Walks and Dates April 2026

 

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.

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 28th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 29th April 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.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

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, .
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.

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.

Saturday 16th May 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 20th May 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: .

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 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.

Bersham and The Nant 1st April 2026

St. Mary's Church, Bersham.

Wood anemone, Bersham On the roadside at Bersham.

The woodland path  on the way to Plas Power Wood.

Wood anemone everywhere!

Wood anemone.

Wood anemone  close up.

Fran's fine clump of Wood anemone in Plas Power Wood.

Waking in the woods.

Pont Nant ahead.

The Afon Clywedog from Pont Nant looking towards The Nant.

Spring flowers - Comfrey.

Spring flowers - Green alkanet.

Spring flowers - a domestic. cultivated heather, but still good to see.

Spring flowers - Dog violets.

The first Bluebell of the year.

On the way to The Nant.

(Photo taken by Fran)

On the way to our lunch spot at The Nant picnic pot.

Now, who isn't standing to attention?

Not quite a waterfall, but it's pretty good fall for a weir.

"It's in Welsh, can anyone translate?"

St. Mary's Church, Bersham, walk completed.

Distance: .2 miles.
Climb: 453’.
Time: 2 hour 54 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.
Temperature: 16.0 Celsius at lunch time The Nant.
Beaufort Wind Force: Just Light air.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Elaine, Fran.
A small selective group enjoyed this very varied walk along both sides of the Afon Clywedog from Bersham.
Spring flowers were the bonus today, including: Wood anemone, Common dandelion. Green alkanet, Forget-me-not, Lesser celandine and even a few Bluebells. Ramsons were not in flower yet, but their presence was noted, including their occasional odour!
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Wood nuthatch, Song thrush, Chiffchaff, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Grey wagtail, Common pheasant, Coal tit, Blue tit, Winter wren and Great tit.
Good conditions underfoot, but my boots still needed cleaning!
Too early a finish to visit call in for refreshments a local hostelry, so I had to wait for a refreshing glass of Gwynt y Draig Black Dagon cider after cleaning my boots!

Walks and Dates March 2026

"Dare I where this on one of our walks?

 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 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 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.
Those not walking: Mike.

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 15th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 18th 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: .

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 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.

Mynydd Marian 18th March 2026

The Little Orme fromour start point at Llanddulas Beach Car Park.

A Turnstone on the rocks.

The fishing jetty, Old Colwyn with the Little Orme on the skyline.

Marsh marigold at Old Colwyn.

The folly at Old Colwyn, apparently the bolt hole for the man of the house to enjoy a smoke!

Didn't we have this discussion last year?

Enjoying the views towards the sea.

Gorse in flower.

Lesser celandine.

Common dog violet.

The view from our lunch spot on Mynydd Marian.

One of many Daffodils seen today.

Lesser periwinkle.

Fran's lichen.

One a few lambs seen on our walk today.

Craig y Forwyn ahead, but only for Nigel!

Llanddulas ahead.

Green alkanet.

The gate to St., Cynbryd’s Church, Llanddulas.

Inside St., Cynbryd’s Church, Llanddulas

Never loose sigh of the beauty of the humble Common daisy!

Distance: 8.2 miles.

Climb: 951’ (About 150’ more for Nigel as he went across Craig y Forwyn)
Time: 4 hour 55 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 12.8 Celsius to 22.8 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 3, an 8.6 m.p.h. Gentle breeze on Mynydd Marian
Group: Martyn, Fran and Nigel.
Weatherwise, this was almost the perfect day for walking, blue skies, warm sunshine and hardly ant wind. Definitely a shorts day!
Spring flowers were everywhere and included: Lesser celandine, Common dog violet, Common daisy, Green alkanet, Lesser periwinkle, Marsh marigold, Forget me Not, and Daffodil,
We setoff on the Coastal path, but we did get did get good views across the bay towards the Little Orme. Lunch was taken on the top of Mynydd Marian, where we took advantage of a bench, sheltered from the breeze, but gave views over Llysfaen and the rest of our walk.
Towards the end of the walk, we went inside St., Cynbryd’s Church, Llanddulas, It is always good to see churches with open doors on every day in the week.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Great tit, Wood nuthatch, Goldfinch, Turnstone, Great cormorant, Herring gull, Common pheasant, Chiffchaff, Common whitethroat, Common blackbird, Great spotted woodpecker, Grey wagtail and Black billed magpie.
Overall, a very enjoyable walk, demanding to be celebrated with a pint of Lees bitter. Thankfully, our driver (Fran) indulged us, and we headed to the Blue Bell inn in Halkyn.
Gary, the landlord membered that Nigel had asked about a half buying a rather nice half pint glass, which at the time, his offer was denied. However, today Gary remembered the request and gave Nigel one of the said half pint glasses, having found another box of them in the cellar. Nigel and I enjoyed our excellent pint s of Lees bitter, an I think Fran enjoyed her Guinness Zero

Possible Wednesday Short Walks

Forward planning.

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.

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.