Bwlch Penbarra, Coed Moel Famau, Around Moel ffrith, Mole Dywyll and Moel Famau 4th December 2019

A hovering bird, but not a Kestrel.

A Common buzzard, not known for its speed, but too quick for this cameraman!!

The Vale of Clwyd from Bwlch Penbarra at the start of our walk.

Nigel explaining that that was his best ever sighting of a Commion buzzard.

Looking over the fields towards Cilcain.

Lunchtime in the sun.

One of the reservoirs being drained for repairs.

Waiting on Moel Dywyll

Looking towards the Vale of Clwyd - the low Sun always a problem.

Moel Famau ahead.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 1723'.Time: 5 hours 18 minutes. On he move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h. (too much time over lunch!).

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Wendy and Nigel.

This was almost a perfect day for walking, largely sunny with a gentle breeze and little prospect of rain. With feel like temperatures o about 5 Celsius, we all set of in Winter proof gear - a mistake! It wasn't long before most of the group were shedding outer garments an hats, whilst I suffered with overheating in my Paramo gear,

 As we walked around Coed Moel Famau and Moel Ffrith we were sheltered from any breeze an being in the sun it felt pleasantly warm.

 We stopped for lunch next to the track from Cilcain the the fishing reservoirs. We sat on the remains of the old stone wall and enjoyed basking in the warm sunshine as we devoured our lunch.

 As we passed the upper reservoir, we were surprised to see that the were draining it, presumably to do some sort of maintenance.

 The climb along Offa's Dyke Footpatjh over Moel Dywyll is always a challenge, more so today as the Sun being so low in the sky, always seemed to be in our eyes,

 Distant views were never good, but otherwise it was a good day.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common buzzard, Eurasian jay, Black billed magpie, Winter wren, Common blackbird, Long tailed tit, Great cormorant, Common crow, Jackdaw, Redwing, Winter wren and Meadow pipit.

 We arrived back at the car, thankful that the last mile had been downhill and looking forward to a beer or two at the Glasfryn at Mold. We weren't disappointed!

Moel Famau, Around Ffrith Mountain and Moel Dywyll 19th October 2019

The path from Bwlch Penbarrasheading north east towards the picnic site / PC car park.

"I couldn't possibly comment."

Looking across the rservoir towards our route to join the Offa's Dyke Path.

On the path heading for the Offa's Dyke Path to Mel Famau.

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At the Moel Dywyll Cairn.

Resting by the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau.

Looking back towards the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau.

The Vale o Clwyd from the Bwlch Penbarras Car Park at the end of the walk.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.9 miles. Climb: 1581'.

Time; 5 hours 18 minutes. O the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

Overall this was a good day weather wise for walking, mainly dry and at times pleasantly warm i the warm morning sunshine. I did stop once to put on my waterproof jacket, but as son as I had done so, the rain stopped!

 Alderhey Hospital had a sponsor event involving Moel Famau, but our paths didn't overlap, except for seeing some organisers picking up route direction way markers as we descended to Bwlch Penbarras at the end of the walk.

 Distant views were somewhat limited due to the overcast nature that was predominant for most of the day.

 We settled for lunch, perching on the remains of a stone wall north east of Moel Dywyll, only disturbed by the sound of gunshot o the opposite side of the valley.

 The climb over Moel Dywyll to Moel Famau is always a bit of a slog, but at least it was dry and not windy and the views over the Vale of Clwyd were pretty good.

 Unusually arriving at the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau there was hardly any wind and a pair of Ravens entertained US nearby.

Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, European robin, Common blackbird, Eurasian jay, Common magpie, Winter wren, Meadow pipit, Common pheasant, House sparrow, Raven, Carrion crow, Jay and Meadow pipit.

Overall a very enjoyable walk, capped by refreshing drinks at the Cholomendy Ams at Cadole - all five of their real ales on offer were sampled! None were disappointing!