Saltney Ferry, the Wales Coastal Path, the Riverside Promenade and The Groves 11th October 2025

Looking towards Chester from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

A Grey heron at the Balderton Brook outflow.

Gulls and crows on the sandbank opposite Saltney Riverside Park.

The marker stone for the Wales Coast Path.

Looking into England - the border, but no passport needed.

The Deva Stadium from the riverside path.

Another Grey heron, opposite the Riverside Promenade.

The Roodee from the Riverside Promenade.

The Chester / Handbridge weir on the River Dee.

River Dee and The Groves, Chester.

Grosvenor Park, looking a little better than a few weeks ago.

Distance: 5.7 miles.Climb:180'.
Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
On the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 2.6 m.p.h.
Birds seen or heard: - House sparrow, Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Common blackbird, European robin, Great cormorant, Mallard, Common coot, Moorhen, Carrion crow, Long tailed tit, Black billed magpie and Grey heron.
Weatherwise it looked like it would be a good day to take a walk rather than a bus ride. Although it was rather overcast, it was dry, pleasantly warm and the wind was hardly noticeable - in fact perfect for walking.
Surprisingly, it was very quiet, very few cyclists (none of which were lycra louts), about half a dozen runners, a few dog walkers, and only as I reached the Roodee did I see any walkers (without dogs).
Early on the quiet was only disturbed but several light aircraft flying overhead to and from Hawarden Airport.
With few distractions, I made good progress and was in Chester at 11-45, I'm time to call in at the bank to pick up a few money bags that I needed before I could cash in some coins at the bank.
All that was left on the agenda, was to visit Bull and Stirrup to sample more of them brews on their Beer Festival.

I finished off by visiting the Square Bottle to sample a few more beers in their beer festival. It was o busy, I had to sit outside, and thankfully the Sun came out, so sitting outside was quite pleasant.  The downside, was there seems to be no designated smoking area, and I couldn't find a seat where cigarette smoke didn't drift over!

Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable Saturday day out.

Saltney Ferry to Chester Along the River 17th September 2025

The start of my walk at Saltney Riverside Park.

Saltney Ferry Footbridge ahead.

Looking towards Saltney from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

The North Wales Coastal Path heading towards Chester.

Not quite a toposcope, but just as good.

A message as you cross the border.

A better than usual finger post.

A selfie with Deva Stadium in the background.

Chester's Deva Stadium.

Tansy next to the path.

The approach to Crane Wharf.

Crane Wharf.

Part of the Riverside Promenade Trail.

The Roodee, Chester.

The old Dee bridge, Handbridge,

Chester Weir today.

The Groves.

Autumnal leaves in The Groves.

Grosvenor Park, showing wear and tare after the Summer Concerts.

Not long before a refreshing pint now.

Distance: 7.4 miles
Climb: 100'.
Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Overall wall average: 3.2 m.p.h.
Temperature: Not measured, but it felt very warm, probably around 20 Celsius.
BWF: Wind not measured, but it was a welcome cooling Gentle breeze.
Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Mallard, Dunnock European robin, Song thrush, House martin, Barn swallow, Great cormorant, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Black billed magpie, House sparrow, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon and Winter wren.
A late start to miss the forecast rain for the day. I decided to join the riverside path at the Saltney Riverside Park on River Lane, but heading towards the Saltney Ferry Footbridge. I then followed the North Wales Coastal Path to Chester, then the Riverside Promenade past the Roodee to the Groves, through Grosvenor Park and ending at the Bull and Stirrup for refreshments.
This was a very enjoyable walk, reminding me of the Solo walks that I did during COVID restrictions in 2019/2020. Not COVID restrictions for me today, just ZIO monitor issues.

My first drinks enjoyed today was Sharp's. Atlantic Pale Ale
After that, I couldn't resist the Gwynt-y-Draig Black Dragon cider, one of my favourites.