Fron Hen, Big Covert and Bryn Alyn 28th January 2010.

At least someone looks happy! On the track below Fron Hen

Threatening skies.

Investigating the cave in Big Covert.

On the limestone summit of Bryn Alyn.

Walk stats:Distance:8.6 miles; Climb:1857'.

Time:4 hours 54 minutes; On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h.;Overall average:1.7 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Fran, Celia, Tim, Gordon, Annie H., Sue and Michel.

We set off with threatening skies and Moel Fammau in cloud, we were optimistic that any raain would come in during the afternoon. It came earlier, but the odd shower was only light and thankfully they didn't last.

There was a little snow left in patches. but nothing to worry about, only wet limestone rocks were a challenge to us staying upright on the descent of Bryn Alyn.

We stopped for lunch a little earlier than usual. The location was at the entrance to the cave in Big Covert wood. Only Michel dared to enter!

The second walk as initially planned was abandoned as we decided to explore the western Bryn Alyn plateau, a delightful area that gives you a sense of being on top of the world.

Birds seen or heard today included:Blackbird, Black-billed magpie, Jay, Robin, Blue tit, Great tit, House sparrow, Herring gull and Jackdaw.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn, where Cwrw Eryri was the beer of choice. The beer was a little cold, but the roaring fire was just what you want at the end of a good walk on cold day!

Big Covert, Fron Hen, Moel Findeg and Deborah's Well 6th August 2009

A view from the path that contours Fron Hen. A view from the slopes below Pentre Cerrig Fawr.
Richard leading the way - a step of faith?

On the summitn of Moel Findeg - photo by Richard.

Walk stats:Distance:11.3 miles; Climb:1754'.

Time:5 hours 9 minutes (excluding lunch);On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Gordon, Dave J and Sylvia, Sue and Michel and joined in the afternoon by Fran, Sue and Dave P.

What a glorious day for walking this turned out to be, waterproof needlessly carried and suncream in need for most of the day. The first walk meandered for a mile or so through Big Covert, shielding us to a large extent from the glare of the morning sun. The views today were pretty good, although somewhat hazy in the distance.

The second walk started with the ascent of Moel Findeg with its superb views across the Cheshire Plain, a vantage point enjoyed by many more people, all a good few years younger than us!

Birds seen or heard today included:Carrion crow, Swallow, Kestrel, Buzzard, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, a pair of Dippers, Wheatear, Willow warbler, Wren, Robin and a pair of Spotted flycatchers (the bird of the day, just eclipsing the Dippers).

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Miners Arms at Maeshafn. We arrived five minutes before it was due to close, but thankfully the landlord stayed open long enough to serve us our customary couple of pints, Theakstons Best and Reverend James being the brews on offer.
In all a very enjoyable way to spend the day.