Coed Allt-tywod, Coed y Garreg and Coed Pen-y-Gelli 22nd April 2026

 

Coed Allt-y-tywod, but not many Bluebells!

Wood anemone in Coed Allt-y-tywod.

Coed Allt-y-tywod - Bluebells looking better.

Coed Allt-y-tywod - Bluebells looking better.

Coed Allt-y-tywod - Bluebells up close.

Coed Allt-y-tywod - Bluebells looking even better.

Taking a close up photo of Bluebells in Coed Allt-y-tywod.

A close up photo of Bluebells in Coed Allt-y-tywod.

Coed Allt-y-tywod - Bluebells looking good.

Going through one of the new kissing gates on the path from Coed Allt-y-tywod on the way to Coed y Garreg.

Dandelions taken by Fran.

Greater stitchwort next to the  track.

An Orange tip taken by Fran.

View looking towards Liverpool- taken by Fran.

Birdwatching - no just looking at the two cathedrals in Liverpool.

Common dog violets in Coed y Garreg.

Lesser celandine in Coed y Garreg.

On the path through Coed y Garreg.

One of several Peacocks seen in Coed y Garreg.

The watchtower in Coed y Garreg.

Cowslips near Ffordd Las.

Bluebells on Coed Pen-y-Gelli.

An Early purple orchid in Chwarei Pen-y-gelli.

Fran's Early purple orchid.

Ransoms in flower on the edge of Chwarei Pen-y-gelli.

The path from Chwarei Pen-y-gelli through Coed Pen-y-gelli.

On the road to

Distance: 6.4 miles.
Climb: 787’.
Time: 4 hour 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 15.2 Celsius after lunch.
Beaufort Wind Force: 2-4. A Light to Moderate breeze (Max 17 m.p.h. as we walked through Pant y Wacco.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.
The weather was almost perfect for walking, largely blue skies, bright and sunny, but with coolish breeze.
This was the first of the Bluebell Wood walks, and as ever, Coed Allt-y-tywod didn’t disappoint – the Bluebells were at their best in the northern section of the wood.
Coed y Garreg had few Bluebells, but a few had started to grow near to the path and on the northern most section near the watchtower.
Coed Pen-y-gelli was a little better, with lots of bluebells growing in the middle section of the wood.
A good number of butterflies were on the wing today, including Peacock and Large whites.
Lots of flowers were on show, including Greater stitchwort, Dog violet, Lesser celandine, Common daisy, Dandelion, Early purple orchid (spotted by Nigel), Red campion and Cowslip.
Birds seen or heard today included: Woodpigeon, European robin, Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Mallard, Blue tit, Goldfinch, Great tit, Blackcap, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Common buzzard, Barn swallow and Herring gull.
Overall, an enjoyable stroll, enjoying the sound of the singing birds and all the blooming Spring flowers.
Not a quick walk, as so much time was spent looking at the flowers, butterflies and the views across the estuary towards Liverpool.
An earlier than usual finish, but just enough time to call in at the Bluebell for a pint of Lees bitter or Lunebrew, Blond (Fran) and lemonade (Nigel).

The North Wirral Coastal Park and West Kirby Marine Lake 18th April 2026

Leasowe Lighthouse - the start of my birdwatching walk today.

Looking towards New Brighton.

Distant views across the water to Lancashire.

Looking towards Liverpool.

West Kirby Marine Lake.

This video shows why I decided not to walk around around the Marine Lake today.

The Scaup doing its best to cope with the waves.

More close encounters with the incoming tide.

The tide making a splash on the Promenade.

A Mute swan braves the wind.

Distance: 3.1 miles.
Climb: 125’.
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Temperature: 11 Celsius, but felt much cooler in the Moderate breeze.
Beaufort Wind Force: Not measured.
Group: Martyn.
The weather forecast looked fairly good, suggesting that I would be unlucky if got caught in a passing shower. I was unlucky, and had to shelter in my car for about ten minutes before setting off down the path through the North Wirral Coastal Park.
This was primarily a birdwatching walk, the area around Leasowe Lighthouse is well known place to sot Summer migrant birds as they pass through, heading for their breeding sites.
The two migrant birds seen today were the Wheatear and Whinchat.
Other birds seen or heard today included: Woodpigeon, European robin, Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Mallard, Blue tit, Great tit, Common whitethroat, Black billed magpie, Dunnock, Winter wren, Reed warbler, Willow warbler, Cetti warbler, Oystercatcher, Common redshank, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Canada goose, Mute swan, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Stonechat Herring gull, Eurasian curlew and Long tailed tit.  A Common buzzard was also seen on route.
My next plan was to head for West Kirby and walk around the Marine Lake.
On arriving at the Marine Lake, my plan was thwarted by the fact that it was just at the time of High Tide, 9.6 m and still splashing out of the lake onto the parade.
The best I could do, was walk up and down the parade from one end to the other.
He only bird on the lake was the male Scaup, and a Mute swan sheltering at the northern end.

Overall an enjoyable few hours birdwatching, finishing with a bracing stroll next to the West Kirby Marine Lake..

Walks and Dates April 2026

 

The Bluebells already seem to be coming into flower, so I have brought the Bluebell Flower walks forward from May to April.

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

The Funeral of Sylvia Jenkins will be held at Blacon Cemetery at 14-40 on Wednesday 15th April 2026

Wednesday 1st April 2026.

The Clywedog between Bersham and The Nant.

Distance: 4.1 miles Climb: 142 m / 462’.

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.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Mike, Sue and Michel (still recovering from their holiday journey home).

Leave Chester at 10-00 a.m. and meet at the start.

The walk starts by following a minor road fo about a mile, and then takes a path through woodland and fields to Plas Power Wood and onto Nant Mill. There are picnic benches to use, if we decide to stop for refreshments. Probably better to stop on the way back from The Nant where there is a ford to cross the Afon Clywedog. We will probably use the nearby footbridge. We will then follow the Clywedog Trail back to the start. The section Nant Mill takes us through the delightful ancient woodland called Big Wood. This was the walk that we did last year, so we may go round in the opposite direction just for a change.

Saturday 4th April 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 8th February 2026.

Above Helsby and Frodsham.

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

Start: Helsby Quarry Woodland Car Park. Grid ref: SJ490750 Post code: WA6 9PT

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from the book "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". Much of it we have done before when following walks on the Sandstone Trail. However part of the walk around Helsby Hill is new to me and it is the first time that we have started from this car park. On a clear day, the views across the estuary is superb. The walk is described as being energetic. As the walk is a little shorter than usual, we may wish to explore the Woodhouse Hill fort a little more.

Saturday 11th April 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 15th April 2026.

Walk Cancelled so that we can attend Sylvia's Funeral.

Funeral of Sylvia Jenkins

Sylvia's Funeral will take place at Blacon Cemetery at 14-40 (2-40 pm).

Saturday 18th April 2026

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 22nd April 2026.

Coed Allt-y-Tywod, Coed y Garreg, Coed Pen-y-gelli and more

Distance: 7-10 miles. Climb: 700’.

Start: Roadside parking at Lloc. If approaching from Holywell on the A5026, turn left by the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. Park on left. If approaching on the A5026 from its nearest junction with the A55 (Prestatyn junction), Turn right in front of the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. This is just after the Pant Y Wacco sign and the road starts to bear left. St Asaph Road is one way and can only be approached from then A5026.

Grid ref: SJ145765.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Mike.

This is one of our annual Bluebell Wood walks. It is a figure of eight walk based on Lloc. The walk includes parts of two walks taken from Dave Berry's booklet “Walks around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain."

As this is a figure of eight walk, there are plenty of opportunities to shorten the walk if desired.

Saturday 28th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 29th April 2026.

Gronant, Big Pool N.R., Around Talacre Abbey 

and Coed Bell.

Distance: 7-8 miles.
Climb: 1250’
Start: Gronant Dunes Car Park on Shore Road, Lower Gronant. This is off the Coast Road (A548), signposted Presthaven Sand and Gronant Sand Dunes. Grid ref: SJ090837.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: .  
When we visited Coed Bell at the end of April 2021 and we were impressed by the display of Bluebells, so naturally it had to be included in our annual Bluebell Wood Walks.
The walk explores the low hills at the northern end of the Clwydian Hills, but starts along the coast before heading past Abbey View Caravan Park. We will probably make a short detour to visit Big Pool Nature reserve, before climbing  above the site of Talacre Abbey and onto to the track past Home Farm. We usually have lunch opposite Home Farm, where we can take advantage of the stone wall as perching spots. 

After lunch we will visit Coed Bell, hopefully with lots of Bluebells, before descending through Gronant and back to the start.

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.

Walks and Dates May 2026

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

Saturday 2nd May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

 Wednesday 6th May 2026.

Rivacre Valley Country Park.

Distance: 3-4 miles.
Climb: 200’.
Start: Rivacre Country Valley Country Park,
The car park for the Reserve is located on Rivacre Road (B5132), just off junction 7 of the M53.

Leave Chester at 10-00 am.

Those planning to walk: Martyn (only if I can get a lift, I am without my car for three days), .
Those not walking:  
This walk was suggested by Fran, a walk that should be done when the Bluebells are in flower.
May is usually the month for Bluebells, hence the reason for suggesting this for the May Short Walk. I know this is a little shorter than our usual walk, but if the group wanted to extend it, we could drive to the nearby Eastham Country park (only 3.3 miles away) and explore there as well.

It could be just a morning walk, stopping for lunch at the end after completing the circuit.  We could then decide if we wanted to call it a day or go to Eastham Country Park for an afternoon stroll.
Spring is a special time at Rivacre Valley Local Nature Reserve, when the woodlands are truly stunning. Carpets of bright yellow celandines and delicate white wood anemones are soon followed by bluebells, filling the air with their heady scent. Look out for the electric blue flash of the kingfisher hunting for eels along Rivacre Brook.
Anthony Annakin-Smith describes the walk as a lovely walk through several deciduous woodlands, besides streams, and along a meadowy valley.

Saturday 9th May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 13th May 2026.

Moel Fferna and Nant-y-Pandy.

Distance: Including Moel Fferna. 9 miles. Climb: 2000’.

Distance: Without Moel Fferna 6.5 -7.5 miles depending on return route taken.

Climb: 1375' - 1600'. depending on return route taken.

Start: Lay-by adjacent to the former Butterfly Man Craft Centre on the A5 Llangollen to Corwen road

near Glyndyfrdwy. Grid ref:SJ1586942449.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The described part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry’s book “Walks Around Llangollen and

the Dee Valley”. He describes it as a fascinating walk through the wooded.

Nant-y-Pandy with its old slate works. The extension takes us to the summit of Moel Fferna,

in the past most of the group have left out the visit to the summit of Moel Fferna, but the option

is still there for those that do.

Saturday 16th May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 20th May 2026.

Thurstaston Common, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.

Distance:8-10 miles. Climb:750.

Start: Thurstaston Visitor Centre Car Park. Grid ref:SJ239835. This is a Pay and Display Car Park about £5-00 if my memory is correct.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Mike, .

This is a repeat of the walk that we did on 1st January 2012 and combines two walks from Raymond Roberts' booklet "Wirral Walks - the West Wirral Six".  However, e have one this walk many times, often returning from Caldy along the beach. This is a relatively easy walk with good views along the way, especially from Thurstaston Hill. We hope to walk back from Caldy to Thurstaston along the beach, so bring binoculars with you.

Saturday 23rd May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 27th May 2026.

Eglwyseg Escarpment and Trevor Rocks.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1200’. Can be made shorter if need be.
Start: Off road parking on the Panorama road just east of the monument. Grid ref: SJ247426.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 
Those not walking: .
This must be one of the best walks in the Llangollen area, especially on a sunny day. This is a walk that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world with superb views in all directions, including the Dee Valley, Dinas Bran, the Llantysilio Mountains and the Berwyns. This is one of my favourite walks and is always on the list at least once every year.
We usually do this walk in mid-week, so it will be a change to do it on a Saturday but hopefully everyone else will be staying at home to watch the coronation!
At this time of the year, we could still hear and see Cuckoos. 

Saturday 30th May 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.

Saltney to Shotton Along the River 11th April 2026.

The Beluga XL takes off.

I wasn't going to take any photos today, but spotting the Beluga XL on the runway tempted me.

The noise / sound is testimony to the strength of the wind as well as the Beluga XL  engines as it takes off.

Time: 2 hours 45 minutes.
Distance: 6.4 miles. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.

Temperature: 11 Celsius, but the wind made it feel much colder. Gloves were needed!

Beaufort Wind Force: 4-5.a Moderate to Fresh south westerly breeze.

Largely blue skies and bright sunshine, but at times battling the breeze was a challenge.

Not many walkers braved the elements today, and those that did had a dog in tow.

There wre more cyclists out, and some found it challenging to keep a straight line against the sidewind.

Birds seen or heard:
Saltney Riverside Park: 2 x Great tit, Dunnock, Winter wren, Robin.
Riverside Park to Saltney Ferry Footbridge: 10+ Wood pigeon, 2 x Black billed magpie, Grey heron, Cartoon crow.
Saltney Ferry Footbridge to Barge dock: 5 x Oystercatcher, 4m x Mallard, 5 x Lesser black backed gull, 4 x Herring gull, 2 x Lapwing.
Barge dock to Queensferry Road bridge: Eurasian jay, Great cormorant, 3 drake x Mallard, 4 x Lapwing.
On Bridge over 50 Feral pigeons.
Between Road bridge and Queensferry blue bridge: Great cormorant.
Blue bridge to Hawarden Bridge: Pied wagtail.
Path to Shotton Station: Common chiffchaff, Blue tit, Robin.
Alexandra Street, Shotton: 1 x f Common blackbird, Several Goldfinch in park.
Balderton Brook, Morrisons, Saltney: 1 x Moorhen.

Not that many flowers today, but dandelions were pretty dominant, Selfheal was common and White dead nettle was flowering in Saltney Riverside Park.

Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable walk, caapped with a curry and a pint or two at the Central Hotel in Shotton, before catching the bus home.

Above Helsby and Frodsham 8th April 2026

One of the information boards at the start of our walk.

 The woodland path near the start of our walk today.

Free range chickens.

Not quite up to Mike's singing Asian bird, but at least this rooster's ancestors came from Asia

The information board at the start of our extension through Harmer's Wood.

Only a few Bluebells in Harmer's Wood today.

Bluebells next to the road as we left Harmer's Wood.

More Bluebells on the roadside.

Primroses growing on the verge.

A delightful section of the Sandstone Trail taken by Fran.

Looking towards the estuary as we crossed the field towards Frodsham Hill.

Views of Hale Lighthouse as we headed towards Frodsham Hill.

Forget-me-not near Frodsham Hill.

Hale Lighthouse from our lunch spot on Frodsham Hill.

The Sandstone Trail Path as we left our lunch spot on Frodsham Hill.

More of the Sandstone Trail as we approached the area of Jacob's Ladder.

The steps we used to avoid Jacob's Ladder (now a no go zone)

We are happy to use hand rails too!

It is easy to see why Jacob's Ladder is now a no go zone!

Pausing to admire the view from the Sandstone Trail as we approached Woodhouse Hill.

Looking through the trees from the path that we used to descend rom Woodhouse Hill.

A field of Rapeseed - you could smell it as well.

More Bluebells as we approached the outskirts of Helsby.

Fran's Dandelion.

Dandelions and Forget-me-nots next to the path as we approached the outskirts of Helsby.

 Common dog violets next to the path as we approached the outskirts of Helsby.

 Yellow archangel next to the path as we approached the outskirts of Helsby.

On the path across the slopes of Helsby Hill that leads back to the start of today's walk.

Distance: 7.1 miles.
Climb: 125’.
Time: 4 hour 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 21.7 Celsius from mid-morning onwards.
Beaufort Wind Force: Briefly 2, a 4.2 m.p.h. Light breeze on the outskirts of Helsby.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.
A superb day for walking, blue skies and warm sunshine all day.
This was a day for emerging Spring flowers and birds singing.
Spring flowers were the bonus today, including: Common dandelion. Green alkanet, Forget-me-not, Lesser celandine, Green alkanet, Yellow archangel, Daffodil, Speedwell, Primrose, Common dog violet and even a few Bluebells. Near Snidley Moor, a sign pointed to a Bluebell Walk which we will have to investigate next time we walk in this area in May 2027.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Wood nuthatch, Chiffchaff, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Mallard, Blue tit, Black billed magpie, Dunnock, Winter wren and Great tit.
Lunch was taken by the Memorial Beacon on Frodsham Hill, a popular place today, but we managed to take the last available seat, thankfully the only one in the shade.
Good conditions underfoot, but my boots still needed cleaning!
Distant views were rather hazy, but we could just about make out Hale Lighthouse on the far side of the Mersey.
On this occasion, we didn’t do the extension to the top of Helsby Hill, and instead took the lower middle path across the slopes of Helsby Hill back to the start.
Overall, a very enjoyable walk.
Too early a finish to call in for refreshments in at a local hostelry, so I had to wait until I got home before I could enjoy a refreshing pint of Conwy Brewery’s Honey Fayre bitter.