Moel y Gaer and Halkyn Mountain 22nd August 2026.

First view of Moel Famau from Moel y Gaer, Rhosesmor.

Moel Famau from the ramparts on Moel y Gaer, Rhosesmor.

Wind turbines off the North Wales Coast.

Heading towards the twin masts on Halkyn Mountain.

Now heading towards the pylons on Halkyn Mountain.

The quarry on Halkyn Mountain looks rather different today.

The tree on the right is a berry laden Rowan with its leaves starting to have an Autumnal look about them.

It may look like the top of Moel Famau, but it's just one of many capped mine shafts on Halkyn Mountain.

Part of the many dykes criss-crossing Halkyn Mountain

I can see the mast at Windmill, so I hope this path takes me here I want to go.

At last,I can see the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

Fitst selfie taken at the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

The second selfie taken from the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

Moel Famau from the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

The trig point looks like it has had a recent coat of white paint.

The path to Windmill.

Evidence of the damaged caused by a wildfire on Halkyn Mountain near Windmill.

The extent of the wildfire damage near Windmill.

Not long before some much needed liquid refreshment.

The final selfie, taken in the Blue Bell with a pint of Lees bitter on the table.

Distance: 4.5 miles. Climb: 525'.
Time: 2 hours 3 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h.
Overall walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Temperature: 14.6 Celsius at start.
18.8 Celsius at the end
Beaufort Wind Force: 2 - Max 6.6 m.p.h. Light breeze.
Birds seen or heard included: House sparrow, Wood pigeon, Barn swallow, Carrion crow, Raven.
As I hadn't sampled Lees bitter for some time, I decided to take a bus trip to the Blue Bell in Halkyn.
I set off on the 08-90 bus to Mold to catch the 126 Holywell bus at 10-20. This would get me to the Blue Bell before it opened at 12-00, so I got off the bus at Rhosesmor and went to the Blue Bell via Moel y Gaer and Halkyn Mountain. I explored lots of new paths on Halkyn Mountain, none of which were marked on the OS map.
Only three dog walkers and two cyclists seen today, but the surprise of the day was a young man on a unicycle.
Mainly overcast, but the Sun didn't come out fully till I was approaching the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.
The walk took past the area on Halkyn Mountain that suffered from wild fires. The strong smell of burned wood was still present.
I arrived at the Blue Bell, just at the right time, as the regular Blue Bell walking group were leaving. Thankfully, no problem finding a seat.
The pint of Lees bitter and a beef and onion batch went down well before catching the 14-30 bus back to Mold.

A Two Canals Walk From The Anderton Boat Lift 19th August 2026

The Trent and Mersey Canal near the Anderton Boat Lift and the start of our walk.

The path we would have take had DS been with us.

On he path above the Barnton Tunnel.

The western end of the Barnton Tunnel.

Marty spots something of interest.

The Saltersford Tunnel.

The only kingfisher seen today.

On of several Mute swans seen on the Trent and Mersey Canal today.

Marty tries to creep up on a Grey heron.

What is Marty doing now?

Marty shows great interest in the Floating pennywort.

"Come on Marty, you can do it!"

The Weaver Navigation and the Little Leigh Swing Bridge.

A family of Great crested grebes.

A Great crested grebe with one of chicks.

A Great crested grebe with one of chicks.

Just a light rain shower before lunch.

"It's alright for you two, you've got umbrellas."

Th view from my lunch spot.

Fran and Marty's lunch spot.

A carpet pf Floating pennywort at Saltersford Locks.

An almost hidden part of the Saltersford locks.

The path next to the Weaver Navigation.

This would have been a better lunch spot.

The Barnton Swing Bridge.

A rather sad looking Anderton Boat Lift.

Distance: 8.3 miles. Climb: 253’. Time: 4 hours 25 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h. Temperature: 21.2 Celsius at the start, warming to 23.3 Celsius towards the end.

Beaufort Wind Force: Max 2, just a 5 m.p.h. Light breeze.
Group: Martyn, Fran and Marty the cockapoo.
We completed the walk in an anticlockwise direction, following the Trent and Mersey canal towpath as far as Little Leigh, joining the Weaver Navigation Towpath near the Leigh Arms.
The walk along the towpath was very pleasant, not a lot of Sun and no rain or wind.
Marty entertained us as he showed great interest in the Floating pennywort a serious invasive plant that the Canal and River Trust are finding it hard to remove.
Whether Marty was trying to help the Canal and River Trust or was just enjoying a game of tug-of-war, we will never know why it dominated his mindset on this walk.
Just after joining the Weaver Navigation path, just as we were looking for a lunch spot, it began to rain – nt a short shower as forecast, but a deluge! I wasn’t expecting to have to wal with squelshing footwear! Canvas walking shoes today were not the wisest choice!
We eventually found a spot for lunch by the Saltersford Locks, and thankfully by then the 30 minute downpor had stopped.
Ten minutes after setting off after lunch, we found a better spot for lunch with a bench overlooking the Weaver Navigation.
By now the Sun was shining strongly and doing a good job of drying our trousers.
After the Barnton Swing Bridge, we rejoined the Trent and Mersey Canal Towpath and retraced our steps to the start.
The surprise of the day was the amount of the Floating Pennywort that was seen on the canal and the the Weaver Navigation.
Birds seen or heard today included: Mute swan, Moorhen, Carrion crow, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Common buzzard, Grey heron, Long tailed tit, Mallard, Wood nuthatch, Woodpigeon and Great crested grebe.
We arrived back at the car, having had an enjoyable walk, thankful that we were back in the car before it started to rain.

Walks and Dates August 2026

Wednesday 5th August 2026.

The usual first Wednesday in the month short walk will not take place today so that members of the group can if they wish go to Jo Jenkins's Funeral. 

Many of us knew Jo as a friend and colleague from UHS.

Jo's husband, Trevor gave the following information about her funeral.

 "Jo’s funeral is at Chester crematorium on Wednesday, August 5th at 1.20 pm.

We want this to be a celebration of Jo’s life, so please dress accordingly, with a hint of colour to reflect Jo’s spirit.

Refreshments to follow at Boughton Hall Cricket Club".

Wednesday 12th August 2026.

Little Neston and Ness.

This is the short walk.

Distance: 4.6 miles. Climb: 236.

Start: Car park on Station Road in Neston. SJ293773. CH64 9WE.

To get to the car park coming from Chester, turn left at the Hinderton Arms traffic lights, heading to Neston. After passing under the railway bridge, turn left at the traffic lights. In about 100 yds at a mini-roundabout, turn left/straight on to the car park.

Leave Chester at 09-30. (so that we can be walking by 10-00)

Those planning to walk: Martyn, I will drive an pick up Sue and Michel, Mike, Fran.

Those not walking: Nigel and Elaine, David S, Sue and Dave P ,  .

This walk is taken from Anthony Annakin-Smith's book "Wirral Walks".

He says it is one of his favourite local routes. He describes the walk as having a great diversity of landscape, including ancient tracks, remnants of the industrial revolution, a woodland haven and views of the Dee Estuary. You may even see Moel Famau! The walk includes part of the Wirral Way. Some paths may be muddy after rain.

Wednesday 19th August 2026.

A Two Canal Walk from the Anderton Boat Lift.

Distance: 8-9 miles, Climb: < 400ft

Start; Anderton Boat Museum Car Park, Lift Lane, Anderton - CW9 6FW - SJ646754. Pay & Display.

Leave Chester 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Fran and Marty the cockapoo.

Those not walking: Nigel, David S and Mike.

From the Anderton lift descend to Winnington Swing Bridge and take the Weaver Navigation tow path downstream almost to Acton Swing Bridge. Here go right and up a slight rise to gain the Trent & Mersey Canal at Bridge 208. Go right along the tow path to Bridge 207 where go off left to reach Little Leigh. Suggested lunch break in the village. Leave Little Leigh on a path which leads back to the Trent & Mersey at Bridge 204. Continue left along the tow path and negotiate two tunnels by walking over the top. The descent from the top of Barnton Tunnel and another mile of tow path leads back to the car park.

Wednesday 26th August 2026.

Ellesmere - Meres, Mosses and Moraines.

Distance: 6.5 / 7.3 / 8 miles; climb: 180'. 

When we did this walk in May 2023, the distance was 8.5 miles with a climb of 394'.

Start: Ellesmere Lake Castle Field Car park (Probably Pay and Display). Grid ref: SJ406345. Leave Chester 09-00 a.m. or even earlier if required.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking:  .
This walk was originally produced by Shropshire County Council and was called “Westhampton Wander Walk 5”, since then it has been included in the AA Booklet “Walks in the Wales and the Marshes” and the Westhampton and Lineal Council’s Walk 4.
The overall distance varies depending on the source of the route. The Shropshire County Council’s route is the longest, with the Welshampton and Lineal Council’s Walk 4 being the shortest, but this misses out Cole Mere.
The walk does go through a short tunnel so bringing a torch may prove to be useful.
The walk visits three meres, The Mere at Ellesmere, Cole Mere and Blake Mere.
When I did the walk in 2005, all I remember was that some of the field paths were rather muddy and we saw a Kingfisher as we joined the canal towpath at Bridge No.1 and there was a noisy heronry on the island opposite the Visitor Centre. A gentle walk involving, field paths, country lanes and a canal towpath. One description states that there are 8 stiles and the most recent description says it is stile free!

Walks and Dates Sepember 2026

 

Wednesday 2nd September 2026.

Heswall Fields and Dales.

Distance: 5 miles. Climb: 400'.

Start: Car Park, Banks Road Heswall. Grid ref: SJ255815. Post code: CH60 9JS

Leave Chester at 09-30.

Those planning to walk: Martyn,

Those not walking:. 

This is a repeat of the walk done earlier in the year that I missed because I didn't feel well enough.  Everyone enjoyed it so much, that I have decided to put it on again.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Chester and the Dee Estuary."

The walk description starts at Thursaston Visitor Station, but we will start at the car park on Banks Road, Heswall, which is also on the route.

We have all walked around Thurstaston Visitor Centre , so we know most of the area well. However this walk allows us to explore Heswall Dales NR and Heswall Fields neither of which I have visited before.

Starting at Banks Road means that we will be able to have lunch there and take advantage of their pic-nic tables / benches, if they are still there!

Saturday 5th September 2026.

A Delamere Forest, Eddidbury Hill, Pale Heights and Blakemere Moss Round.

Distance: 7.5 miles. Climb:700'.

Start: The Yeld Car Park, Yeld Lane Kelsall. Grid Ref: SJ 5324 6692.

Leave Chester in time to arrive at The Yeld at 10-00 (When the car park officially opens, although we have never arrived to find the barrier closed when we have arrived earlier.)

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Phil Marsland and Mike (if he doesn't make it to Chamonix).

Those not walking: .

This is a variation of the walk that we usually do from The Yeld.

The from The Yeld goes via King's Chair, then onto Eddisbury Hill Fort on the way to Pale Heights.  Hopefully we will get 360 degree views that includes, Cheshire, Shropshire, Denbighshire and Flintshire.

e will then head for the Visitor Centre, where we will find a suitable spot for lunch (usually by the old outdoor education centre where there are several undercover picnic tables ).

After lunch we will go round Blakemere Moss (in an anticlockwise direction) , eventually joining the Sandstone Trail.  The Sandstone Trail is then followed through the forest and past Eddisbury Lodge Cottage and back to the start.

Wednesday 9th September 2026.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb:1500'.

Start: Pensarn Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH944787. Park near the PC block as we will be heading South towards the centre of Abergele.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn .

Those not walking: .

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf. This walk is by Debbie Hamelton and starts in the centre of Abergele, but we will start on the coast. This will extend the walk by about 2 miles. The main walk is described as exploring the beautiful North Wales countryside South of Abergele. The outward route passes a well preserved watch tower. The last time we did this walk in March 224, the weather was really good, with largely blue skies.  Hopefully, it will be kind to us again. However, we did encounter one or two stiles that were in definite need of some  TLC.

Saturday 12th September 2026.

By arrangement.

Wednesday 16th September 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 09-00 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

Last time we attempted to do this walk, we encountered road closures and footpath closures, hopefully they we have all been sorted by now

Saturday 19th September 2026.

By arrangement.

Wednesday 23rd September 2026.

Conwy, Deganwy Castle, Watchtower and the Welsh Coastal Path 23rd September 2026.

Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. Pay and Display.
Grid ref:SH781773. Post code: LL32
Leave Chester at 08-30.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed.
Those not walking: .
This s a walk that Ed has suggested we should do when he visits Llandudno in September.
It is in the main, the walk that we do from Llandudno West Shore, but done in the opposite direction.
It takes us over Conwy Bridge, through parts of Llandudno Junction and Tywyn, before crossing the low hills by Deganwy Castle. After the castle, we go through two housing estates, one in Deganwy and one in Llanrhos.
We then take a path from Llanrhos Church the crosses fields, eventually reaching the watchtower.
From the tower, the route takes north westward past the hospital, eventually meeting the main A546 road to Llandudno West Shore.

Saturday 26th September 2026

By arrangement.

Wednesday 30th September 2026.

Wednesday 5th February 2025.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball Top

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 650'.

Start: Holywell Common, opposite the Crooked Horn, Brynford. Grid ref: SJ185740.

This is a variation of the walk that we have done many times, when we cross the common to Brynford on he way to the old racecourse.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: , .

Last time we will followed the Western side of the old racecourse and instead use the road to Pantasaph, before using field paths to get to Pen-y-Ball Top. After visiting Pen-y-Ball Monument take a new path on the west side of the monument to reach the track and the bridge over the A55 to the golf course and our usual route back to the start.

Little Neston and Ness 12th August 2026

The first Section of the Wirral Way through the Neston Cutting.

Walking through the Neston Cutting.

Marty, the well behave for "cockapoo" leads the way.

The only buzzard seen today.

"Are you sure we've been here before?"

A Grey squirrel on the Wirral Way.

A Grey squirrel enjoying his nuts!

On Cuckoo Lane.

Woodhall Lane?

A creative gardener must leave there!

A reminder that Little Neston was once involved il coal mining.

The path leading to the estuary.

Hazy views across the estuary.

On the way to the estuary.

Looking through the trees to Denhall Quay.

Denhall Quay.

Moel Famau from Denhall Quay.

Distance: 4.8 miles. Climb: 230’. Time: 2 hours 32 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h. Forecast temperatures: 20.2 Celsius at the start, warming to 26.1 Celsius at the end of the walk.

Beaufort Wind Force: Max 2, just a 6.7 m.p.h. Gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Mile Fran and Marty the cockapoo or something similar.
We decided on an earlier than usual start, in the hope of completing the walk before it became too hot.
We were on our way just after 09-00, and the first section was along the Wirral Way. The temperature as only just over 20 Celsius and with the occasional breeze it was just right for walking. The Wirral Way soon went through a cutting that shielded us from the Sun, before the trees took over the job of protecting us.
We left the Wirral Way at Cuckoo Lane, a pleasant path that climbed slowly, leading us to Little Neston.
The route took us along a section of Woodhall Lane to Cumbers Lane, both new to me.
In Little Neston, we turned down Well Lane as far as a path sign-posted New Heys. This path took us past Nessholt to the Coastal Path near Denhall Quay.
It was at Denhall Quay, that we had a very hazy view across the estuary to Moel Famau.
It was rather early to call in at The Harp, so we just carried on walking, but soon had to change our route as the path to Neston Old Quay was closed. Exploring the roads through Little Neston was our only way out. Mike noticed one of the roads was called “Riverside Walk”, so we took it, hoping it would get us back to where we wanted to be.
Thankfully it did, as it led us to the path that linked Neston Old Quay with the Wirral Way.
Birds seen or heard today included: Barn swallow, Common buzzard, European robin and House sparrow.
We arrived back at the car, having had an enjoyable walk, and completed before the temperature felt uncomfortable.
We headed to Stanley Park, where we found a suitable bank in the shade to sit on while we ate our lunches. Mature fortified fruit cake was provided for all that completed the August Short Walk. (it was someone’s birthday at the end of the week!