Walks and Dates October 2026

 

Wednesday 7th October 2026.

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)

Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will drive), Sue and Michel, David S., Mike, Nigel, Fran?.

Those not walking: Elaine. 

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.

Saturday 10th October 2026. 

By arrangement.

Wednesday14th October 2026 .

Coed Ceunant and the River Clwyd.

Distance: 8.3 miles. Climb: 680'.
Start: 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 09-00. 

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: . 

This walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks In the Vale of Clwyd" that we have done several times before, but not for some time In the past we have linked them with other walks that take the mileage to about 13 miles, more than most of us want these days. He describes the walk as  one exploring varied countryside, with excellent views and visits the charming ruins of a Medieval church using field paths and some delightful bridleways between Ruthin and Llanbeddr Dyffryn-Clwyd. It explores the attractive lower slopes of the Clwydian's, including a lovely wooded area.

Saturday 17th October 2026. 

By arrangement.

Wednesday 21st October 2026

Cwm Conwy, Castle Wood and Moel Y Gaer.

Distance: 7 - 10 miles. Climb: 1200'.

Start: Rhosesmor. Parking area next to the children's play area. Grid ref:SJ214684.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Mike.

This walk is based on a walk  from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain".  The Cwm Conwy walk is one of my favourite walks in the Halkyn area at any time of the year. The extension continues the walk as far as the old cemetery at Halkyn, but any additional extension would need to include Halkyn Mountain itself - not to everyone taste! 

Saturday 24th October 2026. 

By arrangement.

Wednesday 28th October 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 (I will drive), .

Those not walking:  .

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

Last time we attempted to do this walk, we encountered road closures and footpath closures, hopefully they we have all been sorted by now.

Saturday 31st October 2026. 

By arrangement.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph, Pen-y-Ball Top and Monument 30th September 2026.

Things to look out for as we cross Holywell Common.

The main path to Holywell Common.

Tracks through the old mine workings.

Looking across Holywell Common towards the Clwydian Hills.

A closer look at Moel Famau from Holywell Common.

Power lines to guide us?

Blue skies above Holywell Common.

The waning Harvest Moon, seen from Brynford.

Not the flag we expected to see flying in this area.

The Flag of Aquitaine flying near Brynford.

The Welsh Flag flying as it should in Wales.

Part of Holywell Racecourse.

"Is he asleep?

Relaxing on the bench with a good view towards Pantasaph.

The view from the bench that would have made a good lunch spot for three.

The quarry near Pantasaph.

At the Pen-y-Ball trig point.

The Pen-y-Ball Monument.

Moel Famau from the Pen-y-Ball Monument.

St. Michael's Church, Brynford.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 656’.
Time: 4 hours 44 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Overall walking average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: 17-8 Celsius at the start, rising to 21.8 Celsius after lunch.
Beaufort Wind Force: 2-3 Mainly a Light breeze, with a maximum 8.2 m.p.h. Gentle breeze on Holywell Common.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Nigel.
The weather today was perfect for walking, pleasantly warm and no more than a Gentle breeze. Not quite wall to wall blue skies, with only the occasional small white cloud appearing briefly.
Our path across Holywell Common took us through the hollows of earlier mine workings tracks created by off-road mountain bikers.
Once on the main plateau, we had good views of the Clwydian Hills, including Moel Famau.
Perhaps the surprise of the day was seeing a flag flying that had a yellow dragon with a blue tongue and claws. Apparently, it was a flag of Aquitaine in France.
Thankfully, a little further on we saw a much more appropriate flag flying – the Welsh flag.
We only went around the eastern section of the racecourse, now cleared of the gorse that once hindered your progress.
Our planned lunch spot was a bench in grounds of the Pantasaph Friary / Retreat, but when e arrived there the bench had been removed. We ended up sitting on a low wall, not as comfortable as a bench, but served he purpose.
After lunch we headed for Pen-y-Ball top, and chose a route above the quarries, and to our surprise we came across a bench that would have been a good place to stop for lunch, with its good views towards the Clwydians and Pantasaph.
The usual paths to Pen-y-Ball Top were blocked by a fence protecting a crop, but thankfully, we were able to reach the trig point using the there and back path, part of the path we would take to the Pen-y-Ball Monument.
The Dee estuary and the Wirral were clearly seen from the vantage of the trig point on Pen-y-Ball Top.
The Pen-y-Ball Monument also gave good views of Moel Famau and the Clwydian Hills.
Not many birds were seen or heard today, but those we did see included: Carrion crow, Rook, European robin, Woodpigeon and Common starling.
We arrived back at the car, having had a really enjoyable walk and looking forward to a pint of Lees bitter at the Blue Bell in Halkyn before heading home.

Ed’s Latest Walk with Harris Hikers From Conwy 24th September 2026.

Through the arch to Conwy.

Deganwy Castle from Conwy harbour.

Conwy Castle and harbour.

Llandudno Junction station.

This notice led to a debate about Faerdre but Vardre on the OS Map.

On the way to Deganwy Castle via Faerdre.

Looking towards the Great Orme from Faerdre.

Looking towards Morfa Conwy from Faerdre.

Another view from Faerdre towards the Carneddau.

The only hill to be climbed today by some of the group.

The descent.

They're so busy talking, they haven't spotted me below them.

A friendly horse ways us up.

More horses checking us out.

Thankfully today this path was dry.

The watchtower looks a long way off!

St. Hilary's Church, Llanrhos.

Deganwy watchtower.

Conwy Mountain from the watchtower.

Blue skies above the Great Orme taken from the watchtower.

New signage at the Llandudno West Shore miniature railway.

View from our Llandudno West Shore lunch spot.

View from our Llandudno West Shore lunch spot.

The beach towards Deganwy.

Walking along the beach.

Deganwy Castle from the beach.

Strolling along the beach towards Deganwy.

Conwy Castle from Deganwy promenade.

Time to think.

Conwy Castle from the Coastal Path near Llandudno Junction

Distance: 10.2 miles. Climb: 899'. (100’ more for the rest of the group).
Time: 5 hours 18 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Overall walking average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Temperature: 16.2 Celsius at the start., Mainly around 17.8 Celsius for most of the walk. Ma 22 Celsius in a sheltered spot mid-afternoon.
Beaufort Wind Force: 2-3 Mainly a Light breeze, but occasionally reached a 12-m.p.h. Gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn, Nigel and Fran. Ed met us at the usual parking place in Conwy.
The forecast of rain before rain lunch, was much less than we expected, and we used our umbrellas briefly on two occasions. The breeze was sufficient strong to cause the showers to pass through quickly.
We approached Deganwy Castle From the Faerdre side. I decided to contour around the hill, rather than go over castle hill with the rest of the group.
It was around lunch time that we approached Llanrhos, so we went int the grounds of St Hilary’s Church, hoping to find some benches, but alas there were none, so Fran had to wait another hour until we reached the lunch spot at Llandudno West Shore.
Near views from the Deganwy Watchtower were pretty good, but the clouds never fully lifted from high mountains of Eryri.
By the time we had lunch, the Sun was shining, and were able to bask in the warm sunshine as ate our lunch. We had good views across the beach towards Conwy Mountain and beyond.
After lunch, the tide was well out, so we decided to walk back along the beach from Llandudno West Shore to Deganwy.
All went well, until we had to go around a stone groyne that was surrounded by seaweed, unfortunately the seaweed had about six inches of water below it. Two of the group only had trainers on, and they ended up with wet feet.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Albion Ale House in Conwy where they had at least six real ales on hand pumps. Cwrw Eryri was the beer chosen by most of us. Ed chose a porter as this was the darkest beer on offer.
Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Herring gull, Oystercatcher and Great cormorant.
It was good to catch up with Ed, and seeing that he had settled so will in Scotland and that he was regularly guiding walks.

Walks and Dates Sepember 2026

 

Wednesday 2nd September 2026.

Heswall Fields and Dales.

Distance: 5 miles. Climb: 400'.

Start: Car Park, Banks Road Heswall. Grid ref: SJ255815. Post code: CH60 9JS

Leave Chester at 09-30.

Those planning to walk: Martyn,

Those not walking: Mike, Fran. 

This is a repeat of the walk done earlier in the year that I missed because I didn't feel well enough.  Everyone enjoyed it so much, that I have decided to put it on again.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Chester and the Dee Estuary."

The walk description starts at Thursaston Visitor Station, but we will start at the car park on Banks Road, Heswall, which is also on the route.

We have all walked around Thurstaston Visitor Centre , so we know most of the area well. However this walk allows us to explore Heswall Dales NR and Heswall Fields neither of which I have visited before.

Starting at Banks Road means that we will be able to have lunch there and take advantage of their pic-nic tables / benches, if they are still there!

Saturday 5th September 2026.

A Delamere Forest, Eddisbury Hill, Pale Heights and Blakemere Moss Round.

Distance: 7.5 miles. Climb:700'.

Start: The Yeld Car Park, Yeld Lane Kelsall. Grid Ref: SJ 5324 6692.

Leave Chester in time to arrive at The Yeld at 10-00 (When the car park officially opens, although we have never arrived to find the barrier closed when we have arrived earlier.)

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Phil Marsland.

Those not walking: .

This is a variation of the walk that we usually do from The Yeld.

The from The Yeld goes via King's Chair, then onto Eddisbury Hill Fort on the way to Pale Heights.  Hopefully we will get 360 degree views that includes, Cheshire, Shropshire, Denbighshire and Flintshire.

We will then head for the Visitor Centre, where we will find a suitable spot for lunch (usually by the old outdoor education centre where there are several undercover picnic tables ).

After lunch, we will go round Blakemere Moss (in an anticlockwise direction) , eventually joining the Sandstone Trail.  The Sandstone Trail is then followed through the forest and past Eddisbury Lodge Cottage and back to the start.

We could also do the walk in the opposite direction in a clockwise direction, visiting Eddisbury Hill and Pale Heights after lunch..

Wednesday 9th September 2026.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 8.5 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, Fran and Nigel .

Those not walking: Mike.

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 12th September 2026.

Birdwatching at Pennington Flash with Dave J.

Let me know, if you want to join us.

Wednesday 16th September 2026.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

Now on Wednesday 28th October 2026

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, .

Those not walking: Fran, Mike, Nigel .

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

Last time we attempted to do this walk, we encountered road closures and footpath closures, hopefully they we have all been sorted by now

Saturday 19th September 2026.

By arrangement.

Wednesday 23rd September 2026.

Conwy, Deganwy Castle, Watchtower and the Welsh Coastal Path 23rd September 2026.

Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. Pay and Display.
Grid ref:SH781773. Post code: LL32
Leave Chester at 08-30.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed.
Those not walking: Mike.
This s a walk that Ed has suggested we should do when he visits Llandudno in September.
It is in the main, the walk that we do from Llandudno West Shore, but done in the opposite direction.
It takes us over Conwy Bridge, through parts of Llandudno Junction and Tywyn, before crossing the low hills by Deganwy Castle. After the castle, we go through two housing estates, one in Deganwy and one in Llanrhos.
We then take a path from Llanrhos Church the crosses fields, eventually reaching the watchtower.
From the tower, the route takes north westward past the hospital, eventually meeting the main A546 road to Llandudno West Shore.

Saturday 26th September 2026

By arrangement.

Wednesday 30th September 2026.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball Top

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 650'.

Start: Holywell Common, opposite the Crooked Horn, Brynford. Grid ref: SJ185740.

This is a variation of the walk that we have done many times, when we cross the common to Brynford on he way to the old racecourse.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

Those not walking: , .

Last time we will followed the Western side of the old racecourse and instead use the road to Pantasaph, before using field paths to get to Pen-y-Ball Top. After visiting Pen-y-Ball Monument take a new path on the west side of the monument to reach the track and the bridge over the A55 to the golf course and our usual route back to the start.

Birdwatching at Pennington Flash 12th September 2026

An alternative to birdwatching at Pennington Flash.

Great tits at Bunting Hide feeding station.

A Grey squirrel seen from the Buntings Hide.

A faceoff at the feeding station.

Teal Scrape from the Charlie Owen Hide.

Gadwall on the Teal Scrape.

Grey heron on Teal Scrape.

The view from the Tom Edmundson Hide.

Grey heron seen from Horrock's Hide.

Great crested grebe and Tufted duck on Pennington Flash, seen from Horrock's Hide.

Dadwall, Great crested grebe and Tufted duck on Pennington Flash.

Common coots, Mallard and Great crested grebe on Pennington Flash.

One of 9 Mute swans on Pennington Flash.

Distance: 1-2 miles. Climb: 30'.

Time: About 2 hours.

Temperature: About 19 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 2 - Just a Light Breeze.

Group: Martyn and Dave J.

One again, the weather forecast should have put us off going, but thankfully we made the decision to go anyway.

We did get a couple of showers, but thankfully each time we were in a hide.

Despite seeing lots of Swans and Canada geese, we didn't see any cygnets or goslings.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Moorhen, Common coot, Little grebe, Great crested grebe, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Grey heron, Blue tit, Great tit, Woodpigeon, Wood nuthatch, Tufted duck, Gadwall and Oystercatcher.

On the way back to Dave's, we called in the Waterside bar and restaurant,  Dave treated me to an excellent steak and ale pie.

Across the Bridgewater Canal from the Waterside was the Monton Lighthouse first built in 1761 by a narrowboat owner who was not allowed to build a house on the land, but a loophole in the planning did allow him to build a lighthouse.

It was good to catch up with Dave and spend a couple of hours with him birdwatching and about an hour over lunch.

The Monton Lighthouse opposite the Waterside Bar and Restaurant.

Home in time to listen to the second half commentary of the Liverpool v Fulham match, it sounded like LFC were very poor and lucky to get away with a draw, not a match to look forward to watching on BBC's Match of the Day!

We plan to have more short walks birdwatching in the near future.

More trips to Pennington Flash as well as a trip to Martin Mere is on the cards.

Let me know if you want to join us.