Llandegla, The alun Valley and Limestone Pastures 29th September 2021

 

Crossing the afon Alun near Llandegla.

Crossing the field north west of Cheleirog.

Inspecting an unusual union of trees.

Blue skies on the horizon taken from the path west of Nurse Cae-glas.

Getting ready to leave after lunch, and I still haven't had chanch to have a drink of my fruit tea!

A Red admiral butterfly on the path south west of Alyn Bank, Llanarmon-yn-Ial.

One of the limestone pasture crossed.

A steap escape from the limestone pasture.

Llandegla ahead - not far to go now.

Walk stats:

Distamce: 10.0 miles (11.5 milles for those needing to expend a little more energy).

Climb: 1211'.

Time: 5 hours 23 minute (a little more for the younger members of the group).

Temperature: At the start - 11.2 Celsius. At Lunch - 12.2 Celsius, At the end - 13.4 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Calm to gentle breeze.

Group; Martyn,  Sue and Michel, Mike, David S, Nigel and Wendy.

We were getting our boots on t llandgla, when one o the locals came across to inform us that today was the first day that the church ad been open to walkers to use the facilities and make tea or coffee - what a wonderful welcome.

The weather was a little unpredictable, although initially feeling on the cool side, we never had more than a few spots of rain. I made the mistake of believing the feel like 7 Celsius on one of the forecasts and put on my Paramo gear - shorts would have been better!

We all found path finding challenging in certain places, esp[ecially those opting for thr full extension to the planned route.

Lunch was taken a little earlier than usual so that we could take advantage of rocks and fallen trees o whic to sit. It was only four miles into the walk and meant meant that after lunch we had at least six more to do,

After lunch it was much sunnier that earlier and at about 14-00, I decided to stop for afternoon tea, but no-one else joined in. After a changing into my third shirt and putting my Paramo jacket in my rucksack and a quick drink,  I ws a few hundred yatrds behind the rest of the group, but thankfully the waited for me at the point where the extension became a possibility.

The majority set off down the road on the way to the limestone pasture ( the main focus of the walk for at least one member of the group), 

Birds seen or heard today included, Winter wren, Common pheasant, Woodpigeon, European robin, Carrion crow, Common buzzard and Black billed magpie.

A good walk celebrated with Wheetwood bitter at the Bridge Inn at Pontblyddyn. An enjoyable beer, even it wwas a little coder than the ideal 14 Celsius!

Llandegla, Grairianrhyd and Llyn Cyfynwy 1st September 2021

 

Stretching our leggs just outside Llandegla.

"Did you know Geromino?"

"I don't want to talk about it!"

The view towards the Limestone hills above Graiainrhyd Quarry.

Tomen-y faerdre west of Llanarmon-yn-Ial.

Not on our planned route, but I guess we all talk too much instead of looking at the planned route on the map!

Llyn Cyfynwy from our lunch spot.

Heather (Ling) at its best.

Rowen berries ready for the bird menu.

Distance: 9.2 miles. Climb: 800'. (1000' , on my my newests GPS).
Time: 4 hours 59 minutes. On the move walki ng average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk averg: 1.8 m.p.h.Group: Martyn, Nigel, Fran and David S.
Temperature at lunch: 15.7 Celsius.

Group: Martyn, Nigel, Fran and David S.

Not a perfect day weatherwise, but at least we knew it wouldn't be cold and and it was unlikely that we would get wet.

However we did get two half hour spells when there was dampness in the air that required unbrella intervention for some.

Similarly at lunch time we were encouraged by the "rain" to set off again

The first part of the walk went well, although we were too busy talking that we missed one of the vital turn points and carried on on a path we had done many times before, but alas was not on the planned rote for today.

Like a good GPS, we reassessed our route and took the best road roye to get us back on track and lunch overlooking Llyn Cyfynyw.

Distant views weren't good all day, but being out in this delightful countryside wa\s all we needed.

Although farmers had challenged our nostrils with their "muck" spreading, this was an enjoyable walk, and we only had one stile to cross that needced reporting!

Birds seen or heard today included: Dunnock, wppdpigeon, European robin Barn swallow  Back headed gull, Moorhen, Coot, Great cormorant, Mallard, Wood nuthatch Great spotted woodpecker, Comon buzzard and Barn swallow.

Overall a good walk that needed celebrating, which we did at the Pant-yr- Ochain at Gresford. Purple Moose's Cwrw Eryryi was the beer of choice, then it would always be so,  if it was available.

Home in time to watch the England v New Zealand T20 match (Women) and decide what to have for my eveing meal.  Not mutton today, but some time soon!

Llandegla, Llanarmon-yn-Ial and Llyn Cyfynwy 26th September 2018

Setting off from Llandegla along what is now an enclosed path.

The way ahead around this stubble field.

Looking towards the Llantysilio Range.

It was the right way, but we couldn't find the path on the other side of Cefn Coed!

First views of Llyn Cyfynwy from its North western dam.

A good view, but what is missing?

Panoram rom our lunchspot at Llyn Cyfynwy and again with something missing!

Preparing to leave our lunchspot on the dam of Llyn Cyfynwy.

Looking North over Llyn Cyfynwy.

Looking South towards Llandegla Moors.

Inside the St. Tegla's Church at Llandegla.

Welcome signs at Llandegla's St. Tegla's Church.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 856'.

Time: 4 hours 31 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. (2.6 m.p.h. on my newest GPS). Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S, Roer, Sue and Michel.

The weather today, turned out to be really good for walking, a pleasant, cool temperature whenever the breeze got up and intermittent sunshine.

 The start of the walk across fields to Pontytyllod is often quit boggy, but today we found the path was dry and had a barbed wire fence constructed to enclose the path lose to the stream.

 We have walked in this area many times on a variety of routes, unfortunately today we tlking too much and ended up on auto, but unfortunately unintentionally took the Llanarmon-yn-Ial Path.

 Once we arrived by the Motte at Llanarmon-yn-Ial, we had to navigate how we would get back on track. We decided that the best option was head for Llyn Cyfynwy and miss out the Graiarhyd part of the planned walk.

 This had the bonus that the Pelissiers stayed with us for the whole walk, rather than head back to the start sooner than the rest of us.

 After encountering a route finding issue at Cefn Coed, we retraced our steps and used the road to take us to the Llyn Cyfynwy Path.

 Arriving at the dam end of Llyn Cyfynwy it was quite breezy, but we found a sheltered spot at the Western end of the dam with convenient places to sit for lunch.

 The views in all directions were superb, but like many places in the countryside, the views were marred by electricity pylons.

 After lunch we only had a couple of miles left to do. By now, the Sun was shining and route signpost were pretty good, except when we came to cross the last stubble field, when one more signpost would have been helpful.

 As we descended to the A5104, we had superb views across the Rifle Range to the moors beyond. Unfortunately arriving at the gate, it was locked, and we couldn't spot a stile.  Thankfully we were still all sprightly enough to be able to climb over it.

 It was still quite early when we arrived back at the cars, so two of us decided to see inside St.Tegla's Church, spurred on the very welcoming notice relating to walking boots being welcome.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common pheasant (lots of them unaware that they were on their last few days of safety), Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Wood nuthatch, Great crested grebe and Black-billed magpie.

 The Pelissiers head off to do grandparent duty, and three of us headed to the Red Lion at Penyffordd for after walk drinks.

 Unfortunately they had run out of real ale, so for the first time on record, we all had non-alcoholic drinks, orange squash and coffee being the order of the day. Nevertheless all the drinks were enjoyed, particularly the coffee, which was a much appreciated good sized full cup!

 Overall a good walk, once again giving us the opportunity to explore some paths that we had never used before.

A Llandegla and Llanarmon-yn-Ial Round 14th September 2017

Setting off from Llandegla - waterproofs on - ready for rain if it comes!

"Where do you think you are going?"

Alpacas guading a flock of sheepner Pant-y-ffordd.

"I'm glad our footpath didn't involve climbing this tree!"

looking West towards the Clwydian Hills.

Our lunch spot - the church at Llanarmon-yn-Ial.

The cave on the East side of Llanarmon-yn-Ial.

Heading for the road.

at  aquick glance it looked like a cow with two heads!

An afternoon stroll in the sunshine!

Llandegla ahead.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 798'.

Time: 4 hours 36 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, and Phil.

The weather forecast for today wasn't good, frequent showers in the morning with warm sunny intervals, followed by heavier showers/rain in the afternoon.

 With this in mind we all put on full waterproofs right from the start, and it wasn't long before we had our first shower. Thankfully none of the showers lasted more than about ten minutes, and any breeze we had wasn't too strong, just pleasantly cooling.

 We modified our route slightly, aiming for Llanarmon-yn Ial, where we knew the porch on the South side would offer shelter from the rain should it be needed.

 As this was possibly Phil's last walk with the group, light treacle cake was provided to mark the occasion. The cake lived up to its name and met with approval.

 At times views towards the Clwydian Hills and the Llandegla moorland were pretty good whenever the Sun came out and blue skies were above.

 At times it was quite muddy underfoot, but the last leg of the walk was across fields wityh lush wet grass that meant we arrived back at the car with almost clean boots.

 Overall it was a very enjoyable walk, hardly marred by the regular showers.

Birds seen or heard included: Common pheasant, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Black-billed magpie, Barn swallow and Comon buzzard.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Red Lion at Penyfordd, where Reverend James bitter was sampled.

 At the start of the walk, I had a chat with one of the local residents who had jus been to open the church. It is apparently open from about 09-00 to 17-00 each day when walkers are welcome to use the facilities, including being able to make themselves a hot drink.

 It now looks like Phil's last walk with the group before he heads to Scotland will be the Denbigh walk next Thirsday (21st September)