Delamere and Primrose Hill and More 26th January 2012

No photos this week .

Managed to lose my camera (and my monocular) between Gresty Waste Car Park and Home!

Distance: 10.9 miles. Climb: 1239'.

Time: 5 hours 21 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Gordon, Celia, Paul, Sylvia and Dave J, Time and Carol, Fran and Catherine Murphy.

This turned out to be a good day for walking, with only a couple of short showers in the morning to make some of the group dive for their waterproofs. Thankfully the Sun was shining for much of the day and only occasionally a cool breeze remined us that it was still officially Winter!

The Eddisbury Way was the main path used to link up with this part of the Sandstone Trail, and for me quite a bit of the Eddisbury Way was new. It's always good to encounter new paths.

As might be expected sections of the paths were rather muddy, but not enough to stop us enjoying the walk.

Lunch was conveniently taken at the Brines Brow Picnic Site and some of us managed to find a table in the Sun.

The final part of the Sandstone Trail was  through Delamere Forest, mainly along forest tracks, not exactly the most exciting section, but nevertheless still very pleasant walking

Birds seen or heard: Black-billed magpie, Raven, Jackdaw, European robin, Blue tit, Great tit, Nuthatch, Blackbird, House sparrow, Long-tailed tit, Common buzzard and Eurasian jay.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Farmers Arms at Kelsall where Weetwood Bitter and Weetwood Old Dog were the brew sampled.  This hostelry must have changed landlords, it was pleasantly warm when we went in!

Rowen, Llanbedr-y-cennin and Caerhun for Some 21st January 2012

The start of the walk in Rowen.

Moel y Gaer.

Tal-y-Fan.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.4 miles, (7.6 miles) and [11.6 miles] .Climb: 1000', (1800')

Time: 4 hours 16 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall average: 1.5 m.p.h. (1.9), [2.3].

Group: Martyn, Roger, Dave J and Mike.

This wasn't the best of days for waking, strong at time gale force winds and far too much rain, so much that two of us decided to miss out the Caerhun part of the walk and head back to the shelter of the car at Rowen.  However Martyn and Roger did see the bird of the day whilst they sheltered in the car, two Red kites came over the woods  very close to the car, giving us superb views even without binoculars.

This isn't a walk that I will wish to remember too often, poor weather, lost the path, ripped my trousers, didn't see any Hawfinches (except on notice boards) and didn't complete the walk as planned.

Lunch was taken in the entrance of Llanbedr-y-cennin church, where we managed to sit down as we sheltered from the rain.  The church itself was open, but we were too lazy to go and collect the key.

Birds seen or heard today included: Red kite, Blue tit, Great tit, Herring gull, Common crow, Jackdaw,  Chaffinch, Mistle thrush, Common blackbird, Bullfinch, European robin and Woodpigeon.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn, the Lees Biter was good, but unfortunately we were at the cold end of the room without the fire, so we didn't stay for long!

The return journey between Colwyn Bay and Llanduklas was delayed as a pot-hle had appeared in the middle of the carriageway and two Police vehicles blocked the way until it had been repaired.  Thankfully we only had to wait about half an hour before we were allowed to continue.

The day didn't end well either, Everton drew, Liverpool were beaten by Bolton and Chester were beaten by Hednesford. At least we know one Bolton family that will be happy withe the Liverpool result!

Fron Hen and Bryn Alyn 19th January 2012

Heading for the hills, not really, but at least good weather is on our side of the hills.

The view across Llanferris from the slopes of Fron Hen.

Lunch-time, just outside Maeshafn.

God's promise of better things to come.

Yes, but it has nothing to do with a rainbow!

Walk stats: Distance: 10.7 miles. Climb:1920'.

Time: 6 hour 12 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Gordon, Annie H., Sue and Michel, Phil, Tim, Sylvia and Dave J., Paul and Celia.

The weather forecast fro "Accuweather" today was spot on in terms of the timing of five minute showers, although it didn't ever feel quite as cold as their predicted -2 degrees Celsius. Thankfully we had more sunshine too!

This walk is always a bit of an up and down walk with plenty of opportunities to get boots and trouser legs in need of of  some TLC, today was no exception, but today the worst bits usually encountered didn't live up to their reputation!

We had good views for most of the day, including the opportunity to debate the location of some cooling towers somewhere between Liverpool Cathedrall and Fiddlers Ferry!

Lunch was taken, rather unexpectedly, just outside Maeshafn (Fran and Tito could have joined us had then known!).

Thankfully today we got it right through Nercwys Forest, better than last time.  However we didn't quite complete the walk as described as we  approached  Eryrys along the wrong road. This was in reality a shorty cut, but no-one seemed to object!

Birds seen or heard today included: Mistle thrush, Blue tit, Great , Blackbird, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Carrion crow, European robin, Jackdaw, Nuthatch, Raven, Kestrel, Common buzzard and Black-billed magpie.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn where Cwrw Eryry (Snowdonia Ale  by Bragdy Mws Plwsw Cyf (as it always does) , went down particularly well, however  the prices at the Galsfryn didn't, but they never do!

Traeth Lefan and More 14th January 2012

Anglesey and Puffin Island from Llanfairfechan.

Common teal sheltering in one of the channels.

Brent geese on the sea.

Oystercatchers roosting on the shingle bank.

Walk stats: Distance: 13.0 miles. Climb:939'.

Time: 7 hours 0 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Dave J and Mike.

The weather today was forecast to give us bright and sunny spells, a gentle wind but on the cool side.  In  reality we had better than that, we seemed to be in bright sunshine all day, but it didn't stop us getting cold fingers when we stopped to use are binoculars. Light conditions were superb and the colours of many of the birds stood out.

Walking on days like this is a rich blessing, a joy and privilage to able to be out and about, taking in all of these fantastic vistas.  This was a day when a slow speed was essential, so that we didn't miss anything.  A good thing really, as I for one am finding strolling along more to my liking than setting a brisk pace.

Lunch was taken quite early, sitting by a stone wall on the lower slopes near Yr Ogaf, basking in the warm sunshine as we enjoyed the last of this year's fruit cake.

Bird sightings started well with a Goldcrest showing well in a bush on the edge of a wood less than 200 yards from the car park in Llanfairfechan. Passing the marshes, the Sun was shining brightly, making the colours on the Teal and Wigeon stand out. Later on in Abergwyngregyn Tree sparrows were added to the list. On the return journey about 80 Pale-bellied Brent geese were the highlight, although flocks of swirling Dunlin is always delightful, especially as the Sun caches their underside making them appear to sparkle.  Impressive numbers of Common curlew and Oystercatcher roosting at high tide were a wonder to see.

Birdse seen or heard today included:Goldcrest, European robin, Mallard, Canada goose, Mute swan, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Great black-backed gull, Common redshank, Oystercatcher, Common teal, Wigeon, Chaffinch, Dunnock, House sparrow, Tree sparrow, Pied wagtail, Dinlin, Shelduck, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Common buzzard, Nuthatch, Song thrush, Blue tit, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Greenshank, Pintail, Lapwing, Common curlew, Brent goose, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Common starling and Rook.

We arrived back at the car, tired, but knowing we had superb day.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn, where a couple of pints of Lees Bitter was enough to revive tired limbs and complaining knees.

Sandstone Trail Frodsham - Manley 12th January 2012

At  the Memorial on Frodsham Hill.

Walking along the Sandstone Trail towards Helsby.

The ramparts of Woodhouse Hillfort.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.0 miles. Climb: 1641'.

Time: 5 hours 49 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Annie H., Paul, Phil, Tim, Sylvia and Dave J.
After week without a walk, it was good to put on our walking boots again, especially when the weather was so good. Admittedly it was a little on the breezy side to start with, but the Sun was shining all day, and in places where we were shielded from the wind, it was almost too warm to be wearing Winter gear!
The first section of the walk along the sandstone edge from Frodsham Hill to the Woodhouse Hillfort gave us the best views of the day, especially across the Mersey towards Liverpool Cathedral, clearly seen in the distance.
Today we made the slight detour to visit Woodhouse Hillfort, although Phil had to persuade us that where we were walking was part of the ramparts!
Heading out of Manley with lunch very much in our thoughts, Roger managed to fall off a curb, twist his ankle and draw blood on his elbow!
Lunch was taken, just as we entered Delamere Forest. Roger revived with food and some of Martyn's fruit cake and with his elbow plastered up, hobbled on to complete the walk, whether he was able to stand up for an hour singing in the choir this evening is another matter.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Helter Skelter in Frodsham, where Red Willow Headless bitter went down well..
Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Woodpigeon, European robin, Blackbird, Black-billed magpie, Eurasian jay, Kestrel, Winter wren, Grey wagtail, Common buzzard, Chaffinch, Great tit, House sparrow, Coal tit, Common crossbill, and Siskin (probably the bird of the day as we didn't see one on last year's walks).

Thurstaston Common, Royden and Caldy 1st January 2012

Walking through the Dungeon.

At the toposcope on Thurstaston Hil.

Passing Thor's Stone on Thurstaston Common.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.6 miles. Climb:695'.

Time:4 hours 30 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Annie H., Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J., Carol and Tim, Sue and Dave, Fran and Tito.
A little on the warm side for this time of the year and  three members of the group were tempted to wear shorts. Only one completed the walk with legs exposed to the sun throughout the walk!
The weather was kind until we had crossed Thurstaston Hill and were heading for Royden Country Park. As we approached the rain started and was torrential by the time we reached the Visitor Centre and Car Park.  Thankfully the cafe was closed and we were able to take advantage of the canopy while we had lunch.  Martyn provided everyone with a piece of rum preserved fruit cake to fortify them for the rest of the trek.
After lunch the master chef and his helper decided to take the shortest route back to the car, on the pretext that he needed to check the meat was OK, have put it in the oven before joining the walk.
The rest of us headed for  Stapleton Wood. Half way through Stapleton Wood, three of the group decided to find their own way back to the car, but thankfully were reunited withe the rest of the party at Caldy Church.
The last part was either completed along the Wirral Way or along the beach.  The latter was the best choice for those with binoculars as the incoming tide pushed the feeding waders closer and closer towards us.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Winter wren, Chaffinch, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black-billed magpie, Blue tit, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Moorhen, Common coot, House sparrow, Common buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Oystercatcher, Knot, Curlew, Bar-tailed godwit, Dunlin, Great cormorant and Common redshank.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, where  Brinstage Trappers Hat Bitter went down well.
A good walk, which would have been even better had we not had to test out the waterproof properties of our gear!

2012

Happy New Year

to

Everyone Associated

With

Harris Hikers.