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

Walks and Dates March 2026

 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.

Walks and Dates April 2026

 

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

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: .

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.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 9.0 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 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.

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.

A Tegg’s Nose Adventure 11th March 2026

Macclesfield Forest from Tegg's Nose.

Tegg's Nose industrial past.

Is it Langley or Trentabank Reservoir?

Descending Tegg's Nose.

This is definitely Langley Reservoir.

One of two Canada geese on Langley Reservoir.

Tegg's Nose from the bridleway leading to Hacked Way Lane.

Fran and Nigel should be there somewhere.

There they are!

Heading along the Walker Barn path through Macclesfield Forest (our escape route)

On top of the world - no, just the highest point on the path to Warrilowhead Farm.

I think I can see my car in the Tegg's Nose Car Park.

The start of the path to Gulshaw Hollow

The Gulshaw Hollow path looks like it is quite high above bottom of the valley.

Gulshaw Hollow.

The delightful path high across the slopes of Gulshaw Hollow.

Snowdrops near Hordern Far,

Memories of milk being delivered in these churns.

An old tree being felled.

Distance: 5.8 miles.
Climb: 1227’. Wind assisted GPS reading)
Time: 3 hour 52 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 8.2 Celsius to 10.8 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 4, a 13.3 m.p.h. Moderate breeze on top of egg’s Nose and near Walkers Barn.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.
The weather forecast for today was pretty accurate today, so we can’t complain. It felt cool whenever we were exposed to the Moderate breeze and felt pleasantly warm in the Sun and out of the wind.
The journey to Tegg’s Nose was going well until we found the Old Buxton Road was closed just short of our destination. We ended up doing an extra 30 miles detour before finally arriving at Tegg’s Nose over an hour later than planned!
We set off to the top of Tegg’s Nose, before dropping down to the reservoirs below. The planned route would take us through Macclesfield Forest to Charity Lane, but we arrived at the Woodcutter’s Cottage to find the path we wanted was closed due to fallen trees.
We decide to have lunch there, and look at alternate routes to get back to Tegg’s Nose without just retracing our steps.
We ended up taking the path to Walker Barn via Ashtretop and Warrilowhead Farm. The next part of the route took us above Gulshaw Hollow on a delightful path to Hordern Farm. We then followed the access track up to the New Buxton Road to rejoin the planned route following the Gritstone Trail back to the start.
Along the access track, we were briefly entertained by some tree cutters felling a large tree.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Great tit, Wood nuthatch, Goldfinch, Common chaffinch, Canada goose and Common buzzard.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, very different to the original planned walk.
Arriving back at the car, we found that the Old Buxton Road was no longer closed, so we could head home the usual way.
The Upton continents were planning to enjoy drinks at the Wealstone, where they expected to be joined by Elaine and Mike.
I just headed home for a cup of tea, no beer for me, as I have just started a five-day course of strong antibiotics

Astbury Mere Country Park and More 4th March 2026

The notice on arrival.

First view of the mere.

The "enclosed" woodland path around the mere.

Another view of the mere.

A pause in the woods.

Canada geese on the mere.

A male Tufted duck on the mere (1 over 50 reported on the sightings board).

Mute swans by the mere.

Another view of the mere.

On the path to Lambert's Lane.

The enclosed path from Stony Lane to Lambert's Lane.

Strolling along Lambert's Lane.

The "roving" bridge over the Macclesfield Canal.

Heading along the Macclesfield Canal towpath.

St. Mary's Church Asbury from Dodd's Lane.

A better view of St. Mary's church, Astbury.

Elaine at the main gate to St. Mary's Church, Astbury.

The daffodils of Astbury.

This wasn't a path we expected to use, but it kept us of the main road alternative.

Distance: 6.3 miles.
Climb: 525’. Wind assisted GPS reading)
Time: 3 hour 47 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.5 Celsius to 17.8 Celsius at lunch sitting in the Sun.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2, often no wind at all, but at one point in the afternoon, it gusted to a 4.2 m.p.h. Light breeze.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Elaine, Fran and Mike. Unfortunately Nigel wasn't able to join us because he was still suffering from an infection.
The weather forecast for today was looking good, good enough to tempt me to wear my shorts again.
In fact, we were in warm sunshine all day, walking with blue skies above, probably the best day for walking this year.
Today, this was a very popular place to be, and we had a job to find a parking place. It is now a Pay and Display car park (£1-50 for all day parking).
We set off, following the route description, but missed the exit from the wood onto the minor lane, and ended going round the mere back to the start. The second time round, we managed to find the minor lane, but decided to have a lunch stop before embarking on the rest of the walk. At this point, there was two benches overlooking the mere, just enough seating for the group, and pleasant view of the mere as well.
The afternoon part of the walk wasn’t that inspiring, but a least we were able to explore parts of Cheshire that most of us hadn’t visited before.
After a pleasant stroll, we decided to cut the walk short by following Dodd’s Lane to Astbury village where the village green had an impressive display of bright yellow daffodils.
St. Mary’s Church, Astbury was impressive too, but unfortunately it was closed.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Mallard, Dunnock, Common buzzard, Song thrush, Blue tit, Great tit, Tufted duck, Moorhen, Common coot, Mute swan, Dunnock, Winter wren, Canada goose and Chiffchaff.
Overall, an enjoyable walk that may become one of our regular short walks.