Llantysilio Green, Snowdrops Eliseg’s Pillar and More 25th February 2026

The Horseshoe Falls from the car park.

The Horseshoe Falls.

Daffodils next to the path leading to Llantysilio Church.

Llantysilio Church and its Snowdrops.

Snowdrops in churchyard.

Snowdrops.

Inside Llantysilio Church.

Mike shows the Snowdrop flower,

The path to the moorland and Pen-y-bryn.

More of the path to the moorland and Pen-y-bryn.

Distant views of Dinas Bran.

Panorama of looking towards the Eglwyseg Escarpment and Dinas Bran.

Mike retracing his steps.

Information about Eliseg's Pillar.

Eliseg's Pillar.

Eliseg's Pillar.

The Clwydian Way that leads to our lunch spot.

Our lunch spot.

The remains of Valle Crucis Abbey seen from our lunch spot.

One the first lambs seen on our walks this year.

Mike tries the new gate on the way to Dinas Bran.

A recently painted narrow boat(part of the horse drawn fleet)

A Grey heron in the canal.

A splash of Snowdrops in the wooded area between the canal and the River Dee,

Distance: 7.6 miles.
Climb: 1368’. 
Time: 4 hour 47 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.5 Celsius to 17.8 Celsius at lunch sitting in the Sun.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3, often no wind at all, but occasionally we could feel a Light breeze and once it gusted to a Gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn, and Mike.
The weather forecast for today was looking good, good enough to tempt me to wear my shorts for the first time this year.
However, drizzle was on the forecast for the afternoon – they were right, but it was more of dampness in the air, than real drizzle.
The first surprise of the day was on arriving at the Llantysilio Green / Horseshoe Falls Car Park. The car park had been revamped, it now has a good surface and there is a good PC.  It was even open!
However, the car park is no longer free to National Trust Members. It is Pay and Display for everyone £6 for all day parking.
Just for a change, we decided to complete the walk in clockwise direction, leaving the two-mile canal towpath to the end of the walk.
Llantysilio Church was the first port of call to see the Snowdrops, they were pretty good, but perhaps a week earlier they may have been better.
Doing it in reverse, we thought would be straight forward, but we still managed to miss the lower path across Peny-bryn that we wanted. This meant we climbed a little more than planned until we realised and retraced our steps. However, it did mean we had some good views that we would have missed had we taken the lower path earlier.
Arriving at the Britannia (up for sale), we decided to change the route slightly and visit Eliseg’s Pillar and join the Clwydian Way (our normal path) near Abbey Cottage.
Lunch was taken at the usual pic-nic area created by “Korsakud” and friends.
Just as we finished our lunch, the drizzle / dampness in the air started, but it was never enough to make us put on our waterproofs.
Arriving at the canal, the boats were being prepared for the tourists, with the smell of paint still evident.
Just before the Motor Museum, we noticed a pink door in the hedge, it turned out that it was the entrance to a new canalside café. It wasn’t open today!
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, Wood nuthatch, Common pheasant, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Mallard, Dunnock, Common buzzard, Song thrush, Mistle thrush, Blue tit, Great tit and Grey heron.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, and one we thought seemed easier going in the clockwise direction.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Sun at Trevor, where Mike sampled Purle Moose’s Madog and I had an excellent pot of tea that came with another pot of hot water. I only just managed to drink it all! Once again, home in time to clean my boots outside before the light faded.

Possible Saturday Walks

Possible Saturday Walks.

Moel y Garneddd.

Distance: 7- 8 miles.

Climb: 1200'.

Start: Fronfeuno Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car park Grid ref: SH917351.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". The walk explores the undulating countryside West of Bala. The route follows a a bridleway up to moorland, eventually crossing Moel y Garneddd at a height of 1170'. We can expect to see superb views as we cross the open moorland. The return route goes through attractive woodland. This is a walk for experienced walkers only and should not be attempted in poor visibility. Careful navigation is required.

Caer, Gai, Cwm Dyfrydwy with an extension over Garth Fawr.

Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Llanuwchllyn on B4403. Park opposite the PC and chapel. Grid ref: SH875302.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m. 

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: .

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". One walk is described as a fascinating walk featuring a Roman fort and historic houses and the other explores both sides of the Dyfrdwy Valley. The optional extension explores the countryside South of Llanuwchllyn, climbing to open moorland around Garth Fawr at a height of 1079'. It returns along the Western side of the Afon Twrch (Cwm Cynllwyd).

Town Brook Hollow and Ragleth Hill.

Distance: 9 -10 miles; Climb:2400'.

Start: Church Stretton centre car park (Pay and display). Grid ref:SO454941.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: .

Those not walking: .

This walk combines two short walks taken from Ian R. Jones's booklet "20 Church Stretton Walks". Town Brook Hollow (Ashlet Hill) to the North of Church Stretton and Ragleth Hill is to the South.   The two walks effectively create a figure of eight walk around Church Stretton, making Church Stretton a good place to look for a lunch spot.

It isn't easy to translate the Town Brook Hollow R. Jones 's map to the OS map, so we  a more recent booklet "Walks in the Shropshire Hills"  by Steve Goodier, so we might use his description for the Town Brook Hollow walk.

The Ragleth Hill walk includes quite steep climbs and descents, so we will probably do that walk first.

The Ragleth ill walk is 5.4 miles with a 1137' of climb and the Town Brook Hollow walk is 3.8 miles with 1244' of climb.

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.

A Walk Around the Great Orme.

Distance: 8 miles. It can be easily be shorted or extended on the day to suit the needs of the group.

Climb: 500'-1000', depending on the route we take.

Start at Llandudno West shore. Roadside parking near the boating lake. Grid ref: SH771820.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: . 

Those not walking: . 

We will probably start by heading up Marine Drive and taking the Monks' Path up to the plateau. Following the paths on the north west side of the Great Orme. After visiting the summit trig point we will probably head for Happy Valley for lunch. At lunch we can decide if we want to return to the West shore via the invalids' terrace or return to the summit and drop down the zig-zag steps.

It is the wrong time of the year to seethe Pearl bordered blue., but hopefully we will see Grey seals in Pigeon Cove.

Possible Wednesday Short Walks

Possible Short Wednesday Walks.

Great Barrow and Plemstall.

Not suitable after lots of rain!

Distance: 5-6 miles. Climb: 280’.Start: Layby on Barrow Lane, Great Barrow. Grid ref: SJ46916846.

Leave Chester at 10-00. 

Those planning to walk: . 

This is one of the walks provided by the Stamford Bridge Country Inn.
This a low-level walk involving many field paths and quiet country lanes. Some of the field paths can be quite muddy after heavy rain.
The walk allows us to visit two villages, Great Barrow and Plemstall. At Plemstall we can visit St. Peter’s Church, Plemstall with its nearby St. Plegmund’s Well. At Great Barrow we can visit St. Bartholomew’s church.
Last time I did this walk was with Ed on a very hot day and I managed to lose my Leki! We also made the mistake of trying to complete all three of the Stamford Bridge walks in one go. We won't be doing that today!

The walk can easily be extended by an extra 2 miles and 50’ of climb.

On Foot to Eyarth Halt.

Not suitable after lots of rain!

Distance: 5-6 miles. Climb: 305’.
Start: Ruthin Craft Centre Car park (free) on Lon Parcwr (4th turning off the roundabout if approaching from Mold/Chester. It is opposite Tesco). Grid ref: SJ125586.

Leave Chester at 10-00. 

Those planning to walk: . 

This walk is taken from Dave Berry’s booklet Walks in the Vale of Clwyd.
It is described as a fascinating walk exploring the countryside between Ruthin and Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd.
The last time this walk was on the list was in 2010, but then it was part of a 13 mile walk that included Craig Adwy-wynt and Nant Clwyd Hall

Nant y Ffrith (2)

Start: Roadside parking in Cefn Road, Bwlchgwyn. Grid ref: SJ268534. 

To get to the car park turn off the main A525 into Brymbo Road, and then opposite the primary school turn left into Cefn Road. If we park just after the its junction with Cefn Lane, the road gets a little wider.

Distance: 5.3 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Leave Chester at 10-00.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry’ booklet Walks Around Ruabon Mountain.

It is described as a walk through the Nant y Ffrith valley to the Roman settlement of Ffrith. The walk returns via an old pack-horse trail, quiet lanes and field paths.

Audlem and the Shropshire Union Canal.

Distance: 5.6 miles. Climb: 180!

Start: Cheshire Street Car park, Audlem. Grid ref: SJ659436.

Leave Chester  at 09-15. (It takes just under an hour to drive to Audlem)

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire", 

The walk is described as exploring the attractive valley of the River Weaver with fine views throughout.

Forward planning.

Wednesday 4th November 2026.

Hilbre Island.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 100' at a guess!

Start: South Parade, West Kirby Marine Lake. Park between the old baths and the Sailing Club at the Southern end of the lake Grid ref: SJ214860.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

High Tide is at 07-00 and is 26.0' / 7.9 m, so it looks like being a good option today. We should be able to cross the sands following the tide as it goes out.

Low Tide is at 13-06

Bring binoculars, their should be some plenty of birds to see as Wintering birds start arriving around now. We should also be able to see  the Grey seals seals on the sand banks in the estuary.

Saturday 6th June 2026

Exploring The Area Around Norton Priory Museum, Gardens and Walled Garden.

Distance: 3.6 miles. Climb: 315'.

Start: Norton Priory Grid ref: SJ 5484 8311. Sat Nav: Tudor Road, WA7 1SX.

Leave Chester at 09-15, so that we are walking by 10-00.

Those interested  in joining us on the walk, including the Museum and Walled garden: Martyn, .Mike, Nigel, Elaine, Fran, Sue and Michel, Sue Pearson, David S.

Museum open: 10-00 to 16-00.

Walled Garden Open: 12-00 to 15-00.

Entrance fee about £14, reduced, if we get a Group rate. However, we would need to recruit a few more as their leaflet says Group are 12 or more 

It is anticipated that we do the Woodland Trust walk first, followed by the Walled Garden, leaving the Museum until last.

The Woodlands Trust Walk.

Distance: 3.6 miles. Climb: 315'.This is an easy and varied walk through woods, parkland and along the Bridgewater towpath.

Walks and Dates March 2026

 Suggestions for ALL Wednesday walks welcome, especially for the short walks.

Wednesday 4th March 2026.

Astbury Mere and Village.

Distance: 5.4 miles. Climb:300'.
Start: Car Park at Astbury Mere Country Park. Grid ref: SJ846627. Post Code: CW12 4AW
Leave Chester 09-15. (It takes about an hour to drive to Astbury Country Park)

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The walk is taken from the Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire. It is described as following mainly enclosed tracks, part of the Macclesfield Canal and visits the attractive village of Astbury.

Saturday 7th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 11th March 2026.

Mynydd Marian.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llanddulas Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH907786.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Fran, Ed. Those not walking: Sue and Michel
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book, "Walks on the North Wales Coast". It combines an interesting section of the coast line with the attractive limestone countryside between, Old Colwyn, Llysfaen and Llanddulas. This is one of my favourite walks at any time of the year.

Saturday 15th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 19th February 2026.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking:

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied
walk with good views from Tegg's Nose.
We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described
as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District.
This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list at this time
of the year.

Saturday 21st March 2026

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 25th March 2026.

Chirk, Church Bank, Temple Wood and Chirk Castle.

Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 965’

This was a walk devised by Ed that allowed us to visit the temple we had seen on earlier walks, but only from the nearby road. This walk includes using a path that goes much closer.

This is quite a varied walk, including sections of the Llangollen Canal and the grounds of Chirk Castle.

Last time we were able to visit inside the church. 

Saturday 28th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

I am happy to change the designated walks as long it is requested by the Monday and a suitable alternative walk suggested.

Please feel free to make suggests of walks that you would like to be included.

Please remember, I have a Prayer Praise Meeting at Church on the first Wednesday of each month, so I will be looking for walks not too far away.

Llyn Geirionydd and Llanrhychwyn Church from Trefriw 21st February 2026

War Memoria in Trefriw, the start of our walk.

The lower Fairy Falls, Trefriw.

The Fairy Falls, Trefriw.

Another view of the Fairy Falls.

On the path through Coed y Wern.

Mike strids out to catch up after stopping to remove one of his garments.

Rainbow over Crafnant Valley.

Ed about to cross stone bridge.

Heading for Llyn Geirionydd.

The Llyn Geirionydd Monument.

The end of Llyn Geirionydd in mist.

It's not much better that way either!

At least someone is getting something from this Moderate breeze.

The boggy terrain that is our way to Llanrhychwyn Church.

The view from our lunch spot at the lychgate of Llanrhychwyn church.

Daffodils and Snowdrops at Llanrhychwyn Church.

I hope the Snowdrops will be better at Llantysilio Green next Wednesday.

Impressive moss on the wall at Llanrhychwyn.

The Grey Mare's Tail waterfalls.

"Smoke" rising from the trees.

The Gower Bridge, Llanrwst, but we won't be crossing it today.

This is the shortest way back to the start when it's lashing down with rain.

Distance: 7.2 miles.
Climb: 1312’. Wind assisted GPS reading)
Time: 4 hour 32 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.5 Celsius. 11.5 Celsius at lunch next to Llanrhychwyn church.
Beaufort Wind Force: Mainly 3, just a Gentle breeze, but occasionally gusting to 4, a Moderate breeze Moderate breeze.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.
The weather forecast for today wasn’t very good, but Ed was on holiday in Llandudno so we were committed to walk whatever the weather.
Until lunch time, the weather wasn’t too bad, although there was dampness in the air as we approached Llyn Geirionydd. In fact, the end of the lake was in cloud!
Distant views were none existent, and even Moel Siabod was out of view. Ed thought he may have just glimpsed a little of it.
Lunch was taken in the shelter of the lychgate at Llanrhychwyn Church.
With all of the recent rain, there was plenty of water coming down the streams and rivers, making the Fairy Falls and The Grey Mare’s Tail pretty impressive.
Not as many birds around today, but the birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Great cormorant, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Goosander, Mallard, Dunnock, Blue tit, Great tit and Grey heron.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, despite being in torrential rain for the last hour.  It's the wettest I have finished a walk for a long time, but at least our boots were clean!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Albion Inn in Conwy, where Ed was happy with his couple pints of Hafod’s Plum Porter and Mike enjoyed is Purple Moose’s Snowdonia Ale.
I had Coco cola, as a pot of tea wasn’t an option.

The Little Orme and on to Rhos-on-Sea 18th February 2026

Setting off to the Little Orme.

Only sheep in the field today, the donkeys must be on holiday!

At the trig point on Little Orme Head.

Llandudno Bay and the Great Orme from the Little Orme.

Distant views of the northern Carneddau.

Penrhyn Bay from the Little Orme.

Looking at the Grey seals in Porth Dyniewaid ( Angel Bay).

Grey seals in Porth Dyniewaid on our first visit.

One Grey seal in the sea at Porth Dyniewaid.

Walking on the beach at Penrhyn Bay.

The waves crashing on the shore in Penrhyn Bay.

A Common welk egg sack washed upon the pebbles in Penrhyn Bay.

A Turnstone roosting on the rocks in Penrhyn Bay.

Discarded Christmas trees get everywhere!

Heading back to the Little Orme after lunch.

Grey seals on the Port Dyniewaid beach in the afternoon.

Grey seals playing at the water edge.

Grey seals again.

Heading to Craig-y-don on the path past the Craigside Inn.

One of several roosting Eurasian curlews in the field opposite Craig-y-don paddling pool.

Distance: 7.3 miles.
Climb: 1214’. Wind assisted GPS reading) . Would be nearer 700' on a calm day!
Time: 4 hour 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 4.2 – 6.8 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 2-5. Maximum 21.9 m.p.h. Fresh breeze, but mainly a Gentle to Moderate breeze.
Group: Martyn, Mike, Nigel and Ed.
The weather forecast for today wasn’t very good, but Ed was on holiday in Llandudno so we were committed to walk whatever the weather. Thankfully it was better than expected, although it was very windy, felt cold and it didn’t rain.
Distant views from Little Orme Head were not very clear, walking in the Carneddau today wouldn’t have been a good choice.

It was good to se that the PC at Craig-y-don had been refurbished, but futer visits would cost 50p!
Despite the high tide being around 11-15, around 17 Grey seals were on the beach in Porth Dyniewaid (Angel Bay) on our first visit in the morning, with a few more on our return visit in the afternoon.
Lunch was taken at Rhos-on-Sea, where we took advantage of the shelters next to the paddling pool and play area.
As I was quite some time since Ed last joined on a walk, fortified fruit cake was provided to mark the6 occasion.
Not as many birds around today, but the birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Oystercatcher, Eurasian curlew, Turnstone, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Great cormorant, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie and Great crested grebe.
Overall, an enjoyable walk as we caught up with the latest news from Ed.
As Nigel needed to pick up his car from the garage, we didn’t stop for a drink at the Albion in Conwy but headed homeward. We did however, call in at the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn, for a quick pint of Lees bitter that was much appreciated!