Moel y Waun, Llyn Gweryd and Limestone Pastures.

Distance:11 miles; Climb: 2000'.
I'm sure we will look for a few short cuts to bring the distance down a little!
Start: Llandegla Village car park, adjacent to the bus shelter and opposite the Post Office. Grid ref: SJ196523.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". He describes one walk as being delightful and the other as being an easy walk with scenic delights. What more could we want from a walk, and as we know Dave Berry is frequently delighted on his walks! From past experience parts of the route can be muddy underfoot.

Saturday 16th September 2017.

Deganwy Castle and the Great Orme. - Postponed.

Start:Roadside parking near the Public Conveniences on the West shore of Llandudno. Grid ref:SH773819.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The main walk today is the Deganwy Castle walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". Sections of this walk have been known to be muddy in the past.

The extension to the walk , after returning to the car, will involve most of the circuit of the limestone plateau on the Great Orme, including a visit to the trig point and descent via the Monks' path to the toll road. There are plenty of options to shorten the walk if required.

Thursday 21st September 2017.

Denbigh Castle, Goblin Fields and St Dyfnog's Well.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 670'
Start: Roadside parking by the weir, West of Brookhouse Mill and Pottery. Take the A525 from Denbigh. Just before the Brookhouse Mill Tavern on the A525, at a signpost for "Pottery", turn right (West), go past the marked parking bays for the pottery   and park on the left side of the road by the weir. Grid ref: SJ069656.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
These two walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". One walk explores the attractive and varied countryside between Llanrhaeadr and Brookhouse and gives us the opportunity to see again the famous Tree of Jesse medieval stained glass window (1533) and Ann Parry's gravestone with its inscription"God kept His word".  The walk also includes two mile of riverside  alongside the Afon Ystrad and Afon Clwyd
The second walk is described as interesting and takes a "green"approach to a little known castle in Wales.

Saturday 23rd September 2017.

Coed Creigiau and Cefn Cyfarwydd.

Distance:8 miles; Climb:1800'.

Start: Trefriw Car park. Grid ref:SH782630.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley". He describes it as an exhilarating walk exploring the little known upland area North of Trefriw, utilising scenic upland roads offering extensive views. We will also include part of the way-marked path through Coed Creigiau.

Thursday 28th September 2017.

Lloc, Mertyn Downing and Pen y Ball Top

Distance:9 miles,. Climb:956’.

Start: Roadside parking at Lloc. Turn left by the public house if approaching from Holywell on the A5026 on right if approaching on the A5026 from its nearest junction with the A55. Grid ref:SJ145765.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk includes parts of two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". We have done both walks many times before, but not often together. One walk explore the area between Holywell and Pantasaph, including the grounds of the friary. The other walk explores the attractive undulating countryside North of Gorsedd and Carmel.

 The last time we did this walk, we explored a path through the golf course, but couldn't find where the path left the golf course near the fisheries. I thought that this time we might investigate the path from the fisheries end to see if it really does exist! We now know that even the fisheries end of the path is too overgrown to attempt.

Saturday 30th September 2017.

No walk - I will be going to a family  birthday celebration in Aldridge.

Walks and Dates August 2017

Thursday 3rd August 2017.

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.

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.

Saturday 5th August 2017.

Deganwy Castle and the Great Orme.
Postponed. 
This walk will probably reappear on the list 
in 
September or October.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:1900'.

Start:Roadside parking near the Public Conveniences on the West shore of Llandudno. Grid ref:SH773819.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The main walk today is the Deganwy Castle walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". Sections of this walk have been known to be muddy in the past.

The extension to the walk , after returning to the car, will involve most of the circuit of the limestone plateau on the Great Orme, including a visit to the trig point and descent via the Monks' path to the toll road. There are plenty of options to shorten the walk if required.

Thursday 10th August 2017.

Another Ceiriog Valley Walk from Pontricket 

(Walks E and F)

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1700'.
Start: Pontricket, Layby, Grid ref: SJ186343.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines Pontricket Walks E and F. This walk starts by following the Ceiriog Valley  Eastward from Ponticket and picking up the tramway to Pandy. Here it follows the East side of the Teirw Valley as far as Ty-du. At Ty-du the route follows the Upper Ceiriog Way along a stony bridleway. Hopefully it will feel better climbing than it did descending when followed it last on the 8th June. On reaching open moorland near Rhyd Caledwynt the route heads Eastward  across pathless moorland before for picking up a good track that leads back to Pontricket.

Saturday 12th August 2017.

A Pentrefoelas Round - one of Ed's Walks.

Distance: 6-11 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Riverside car park and picnic site, Pentrefoelas SH872516.
Leave Chester 08-30.
The main part of the walk is only 5.25 miles, so hopefully we will be able to find an extension to increase the distance coverd by a few miles, weather permitting.
The described walk explores the area North of Pentrefoelas as it rises towards the Hiraethog moors. It eventually descend back in to the valley, crosses A5 and the river before heading for Plas Iolyn.
I haven't done this walk before although I have walked along parts of it and in the past some paths have been been quite boggy, but hopefully will be less so at this time of the year.
A possible extension explores the area to he West of Pentrefoelas that would take he walk up to 11 miles, although if need be there are easy options o reduce the walk to under 10 miles if need be. We can decide how much of an extension is we want just before arriving back at the car.

Thursday 17th August 2017.

Halkyn, Limestone, Lead and More.

Distance: 9  miles; Climb:1000'.

Start: Common Land opposite the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn. Grid ref: SJ209702. 

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

We haven't started a walk from this location for quite some time. I thought that it was about time we did so to do so again. This walk combines two of my favourite walks in this fascinating area on our local patch. We used to start this walk from the Britannia Inn and finish the walk by going through the "Water buffalo" fields, but as we start near the Blue Bell Inn, we will miss out that part of the walk.

Saturday 19th August 2017.

No walk - I've decided to go on a bus pass adventure.

Thursday 24th August 2017.

Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1000' at a guess.

Start: Boncyn Foel-bach Forest Car Park Grid ref: SJ055520. This is on the B5105 Ruthin to Clawdd Newydd road.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  We last did this walk in February 2016 and I enjoyed it then. I thought that it would be good to do it again, but in a different season. It is described as being a varied walk through forest, quiet lanes, including one that was used on a pilgrims' route and an attractive riverside path.

 Part of the route, particularly sections of the riverside path have in the past been rather boggy (Remembered from it being on walks starting from Melin-y-Wig). The section through the forest can be boggy too. The final section involves climbing out of the valley up to the car park - not the most ideal way to end a walk, but it isn't that steep.

Saturday 26th August 2017.

Maen Esgob and Maen Penddu - another of Ed's Walks.

Distance: 7- 8 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Snowdonia National Park Sychnant car park Grid ref: SH755769.
This is the first time that we will have started at this car park. This is a very contrived series of interconnection circular walks exploring the Conwy Mountain area South west of the Sychnannt Pass.
This is always a delightful area to explore and and it will be interesting to explore one or two bits not visited on our usual walks.
The walk starts by visititing the mini peak of Cogwrn before exploring attractive upland cvountry featuring sweveral low hills with panoramic views. It also visits the top of Maen Esgob. After crossing Waen Gywrach it climbs onto Cefn Maen Amor with its large erratic boulders. After visiting the standing stones of Maen Penddu the route takes us passed two upland reservoirs following delightful green tracks heading to Cragfedwern and back to the car.

Thursday 31st August 2017.

Moel Fenlli and Cwm Blaenant.

Distance: 6-7 miles.

Climb: 1524'

Start: Bwlch Penbarras car park (Pay and display).

Grid ref:SJ162606.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". It is described as an interesting walk, visiting an impressive iron-age hill-fort. Sections mender along the Offa's Dyke footpath as far as the Clwyd Gate. The return route will take us through little known Western fringes of the Clwydian Hills. It includes attractive woodland paths  and explores a delightful hidden valley. Most of the walk is along clear paths with excellent views throughout.
 The walk is nominally shorter than usual, but the last time I remember doing it was in July 2008, and we didn't bother with any extension, admittedly the weather wasn't good! However if the group are keen to extend the walk, it will be easy to do so. This is a decision we can leave until we get back to the cars if need be. There are plenty of tracks through the forest at Moel Famau Country Park to create an extension  loop of whatever length we want.

Walks and Dates May 2017

Thursday 4th May 2017.

Pen-y- Ball Hill, Two Woods and the Coast.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Holywell Halkyn Street Car Park. Grid ref: SJ18957548.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is a figure of eight walk around Holywell. It combines two walks from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones's booklet "10 Walks Around Holywell". We know the area around the Pen-y-Ball Monument quite well, but on this occasion, we explore again some of the paths around the Pets Cemetry. The other walk takes us down to the coast through Coed Pen-y-Maes, going quite near to the new Holywell High School. When we did the walk in May 2015 they had only just started to build.

Saturday 6th May 2017.

Pendle Hill – the annual search for Dotterel.

Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb:1900’.

Start: Downham Village Car park. Grid ref: SD785442.

Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

This is a little shorter than our usual Saturday walks.  The route today is the one in Terry Marsh’s book “Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire”. He describes it as “undoubtedly the finest ascent of Pendle Hill”. Let’s hope for a good day weather-wise, topped up with good views of  Dotterel as we did a few years ago.  Don’t forget to bring binoculars.
The last few times we have done this walk, the weather hasn't been kind.lets hope the weather is better this year.

Thursday 11th May 2017.

Bluebell Woods Around Parbold. 

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: Hunter's Hill Quarry Nature Reserve on Bannister Lane WN6 9QD. Grid ref: SD503123
It is 48 miles from Saltney, so should be a little less from Chester and should take just over an hour to get there.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.

This may be a little further than usual, but it is mainly on the motorway, so it is pretty quick.

This walk is a walk that we have done for the last two years, but on a Saturday. each time the Bluebell have been superb, so I thought that it was time that the Thursday walkers could enjoy them too. This walk is on the East of Parbold, and visits up to ten different woods, so hopefully some will still have Bluebells on show.  The walk also includes part of the Leeds - Liverpool Canal as far as Appley Bridge. This is a walk that we have done a couple of times now. There is no description, just the OS map.  The walk includes a section around Anderton Mill and High Moor. Last time the Bluebells and wild garlic in Fairy Glen were quite stunning. Bring binoculars with you just in case.

Saturday 13th May 2017.

Cwm Eigiau from Dolgarrog.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 2000'.

Start: Road side parking on the B5106 next to Dolgarrog Nature Reserve/Memorial Trail. Grid ref: SH769676.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This is another walk from Carl Rogers' book "Walks in the Conwy Valley. This is described as  strenuous route, particularly in the accent from the valley. It is an interesting walk over quiet lower hills with good views of the nearby Carneddau. Good navigating skills needed on the upper sections of Moel Eilio where paths are feint. We have also had good views of Cuckoos on this walk in this area in past years.
 There is plenty of opportunity to extend the walk, if we feel the need!

Thursday 18th May 2017.

Maen Achwfan, Llyn Helyg, Crown Bach and Coed Pen-y-Gelli.

Distance:9-10 miles. Climb:1000’.

Start:Roadside parking opposite the church in Whitford. Grid ref:SJ147782.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This is a Bluebell Woods walk we first did in 2011.

The walk starts off by using one of the walks in Dave Berry’s book “ Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain. We have completed this one several times, including visiting the beautifully carved Maen Achwfan.  However this time we include exploring two new woods, Glol and Llyn Helyg woods.  Hopefully we will return through Crown Bach woods to Lloc and then return to Whitford via Twll Bach.

Saturday 20th May 2017.

Mow Cop, Congleton Edge and More. 

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: New start Point. Cheshire's Close lay-by on Congleton Road, Mow Cop. Grid ref: SJ8673058565

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk combines a walk from Carl Rogers's book "Circular Walks Along The Gritstone Trail" and part of a walk taken from the "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". This walk is a little shorter than the one that we did in 2008. Good views from the ridges.

Thursday 25th May 2017.

Coed Pen-y-Gelli and More.

Distance:9-10 miles. Climb:700’.

Start: Roadside parking at Lloc. If approaching from Holywell on the A5026, turn left by the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. Park in left. If approaching on the A5026 from its nearest junction with the A55 (Prestatyn junction), Turn right in front of the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. This is just after the the Pant Y Wacco sign and the road starts to bear left. St Asaph Road is one way and can only be approached from then A5026.
Grid ref:SJ145765.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is a annual Bluebell Wood Walk, and is effectively a figure of eight walk based on Lloc. This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry’s book “ Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain”.  The walk will probably will be near to 10 miles as we will only complete a small section of the usual Gorsedd Round. In fact we may investigate the path on the West side of Coed Mertyn that we couldn't locate from the golf course last year by trying to follow it from the road by the fisheries.

Saturday 27th May 2017.

South Stacks Cliffs Nature Reserve and More.

Distance:10 miles. Climb:1326'.

Start: Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (Pay and Display). SH225833

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

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. 

 We will start at the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park. In the past we have completed the walk in a clockwise direction,  finishing the  walk along the Coastal Path, but as a change we will complete the walk in an anti-clockwise direction. This will probably mean we will arrive at South Stack in time for an early lunch.

Walks and Dates April 2017

Updated 26th April 2017 

New start point for the walk on Thursday 27th April 2017

Saturday 1st April 2017.

Lymm and Thelwall.

Distance: 9-12 miles. Climb: 500' at a guess.
Start: Spud Wood Car park, Stage Lane, Oughtrington, Lymm. Grid ref: SJ702874.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk combines two walks from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and Wirral". The walks are linked using a section of the Trans Pennine Trail and the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk / the Bridgewater Canal Walk. We have only done this walk once before, so I thought that it was worth giving it another go.

Thursday 6th April 2017.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 10.4 miles. Climb:1349'.

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.
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 rout passes a well preserved watch tower. The last time we did this walk in March 2010 we had a superb day weatherwise and excellent views from the top of Moefre Isaf. Hopefully we will be as lucky with the weather this time too.

Saturday 8th April 2017.

Another Walk On Conwy Mountain.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1800' at a guess!
Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. Pay and Display. Grid ref:SH781773.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Carl Rogers's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley". Much of the routes as far as Conwy is the same as we have done on the last two occasions,. It goes through the harbour, follows riverside before passing the school and then climbing to Conwy Mountain along he North Wales path. The return route goes South towards Henryd. It is similar to a route we used many years ago, but appears to miss out much of the road walking. we shall see!
The last time we did this walk was in March 2012 where we clocked up 11.4 miles and over 2000' of climb, a little more than on the described  route!

Thursday 13th April 2017.

Holywell, Bagillt and Flint.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb:430' at a guess.
Start: Flint Castle Car park adjacent to the Lifeboat Station. Grid ref: SJ247732.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk uses three walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Chester and the River Dee."  This is essentially a linear walk, so we will have to arrange enough cars to have cars at both Flint and Holywell or use the bus to take us from Flint to Holywell. (Leaves Flint McDonald's on Holywell Road, at 10-14) .
Last time we all caught the bus up to Holywell, so we will probably do the same today.
The last time that we did this walk was in 2012, and we enjoyed it then., hopefully we will today.

Saturday 15th April 2017.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

Postponed I'm having a day off!

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list. Birds are often seen on the reservoirs we walk around, so it is useful to bring binoculars just in case.


Thursday 20th April 2017.



Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1200'.

Start: Llangwyfan Forestry car park: SJ138668

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  This area of the Clwydians has so much to offer, and Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau are particularly good.  On a good day the views from both hill forts are superb.

Saturday 22nd April 2017.

Gwydir Forest from Llanwrst.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1800'.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

Start: Llanrwst Riverside car Park. GRid ref: SH795617.

The walk is taken from Carl Roger's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley. It is described as a

 moderately strenuous route exploring the Eastern sectrions of the forest with its many lakes.

It follows mainly good forest tracks and paths.

Thursday 27th April 2017.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge and More.


Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1300'.



Start: Lay-by on the  Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. Approaching Loggerheads on the A549, Mold to Ruthin Road and after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a building site), take the next road on the right just before the newsagent. The lay-by is almost immediately on the right by the telephone kiosk.



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.


Saturday 29th April 2017.






New Walk : Holywell, Bagillt and Flint Castle.

See Thursday 13th April 2017 above for details.

The Lawley and Caer Caradoc. 
Postponed until later in the year, probably July or September.


Distance:10-11 miles; Climb:2000'.


Start: Church Stretton centre car park (pay and display). Grid ref:SO454911.

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

It's Dotterel time again, so this is another walk that may give us the chance of seeing them again. The walk combines two walks taken from Ian Jones' booklet "20 Walks From Church Stretton".It is a walk that we first did in 1998 and have done several times since then. This is a superb walk, especially on a good day. It is the nearest that you can get to a ridge walk, particularly along the Lawley! In the past time we were lucky to see an Osprey near the fisheries, almost as good as a Dotterel.