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!

Wetherspoon to Wetherspoon 8th August 2026

The start of the walk.

The canal near Telford's Warehouse.

The Deva aqueduct.

The Shropshire Union Canal (Ellesmere Port Branch) from the Millennium Greenway.

The Millennium Greenway to Connah's Quay.

Approaching Blacon Station.

I think it would have looked good once!

Not sure what this notice means.

Back in home country,

The first of three artistic finger posts.

The Greenway seems to go on for ever!

Carbon dioxide capture pipework in progress.

Working continues on the carbon dioxide capture pipework.

Getting a little closer to Connah's Quay.

Moel Famau from the Millennium Greenway not far from RAF Sealand.

The Dragon Bridge over the A494.

The Clwydian Hills from the Greenway near the Dragon Bridge.

The Wrexham train crosses Hawarden Bridge.

Looking towards the Queensferry Blue Bridge from Hawarden Bridge.

Hawarden Bridge to be avoided for the next 11 days.

The end of the walk today.

Distance: 7.0 miles. Climb: 200'.
Time: 3 hours 1 minute. Overall walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Temperature: 15-22 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 3, just a Gentle breeze.
I caught the 07-40 bus to Chester, and started walking at 08-00. The first part of the walk was along the Shropshire Union Canal towpath as far as the Millennium Greenway path that was followed all the way to Hawarden Bridge. You can definitely call it a Greenway with hedges and tree hemming you in for much of the way.
I'd forgotten how long and boring this path can be, especially as there were few birds seen or heard.
Birds seen or heard included: Mallard, Wood pigeon, Common coot, European robin, Common blackbird, Common buzzard, Coal tit, Winter wren, Herring gull, Carrion crow and Black billed magpie.
Lots of white butterflies danced over the vegetation next to the path, but never stopped long enough for me to positively identify. I was only able to identify a Red admiral and a Meadow brown.
It was quite early, put the cyclists and runners were out in force, along with the odd walker or two. As you would expect some walking their dogs.
Despite the boring nature of this section of the Millennium Greenway, it was overall an enjoyable morning stroll.
I pleased to see Central Hotel come into sight, knowing that it wouldn't be long before I was enjoying a Large breakfast with two cups of coffee!

Home by 13-25.

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, David S., Mike, Fran?, Sue and Dave P? .

Those not walking: Nigel and Elaine ,  .

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) , David S.

Those not walking: Nigel, .

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!

A Pentre Wood and Chirk Castle Challenge 29th July 2026.

The start of our walk - The Chirk Canal Tunnel.

The end of the tunnel!

Information on the nearby bridges and tunnel.

Jackdaw next to the aqueduct.

On the towpath.

On the riverside path, heading for Pont Faen.

A narrow boat crossing the aqueduct.

The path leading to Pentre Wood.

One of the challenges on the riverside path through Pentre Wood.

The easy way!

Where do we go from here?

Our lunch spot.

The view from our lunch spot.

Chicken in the Wood fungus (identified by Fran).

A close up of the Chicken in the Wood fungus.

The start of a Beefsteak fungus on the same Oak tree.

Chirk Castle from the North.

On the courtesy path through the park.

The canal from the path on the top of the tunnel.

Enjoying a pint of Cwrw Eryri at the Pant-yr-Ochain.

Distance: 7.1 miles. Climb: 719'.
Time: 4 hours 11 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walking average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 21 – 23 Celsius. Felt warmer hen the Sun came out.
Beaufort Wind Force: 2-3, when felt, it was a very pleasant Light to Gentle breeze.
The weather was, in the main quite overcast, although around lunch time the Sun escaped from behind the clouds.
We started the walk by going through the Chirk Tunnel and followed the towpath over the aqueduct before dropping down to the Shropshire Way and taking the riverside path to Pont Faen.
The challenge of the day followed as we ended taking the paths through Pentre Wood, first on south side and then on the river side. In hindsight, we should have avoided both. The first had a boardwalk missing and ended with an exit that I had difficulty getting under. The path next to the Afon Ceiriog was even more precarious in part when the path was about a foot wide with six feet drop to the river. However, with care, we all managed to get by, and we ended up back a Pont Faen – not where we wanted to be.
This meant we had to head for Chirk Castle using the path that went past the caravan park.
Nigel took advantage of this changed route by calling in at the shop to buy an ice-cream!
Soon after entering the park, we stopped for lunch, using an old felled tree as suitable places to sit, although we did have to evict a sheep before we could take our seats.
After lunch, we followed the access road to the castle. At one point, we passed an oak tree that had a magnificent “Chicken in the wood” fungus attached to the its trunk. On the other side there were several red blobs – a fungus that was identified s the early stages of a “Beefsteak” fungus.
As it was already 12-30 as we arrived at the visitor centre, we decided to take the shorter route through the park back to the road by the Chirk Canal Tunnel and the start.
The birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Woodpigeon, House sparrow, Mallard, Barn swallow, Common buzzard, Dipper (bird of the day first sotted by Nigel) and Common swift.
Despite the challenges, overall, it was a very enjoyable walk. After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-yr-Ochain, where we managed to get a seat, despite arriving at the same time a large wake party. Purple Moose’s Cwrw Eryri was the beer of choice.