Another Solo Walk: A Riverside - Roodee Round Including a Change in Direction Thursday 9th July 2020

A Riverside - Roodee Round Including a Change in Direction.

Work being done on the Riverside Path, but what can it be?

The quieter than usual Wales Coast Path.

The first of the Grey herons seen today on the bank near The Riverside on River Lane, Saltney.

The etching of a Tern on the standing stone at the start of the Wales Coast Path can just about made out.

Saltney Quay.

A Grey heron starts to make its move.

A Mistle thush forages in the grass at The Cop on Sealand Road.

Not many dog walkers on the Roodee today.

One person has taken advantage of the new paths to the seat at Mold Junction Outflow.

Distance: 7.7 miles. Climb: 127'.

Time: 3 hours 41 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

I set off, hop[ing that the 20% chance of rain would mean that I would complete my walk without getting wet. Although it did't really rain, thee was dampness in the air for the first half an hour or so.

i usually head to The Riverside via Bridge Street, saltney, but at the top of my road, the footpath was closed as work was being done removing an old street light pole, so I had to change plans and head for the Saltney Ferry Footbridge via Saltney Ferry Road.

Heading down the Wales Coast Path, I could see work being done on the Riverside Path, near the Mold Junction Outflow, something that I would have to investigate towards the end of my walk.

It was much quieter than usual on the Wales Coast Path, mainly walkers, the odd jogger and a few people out on their bikers and once more no lyrcra loonies.

Even the birds were quite elusive today, but the ones that I id see or hear included: Goldfinchh, Winter wren, Common blackbird, Barn swallow, House martin, Common chaffinch, Oystercatcher, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Carrion crow, Black billed magpie, Collared dove, European robin, Mallard, Moohen, Grey heron, Greenfinch, Mistle thrush, Common pheasant, Blackcap, Common whitethroat and Common buzzard.

Arrivin at Chester Golf Course the car park was full to capacity and some were having to park on grass normally used fore practise. Apparently there was a Seniors Competition on involving 170 competitors.

The Chester Golf Course side of the river was even quieter, and only swa a couple of girls as I approached Saltney Quay.

The work that had been done on the Riverside Path, north west of River Lane, turned out to be the creation of paths to the seat near Mold Junction outflow, an improvement that now means anyone using the seat won't bget muddy or wet footwear.

Another enjoyable walk, and home early enough to suffer watching England struggle against the West Indies in the cricket.

Harris Hikers Walks: Wednesday 8th July 2020

Mynydd Marian from Llanddulas.

A Common scoter off Llanddulas shore.

A Great cormorant drying out its feathers off Llanddulas shore.

Looking towards Abergele from Llanddulas Beach Car Park.

Loking towards the Great Orme from Llanddulas Beach Car Park.

A few Great cormorants on the stone quarry jetty.

A first ever sighting for me - bicycle repair sation.

The start of the traverse of a limestone escarpment on the way to Craig y Forwyn.

 A sheep descends after conquering Craig Y Forwyn.

Ed about to head through the bracken on the North Wales Path below Craig y Forwyn.

The North Wales Path below Craig y Forwyn.

Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb: 704'.

Time: 4 hours 4 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Ed.

I jhad hoped that this would be the first of Harris Hikers group walks, but currently the Welsh Government  still keep giving contradictory statements, saying you can travel as far as you want for any reasons and then saying you essential travel only, only meeting people from one other household keeping to social distancing and also saying visitors are welcome. Hopefully the Welsh Governments statement on Friday about what you can and can't do will be a little clearer.

Back to my walk today, still keeping with the Welsh social distancing guidelines.

Ed couldn't make it until just after 11-20, but I arrived about an early to do a litte sea birdwatching.  I made a good decision, as one of the first birds I saw was a Common scoter quite close to shore, normally you would need to use a scope to see them.

We set off just before 11-30, very overcast and somewhat muggy, but it was great to be by the sea and experience a different environment to the one I had enjoyed over the last 13 weeks or so. The higher hills were shrouded in mist all day. Within the first mile along the Wales Coast Path, 10 cyclists past us and to my amazement all ten had bells and used them towarn of their approach.

Distant views were never good, but at least it never rained until we were in the cars at the end of the walk.

Everyone we encountered on the walk and chatted to were pleasant and cheerful, keeping to the appropriate social distance, although occasionally their dogs wanted to give us a more close welcome.

Lunch was taken on the Llysfaen side of Mynydd Marian, where we took advantage the large stones on either side of the track leading to the signal station.

What I initially thought was my bird spot of the day was seen after lunch, when what appeared to be a Lesser spotted woodpecker flew across in front of us into an old Yew tree. It was disappointing later to find on checking its jizz, it was just a Greater spotted woodpecker.

As it was my first walk involving anything that could be described as a climb, I resisted the temptation to walk over the top of Crag y Forwyn, and instead followed the North Wales Path past the few spieks of Orchids that were still in flower.

Birds seen or hard today included: Common scoter, Herring gull Oystercatcher, Black headed gull, Common blackbird, Great cormorant, Winter wren, Barn swallow, Mute swan, Eurasian curlew, Common buzzard and Greater spotted woodpecker.

In all, a very enjoyable walk, seeing Ed for the first time in 3 months, seeing a Lesser spotted woodpecker for the first time since I retired and the only rain experienced was as I was driving home listening to the cricket on the radio.

Harris Hikers Adventures (still solo for some) Monday 6th July 2020

A Very Short Afternoon Stroll in The Sun Around The Block.

Rough water on the Dee near The Riverside, River Lane, Saltney,

but Is the tide rising or falling?

Looking towards Queensferry from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Hopefully this makes it clear as to whether it is rising or falling.

A Common blackbird on the hunt.

Distance: 2.4 miles. Climb: 72'.

Time: 1 hour 1 minute. On the move walking average: 2.8 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.

I wasn't going to bother with a walk today, but when the Sun came out and the sky above was largely blue I was tempted to head out despite the strong gusty wind.

Birds were very few, but those I did see or hear included: House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Common whitethroat, Barn swallow, House martin, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Black headed gull and Common blackbird.

A few white butterflies were on the wing (probably Small white and Large white), but the only one that I could identify with any degree of certainty was a Meadow Brown.

A few walkers, dog walkers and the odd cyclist or two.

A pleasant afternoon stroll.

Harris Hikers Adventures (stll solo for some) Saturday 4th July 2020

A Saltney Ferry Footbridge and Old Dee Bridge Round.

The view south west from The Cop on Sealand Road, Chester.

Looking along New Crane Wharf, part of the Chester Riverside Promenade.

Looking across The Roodee Racecourse with Grosvenor Road Bridge and th Handbridge Water Tower on the right.

The Groves from the Old Dee Bridge.

A slightly dfferent view of the weir and The Groves.

Black headed gulls taking a trip on a boat as the tide is rising.

Grey heron perched in a tree opposite our lunch spot in Edgars Field.

A family of Mute swans can be seen through the arch.  Not easy  to see, but they are there!

At least you can tell that they are Mute swans now.

The Grey heron on the bank of the River Dee opposite  Saltney Quay.

Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 172'.

Time: 4 hours 19 minutes.

Group: Martyn and Roger.

Roger joined me at The Riverside on River Lane, Saltney so that he could complete a slightly longer circuit than the last time.

It started to rain, just as i was leaving my house, so my umbrella had to be deployed, but thankfully it was only needed until I got as far as Stone Bridge. It was pleasantly warm for walking with an intermittent breeze that helped us as we headed along the Wales Coast Path towards Chester.

It didn't seem quite so busy with cyclist today, and most had bells and used them as they approached. a few walkers, dog walkers and joggers were out as well and they too were well behaved.

Not many birds about either, but those we did see or hear included: House sparrow, Common starling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Common blackbird, Barn swallow, House martin, Chiffchaff, Common whitethroat, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Oystercatcher, Lesser black back gull, Winter wren, Black headed gull, Mallard, Grey heron, Carrion crow, and Mute swan (probably the spot of the day, especially when it was identified as a pair with at least two cygnets).

As we went passt the Ship inn on nthe Handbridge side of the river we noticed it was open and had a few customers, but certainly wasn't over run with desparate drinkers. I might have been temped to call in for a pint of real ale, but having left my wallet at home it was no longer an option.  Soup in Edgars Field wil have to do.

We had lunch, using one of the many benches in Edgars Field and it from this position that we could see the swans through the arch of the Old Dee Bridge.

Roger's spot of the day was seeing a brown butterfly by the path as we headed towards Saltney Quay.  When it eventually stopped on a plant and we could take a closer look, it turned out to be a Ringlet.

The tide was still rapidly rising as we headed along the Wales Coast Path, and had just topped the weir when we arrived at the Old Dee Bridge. By the time we see the river from the path adjacent to the Chester Golf Course, the tide had turned.

After passing Saltney Quay and reaching River Lane, Roger went left heading for home and I turned right to complete my usual round.

Ed's Welsh Wanders.

A 5 mile Nip Around Nant-y-Glyn.

Guinnea fowl and Ponies.

The Old Water Works.

Nant Y Glyn Valley.

The cows were mainly sitting down, it was damp in the air so the proverb could be true or they might just be resting and chewing their cuds.

Harris Hikers Adventures (still solo for some) Friday 3rd July 2020

Spotted in my garden yesterday, but the photo was taken today.

Butterfly eggs, but what species laid them?

The larger cluster of yellow eggs are those of the Large hite butterfly and the single pale yello egg is pribably that of a Small white butterfly.

Hopefully I will see a few caterpillars in about 14 days time.

A Very Short Afternoon Stroll Around The Block.

Gulls on the water, waiting for the tide to go out and they can get back on their favoured mud bank.

Dark clouds gathering over Chester.

Brighter skies towards Queensferry.

A Common buzzard thinks it is a kestrel.

Moel Famau from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge parking area.

Distance: 2.4 miles. Climb: 40'.

Time: 1 hour 8 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Just a quick walk to get out of the house after listening to the confusing statement made by Mark Drakeford re-removing the 5 mile stay local directive in Wales.It would seem that meeting one other household outdoors is the same, but seems to be encorageing people still to only travel for essential reasons.

It was a little on the breezy side today, but at least it wasn't cold and it didn't rain. Birds were few and fat between today, but at least I did get good views of a Common buzzard pretending to be a Common nkestrel by using the wind to give the impression that it was hovering.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Common blackbird, Goldfinch, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Goldfinch, Carrion crow, House martin, Woodpigeon, Barn swallow and Common buzzard.

Still an enjoyable hour and a bit walk.

Harris Hikers Adventures (still solo for some) Thursday 2nd July 2020

Intriguing Event on the River Dee spotted by the Pearsons.

Cleaning up the weir?

An Afternoon Stroll Along The Banks Of The river Dee.

The parking area at the south end of Saltney Ferry Footbridge is once more open for buiness.

A Little egret on the opposite bank of the river.

Looking over the river towards Moel Famau from the Wales Coast Path

Is the tide rising or falling?

Follow me.

A very quiet Wales Coast Path.

The link path to Sealand Road. 

What fun it  is going to be using this path iwhen the maize is fully grown!

The "butterfly bush" in flower, but without butterflies!

Distance: 5.1 miles. Climb: 83'.

Time: 2 hours 17 minutes. n the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h.

Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

Waiting until the afternoon was a good decision as the morning showers stopped and the Sun came out.  Although not cold, the wind was pretty breezy and played a tune as it went through the railings of the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Fewer people were out today, mainly small groups out on a bike ride. I saw two walkers and one jogger on the Wales Coast Path, so it was pretty quiet. 

I think the birds were having a quiet time too. Unusually on this stretch of river, north west of Saltney Ferry Footbridge, I didn't see a single Grey heron.

Birds seen or heard today included: Housesparrow, Common whitethroat, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Black headed gull, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Barn swallow, Common starling, House martin, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Oystercatcher, Skylark, Lapwing and Little egret.

It seems early, but once more I saw a group of Lapwings together (26) and flying up river.

Although it was good to see and hear Skylarks singing, the best bird spot was seeing and Oystercather with it almost fully grown youngster in tow.

Lots of Small white and Red admiral butterflies around, as well as the odd Meadow brown.

The Flintshire Coastaal Ranger and Natural resources Wales were out working again, but on opposite sides of the river.

The wind created waves on the river, making it difficult to tell if the tide was rising and falling. High tide was mid-morning, so it was in fact going out.

An good walk and at the right time.

Harris Hikers Adventures (still solo for some) Wednesday 1st July 2020

An Old Dee Bridge Round.

A short burst from a Common whitethroat.

Two Barn swallows take a rest on the "perching tree".

What is it? Is it alive? No, i's yet another "poo bag".

Tide on the way out, carring on its surface what looks like some form of pollution.

Rabbits have fun - no not that sort of fun!

One of four Grey herons seen today.

Hungry Cinnabar caterpillars on the move - can you spot the one that did?

Looking across the Roodee Racecourse from the Chester Riverside Promenade.

The Grosvenor Road Bridge from the path next to Overleigh Old Cementry.

Hazardous work being done.

The star of the day, one of many Ringlet butterflies seen, but the first that stopped to have its photo taken. This one was taken on the Riverside Path, on the north east of Chester Golf Course.

Distance: 8.7 miles. Climb: 94'.

Time: m4 hours 38 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

I set off at 08-30, hoping that the forecast of showers would happen after 13-00, and I would get back  home without geetting wet. Thankfully I took my umbrella as there were two short showers between 09-30 and 11-00.

Approaching the border on the Wales Coast Path, I noticed a vehicle next to the track, I initially I thought it would be Natural Resources Wales, but it turned out to be the Flintshire Coast Ranger, so I had quite a long chat with him. I mentioned that I had seen Giant hogweed by the river near The Cop on Sealand Road, I he said he maight take a look later on.

The Giant hogweed has started to grow on both sides of the river, and if I remember correctly a few years ago they were treated with chemicals to destroy them.

As I approached the Riverside path on the north east side of Chester Golf Course, two more vehicles were parked. They belonged to an Environment Management Company, and looking towards the river were two men in hazzard gear spraying the Giant hogweed with chemicals (sprayed plant had blue colouring the top of the plant).

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Blackcap, Common whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Common blackbird, Goldfinch, Black billed magpie, Barn swallow, Greenfinch, House martin, Great cormorant, Woodpigeon, Collared dove, Common pheasant, Moorhen, Mallard, Grey heron, Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Oystercatcher, Grey heron, Song thrush and Common pheasant.

Butterflies seen today included: Small white, Peacock, Red admiral, Meadow brown and Ringlet (apparently not very common in this area).

Overall an enjoyable walk, and as I arrived home just after 13-00, it started to rain, so once more my umbrella was pout to good use.