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.

Wednesday 1st January 2025.

 A Cilcain and Moel Arthur Round

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.

Walks on the following Wednesdays  some of the group to come out for a awill be posted soon.

One short walk a month could be included on request.

Wednesday 8th January 2025.

Wednesday 15th January 2025.

Wednesday 22nd January 2025

Wednesday 29th January 2025.

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.

The Wales Coast Path and the Millenium Way(Greenway) from Chester 11th December 2024

The new notice board indicating the start of the Wales Coast Path at The Cop on Sealand Road.

The new finger post at the start of the Wales Coast Path.

The true start of the Wales Coast Path as it crosses  the border into Wales.

"There is some writing on the path here.  I think it is in Welsh."

Superb piece of artwork welcoming you into Wales.

A skein of Pink footed geese flying over the river.

I recognise that footbridge.

Two Mute swans grazing on the grass on the other side of the river.

A Little egret seen from our lunch spot.

The start of our return route after lunch.

The iconic bridge over the A494 that carries the Millennium Way  and our route back to Chester.

The Millennium Way and no-one in view - a rarity!

The new notice board welcoming you to Blacon.

Not far now, just a short way along the towpath to the Telford's basin.

The final approach to the Telford's Basin.

Walk stats: 12.6 miles. Climb: 167,
Time: 5 hours 14 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall Walk average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Temperature: 6.3 Celsius at the start. 7.3 Celsius just after lunch.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 1 Mainly calm, but just about reached Light air along he Millennium Way in the afternoon.
Group: Martyn and Fran.
A late decision was made to switch the from the potentially muddy encounters we could expect had we gone on the originally planned walk to this walk that we knew would be mud-free.
Much better than that, we used our bus passes to get to the start of the walk in Chester and ended up with a pint beer for under £2.
This isn’t one of the most exciting of walks, but as expected it was mud-free and we did get views of Moel Famau!
The River Dee was pretty high and flowing very fast, with lots of birds taking advantage of the free ride on the ebbing tide, some facing upstream, letting the river flow carry them backwards.
Lunch was taken, just before the Queesferry A494 road bridge, where we could take advantage of a bench before taking the path away from the Wales Coast Path.
The surprise today was that most of the cyclists were polite and warned us of there approach appropriately, but as ever there is always the odd exception or two. One recumbent cyclist nearly ran into us and was rebuked by his mates and an idiot travelling at high speed on an illegal e-bike.
Not much wind today, and we never saw the Sun all day.
There wasn’t a lot to distract on the walk today, so our average on the move speed was just under 3 m.p.h.
A longer walk that usual, so it took us over 5 hours before we could enjoy liquid refreshment at the Bull and Stirrup. It was so busy that we ended up sitting outside!
Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Jackdaw Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Mallard, Pied wagtail, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Reed bunting, Redwing, Great cormorant, Ltttle egret, Mute swan, Oystercatcher, Common blackbird, Moorhen, Long tailed tit, Common redshank, House sparrow, Pink footed goose, Black billed magpie and European robin.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, much better than staying at home doing the house work!
I enjoyed a second pint in the quare Bottle, where there were plenty of seats inside, and I could get warm again before catching the bus home.
Another bonus today was all of the buses we used today were on time.

Walks and Dates December 2024

 

Wednesday 4th December 2024.

 Farms and Halls - the Southern Circular.

An Amazing Whitchurch Round.

Distance: 9.3 miles. Climb: 450!
Start: New starting place. Jubilee Park, Car park Sherrymill Hill, Whitchurch SY13 1BN. Grid ref: SJ537416.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

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

Those not walking: , .

As we didn't like the narrow lanes leading to the Brown Moss car park, I have switched to a different car park, the Jubilee Park Car Park.
On approaching Whitchurch on the A41, at the roundabout turn right, continuing on the A41 (Whitchurch by-pass), take first road on left Chemistry/Smallbrook Road. Smallbrook Road leads into Sherrymill Hill with the Jubilee Park on the right.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
The walk description starts from the centre of Whitchurch, but we will start at the Brown Moss Nature Reserve as this is on the route.
This is described as a longish walk that takes in part of the revised Shropshire Way, passing plenty of interesting houses and farms, including Blackoe Cottages, Alkington Hall and Dearnford Hall.

Saturday 7th December 2024

Around Cwm Ceirw.

Cancelled.

Distance:8-9 miles.

Climb: 1400'..

Start: Car Park in Cerrigydrudion. Close to the garage on the left approaching the village from the Ruthin road.

Grid ref: SH954488.

Alternative car park a Lay-by east of Llangwm Grid ref: SH966446.

Leave Chester at 09-00. or maybe 08-30.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: , .

If time allows I would like to investigate a possible parking area on the A5 just down the road near Glasfryn. It is a layby on the left just before a garage and before entering the village at Grid ref: SH917502. If this parking area is OK then there are another a couple of good walks that start from Glasfryn that we can do.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes" or the updated booklet " Walks in the Hidden Heart of North Wales"..

He describes it as a walk exploring the the remote hills and valleys between Cerrigydrudion and Llangwm.

Wednesday 11th December 2024.

St. Cwyfan's Trail and More.

Postponed.

We will meet at Chester Bus Station at 09-30 and take a walk down the Wales Coastal Path and return to Chester on the Greenway (Millenium Way).

Distance: 9-10 miles. 

Climb: 770'.
Start: Roadside parking in Llandyrnog on the Llangynhafal road (Gladstone Terrace) . Park on the wider part of the road after Nant Glyd. Grid ref: SJ109650.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk to date: Martyn, .

Those not walking: ,

The main part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills" and the extension is around the lower slopes of Penycoddiau along the Clwydian Way.
It is described as a delightful walk in the countryside North of Llandyrnog and visits the smallest church in the Vale of Clwyd.

Saturday 14th December 2024.

Around Bosley Cloud.

Cancelled.

Distance: 8- 9 miles. Climb:1200'.

Start: Lay-by on the A523, South of its junction with the A54. Grid ref: SJ917657.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Best Pub Walks in Cheshire", although we won't take her advice on the local hostelries! The walk takes us to the top of Bosley Cloud with its panoramic views over the Cheshire plain.. After visiting the trig point on Bosley Cloud, the walk heads West to meet up with the Macclesfield Canal, which we follow for an easy four mile stretch.

Wednesday 18th December 2024.

Wepre Park, Aston Hill and Northop Hall.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: 860'.
Start: Wepre Park, South of Wepre Drive, Connah's Quay. Grid ref: SJ295684.
Leave Chester at 09-30 a.m. (to start walking by about 10-00.)

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .
This walk includes the four mile "Wepre" walk from the booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire", but has been extended to explore the area around Northop Hall. The Wepre walk is described as a moderate walk and includes a wooded river valley and a ruined castle.
 The extension heads for Ewloe Green via Aston Hill on the way to Northop Hall. After exploring the countryside North of Northop Hall, our route eventually follows the dismantled railway track shown on the original route that will leads us back to Wepre.

Saturday 21st December 2024.

Cancelled.

Wednesday 25th December 2024.

No walk.

Saturday 28th December 2024.

No planned walk.

Contact me if you want me to organise a walk.

Wednesday 1st January 2025.

Let me know if you want me to organise a walk on this day. 

If you do want a walk, let me know how long you want the walk to be.

Part of Whitchurch Walk 10 Farms and Halls with a little unexpected extra 4th December 2024

Walkers are still welcome in Whitchurch.

Notice Board at the Jubilee Car Park on Sherringmill Hill.

Heading to the drawbridge over the canal.

The gate at Danson's Bridge that leads to open fields.

"I think I can se the path!"

Mist behind us as well as in front of us.

On the bridleway by the solar farm.

Another view of the solar farm.

The small sand quarry east of Bubney Moor Wood.

On Whitchurch Walk 7.

The way into Bubney Moor wood.

This path is going the wrong way, but at least it looks like a good path!

A fine Sycamore tree seen from our lunch spot.

The view from our lunch spot.

At the lunch table.

Crossing the bridge on the Shropshire Way in the cutting that used be part of the Cambrian Railway.

On the road through the outskirts of Whitchurch.

Walk stats: 8.2 miles. Climb: 460’,
Time: 4 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall Walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Temperature: 5 .5 Celsius at the start. 6.6 Celsius at
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 2 Mainly calm, but we did feel a cool Light breeze at our lunch spot.
Group: Martyn, Mike, Nigel and Fran.

As we set off from the Jubilee Car Park, it was rather misty, but the MET Office forecast did suggest that it would clear by about 11-00.
It did improve slightly, although distant views were never good.
Our first challenge today was crossing very we and muddy fields where wellies would have been the better choice of footwear.
The second challenge came as we followed a path by a solar farm (not there when we last did the walk in 2018), We missed the path we wanted, and ended up going round a small sand quarry before joining a Whitchurch Walk 7 path that went through the wood on Bubney Moor. This was a clear, but very boggy path, eventually joining a minor road leading to Redbrook. We re-joined Whitchurch Walk10 at Hadley Pool.
After crossing the canal near Blackhoe Cottages, we headed uphill across another muddy field. It was approaching 12-30, so we were looking for a good lunch spot. Alas we didn’t find one, but we were still able to enjoy mince pies provided by Nigel. Thank you, Elaine, for making what has become an annual treat for those walking at this time of year.
Just after lunch it started to rain, not much, but enough to put us off completing the walk as originally planned. Instead, we decided to use minor roads back to Whitchurch. At least we wouldn’t make our boots any muddier! Arriving back at the car, we were quite surprised that our boots were relatively clean, and Nigel was allowed to put his boots in the new Boot Bag given to him as a birthday present by Fran.
Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Mallard, Pied wagtail and European robin.

Despite the weather, it was still good to get out on a walk, and in a funny sort of we we said we had quite enjoyed the walk.  Was that comment made before or after the drinks in the Edgerton Arms?
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Edgerton Arms, Broxton where Shropshire Gold and Cheshire Cat were the brews that went down well. I had a pot of tea that was a little too strong for my liking, but lots of milk helped.
If we do this walk again, I think it will have to be in the Summer months after a long dry spell of weather!

Rhosesmor, Cwm Conwy, Castle Wood, Halkyn and More 27th November 2024

Descending to the first challenge.

Sunshine coming through the trees in Cwm Conwy.

The path alongside the Afon Conwy.

Making progress in Cwm Conwy.

A direction sign that I haven't seen before!

One of several fallen trees that challenged us today!

The climb out of Cwm Conwy.

View as we approached the Halkyn Road.

The view towards the Dee Estuary.

Walking through Castle Wood.

The path through the Rhododendrons as we leave Castle Wood.

Blue skies over the estuary.

Escaping from Castle Wood.

View from my lunch spot.

A better view from my lunch spot!

At lunch -a good seat in the Sun.

Lunch over and waiting to set off again.

Moel y Gaer from our lunch spot, but we missed it out today.

The well filled lake near Top Pen-y-Parc Farm.

At the War Memorial in Rhosesmor.

Walk stats: 6.2 miles. Climb: 820’,

Time: 4 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall Walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.

Temperature: 5 .5 Celsius at the start. 10.3 Celsius at lunch as we sat basking in the warm sunshine in Halkyn.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 1 Mainly calm, but we did feel a slight wind (just about Light air) as we headed towards Halkyn and Castle Wood.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Fran.
The weather was much better than the forecast as we had glorious warm sunshine throughout the walk. The only downside was that the Sun was low in the sky, making it difficult to see where we were going at times.
Considering all the rain we have had recently, it wasn’t as bad underfoot as I was expecting. However, we did have the challenge of getting over several awkward stiles and around or under trees that had fallen across the path / track.
Lunch was taken in Halkyn, where we took advantage of a bench in the Sun as we had lunch. A small stone marker stone provided an alternative perching spot.
Distant views across the Dee estuary were good, but we never in a position where the Clwydian Hills came into view.
We did cut the walk short to avoid known muddy tracks, but it did allow us to get to the Brit quite early and enjoy a pint or two of Lees bitter as we sat by the roaring fire.
Birds seen or heard included: Jackdaw, Herring gull, Black billed magpie, Common blackbird, Long-tailed tit, Winter wren, European robin, Common buzzard, Fieldfare, Redwing Common pheasant, Red grouse, Collard dove, Carrion crow and Woodpigeon.
Overall, a very enjoyable walk, celebrated with a pint or two of Lees Bitter at the Brit in Halkyn.