Home to Chester, via Saltney Ferry Footbridge, The Cop and the Canal Towpath to Cow Lane Bridge 22nd July 2026.

Wild flowers at the Saltny Ferry Footbridge parking are - no longer at their best!

House martins around Saltney Ferry Footbridge, Higher Ferry.

Lesser black back gulls on the sand bank opposite Saltney Riverside Park.

The finger post on the Wales - England Border.

White bryony next to the Coastal Path.

The Shropshire Union Canal basin near Telford's Warehouse.

The Shropshire Union Canal basin near Telford's Warehouse.

The point where I joined the towpath on the way to Cow Lane Bridge.

The Bridge of Sighs near Northgate Street.

Distance: 4.6 mles. Climb: 200'.Time: 2 hours 21 minutes.
Overall walking average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Temperature: A very pleasant 18/19 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 2, a very pleasant Light breeze.
The weather was , so much so that the profile Moel Famau could only just be made out. I needed to call in a Tesco to get some Village Soft White Rolls for my tea, so I decided to walk on the Coastal Path from Saltney Ferry Footbridge as far as Th Cop, then take the canal tow path as fast as Cow Lane Bridge.
The birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Collared Dove, Feral pigeon, Woodpigeon, House sparrow, Goldfinch, House martin, Barn swallow, Great cormorant, Moorhen, Common blackbird, Common swift.

Overall, a good walk, finishing at the Square Bottle, to have a pint or two of Conwy Brewery's Beachcomber with a friend from my school days.

Home to Chester, via Saltney Riverside Park, Curzon Park and the Suspension Bridge. 15th July 2026

 

The Riverside Path to Saltney.

The path through Saltney Riverside Park.

Looking towards Chester from Saltney Riverside Park.

All about Saltney Riverside.

Pill box and mooring bollard at Saltney Dock.

The rive6rside path past the golf course.

It's obviously too early for the gofers!

I think the river is on the left and golf course on the right!

A family of Moorhens on the pond in the golf course.

How many Moorhens are in the picture?

Chester on the skyline.

 Taken from the bridge leading to Chester Go;f Cours.

The steps leading down into The Dingle.

All about The Dingle.

An information board that I hadn't noticed before.

The path under the Grosvenor Road Bridge that leads to "Nowhere".

The entrance to Edgar's Field Park.

The riverside path through Edgar's Field Park.

The Old Dee Bridge from the riverside path through Edgar's Field Park.

The shrine to the Roman Goddess Minerva in Edgar's Field Park.

Chester Weir from the path on the Handbridge side of the river.

Great cormorants perched on the rocks near Chester Weir.

Chester Suspension bridge and the way to The Boathouse!

Looking towards the Boathouse from The Suspension Bridge.

The Boathouse, but it's too early for a pint of Lees bitter as I still haven't had my breakfast!

The steps down to where you could catch the ferry to cross the river at the bottom of Dee Lane.

Distance: 5.9 miles

Climb: 300'

Time: 2 hours 27 mi.

Overall walk average: 2.5 m.p.h.

Temperature: 19-21 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 2 just a Light breeze.

Another early start, leaving home at about 06-45.

Distant views were very hazy, so Moel Famau couldn't be seen.

At Saltney Ferry Footbridge, I decided to take the Riverside Path on the south side of the river. This goes through Saltney Riverside Park, past Saltney Dock and Curzon Park. The final stretch went through The Dingle and Edgar's Field, crossing the river using the Suspension Bridge.

I was surprised how much the trees and bushes had grown, hiding the river and golf course from Saltney Dock onwards.

Birds seen or heard today included: Lesser black back gull, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Common swift, Feral pigeon, House martin, Barn swallow, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Great cormorant, Mallard, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, European robin, Carrion crow, Grey heron, Greater whitethroat, Winter wren and Common buzzard.

Overall, a very pleasant stroll to Waitrose to buy a packet of loose leaf Green tea, before enjoying my breakfast at the Square Bottle, followed by three cups of breakfast tea.

Walks and Dates July 2026

Advanced Notice.

Wednesday 1st July 2026

The usual first Wednesday in the month short walk will not take place today so that many of the usual group can go to Meirion Ellis's Funeral.

Meirion’s funeral, will be held at Chester Crematorium at 12.00 on Wednesday 1st July.

John says that everybody is welcome to attend the funeral.

After the funeral there will be a celebration of Meirion’s life at Upton Golf Club and, again, all are welcome to attend.

 Wednesday 8th July 2026.

A Walk From Hadlow Station.

Distance: 4.1 miles. 5.5 miles with optional extension. (The extension comes at the end of the 4.1 miles main walk.

Climb: 65’. 82’ with optional extension.

Start Hadlow Station Car park: Grid ref: SJ332773 Post code: CH64 2UF.

Take the A540 from Chester. After passing the garden centre turn right onto the B5151 to Willaston. The car park is on the right immediately after going over the former railway crossing. (Turn in front of s garage).

Leave Chester 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Nigel, Elaine, Fran .

Those not walking:  Mike,  .

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

We have walked many times from Hadlow station, but this walk includes several paths that we haven't used on previous walks.

The route passes through quite farming country and includes Roman, medieval and turnpike roads. If they are still there, we will go past some Black poplars, one of the UK's rarest trees.

The walk final part of the main walk is along a short section of the Wirral Way.

Wednesday 15th July 2026.

Moel Famau, Moel Dywyll and Moel Llys-y-coed.

Cancelled.

Weather forecast gives temperatures in the high twenties and feel-like temperatures even higher!

Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb: 1700'.
Start: Car park area West of Cilcain. Grid ref: SJ170652.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn .

Those not walking: Mike, Nigel.

To get to the parking area, at the crossroads in Cilcain turn right (Westward), past the White Horse, Church and Village hall, at the end of a few houses on the right turn, left and the parking area is a few hundred yards further on on the right. 
This walk includes three hills along Offa's Dyke Footpath - Moel Famau, Moel Dywyll and Moel Llys-y-coed. The latter hill is not one of my favourite hills in the Clwydian range.  It is the ascent from North to South that I dislike so much, the fact that we will be descending from South to North - last time we did the walk in 2020, I think it was much better.
 On a good clear day we should get excellent views in all directions.
The last time we did this walk, we missed a path and then encountered a farmer that accused us of missing the path sign and ending up in his farm yard.  This time we will take a different path and so avoid any chance of confrontation.

Wednesday 22nd July 2026.

A Two Canal Walk from the Anderton Boat Lift.

Postponed until 19th August 2026.

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 (I will drive) , .

Those not walking: Mike, Nigel, Fran.

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 29thJuly 2026.

Chirk - Offa's Dyke, Two Canal Tunnels and a Castle.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 800'.
Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377 or roadside parking on Ffordd-yr-Orsaf (Station Road) Grid ref: SJ285377.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,  . 

Those not walking: Mike.

This walk is taken from Dave berry's booklet “Walks Around the Berwyns and The Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk of great variety and explores the attractive undulating countryside around Chirk. At times it follows the Offa's Dyke Footpath. Part of the route follows the Llangollen canal towpath and includes going through a short tunnel we may in fact go through a second tunnel. You may wish to bring a torch, but there is a handrail to guide you.

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 to the car park.

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

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking:  ,  .

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 (I will drive) , .

Those not walking:  .

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 “Welshampton Wander Walk 5”, since then it has been included in the AA Booklet “Walks in the Wales and the Marshes” and the Welshampton 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!

Another Stroll from Home to Shotton 11th July 2026

Wildflowers near Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Looking towards Queensferry from Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

One crop ready for harvesting.

Rising tide after the bore had passed.

Looking across the river towards Moel Famau.

One crop ready to harvest and another(possibly potatoes) needs more time.

Looking across the river towards Hawarden Castle.

One crop in the process of being harvested.

A field of Maize, still needing to grow a little more before harvesting.

A steady stream of traffic over the Queensferry Road Bridge.

Not so much traffic crossing the old Queensferry Bridge

 (Swing Bridge  Blue Bridge).

Not many pedestrians or cyclists crossing Hawarden Bridge at the moment.

Hedge bindweed?

A Transport for Wales Train crossing Hawarden Bridge on the way to Wrexham.

The pedestrian way across Hawarden Bridge.

The wildflowers in the Alexandra Road Park, Shotton.

Fox sculpture in the Alexandra Road Park, Shotton.

Owl sculpture in the Alexandra Road Park, Shotton.

Distance: 5.7 miles.  Climb: 200'.
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes.  Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Temperature: 20.2 Celsius at the start. 22.3 Celsius in the shade at the end of the walk. 27.5 Celsius in the Sun near Hawarden Bridge.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 2, a 5 m.p.h. Light breeze.
Birds seen or heard today included: Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Black headed gull, House sparrow, Greater whitethroat, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Barn swallow, Carrion crow, House martin, Lapwing, Grey heron, Little egret, Common kestrel, Winter wren, Common blackbird, Mallard, Great cormorant, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Feral pigeon and Oystercatcher.
I left the house at 07-00, in order to finish my walk before the hottest part day. I arrived at the Central Hotel in Shotton, at 09-30 with temperature only a couple degrees or so higher than when I started. Plenty of people had decided to do the same, and even the cyclists seemed happy to take it easy, no-one doing time trials today!
The surprise of the day was seeing the tidal bore, so small and quiet, I nearly missed it!
It very noticeable that some crops had been harvested, others about to be and a couple needing a bit longer.
The wild flowers near Saltney Ferry Footbridge were nowhere near as good as they were a few weeks ago.  However, the wildflowers on Alexandra Road park were still pretty good.
Overall, a very pleasant stroll, worthy of celebrating with a breakfast and a cup of tea or two or even three!

A Forgotten Halow Walk 8th July 2-26.

The start of our walk fom Hadlow Station.

When Hadlow Stion was working a it was meant to do so!

Hadlow Station , the start of our walk.

Crossing the first crop field (taken  by F.)

I hope crossing fields will always be a easy as this!

It mist be this way!

This is the way,  believe it or  not.

Friendly  Alpacas

"I don't think so".

Photo by F.

" Do you remember Jenny?"

Can you  spot a Black poplar, we couldn't!

We didn't spot  Black poplar here either!

Up for a fight, but hopefully only verbally.

Phpto taken by E.

On the way to the Wirral Way.

Less than a mile to go!

Distance: 4.4 miles.

Climb: 82'.

Time: 2 hours 19 minutes.  

Climb:
Time: 2 hours 19 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Temperature: Max - 31.2 Celsius in Sun. Mainly around 27 Celsius when not in the Sun.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max - 1, just Light air briefly felt towards the end of the walk.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Fran, Nigel and Elaine.
The weather forecast indicated that the temperature could reach the high twenties by mid-afternoon, so everyone agreed to a leave Chester at 09-00, rather than the usual 10-00 for our short walks.
The south of the river contingent were delayed by traffic and road works issues, so were late arriving at the start point. We arrived to find the Upton contingent ready and waiting and wondering why it has taken us so long.
Nevertheless, we were still able to start walking well before 10-00.
We were all impressed with the amount of work that had been done on the old Hadlow Station, particularly around the thriving cafe. Hadlow station had had an upgrade, making it a go to place for cyclists, walkers and coffee shop lovers alike.
I didn't expect a lot from this walk, but managed to get round without too many problems in route finding.
We had wall to wall blue skies all day, and instead of seeking the Sun, we were more happy to be walking on the shade. We were walking across fields, that today were dry.snd the ground hard, but we did recognise that it had the potential to be a muddy encounter had we done the walk on the Winter!
No unusual features to look out for, except for some Black poplar trees, and we weren't sure we saw them!
Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Common buzzard, Goldfinch, House sparrow, Long tailed tit, Woodpigeon and Carrion crow.
We did se lots of butterflies, including: Painted lady, Small white, Large white and Meadow brown.
We had a couple of "hydration" stops on route, on keeping with the "World Cup"!
We arrived back at the start, having had a pleasant stroll around this part of Wirral, but looking forward to lunch, if we could find a seat on the shade.
Thankfully we did find a couple of benches pm the east side of Hadlow Station, pm the opposite platform to always busy cafe!
And the best not of the walk, was enjoying lunch together, in the shade on those benches on Hadlow Station!
The Upton contingent probably joined up again at the Wealstone for a couple of refreshing drinks, so I thought I would do likewise, and went to the Square Bottle for a pint of Plum Porter and Black dragon cider!