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.

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.

Home to Shotton Along the Origial Riverside Path 25th July 2026.

First views of Moel Famau from Mold Junction Road Bridge.

The original riverside path from Saltney Ferry to Sandycroft.

Moel Famau above the Airbus Factory seen from the riverside path.

The riverside path heading towards Cop House Cottages.

Pipes for taking carbon dioxide to store under the Irish Sea  Morecambe Bay?

Lots of work in progress around W W Farm between Queensferry and Shotton.

Wildflowers still showing well in the Alexandra Street Park.

Distance: 5.7 miles. Climb: 200’. Time: 2 hours 45 minutes. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Forecast temperatures: 18 - 22 Celsius but feel like 17 - 21 Celsius. In fact, it felt very pleasant, although at times I did have to hold on toy Tilley!
Beaufort Wind Force: 2-4. The wind gradually increased on strength throughout the morning, going from Light to Gentle to Moderate towards as I approached Queensferry.
With the cost of petrol continuing to rise, I have decided to limit my solo driving as much as I can, but it does limit the walks that I do starting from home.
Chester races today, so it's another breakfast walk to Shotton. This time, I didn't cross the river, and instead kept to the original riverside path on the south side of the river.
This side of the river has the advantage that it not cycle friendly being very uneven and has several awkward stiles. Consequently, it is dog friendly, so it was mainly dog walkers that I encountered, apart from one solo walker.
There were plenty of white butterflies around, but they didn't settle long enough or close enough for me to tell what species.
The Alexandra Street Playground wildflowers were still showing well, a marked contrast to the ones near Saltney Ferry Footbridge parking area, where they had already gone to seed.
Birds seen: Lesser black back gull, House martin, Carrion crow. Barn swallow,
Herring gull, Jackdaw, Feral pigeon, Woodpigeons, Magpie, Starling, House sparrow, Collared dove Oystercatcher, Goldfinch, Great cormorant, Mallard, Common kestrel, Grey heron, Little egret, Lapwing and Winter wren.
Butterflies seen: Red Admiral, Common blue and Meadow brown.
One Rabbit also seen.
Overall, a very enjoyable gentle stroll, on almost perfect conditions for walking, intermittent sunshine, not to hot, not too cold, with a coolish breeze that was strong enough for it to be welcome.
Breakfast and coffee in the Central Hotel in Shotton before catching the bus home.

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.