Rhuddlan to Rhyl Using Paths on Both Sides of the River 15th January 2025

The way to Rhyl along the west bank of the Afon Clwyd.

Mute swans on the flooded field west of the Afon Clwyd.

Snow still evident on the mountain tops.

Great cormorants, Oystercatchers and gulls on the bank of theAfon Clwyd.

Greylag geese on the west bank.

Lapwings in flight.

Waders take to the air.

The Foryd Road Bridge.

An Oystercatcher resting while tide goes out.

Pont-y-Ddraig and Rhyl Harbour.

Pont-y-Ddraig.

Looking towards Rhyl from Pont-y-Ddraig.

Six out of 30 Mute swans on Rhyl Marine Lake.

Fran giving a Welsh lesson.

Distant view of Rhuddlan Castle.

"Let's make it a better place."

Nigel doing just that!

Tufted duck on Brickfields Pond.

A Moorhen on Brickfields Pond.

Brickfields Pond from the south.

St. Mary's Church, Rhuddlan.

The view from the steps at the Britannia Inn, Halkyn

Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb: 125’
Time: 4 hours 27 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 9.2 Celsius at the start. 11.1 Celsius at lunch and 12.8 Celsius at the end.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 1. Mainly Calm, but occasionally we just about felt something (Light air.
Group: Martyn, Mike, Nigel and Fran.
This was a superb day weatherwise, wall to wall blue sky, little or no wind a feeling pleasantly warm.
On this occasion, we decided to complete the walk in a clockwise direction. This meant we headed to Rhyl following the path along the west side of the river and returning to Rhuddlan along the tarmac path on the east side of the river.
Distant views were crystal clear, including the snow-covered tops of Eryri.
Lunch was taking next to Rhyl Marine Lake, where used one of the many picnic tables. It was a very pleasant 20 minutes or so, basking in the warm sunshine as we ate out lunch.
Our only disappointment was lack of birds on the Brickfields Pond, but over 30 mute swans on the Marine Lake made up for it.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Pied wagtail, Oystercatcher, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Great cormorant, Common starling, Collared dove, Great black backed gull, Jackdaw, House sparrow, Mallard, Teal, Lapwing, Carrion crow, Mute swan, Greylag goose, Goldfinch, Canada goose, Common redshank, Wigeon, Common coot, Moorhen, Tufted duck, Common starling, Woodpigeon, Great tit, Collared dove, Black tailed godwit and Goosander.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable walk, especially for those wanting to do a bit of birdwatching at the same time.
Doing the walk this way round had the disadvantage that the bright sunshine made getting clear views of the birds on the river difficult in the afternoon.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn where two of us were able to sample the excellent Lees bitter.

Around the Little Orme and on to Rhos-on-Sea 8th January 2025

The parting of the ways.

A Badger sheep in a field next to my route to the Little Orme Quarry.

"Can I get under that?"

"Yes, but only on my hands and knees!"

A different view of the disused quarry rock faces.

"I'm glad I climbed up to the higher path!"

A nice you notice, but not everyone takes believes it!

Looking towards Trwyn y Fuwch on the way to Porth Dyniewaid.

The tramway that I was glad to miss out by going round the Little Orme.

The Grey seals on beached at Porth Dyniewaid.

The Grey seals on beached at Porth Dyniewaid.

A different view of the Grey seal.

The Grey seals of Porth Dyniewaid.

At the trig point on Little Orme Head.

Here they down the last section of the tramway.

The view towards Penrhyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea.

Just one Grey seal swimming in Porth Dyniewaid.

Crossing the sands in Penrhyn Bay.

Crossing Penrhyn Bay beach.

A Great black backed gull in Penrhyn Bay.

Visiting St. Trillo's Chapel.

Inside St. Trillo's Chapel.

Inside St. Trillo's Chapel.

The breakwater between Rhos Point and the slipway at Rhos-on-Sea.

An Oystercatcher and Grey heron at Rhos-on-Sea.

The donkeys at Penrhyn-side have come out to graze.

Distance: 7.5 miles. Climb: 505 (776).’
Time: 4 hours 54 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 3.9 Celsius to 6.6 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - Mainly Calm, but occasionally we just about felt something (Light air.
Group: Martyn, Fran, Nigel and Mike.
It was below freezing when we left Chester, so it was a pleasant surprise to find it was 3.9 Celsius when we arrived at Craig-y-Don at the start of the walk. No noticeable wind, this made for a very pleasant walk.
Still suffering from a lingering cough / cold., I decided to miss out the climb to the trig point on the Little Orme and take the easier route around the east side of the hill, meeting up again at Porth Dyniewaid (Angle Bay).
It worked out well, and arrived at the rendezvous point about 20 minutes earlier, plenty of time for me to take a few photos of the Grey seals (the main objective of thewalk today.
It was just after low tide, so we were able to walk along the sandy beach section for most of the way to Penrhyn Bay.
Lunch was taken next to the smallest church in the British Isles (St., Trillo’s Chapel, Rhos-on-Sea).
After lunch we headed for Rhos-on-Sea, just past Rhos Point, hoping that the PCs would be open. They were, and must have been recently refurbished and well maintained. Thank you, Rhos-on-Sea Council, for keeping your public toilets open for the benefit of the people, especially visitors like us.
We took the easy option back to the car, along the Rhos-on-Sea to Llandudno road.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Common buzzard, Grey heron, Pied wagtail, Oystercatcher, Eurasian curlew, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Great cormorant, Black headed gull, Common starling, Collared dove, Great black backed gull, Reed bunting and Carion crow.
I noticed that I had a flat tyre, and had to call out the Road Rescue Service to change a tyre for me. Thankfully they arrived quickly, and I was still home by 17-00.
Two new front tyres fitted today (9th January).
I believe the Upton Group called in at Rake Hall, Stanney for liquid refreshments.

Walks and Dates January 2025

Saturday Walks.

I have decided that it has become pointless for me to plan Saturday walks in advance as most weeks I am the only one around.

However Saturday walks can be arranged on request.

One short walk a month could be included on request.

Wednesday 1st January 2025.

 A Cilcain and Moel Arthur Round.

Postponed due to a very wet and windy weather forecast.

Distance: 8.0  miles. Climb: 1844'
Start: Cilcain Viewpoint Car Park area. Grid ref: SJ17046522

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Fran, Nigel.

Those not walking: , .

Initially, it was suggested that the walk should include Penycloddiau, but the distance came to nearly 12 miles with a climb of 2230'.  In my thinking that is too demanding for a walk on New Years Day.

The walk that I suggest  we do, includes Moel Arthur, but takes the forest path from the Coed Llangwyfan Car Park before joining the track that contours around the hillside west of Moel Arthur, eventually joining the Moel Arthur - Cilcain Road.  Rather than retracing our steps along the road , I suggest we take the path that rises as it crosses the northern slopes of Moel Llys-y-coed, eventually joining the Cilcain Road at Gronfoel.  We would then retrace our steps  from Gronfoel back to the Cilcain Viewpoint car park.

Fran has suggested that a 5 mile walk would encourage some of the group to come out for a walk on 1st January 2025.

The walk she suggested would be:-

Distance: 5 miles. Climb: 1100'

Initially the route follows the road  track leading to the Moel Arthur Car Park. The walk then would involve following Offa's Dyke Path around the eastern slopes of Moel Arthur and returning over the summit the summit and back to the car parking area.

From the Moel Arthur Parking are, I suggest that we we take the path that rises as it crosses the northern slopes of Moel Llys-y-coed, eventually joining the Cilcain Road at Gronfoel. We would then retrace our steps  from Gronfoel back to the Cilcain Viewpoint car park.

The amount of climb involved could be reduced by about 100' by retracing our steps from the Moel Arthur parking area back to the car.

Saturday 4th January 2025.

No planned walk - see below for a list of possible walks.

Wednesday 8th January 2025.

Around the Little Orme to Rhos On Sea. 

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 700'.

Start: Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.

This has become a regular walk at any time of the year, but at this time of the year we stand a good chance of seeing Grey seals in Angel Bay, especially as Low Tide is around 11-10. 

The views from the top of the Little Orme are always superb. 

The main reason for doing the walk so early in the year is to see if there are any Seals around Porth Dyniewaid.

Bring binoculars with you if you have them.

Saturday 11th January 2025.

No walk - I am going to a friend's leaving do.

Wednesday 15th January 2025.

Rhuddlan L.N.R ., the Rhuddlan to Rhyl Riverside Walk with possible extensions to the Brickworks Pool N.R. and the Forydd.

Distance: 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 120'.

Start: Park at the Rhuddlan L.N.R. car park. Grid ref: SJ020776. 

The car park is on the Western side of Rhuddlan. To get to the car park, from the A55, turn right on to the A525 (St. Asaph Road towards Rhyl and Rhuddlan), at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Station Road (to Rhuddlan centre / Castle). The car park is on the right, opposite a new hotel. If you get to the bridge over the river you've gone too far!

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

This walk is an annual favourite, at least for those that like to do as little birdwatching as well. It is a good time of the year as there are lots of Winter visitors that frequent coastal areas and river estuaries. Bring binoculars with you.  Last time we had lunch by the Marine Lake, near the Foryd.  We have also had lunch on the beach at the Foryd. Although we didn't see Snow buntings on the Foryd last year, with a bit of luck we may see them this year. High tide at the Foryd is at 09-09, 8.3 m / 27,2'.Last year we didn't do any of the extensions!  Extension, if any will  be taken at each appropriate point in the walk on the day.

Saturday 18th January 2025.

No planned walk - see below for possible walk.

Wednesday 22nd  January 2025.

The Trent and Mersey Canal, Great Budworth and More.

Start: Marbury Country Park car Park (Pay and Display £2-50 last time). Grid ref: SJ652763.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: . 

The main 7 mile walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". This is described as a varied walk with plenty of historic interest, including the Anderton Boat Lift.. The extra mileage will be made by exploring the Anderton Nature Park, Marshall's Wood, Carey Park, Ashton's Flash and Neumann's Flash.  Bring binoculars with you if you can. 

Saturday 25th January 2025.

No planned walk - see below for a list of possible walks.

Wednesday 29th January 2025.
Burton, Neston and Parkgate with short Extension.

Distance: 8-10 miles. (With plenty of opportunities to shorten the walk on the day if we decide that is what we want). Climb:215'.
Start: Roadside parking on Denhall Lane next to benches overlooking the marshes. Grid ref: SJ301747.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: .

The Burton circuit is taken from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral". The extension will involve some road walking through Neston to link up with the Wirral Way and onto Parkgate. The return route will use coastal paths as much as possible and passes Neston Old Quay and Denhall Quay on the way back to Denhall Lane.
High tide is about 10-35. 9.1 m / 29.8'. If preferred we can always return along the Wirral Way rather than along the beach from Parkgate to Little Neston.

List of Possible Saturday Walks.

England.

The Edge to Nether Alderley and the Edge and Hough.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: Not a lot (less than 1000' at a guess).

Start: National Trust car Park close to the Wizard Restaurant, Alderley Edge. This is a Pay and Display car park - Free to National Trust Members. Grid ref: SJ860773.

This walk combines two walks from Graham Beech's book " East Cheshire Walks". He describes it as being moderate. The walk will again probably give us views of the communications tower on Croker Hill/Sutton Common. We may also get the opportunity to visit Nether Alderley Mill (National Trust- so bring your N.T cards with you if you are members.

Bollington to Bowstones.

Distance: 9-10 miles.

Climb:1800' at a guess.

Start: Adlington Road, Car Park. Adlinton Road is on the north of Bollington, a left turn just off the B5090.

Grid ref: SJ93087802

This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks", and is the second walk from this book that we will undertake. He describes this walk as an exhilarating walk to the Bowstones, and is a popular walk. It includes a fair portion of Lyme Park and sections of the Gritstone Trail. He describes the walk as strenuous, but I think we can still cope, even though it is over fifteen years since we last did it.

Big Low, Berristall Vale and the Saddle of Kerridge.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 2000'
Start: The Adlington Street car park Grid ref: SJ931782.
This is another walk that combines two walks from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks". He describes the walks as moderate to strenuous and includes some of the most scenic surroundings around Bollington. We have already strolled along Kerridge Hill and can vouch for that part of the walk.
After walk drinks will be in the Vale Inn, a hostelry.

Wales.

Conwy Mountain and Around Maen Esgob and Craigfedwen.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb:1447'.
Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. Pay and Display. Grid ref:SH781773. Post code: LL32 8LS

The walk starts by heading through the castle walls and on the North Wales Coastal Path along the harbour as far as the secondary school. The North Wales Path is the followed over Conwy Mountain through Castell Caer Seion and onto the Sychnant Pass.

 The views from the Conwy Mountain Ridge can be superb, with the Great Orme in one direction and Tal y fan in the other, as well as good views towards Conwy castle and the Conwy Valley.

 After crossing the Sychnant Pass Road, the North Wales Path is once more folowed. At the point where there is a definite fork, it is possible to make a short there and back extension to visit the site of a monument. Returning to the North Wales Path, it is then followed along the East side of Maen Esgob as far as the head of the Fairy Glen. A path heading eastward then takes us past Llyn y wrach.

 Once the West side of Maen Esgob is reached, the main track is followed parallel to the stone wall towards Craigfedwen, where the footpath goes South of Waeny-fedwen and onto the minor road near Llechwedd. The route goes Northward on the road ad then takes the first path on the right which leads around Bryn-mawr to a minor access road. It is along this road that several large and/or interesting properties can be seen. at the T-junction, the route goes right and in a very short distance a broken kissing gate leads the way to a field path leading  to the Sychnant Pass Road at Mount Pleasant on the outskirts of Conwy. The Sychnant Pass Road  is then followed back to Conwy.

Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1000'.

Start: Abergwyngeryn Free Car Park Grid ref: SH0652728. Post code: LL33 0LF

PC (opens about 09-30) nearby and a cafe at the outdoor centre that allows walkers to use the toilets (opens earlier than PC.)

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast". The Traeth Lafan and it Foothills. This walk is an annual favourite and has in the past given us some wonderful experiences, especially in Winter trampling through soft fluffy knee deep snow, that didn't stick or wet our legs.  You never know we may get some  snow, this time too. It should be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you as we may visit The Spinnies Nature Reserve on the way back to our car.

This walk is described as walk of contrasting coastal and upland scenery with good views from the higher points on the North Wales path.

 This time we will use the road to The Spinnies, and avoid the unpleasant smelly muddy experience of taking the path through the farm yard,

We may see a Kingfisher at The Spinnies, but that often depends on whether the tide is coming.

Wepre Park, Ewloe Castle., Aston Hill, Ewloe Green and Northop Hall 18th December 2024

  

The start of our walk.

Plenty of water coming over the weir.

Another bridge over Wepre Brook and a small waterfall feeding the brook.

Looking up to Ewloe Castle.

A different aspect of Ewloe Castle.

The path descending south east from the Castle towards Castle Hill Farm.

We decided this was a no go zone!

This way doesn't look much better!

This was the best way to go!

The start of the disused railway line leading to Broadoak Wood.

The new Broadoak Woods Information Board.

Walking in Broadoak Woods.

Mallards about to take to the water at The Rosie.

Mallards om The Rosie.

The Rosie information Board - in many languages, but not Welsh.

It had pictures of all the fish that you can catch in The Rosie, one of which, the Ide, I had never heard of before.

Walk stats: 8.0 miles. Climb: 653’,
Time: 4 hours 40 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall Walk average: 21.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 13.0 Celsius at the start. 12.6 Celsius at lunch.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 3, just a Gentle breeze
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.
It was around a barmy 13 Celsius throughout the walk, and even the Gentle breeze didn’t stop us discarding some of our outer clothing.
It was a pleasant stroll through Wepre Park as far as Ewloe Castle before emerging into open country to follow several field paths.
The path around Aston Hill was at times a challenge to get around or under several fallen trees.
Lunch was taken by the War Memorial in Northop Hall, where we took advantage of two benches.
Our return route took us through Broadoak Wood as far as the outskirts of Connah’s Quay.
Arriving at back at Wepre Park two of us returned to the start by going round The Rosie, while Fran decided to collect some Crab apples and met us back at the car. On this occasion several people were fishing, although we didn’t see any fish being caught.
Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Jackdaw Woodpigeon, Rook, Pied wagtail, Collared dove, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Blue tit, Mallard, Moorhen, House sparrow, Black billed magpie and European robin.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, celebrated by drinks at the Central Hotel in Shotton where Stonehenge Danish Dynamite went down well.