Conwy Mountain, Around Maed Esgob and Craigfadwen 14th February 2026

Not the best place to park today!

About to go under the walls into Conwy.

Conwy Harbour.

A Herring gull on the Harbour.

Common redshank on the estuary as the tide goes out.

Looking towards the Great Orme.

Daffodils in flower and it isn't even March.

On the delightful path across Conwy Mountain.

A couple of Conwy Mountain's residents.

A Raven on Conwy Mountain.

Looking towards the Hills from the path across Conwy Mountain.

Heading towards the Sychnant Pass.

Looking towards Puffin Island from the North Wales Path.

Snow on the hills, taken from my lunch spot.

I've had better views from my lunch spot!

The small lake on the north west side of Maen Esgob.

The Afon Conwy  from south of Craigfedwen.

A good patch of Snowdrops.

Alpacas in their usual field.

Friendly donkeys.

I wonder who lived in this house when it was first built.

I hope they find something worth eating.

The other entrance to the big house (this part is called "Middle House")

Distance: 7.3 miles.
Climb: 1398’.
Time: 5 hour 4 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 4 – 10 Celsius. Mostly around 7 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0-2. Occasionally just making a Light breeze.
Group: Martyn and Mike.
The weather forecast for today was looking good, with little rain expected. However, as ee set off there was dampness in the air and it briefly started to rain. However, from about 10-30, there was no rain, mainly sunny. However, it was not quite warm enough for me to be tempted to take my jacket off.
Distant views became clearer as the day went on and the high hills were covered in snow. Lots of people were out, taking advantage of the weather, many of them with dogs.
We had lunch, just before going around Maen Esgob. The wind was still quite cool, so sheltered behind the stone wall.
After lunch, we took the path heading south from the gate near our lunch spot, unfortunately this meant that we missed out going past llyn y Wrach. We realised our mistake when we reach a small lake that we knew was not Llyn y Wrach.
Conditions underfoot were good, until we crossed the field towards Mount Pleasant. This field was the muddiest I have ever experience on this walk., cleaning boot would be necessary when we got home.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Dunnock Woodpigeon, Wood nuthatch, Black billed magpie, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Great tit, Blue tit, Common redshank, Great spotted woodpecker, Great cormorant, Herring gull, Red billed chough, Mallard, Raven, Mistle thrush, Wigeon and Song thrush.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, finishing in warm sunshine. Once again, I was home in time to clean my boots before it started to rain.
After walk drinks, were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, where Lees bitter went down well.

Bersham Iron Works, Nant Mill and the Minera Lead Mine Centre 11th February 2026

The first weir seen on the Afon Clywedog today.

(Next to our parking spot on Plas Buckley Road, Bersham)

Part of Bersham Iron Works.

Kings Mill on the Bersham Iron Works.

Kings Mill on the Bersham Iron Works site.

The bank of Snowdrops next to the Kings Mill.

St Mary's Church, Bersham.

Another weir (2) on the Afon Clywedog.  

Seen from the road.

More Snowdrops on Plas Buckley Road.

The ford across the Afon Clywedog in Big Wood.

The stepping-stones across the Afon Clywedog in Big Wood.

Snowdrops next to the road to The Nant.

The ford at The Nant.

Not a notice that I remember seeing before today.

The only owl seen today.

The first of the Gnomes.

"Can it be, a Toffee supporting Gnome in Wales?"

Jacob sheep, a popular breed in this area.

The view from my lunch spot, a deep yellow Crocus in flower.

Trapped debris near Nant Mill.

The Afon Clywedog from the footbridge at Nant Mill.

An information board for both Welsh and English speakers.

The delightful path through Big Wood.

The weir (2) seen from the Big Wood side.

On the leete near Kings Mill.

Distance: 5.9 miles.

Climb: 801’

.Time: 4 hour 2 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 9.6 – 13.7 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0-1. Occasionally just enough to make Light air.
Group: Martyn and Mike.
The weather forecast for today was awful, but we decided to risk getting wet. Thankfully the forecast was wrong, although there was a little dampness in the air for the first half an hour.
The most noticeable thing today was the volume of crystal-clear water flowing down the Afon Clywedog, making thunderous noise when going over any weirs.
Even the stepping stones in Plas Power Wood were covered by the fast-flowing Afon Clywedog.
Quite a lot of weeding had been done in the Gnome sanctuary, although I think most of them must still be on holiday!
Route finding after leaving the Gnomes proved too difficult for us, and we made the same mistake as we made last time out, and we ended up at the Minera Lead Mine Centre early, but not too early for lunch.
Next time we do this walk, we complete the Minera section in a clockwise direction, making the walk a figure of eight walk around The Nant.
It was good to see some Snowdrops showing well, particularly on the bank next to the Kings Mill in the grounds of Bersham Iron Works.
At the Mineral Lead Mine Centre, one deep yellow Crocus was showing near the picnic bench area where we had lunch.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Common pheasant, Woodpigeon, Wood nuthatch, Black billed magpie, Common buzzard, Eurasian jay, Blue tit and Song thrush.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, finishing in warm sunshine. Once again, I was home in time to clean my boots before it started to rain.
After walk drinks, were enjoyed at the Pant yr Ochain, Gresford where the Plum Porter went down well.

Walks and Dates February 2026

Suggestions for short Wednesday walks always welcome.

Wednesday 4th February 2026.

Hawarden, Hawarden Park and More.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 440'.
Start: Tinkersdale Car Park, Hawarden. Grid ref: SJ315656.
At the fountain, take the A550 southward. The car park is on the left.

Leave Chester at 10-00.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,.
Those not walking: .
This walk is taken from the Flintshire Council booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire".
It is described as an easy walk exploring the historic village of Hawarden and Hawarden Park.
You are probably aware that the woodland in the park was a location used in filming the BBC
production "Sherwood".
Last time we did this walk was in August 2022, 

Saturday 7th February 2026.

No walk as I am going to a christening.

Wednesday 11th February 2026.

Bersham Iron Works, Nant Mill and Around Minera.

Distance: 8.3 miles Climb: 1316'.

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 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Nigel.

This walk follows much of the Clywedog trail from Bersham Lead Works, including Plas Power Woods and Nant Mill.  The  outward route uses paths on the north side of the Afon Clywedog. The walk continues on the Clywedog Trail as far as Minera. 

The walk returns along the old railway track as far as the Minera Lead Mine Centre and then uses paths on the south side of the Clywedog.

Saturday 15th February 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 18th February 2026.

Around the Little Orme and on to Rhos On Sea

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 700'.

Start: Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed. 

Those not walking: . 

This has become a regular walk at any time of the year, but at this time of the year we stand a good chance of seeing Grey seals in Angel Bay, especially as High Tide is around 11-18 (7.7 m ) so we may see more seals on the way back.

The views from the top of the Little Orme are always superb. 

The main reason for doing the walk so early in the year is to see if there are any Seals around Porth Dyniewaid.

Bring binoculars with you if you have them.

Saturday 21st February 2026

Llyn Geirionydd and Llanrhychwyn Church from Trefriw.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1250'

Start: Trefriw riverside car park. Grid ref: SH782630.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed .

Those not walking: . 

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley.

The route passes the Fairy Falls and ten climbs steadily to cross the part wooded slopes above Cwm Crafnant and then follows an old tramline to Llyn Geirionydd.  After going around the western side of the lake, the route then heads to the remains of the New Pandora Mine and onto Llanrhychwyn Church.

Wednesday 25th February 2026.

A Walk from Llantysilio Green in Search of Snowdrops.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Llantysilio Green National Trust Car Park. Grid ref: SJ197433.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

The walk starts by taking the path to St. Tysilio's Church, where hopefully the Snowdrops
will be in full bloom.
The route then takes past the Horseshoe Falls and along the Llangollen Canal towpath as
far as Llangollen.
At Llangollen the route climbs steadily northwards past Tirionia to join the Clwydian Way.
The Clwydian Way is the followed past Valley Crucis Abbey as far as Hendre.
Leaving the Clwydian Way the route descends to the main road which is followed South to
the Britannia Inn. At the Britannia Inn the path heading across Pen-y-bryn is taken until it
meets the Dee Valley Way. The Dee Valley Way is then followed South back to the start.

Saturday 28th February 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 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 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: .

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Fran, Ed. Those not walking: Sue and Michel
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 15th March 2026.

Walk arranged on request.

Wednesday 19th 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 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
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 at this 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.

Hawarden and Its Environs 4th February 2026

The newest cemetery in Hawarden, with its abundance of seats.

Hawarden Cemetery No. 1.

Part of the cemetery in the grounds of St. Deiniol's Church, Hawarden.

Anothe view of the cemetery at St. Deiniol's Church, Hawarden.

One of the rear doors into St. Deiniol's Church. Hawarden, with a  sculpture  of Mary and Jesus above.

On the path through the grounds of St. Deiniol's Church, Hawarden.

A good message as you go through the main gate into the grounds of St. Deiniol's Church, Hawarden.

On track to railway underpass and the Golf-course.

A posing Common blackbird.

We aren't going to get any distant views today!

Distant views?  This is about as good as it gets!

A Badger sheep in he field next to the path.

Enjoying lunch?

Lunch time is  nearly over.

Lunch on your feet for some!

A drake Mallard by the pond near our lunch spot.

Leaving our lunch spot.

The right of way through Bilberry Wood on the Hawarden Estate.

The new path on the left, with the more hazardous older path next to the wall.

The remains of the old corn mill on the Hawarden Estate.

Distance: 5.2 miles.

Climb: 571’.
Time: 3 hour 6 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 4.5 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0. The wind was not enough to measure.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Nigel and Elaine, Fran, Nigel.
Our first problem occurred on arrival at the Tinkersdale Car Park to find it full. Fortunately, there was an area just further down the road where we were able to park. If we started half an hour later, the parking may have eased a little as the early morning dog walkers returned to their cars.
We first did this walk in March 2018, but most of remember the walk on 31st August 2022, when we finished the walk with drinks and food at the Glynne Arms.
The weather today, wasn’t at its best, although at least it wasn’t windy or raining. However, it was still somewhat misty and there was that ever-present dampness in the air.
We started the walk this time by going to the main road through the village and turning down Crosstree Lane that led to not one, but three cemeteries! The latest cemetery had lots of benches that looked over the graves, and on a good day would probably have extensive views towards the estuary.
The path through he golf-course was marked out well, with warning signs at any point where you might stray of line!
The route description was quite old and missing road signs weren’t helpful.
Our main problem today, was finding somewhere to stop for lunch. We eventually stopped in Bilberry Wood, where some of the group sat on some tree logs at the side of the track.
Much work has been done by the Gladstone Estate, with lots of fences and gates put in to measure that you kept to the right of way. Improvements to the path and stiles had removed the tricky stile and path next to the stone wall.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common blackbird, Common pheasant, Woodpigeon, Great spotted woodpecker, Eurasian jay, Blue tit, Mallard and Song thrush.
Overall, an enjoyable walk, and still home early enough to clean my muddy boots outside!