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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.
Showing posts with label 2019 Walks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2019 Walks. Show all posts

Thursday, 26 December 2019

Dates and Walks December 2019

Wednesday 4th December 2019.
Moel Famau via Coed Clwyd, Moel Ffrith and possibly Moel Dywyll.
Distance: 8 -10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Bwlch Penbarra car park (Pay nd display £1-50) Grid ref: SJ161605.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Saturday 7th December 2019.
Please contact me if you want me to arrange a walk for this day, although I have to be home by 15-00.
Wednesday 11th December 2019.
The Trent and Mersey Canal, Great Budworth and More.
Start: Marbury Country Park car Park (Pay and Display £2-50 last time). Grid ref: SJ652763.
Distance: 7-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
The main 7 mile walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". This is described as a varied walk with plenty of historic interest, including the Anderton Boat Lift.. The extra mileage will be made by exploring the Anderton Nature Park, Marshall's Wood, Carey Park, Ashton's Flash and Neumann's Flash.  Bring binoculars with you if you can.
Saturday 14th December 2019.
Please contact me if you want me to arrange a walk for this day.
Wednesday 18th December 2019.
Prestatyn, Talacre and The Point of Ayr.
Distance: 10 miles.(Less if we don't do the Point of Ayr loop). Climb: 200'.
Start at Prestatyn Barkby Beach.. I suggest that you park at Beach Hotel car park, (£2-00) On our visit in January 2019 , this is the same as the pay and display car park!) on the large parking area by the PC,  Grid ref: SJ068839
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. You will need to go into the hotel to purchase a car park ticket.
This is a walk that is always on the list at this time of the year, as it is always a good time to see Winter visitors, so bring binoculars with you. 

High tide is at about 15-13, and is about 27.6', so we go along the beach / sand dunes first  on the way to Talacre and the Point of Air. We will take lunch using one of the picnic tables along the path leading to the Point Of Air. We will decide on the day whether to extend the walk as far as the RSPB observation point. 
Our return route will be through The Warren Nature Reserve, the Caravan Park and finally through Prestatyn Golf Course, 
Saturday 21st December 2019.
A Walk Around the Great Orme.
Postponed.
Distance: 8-10 miles, but will be decided on the day.
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.
This walk is one we do several times each year, particularly if we want to avoid muddy conditions. The exact route wil be decided as we are going round. It will probably involve going around the Great Orme on the panoramic road, have lunch in the Happy Valley before taking the path across the limestone pavement and then taking the steps down to the invalids terrace and back to the shore.
Wednesday 25th December 2019.
No Walk.
Saturday 28th December 2019.
Please contact me if you want me to arrange a walk for this day.

Friday, 29 November 2019

Dates an Walks November 2019

Updated 21st November 2019.
Saturday 2nd November 2019.
The Little Orme and Bryn Euryn. 
This walk will now be on Wednesday 20th November.
See below.
Distance: 8 miles Climb: 800'.
Roadside parking
Leave Chester at 08-30. Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno. Grid ref: SH799821.
It may be a little early, but there is a chance that we will be able to see seals i Porth Dyniewaid.
After the Little Orme we head along the coast. High tide is at about 13-45, so we will probably be able to walk alog the beach towards Rhos-on-Sea. After climbing out of Rhos-on-Sea to Bryn Euryn. On a clear day we should get good views from the top of Bryn Euryn to compliment those we get from the Little Orme. The return route to the start is largely along quiet lanes.
Wednesday 6th November 2019.
Thurstaston Common, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.
Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 700'
Start: Thursaston Visitor Centre Car Park. Grid ref:SJ239835.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This is a repeat of the walk that we did on 1st January 2010 and 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 Thursaston along the beach, so bring binoculars with you. High tide is at 06-25, and is a 23.2' tide (7.1 m), By the time we get there, it will still be just after low tide, so we should have no problems walking along the beach.
Saturday 9th November 2019.
Around Bosley Cloud.
Postponed due to the weather.
Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1020'.
Start: Lay-by on the A523, South of its junction with the A54. Grid ref: SJ917657.
Leave Chester at 08-30.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Best Pub Walks in Cheshire", although we won't take her advice on the local hostelries! The walk takes us to the top of Bosley Cloud with its panoramic views over the Cheshire plain.. After visiting the trig point on Bosley Cloud, the walk heads West to meet up with the Macclesfield Canal, which we follow for an easy four mile stretch.
Wednesday 16th November 2019.
The Sandstone Trail - Beeston and Peckforton.
Postponed. We have had so much rain of late that
I thinks some of the paths will be extremely muddy.
See below for the replacement walk.
Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Pay and display car park at Beeston Castle. Grid ref: SJ540591. The Pay and Display machine only starts at 10-00.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
In the past we have done this walk,as part of a sreies of walks along the Sandstone trail. It involves Walk 6 and Walk 7 from Carl Rogers' book "Circular Walks on the Sandstone Trail".
 I will probably look for ways of reducing the mileage a little.
Replacement walk.
West Kirby, Gilroy Nature Reserve, Grange Hill Caldy Hill and the Wirral Way.
Distance: 9 miles
Climb: 400' .
Start. South Parade, West Kirby. Grid ref: SJ214860. Park near the Life Boat Station and old Baths, towards the Southern end of the Marine Lake.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. 
Usually we start this walk by walking around the Marine Lake and the walking along the beach to Red Rocks, but high tide is at about 11-20 and is a large one at 9.2 m / 30.2'.
If we can't access the route across the beach, we will have to complete the walk in an anti-clockwise direction.
Assuming we can continue the walk in a clockwise direction.
At Red Rocks follow Stanley Road to the cross roads at The King's Gap, turn right and at the roundabout go straight to Station Road.  After crossing the railway turn right into Carr Lane and follow this to its end when it becomes a footpath.  At a junction of paths, turn right towards power lines. When the path meets a fence turn left along the fence. This footpath eventually goes to Gilroy Nature Park and then onto Gilroy Road. 
 From here we will head across Grange Hill and descend to the beacon on Column Road.
 From the beacon, our route takes us south to Caldy Hill to met King's Drive. Heading down hill, turn right onto a path that leads to the Caldy Road.  At Caldy Road we will turn left and the right into Croft Drive West. At the junction with Croft Drive, we will turn right, heading towards the estuary.  We will then turn right and follow the Wirral Way as far as Ashton Park in West Kirby and then head west through the houses back to South Parade and the start of our walk.
Saturday 16th November 2019.
Monsal Head And More.
Distance 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: Monsal Head Car Park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SK184714.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
It is a long time since we started a walk from the Monsal Head. This walk is a rather contrived walk, but it will enable us to walk along the Monsal Trail, including going through a three tunnels, Litton, Cressbrook and Headstone tunnels. There are lights in the tunnels, but taking a torch is recommended just in case they fail for some reason.

The walk follows Water-cum-Jolly Dale,Miller's Dale before joining the Monsal Trail just beyond Litton Mill. The trail is followed as far as Longstone Lane which is followed south before linking up wth field paths back to the start.
Wednesday 20th November 2019.
The Afon Maes Valley.

Postponed - see below for replacement walk.
Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llanelidan. Grid ref: SJ108503. To get to the parking area, take the A494 Ruthin to Bala road, 2 miles after Pwllglas, turn left towards Llanelidan. Keep ahead at the crossroads as you enter the village, then go down a "No through road" past houses, telephone and a chapel to the end of the road where there is a parking area.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks in the vale of Clwyd." In the past we have always done this walk after having completed the Craig Adwy-wynt walk and have only completed it once before. On the last two occasions, it was on very warm days and we opted to head to a local hostelry for refreshments instead.
 I decided that the only way to complete this walk was to to actually make this the walk.
Dave Berry describes this walk as a splendid figure of eight walk exploring the beautiful unspoiled undulating countryside around Llanelidan.
Replacement walk.
The Little Orme and Bryn Euryn. 
Distance: 8 miles Climb: 800'.
Roadside parking
Leave Chester at 08-30. Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno. Grid ref: SH799821.
It may be a little early, but there is a chance that we will be able to see seals in Porth Dyniewaid.
After the Little Orme we head along the coast. High tide is at about 16-30, so we will probably be able to walk alog the beach towards Rhos-on-Sea. After climbing out of Rhos-on-Sea to Bryn Euryn. On a clear day we should get good views from the top of Bryn Euryn to compliment those we get from the Little Orme. The return route to the start is largely along quiet lanes.
Saturday 23rd November 2019.
Postponed - Billy no mates again.
The Llyn Padarn Circuit and the Powdr Oil Walk.
Distance: 10-11 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Lakeside car park close to Llanberis (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SH750770 .
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is a walk that the group attempted in October 2008, when the weather was somewhat too wet for me and I abandoned the second half of the walk. The rest of the group did complete the walk and agreed it would be good to do the walk again when they could see where they were going! The walks are taken from Dave Salter and Dave Worrall's book "New Walks in Gwynedd From Mountain Tops to Valleys". Fine views are anticipated on a fine day. We did complete the walk again in 2009, so I thought that it was time we did it again.
Or

Craig Bron-Banog and Part of Cwm Alwen. 
Distance: 9 -10 miles; Climb:1100'.
Start:Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr. Riverside picnic site. Grid ref:SH987496. Take the Ruthin to Cerrigydrudion road. Turn right just after the bridge by the Crown Inn. Continue down the road past the church. The picnic area is on the right just before the school.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
Both walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks In the Hidden Heart North Wales". The Craig Bron-Banog walk is new to us. He describes it as an eight mile figure of eight walk exploring the afforested undulating countryside South-east of Llyn Brenig. The route meanders through Clocaenog Forest, passes a hidden waterfall and an ancient standing stone before reaching the highest point of Craig Bron-Banog with its panoramic views.
Wednesday 27th November 2019.
Graig Fawr from Prestatyn via the North Wales Path and Return via Offa's Dyke Path.
Distance:9-10 miles; Climb: 750'.
Start: Prestatyn beach car park. Grid ref: SJ068840. There is a large car park by the toilet block, just before the beach car park. The last time we started at Barkby Beach, we used the Beach Hotel Car Park, tickets obtained from rececption. (cheaper than the Pay and Display car park by the toilet block.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

This is a walk that I have done many times before and always enjoy. The route uses the North Wales Path and Offa's Dyke path to link up with the walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".
Saturday 30th November 2019.
Please contact me if you want me to arrange a walk for this day.

Friday, 25 October 2019

Dates and Walks October 2019

Updated on 25th October 2019
Wednesday 2nd October 2019.
Grange, Pantasaph and Llwyn Ifor.
Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb 1100'.
Start: Holywell, Halkyn Street Car Park (pay and display - £1 on our last visit). Grid ref: SJ18957548.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is another figure of eight walks from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones's book " 10 Walks Around Holywell".
 Again the walks take us along many paths that we know well, but there are a few new ones for us to explore too. Good views, especially towards the coast once we get on higher ground above Holywell.
Saturday 5th October 2019.
Beaumaris and Penmon. 
Postponed until 19th October 2019.
There are major road works on the A55, so I will switch this walk to one that doesn't involve using the A55 around the Abergele area.
Replacement Walk.
Llugwy and Lledr,
See below.
This walk combines one walk from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 1" with a walk from his book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 2" .  We enjoyed these walk when we last did it in March 2011.  High tide is at 15-08, so it should be possible to walk along the beach for the first part of the walk.  This is a good and varied walk, passing Penmon Priory and the site of Castell Aberlleiniog.
However I am sure a few short cuts will be made to reduce the distance to around 10 miles.
The Llugwy and Lledre Valley. 
Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 1500'.
Start: Railway station car park in the centre of Betws-y Coed. Grid ref: SH795565. 
Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.
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!
Wednesday 9th October 2019.
East of Holywell,The Moor and Greenfield Valley.
Distance: 9  - 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Halkyn Sreet car park Holywell. (opposite the hospital). Grid ref: SJ18957548.
This is a figure of eight walk, combing one walk from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones' booklet " 10 Walks Around Holywell" and one walk from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". The first walk explores the moor and valley to the North of Holywell and the other walk explores the undulating countryside between Holywell and Bagillt.
Saturday 12th October 2019.
Moel-y-Gaer and Halkyn Moutain from the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn.
Postponed as it looks as though I will be Billy No Mates again.
Distance: 8-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Common ground opposite the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn. Grid ref: SJ209702.
Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m. (A bonus time to start for some!)
This walk attempts to combine two walks from the Blue Bell Inn's web site, but it isn't that easy to extend the walk beyond the 6 miles in the described routes! The route includes many of the paths that we have used on our regular walks in this region, but many are in the opposite direction to the usual way that we go. We will probably extend the route by visiting the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.
Wednesday 16th October 2019.
Around Gwysaney 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 19th October 2019.
Beaumaris and Penmon. 
Postponed - weather forecast suggests it will rain al day.
Replacement walk will be more local.
Moel Famau via Coed Clwyd, Moel Ffrith and possibly Moel Dywyll
An 8 -10 mile walk  with a climb of either 1700' or 2000'
from 
 Bwlch Penbarras car park (pay and display). Grid ref: SJ161605.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
or
as a last resort
Halkyn Mountain from the Common Ground opposite the Blue Bell. Grid ref: SJ209702.
Distance:13 miles. Climb: 1300'.
Start: The car park on the left just past Beaumaris Castle. Grid ref: SH609762.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines one walk from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 1" with a walk from his book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 2" .  We enjoyed these walk when we last did it in March 2011.  High tide is at 13-28, so it should be possible to walk along the beach for the first part of the walk.  This is a good and varied walk, passing Penmon Priory and the site of Castell Aberlleiniog.
However I am sure a few short cuts will be made to reduce the distance to around 10 miles.
Wednesday 23rd October 2019.
Fron Hen and Bryn Alyn.
Distance: 10 -11 miles. Climb: 1800'. 
Although the distance will probably be reduced by taking a few short cuts.
Start: Layby on the A494 Mold to Ruthin Road, about 1/2 mile South of Llanferres. Grid ref: SJ187597.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book More Walks in the Clwydian Hill".  We have combined these walks on several occasions before and the section over Bryn Alyn is always good. It will also give us another opportunity to test our route finding skills through Nercwys Forest again! Admittedly the last couple of times we have had no problems in finding the right path, we've done it so many times over the years that at last the route seems to be etched in to our memories!
This good walk has its challenges and its delights too!
Saturday 26th October 2019.
Monsal Head And More.
Postponed - heavy rain forecast all day.
Distance 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: Monsal Head Car Park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SK184714.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
It is a long time since we started a walk from the Monsal Head. This walk is a rather contrived walk, but it will enable us to walk along the Monsal Trail, including going through a three tunnels, Litton, Cressbrook and Headstone tunnels. There are lights in the tunnels, but taking a torch is recommended just in case they fail for some reason.
The walk sfollows Water-cum-Jolly Dale,Miller's Dale before joining the Monsal Trail just beyond Litton Mill. The trail is followed as far as Longstone Lane which is followed south before linking up wth field paths back to the start.
Wednesday 30th October 2019.
Stokyn, The Coastal Path and More.
Distance: 8.0 miles Climb: 800'.
Start: Holywell Halkyn Street Car Park. Grid ref: SJ18957548.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones' booklet "10 Walks Around Holywell".  Much of the walk is familiar to all of us. As this walk is nominally shorter than our usual walk, it will probably give us time to explore the grounds of Basingwork Abbey, or maybe extending the walk after perusing the map at lunch time. Last time we did this walk, we ended up doing 10.3 miles.

Thursday, 19 September 2019

Dates and Walks September 2019

Wednesday 4th September 2019.
The Ceiriog Valley - Cefn-Hir-Fynydd 
and 
Bwlch-Adwy-Wynt.
Distance: 8 -10 mles. Climb: 1250'. 
Start: Pontricket Layby. Grid ref: SJ186344.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley. The described walk start at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, but parking there isn't easy, hence extending the walk a little by starting at Pontricket.
The short walk involves descending the quite rocky sunken track back to Pontricket which most of us in the past have found rather unpleasant. The longer route avoids this but means thee is more uphill before descending through the Siambr gerrig valley.
The walk is a very varied walk with extensive views, and at one point follows a delightful section of the Upper Ceiriog Trail across Cefn-Hir-Fynydd at 1509'. Sections of the Ceiriog Valley Way are followed through fields and woodlands.
Saturday 7th September 2019.
Vivod Mountain.
Distance: 9.2 miles 1500'. 
Start; Roadside parking at Glyn Ceiriog. SJ202378. As it is a Saturday, it may be possible to park near the school.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley". This is a new walk for me and explores the the high heather moorland ridge north west of Glyn Ceiriog. The walk follows a path around the western flank of Y Foel before joining the North Berwyn Way to the top of Vivod Mountain. The return route includes paths through the Ceiriog Forest (Nantyr Forest). at the highest point of the walk we should get 360 degree viewsncluding the Shropshire Hills, the Berwyns, Snowdonia and the Clwydian Hills.
Wednesday 11th September 2019.
Cefn Ddu and Y Graig and East of Tremerchion.
Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start; Roadside parking East of Tremerchion. Grid ref: SJ095740.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is another walk from one of Dave Berry's booklets "walks in the Clwydian Hills".
This is a slight variation of the walk that we usually follow, but it also includes one or two new paths for us to explore. On good clear days we should get views of Snowdonia as well as north towards the coast.
 The extension, which we will probably complete at the start, explores the countryside to the east of Tremeirchion, an entirely new area for me.
Saturday 14th September 2019.
Dove Dale and More.
Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1300'
Start: Dovedale Car Park near Thorpe Cloud. Grid ref: SK146509.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from the pathfinder guide to the Peak District. It is a long time since I have walked in Dovedale, possibly 20 years ago! The walk starts by visiting Illam before heading northward to Stanhope. Dovedale will be joined at Milldale. Dovedale is a really beautiful valley and is a very popular place. There  are stepping stones t the end of the walk, but they can be avoided if preferred  as there is also a footbridge. If we are till feeling energetic, we will also climb to the summit of Thorpe Cloud from which you get superb views down Dovedale.
Wednesday 18th September 2019.
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 21st September 2019.
Cadair Bronwen
Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 2400'
Start: Llandrillo Riverside Car Park. Grid ref: SH035372.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk for experienced walkers. It includes two ancient upland paths and visits the most northern summit of the Berwyns, Cadair Bronwen at 2558'. Once on the Berwyn ridge, we should get some stunning views of Cadair Idris, Snowdonia and even the Shropshire Hills. Moorland sections and the descent down the Chlochnant Valley have in the past proved somewhat boggy, but hopefully at this time of the year we shouldn't get wet feet!
Wednesday 25th September 2019.
The Alun Valley, Moel y Waun, Llyn Gweryd and Limestone Pastures.
Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: 1000'.
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 28th September 2019.
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! If we miss out Cheetham Cross, it will making the walk just over 9 miles.

Monday, 26 August 2019

Dates and Walks August 2019

Updated on 19th August 2019
Saturday 3rd August 2019.
Cadair Bronwen
Postponed.
See below for new walk.
Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1800'
Start: Llandrillo Riverside Car Park. Grid ref: SH035372.
Leave Chester at 08030 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk for experienced walkers. It includes two ancient upland paths and visits the most northern summit of the Berwyns, Cadair Bronwen at 2558'. Once on the Berwyn ridge, we should get some stunning views of Cadair Idris, Snowdonia and even the Shropshire Hills. Moorland sections and the descent down the Chlochnant Valley have in the past proved somewhat boggy, but hopefully at this time of the year we shouldn't get wet feet!
New Walk
Conwy Harbour, Conwy Mountain and Maen Esgob.
Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1700'.
Start: Conwy Long Stay Car Park on the Llanrwst Road. Grid refSH781773 . The car park is Pay and Display, (£4-50 for more than 4 hours).
The walk starts by walking along the harbour and around the east side of Bodlondeb Woo, following the North Wales Path. After crossing Conwy Mountain it continues acrross the Sychnant Pass Road and around the north western side of Maen Esgob. On reachig a path junctio, we head East past Llyn y Wrach. At the next path junction the route eads orth west towards Craigyfedwen, eventually picking up the path on the western side of Gwern Engen pack to the Sychnant Pass Road. The final part of the walk is along the track on the southern side of Conwy Mountain to the outskirt of the town and following the roads back to the start.
Wednesday 7th August 2019.
Y Foel. 
Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Mill Street (A539), riverside car park, Llangollen. Pay and display car park adjacent to the Ponsonby Arms. Grid ref: SJ216421 (LL20 8RY).
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley.
The walk explores the upland area to the south of Llangollen. The route visits the summit of y Foel and the remains of Biddulph Tower. We should get good views in all directions from this point. The return route inludes using a the North Berwyn Way from Vivod Mountain. This will the first time we have used this section of the North Berwyn Way as it heads north east towards Ffynnon-las Wood.
Saturday 10th August 2019.
Vivod Mountain.
Postponed. 
Lots of rain and 40 m.p.h. gusting winds forecast.
Distance: 9.2 miles 1500'. 
Start; Roadside parking at Glyn Ceiriog. SJ202378. As it is a Saturday, it may be possible to park near the school.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley". This is a new walk for me and explores the the high heather moorland ridge north west of Glyn Ceiriog. The walk follows a path around the western flank of Y Foel before joining the North Berwyn Way to the top of Vivod Mountain. The return route includes paths through the Ceiriog Forest (Nantyr Forest). at the highest point of the walk we should get 360 degree viewsncluding the Shropshire Hills, the Berwyns, Snowdonia and the Clwydian Hills.
Wednesday 14th August 2019.
The Ceiriog Valley - Cefn-Hir-Fynydd 
and 
Bwlch-Adwy-Wynt.
Postponed - couldn't find any takers for a wet walk in the Ceiriog Valley. 
Distance: 8 -10 mles. Climb: 1250'. 
Start: Pontricket Layby. Grid ref: SJ186344.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley. The described walk start at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, but parking there isn't easy, hence extending the walk a little by starting at Pontricket.
The short walk involves descending the quite rocky sunken track back to Pontricket which most of us in the past have found rather unpleasant. The longer route avoids this but means thee is more uphill before descending through the Siambr gerrig valley.
The walk is a very varied walk with extensive views, and at one point follows a delightful section of the Upper Ceiriog Trail across Cefn-Hir-Fynydd t 1509'. Sections of the Ceiriog Valley Way are followed through fields and woodlands.
Saturday 17th August 2019.
Moel y Garneddd.
Postponed, but I will look for an alternative if I can find an area that has a reasonable weather forecast.
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 f 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.
Alternative Walk.
Mynydd Marian.
Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llandulas Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH907786.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book, "Walks on the North Wales Coast". It combines an interesting section of the coast line with the attractive limestone countryside between, Old Colwyn, Llysfaen and Llandulas. This is one of my favourite walks nd at the moment the forecast for Saturday looks promising.
Wednesday 21st August 2019.
Gop Hill and More from Trelawnyd.
Distance: 7-9 miles. Climb: 1300-1500'.
Start: Trelawnyd High Street Car Park: Grid ref: SJ091798.
Leave Chester: 09-00.
This is a walk taken from the Ramblers' Magazine "Walk". This is a variation of the walk we last did around Gwaenysgor. We will probably do a short extension to the trig point on Graig Fawr. We should get good views from Graig Fawr towards Snowdonia and the North Wales Coast.
Saturday 24th August 2019.
Foel Lwyd and Moefre.
Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Nant-y-Coed Nature Reserve, Llanfairfechan. Grid ref: SH698736. However we will meet up at Abergele / Pensarn Beach car park first and take just one car to the start.
Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.
Abergele / Pensarn Car Park: grid ref: SH942786. Meeting up at about 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk that Ed suggested might be worth doing. 
This walk described as a walk for experience walkers as it explores the wild upland pastures, moorland and mountain terrain. The route starts by going through the Nant y Coed Nature Reserve and crosses the river by LARGE stepping stones. The initial route follows paths running paallel to the Afon Ddu a far as Bwlch y Ddeufaen. A path close to the wall leads us all the way to the summit of Foel Lwyd, which i have only visited once before. On reaching the bwlch between Tal-y-Fan, the route heads North towards Moelfre. It will be this section that is the most challenging as the paths/tracks are often hard to find as they meander through the heather and bilberry. We may end up doing a little heather hopping!
 On a good clear day we should get extensive views of the higher Snowdonia peaks as well as towards the coast.
Wednesday 28th August 2019.
A Pentre-celyn Round
(A part of the Clwydian Trio.)
Distance: 9.5 miles; Climb:1900' '.
or
Distance: 6.3 -7.0 miles. Climb: 1430'
Start: Pentre-celyn car park . Grid ref: SJ150534.
The car parking area is on the left adjacent to the sign for Pentre-celyn, just off the B5429.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This is a walk based on a  walk by Debbie Hamilton in the "Walking" magazine. This walk includes the section of Offa's Dyke Path goes near Moel y Plas, Moel Gyw, Moel Llanfair and Boncyn y Waen-grogen. Her walk starts from Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, but we will start at Pentre Celyn about half a mile beyond Graigfechan.
 In recent years we have shortened the walk by missing out the northern section towards Moel Gyw. This reduces the walk by about 2 miles and the climb by about 500'. Although shorter it still makes a very good walk.
Saturday 31st August 2019.
To be announce if there is a demand and I am given sufficient notice.

Friday, 26 July 2019

Dates and Walks July 2019

Wednesday 3rd July 2019.
Aled Isaf and More.
Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Off road parking just before the dam on Llyn Aled. Grid ref: SH916579.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Denbigh Moors" or his slightly newer book "Hidden Heart of North Wales". The walk explores the expansive  tract of moorland and upland pastures around  Llyn Aled and  Aled Isaf. The route in part follows tracks not easily seen and is for experienced walkers only.  At one point the walk follows a delightful upland path via Llys Dymper, before returning South over the moorland top of Foel Lwyd. The extension allows us to explore moorland paths over Moel Bengam and Cefn Du along paths that I have wanted to explore for some time. Has been known to be boggy, but hopefully not too boggy at this time of the year. As an extra challenge we may complete this walk in an anticlockwise direction, the opposite way to the way we normally complete the walk!
The last time we did this walk in June 2017 when we shortened the walk to 8.5 miles and a climb of 842'.
Saturday 6th July 2019.
Around Llyn Brenig.
Distance: 9.8  miles; Climb: 610'.
Start: Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre car park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SH968547' .
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This walk is based on a walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Hidden Heart Of North Wales" or "Walks Around the Hiraethrog Moors and Lakes". This is a low level walk and is a gentle stroll around the lake. Apparently there is an Osprey nesting n a platform in the lake, so we should have a good chance of seeing one. Bring your binoculars if you have them.
Wednesday 10th July 2019.
Vivod and Vivod Mountain. 
Distance:10 -11 miles.
Climb: 2000'
Start: Llantysilio Green car park.Grid ref: SJ198433. This is a National Trust Pay and Display Car Park, so bring  your membership card with you if you have one.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk explores hills South of Llantysilio Green, using lots of quiet country roads, particularly at the start, where we follow the steep road from the A5 past Plas-yn-Vivod, associated with Richard Ellerton, William Wagstaff and Thomas Brassey in he mid-nineteen century.
 We have the option of extending the walk a little by visiting Y Foel and the Biddulph Tower.
The return rout visits the top of Vivod Mountain and the follows the North Berwyn Way past Ffynnon-las Wood  north east to reach the Berwyn/Vivod to Ceiriog road.
 At this point we can return to the Chainbridge on our usual route, or use minor roads northward all the way to the A5. 
Saturday 13th July 2019.
Y Foel. 
Postponed - see below for replacement walk.
Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Mill Street (A539), riverside car park, Llangollen. Pay and display car park adjacent to the Ponsonby Arms. Grid ref: SJ216421 (LL20 8RY).
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley.
The walk explores the upland area to the south of Llangollen. The route visits the summit of y Foel and the remains of Biddulph Tower. We should get good views in all directions from this point. The return route inludes using a the North Berwyn Way from Vivod Mountain. This will the first time we have used this section of the North Berwyn Way as it heads north east towards Ffynnon-las Wood.
Replacement Walk.
Clywedog Reservoir and Foel Uchaf.
Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Cyffylliog. SJ060578.
There is limited roadside parking in Cyffylliog, so if necessary we will meet up at the Ruthin riverside car park and take as few cars as possible to the start point.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "walks in the Vale of Clwyd". It is a sort of figure of eight walk featuring attractive wooded river valleys, open hills, forest and an upland reservoir. At some of the higher points on the walk we should get some superb views.
I understand that a nesting platform has been set up at the Clywedog Reservoir site and a pair of Ospreys have been seen there, so bring binoculars if you can.
Wednesday 17th July 2019.
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.
This must be one of the best walks in the Llangollen area, especially on a sunny day. 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 our  favourite walks and is always on the list at least once every year.
Saturday 20th July 2019.
Under Moel Siabod.
Postponed - Billy no mates again and it is not a good forecast. This walk needs to be done on a good day after a long dry spell.
Distance:  8.4 miles. Climb: 994'.
Start: Parking space on the railway bridge just North of Pont y Pant Station. SH754537.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This a walk taken from Michael Burnett's booklet " Walks East Snowdon". This is a walk that is described as a wild walk which crosses the moorland to the east of Moel Siabod. On a good day it should give us spectacular views of Moel Siabod and the Carneddau mountains to the North. The last time we did this walk was in November 2009, when it was somewhat boggy underneath and everyone had at best, wet feet after wading through knee deep water for about half a mile! I did say that I wouldn't do this walk again, but after ten years, bad memories fade, so here it is again. Hopefully it won't be quite as wet in July.
Wednesday 24th July 2019.
Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.
Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 975'.
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".  I have only done this walk once before starting from this car park and that was more than 10 years ago. 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 only other thing I remember about this walk is that the final section involves climbing out of the valley up to the car park - not the most ideal way to end a walk.
Saturday 27th July 2019.
St. Celynnin's Church and Tal y Fan.
Postponed - Billy no mates again.
Distance:7-8 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Roadside parking in Rowen, on the right by houses just after passing the Post Office. Grid ref:SH761719.
Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". This walk is described as exploring the scenic upland pastures, full of antiquity, featuring a remote ancient church, Maen Penddu (standing stone), a burial chamber and Cae Bach (hill fort). Visiting Cae Bach may involve a there and back extension! Although this walk is shorter than our usual walks, Dave Berry does suggest that we should allow at least 5 hours and is for experienced walkers only!
Wednesday 31st July 2019.
Corwen to Lidiart-y-Parc.
Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: A long lay-by 1/4 mile West of Llidiart-y-Park: SJ118433.
Leave Chester at 09-00 (08-15) if we decide to use the bus to Corwen from Llidiart-y-Parc.
This is a linear walk, so we will need to have sufficient cars to leave at least one at the start, and take everyone to Corwen, the start of the walk. The easiest option is to take enough cars to be able to leave at least one car in the layby and have sufficient cars to transport everyone to Corwen.
 It is possible to use public transport, but that would probably mean leaving Chester at about 08-15 to make sure that we didn't miss the 09-45 bus to Corwen.
 This walk is taken from Dave berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley".
 The walk is described as a wlk for experienced walkers only. It features the North Berwyn Way to Moel Fferna. After following the River Dee past Llangar Church to Cynwyd, the route climbs steadily up a wooded valley and through a forest before crossing moorland to the top of Moel Fferna.  Some of the routes up Moel Fferna have not been to our liking, so it will  be interesting to explore this new route. On a good day the views from Moel Fferna can be be superb.

The descent of Moel Ferna to Llidiat-y-Parc is the most direct route, and one that we are familiar with, having followed it many times.