Hawarden and Its Environs 4th February 2026

The newest cemetery in Hawarden, with its abundance of seats.

Hawarden Cemetery No. 1.

Part of the cemetery in the grounds of St. Deiniol's Church, Hawarden.

Anothe view of the cemetery at St. Deiniol's Church, Hawarden.

One of the rear doors into St. Deiniol's Church. Hawarden, with a  sculpture  of Mary and Jesus above.

On the path through the grounds of St. Deiniol's Church, Hawarden.

A good message as you go through the main gate into the grounds of St. Deiniol's Church, Hawarden.

On track to railway underpass and the Golf-course.

A posing Common blackbird.

We aren't going to get any distant views today!

Distant views?  This is about as good as it gets!

A Badger sheep in he field next to the path.

Enjoying lunch?

Lunch time is  nearly over.

Lunch on your feet for some!

A drake Mallard by the pond near our lunch spot.

Leaving our lunch spot.

The right of way through Bilberry Wood on the Hawarden Estate.

The new path on the left, with the more hazardous older path next to the wall.

The remains of the old corn mill on the Hawarden Estate.

Distance: 5.2 miles.

Climb: 571’.
Time: 3 hour 6 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 4.5 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0. The wind was not enough to measure.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Nigel and Elaine, Fran, Nigel.
Our first problem occurred on arrival at the Tinkersdale Car Park to find it full. Fortunately, there was an area just further down the road where we were able to park. If we started half an hour later, the parking may have eased a little as the early morning dog walkers returned to their cars.
We first did this walk in March 2018, but most of remember the walk on 31st August 2022, when we finished the walk with drinks and food at the Glynne Arms.
The weather today, wasn’t at its best, although at least it wasn’t windy or raining. However, it was still somewhat misty and there was that ever-present dampness in the air.
We started the walk this time by going to the main road through the village and turning down Crosstree Lane that led to not one, but three cemeteries! The latest cemetery had lots of benches that looked over the graves, and on a good day would probably have extensive views towards the estuary.
The path through he golf-course was marked out well, with warning signs at any point where you might stray of line!
The route description was quite old and missing road signs weren’t helpful.
Our main problem today, was finding somewhere to stop for lunch. We eventually stopped in Bilberry Wood, where some of the group sat on some tree logs at the side of the track.
Much work has been done by the Gladstone Estate, with lots of fences and gates put in to measure that you kept to the right of way. Improvements to the path and stiles had removed the tricky stile and path next to the stone wall.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Common pheasant, Woodpigeon, Great spotted woodpecker, Eurasian jay, Blue tit, Mallard and Song thrush.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, and still home early enough to clean my muddy boots outside!

Walks and Dates February 2026

Suggestions for short Wednesday walks always welcome.

Forward planning.

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.

Wednesday 4th February 2026.

Hawarden, Hawarden Park and More.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 440'.
Start: Tinkersdale Car Park, Hawarden. Grid ref: SJ315656.
At the fountain, take the A550 southward. The car park is on the left.

Leave Chester at 10-00.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,.
Those not walking: .
This walk is taken from the Flintshire Council booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire".
It is described as an easy walk exploring the historic village of Hawarden and Hawarden Park.
You are probably aware that the woodland in the park was a location used in filming the BBC
production "Sherwood".
Last time we did this walk was in August 2022, 

Saturday 7th February 2026.

No walk as I am going to a christening.

Wednesday 11th February 2026.

Bersham Iron Works, Nant Mill and Around Minera.

Distance: 8.3 miles Climb: 1316'.

Start: Layby on Plas Buckley Road, Grid ref: SJ308491, near Bersham Bridge, East of Bersham Ironworks. At Junction 4 on the A483, turn left onto the A525 and follow brown signs marked Bersham and Clywedog Trail. Take the first turn on the right, the B5098 (Berse Road). At the T-junction turn right onto the B5099 and take the next right into Plas Buckley Road. The layby is immediately on the left after passing under the Bersham Road Bridge. There is a rubbish bin in the layby.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Nigel.

This walk follows much of the Clywedog trail from Bersham Lead Works, including Plas Power Woods and Nant Mill.  The  outward route uses paths on the north side of the Afon Clywedog. The walk continues on the Clywedog Trail as far as Minera. 

The walk returns along the old railway track as far as the Minera Lead Mine Centre and then uses paths on the south side of the Clywedog.

Saturday 15th February 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 18th February 2026.

Around the Little Orme and on 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.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed. 

Those not walking: . 

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 High Tide is around 11-18 (7.7 m ) so we may see more seals on the way back.

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 21st February 2026

Llyn Geirionydd and Llanrhychwyn Church from Trefriw.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1250'

Start: Trefriw riverside car park. Grid ref: SH782630.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed .

Those not walking: . 

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley.

The route passes the Fairy Falls and ten climbs steadily to cross the part wooded slopes above Cwm Crafnant and then follows an old tramline to Llyn Geirionydd.  After going around the western side of the lake, the route then heads to the remains of the New Pandora Mine and onto Llanrhychwyn Church.

Wednesday 25th February 2026.

A Walk from Llantysilio Green in Search of Snowdrops.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Llantysilio Green National Trust Car Park. Grid ref: SJ197433.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The walk starts by taking the path to St. Tysilio's Church, where hopefully the Snowdrops
will be in full bloom.
The route then takes past the Horseshoe Falls and along the Llangollen Canal towpath as
far as Llangollen.
At Llangollen the route climbs steadily northwards past Tirionia to join the Clwydian Way.
The Clwydian Way is the followed past Valley Crucis Abbey as far as Hendre.
Leaving the Clwydian Way the route descends to the main road which is followed South to
the Britannia Inn. At the Britannia Inn the path heading across Pen-y-bryn is taken until it
meets the Dee Valley Way. The Dee Valley Way is then followed South back to the start.

Saturday 28th February 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.

Possible Wednesday Short Walks

Possible Short Wednesday Walks.

Great Barrow and Plemstall

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.

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.

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.

Marbury Country Park, Great Budworth and Pick Mere 28th January 2028

The avenue of trees in Marbury Country Park.

Looking across Budworth Mere towards Great Budworth.

Tufted ducks on Budworth Mere.

Mute swans - still not mature.

On the path near the Mere.

St. Mary and All Saints Church, Great Budworth.

A pair of Mute swans, probably the parents of the immature swans seen earlier.

A European robin and Great tit at the feeding station in Marbury Country Park.

One of the European robins at the feeding station.

The footbridge giving access to the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath.

On the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath.

St Mary and All Saints Church seen from the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath.

Lapwings in flight.

Bill and Ben tribute?

A Rook in Wincham.

The entrance to Pick Mere pic-nic area.

The view of Pick Mere from our lunch spot.

A Mute swan on Pick Mere.

Looking north west towards St. Mary and All Saints Church, Great Budworth.

The waxing Moon from Hield Brow.

Escaping from Hield Lane onto the path leading to Great Budworth.

St. Mary and All Saints Church, Great Budworth.

The last of the boggy paths!

Canada geese on the edge of the Mere.

Lapwing at the wader roost next to Budworth Mere.

More Lapings and a few Eurasian curlews at the wader roost.

Goosanders on Budworth Mere.

A pair of Goosander on Budworth Mere.

Distance: 7.8 miles.
Climb: 351’.
Time: 4 hour 22 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: 6.8 – 10.6 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0-1, at most Light air occasionally felt.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Mike.
We usually do this walk in a clockwise direction, but today we decided to go the other way round, but still hoping to arrive at Pick Mere pic-nic area around mid-day.
The first part of the walk was along the Budworth Mere path through Big Wood and onto the Trent and Mersey Towpath. We called in at hide overlooking a well-stocked feeding station. Today lots of Blue tits, Great tits and European robins were taking advantage of the food on offer. Grey squirrels weren’t missing out either!
Walking along the towpath is never that exciting, but we were amused at a narrow boat owner’s tribute to Bill and Ben!
We did however get the impressive flyover of a large flock of Lapwings, made to look good as the bright sunshine reflected on their white underwings, giving a real appearance of flickering.
We arrived at Pick Mere just before mid-day, but decided to opt for a marginally early lunch stop.
The bright sunshine and blue skies, made the mere look blue, and it was warm enough to sit at the pic-nic table without our fleeces or Paramo jacket.
As expected, we did come across some boggy patches as we crossed the fields near Pick Mere and later on the north west side of Budworth Mere.
Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, European robin, House sparrow, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Mallard, Goosander, Tufted duck, Song thrush, Mute swan, Moorhen, Common coot, Canada goose, Eurasian curlew, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Common starling and Common buzzard. We missed spotting the Kingfisher seen by a birdwatcher when stopped at the screen overlooking the Mere.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable walk, completed bright sunshine, no wind or rain and blue skies overhead.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at Rake Hall, Stoak, where Brimstage Brewery’s Trappers Hat went down well, warranting a second pint. I didn’t have a second pot of tea!
Home in time to enable me to clean my very muddy boots outside in the daylight.