Walks and Dates February 2026

Suggestions for short Wednesday walks always welcome.

Wednesday 4th February 2026.

Hawarden, Hawarden Park and More.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 440'.
Start: Tinkersdale Car Park, Hawarden. Grid ref: SJ315656.
At the fountain, take the A550 southward. The car park is on the left.

Leave Chester at 10-00.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,.
Those not walking: .
This walk is taken from the Flintshire Council booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire".
It is described as an easy walk exploring the historic village of Hawarden and Hawarden Park.
You are probably aware that the woodland in the park was a location used in filming the BBC
production "Sherwood".
Last time we did this walk was in August 2022, 

Saturday 7th February 2026.

No walk as I am going to a christening.

Wednesday 11th February 2026.

Bersham Iron Works, Nant Mill and Around Minera.

Distance: 8.3 miles Climb: 1316'.

Start: Layby on Plas Buckley Road, Grid ref: SJ308491, near Bersham Bridge, East of Bersham Ironworks. At Junction 4 on the A483, turn left onto the A525 and follow brown signs marked Bersham and Clywedog Trail. Take the first turn on the right, the B5098 (Berse Road). At the T-junction turn right onto the B5099 and take the next right into Plas Buckley Road. The layby is immediately on the left after passing under the Bersham Road Bridge. There is a rubbish bin in the layby.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Nigel.

This walk follows much of the Clywedog trail from Bersham Lead Works, including Plas Power Woods and Nant Mill.  The  outward route uses paths on the north side of the Afon Clywedog. The walk continues on the Clywedog Trail as far as Minera. 

The walk returns along the old railway track as far as the Minera Lead Mine Centre and then uses paths on the south side of the Clywedog.

Saturday 15th February 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 18th February 2026.

Around the Little Orme and on to Rhos On Sea

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 700'.

Start: Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed. 

Those not walking: . 

This has become a regular walk at any time of the year, but at this time of the year we stand a good chance of seeing Grey seals in Angel Bay, especially as High Tide is around 11-18 (7.7 m ) so we may see more seals on the way back.

The views from the top of the Little Orme are always superb. 

The main reason for doing the walk so early in the year is to see if there are any Seals around Porth Dyniewaid.

Bring binoculars with you if you have them.

Saturday 21st February 2026

Llyn Geirionydd and Llanrhychwyn Church from Trefriw.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1250'

Start: Trefriw riverside car park. Grid ref: SH782630.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed .

Those not walking: . 

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley.

The route passes the Fairy Falls and ten climbs steadily to cross the part wooded slopes above Cwm Crafnant and then follows an old tramline to Llyn Geirionydd.  After going around the western side of the lake, the route then heads to the remains of the New Pandora Mine and onto Llanrhychwyn Church.

Wednesday 25th February 2026.

A Walk from Llantysilio Green in Search of Snowdrops.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Llantysilio Green National Trust Car Park. Grid ref: SJ197433.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The walk starts by taking the path to St. Tysilio's Church, where hopefully the Snowdrops
will be in full bloom.
The route then takes past the Horseshoe Falls and along the Llangollen Canal towpath as
far as Llangollen.
At Llangollen the route climbs steadily northwards past Tirionia to join the Clwydian Way.
The Clwydian Way is the followed past Valley Crucis Abbey as far as Hendre.
Leaving the Clwydian Way the route descends to the main road which is followed South to
the Britannia Inn. At the Britannia Inn the path heading across Pen-y-bryn is taken until it
meets the Dee Valley Way. The Dee Valley Way is then followed South back to the start.

Saturday 28th February 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 March 2026

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

Wednesday 4th March 2026.

Astbury Mere and Village.

Distance: 5.4 miles. Climb:300'.
Start: Car Park at Astbury Mere Country Park. Grid ref: SJ846627. Post Code: CW12 4AW
Leave Chester 09-15. (It takes about an hour to drive to Astbury Country Park)

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The walk is taken from the Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire. It is described as following mainly enclosed tracks, part of the Macclesfield Canal and visits the attractive village of Astbury.

Saturday 7th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 11th March 2026.

Mynydd Marian.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llanddulas Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH907786.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Fran, Ed. Those not walking: Sue and Michel
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 Llanddulas. This is one of my favourite walks at any time of the year.

Saturday 15th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 19th February 2026.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking:

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 at this time
of the year.

Saturday 21st March 2026

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 25th March 2026.

Chirk, Church Bank, Temple Wood and Chirk Castle.

Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 965’

This was a walk devised by Ed that allowed us to visit the temple we had seen on earlier walks, but only from the nearby road. This walk includes using a path that goes much closer.

This is quite a varied walk, including sections of the Llangollen Canal and the grounds of Chirk Castle.

Last time we were able to visit inside the church. 

Saturday 28th March 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.

Possible Wednesday Short Walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

Walks and Dates January 2026.

 

Wednesday 7th January 2026.

Heswall Fields and Dales.

Distance: 5 miles. Climb: 400'.

Start: Car Park, Banks Road Heswall. Grid ref: SJ255815. Post code: CH609JS

Leave Chester at 10-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Nigel, Elaine, Fran, Mike. 

Those not walking: David S.. 

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Chester and the Dee Estuary."

The walk description starts at Thursaston Visitor Station, but we will start at the car park on Banks Road, Heswall, which is also on the route.

We have all walked around Thurstaston Visitor Centre , so we know most of the area well. However this walk allows us to explore Heswall Dales NR and Heswall Fields neither of which I have visited before.

Starting at Banks Road means that we will be able to have lunch there and take advantage of their pic-nic tables / benches, if they are still there!

Saturday Walks by arrangement,

Saturday 10th, January 2026.

No planned walk.

Wednesday 14th January 2026.

Suggestions needed, it looks as though I will still be side-lined with a persistent chesty cough,

Saturday 17th, January 2026.

No planned walk.

Wednesday 21st January 2026.

Rhuddlan L.N.R ., the Rhuddlan to Rhyl Riverside Walk with possible extensions to the Brickworks Pool N.R. and the Forydd.

Distance: 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 120'.

Start: Park at the Rhuddlan L.N.R. car park. Grid ref: SJ020776. 

The car park is on the Western side of Rhuddlan. To get to the car park, from the A55, turn right on to the A525 (St. Asaph Road towards Rhyl and Rhuddlan), at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Station Road (to Rhuddlan centre / Castle). The car park is on the right, opposite a new hotel. If you get to the bridge over the river you've gone too far!

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

This walk is an annual favourite, at least for those that like to do as little birdwatching as well. It is a good time of the year as there are lots of Winter visitors that frequent coastal areas and river estuaries. Bring binoculars with you.  Last time we had lunch by the Marine Lake, near the Foryd.  We have also had lunch on the beach at the Foryd. Although we didn't see Snow buntings on the Foryd last year, with a bit of luck we may see them this year. High tide at the Foryd is at 12-54, 7.9 m / 25.7'.Last year we didn't do any of the extensions!  Extension, if any will  be taken at each appropriate point in the walk on the day.

Saturday 24th, January 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 28th January 2026.

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: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: . 

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 31st January 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.

Possible Future Short Wednesday Walks.

Great Barrow and Plemstall

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.

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.

List of Possible Saturday Walks. 

Exploring A walk from Norton Priory.

Distance: 3.1 miles. Climb: 200'.

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

This is a walk that Mike suggested, and is based on one he found in a Woodlands Trust Leaflet.

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.