The Fringes of the Morwynion and Nant Fridisel

Date: 28th April 2007

Pont Carrog - the lunch spot for the day.

The view across the Dee Valley towards the Llantysilio Mountains.

Walk stats:

Distance: 10.8 miles; Climb: 2476'; Time: 6 hours 5 minutes; Walkng average: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia and Mike Dodd.

This was another gloroius day in every respect. The weather was bright and sunny, but not too hot, almost the perfect conditions for walking. This walk didn't reach the top of any mountain, but the views to Snowdonia, the Clwydians and the closer Llantysilio Mountains were excellent. train enthusiasts were blessed with the appearance of the steam engine's presence at Carrog station and watching the trains progress down the track towards Llangollen. Spring flowers were again in abundance and the sweet coconut smell of the gorse accompanied us on several parts of the walk. Bluebells were very much in evidence, suggesting that it is alittle earlier this year. Skylarks were plentiful with their melodious singing ans high in the sky entertainments and parachute descents. However the birds of the day were definately the Sand Martins that entertained us at lunch as they flew continiously around the river at Pont Carrog. Indeed some seemed to be entering holes in the masonary of the bridge, a rather unusual nest site if that was waht it was. Other birds included buzzards, pheasants, curlew, mallards, robin, blackbird, willow warbler, chaffinch, woodpidgeon, starling, house sparrow, pied wagtail, grey wagtail, dipper and swallow.
After walk refreshments were taken on the balcony overlooking the Dee valley at the popular local Grouse Inn. Another pint of J.W. Lees bitter was enjoyed by most of us.

Llanfair Talhaiarn

Date: 26th April 2007

On the summit of Moel Unben

The view of snowdonia from Moel Unben

Walk stats:

Distance: 10.2 miles; Climb: 2054'; Time: 5 hours 13 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Michel, Gordon, Fran, Tito, Celia, Dave and Sylvia J.

This was a a walk that was probably a walk that offered much more than expected, starting in the the picturesque village of Llanfair Talhaiarn., little Switzerland in North Wales. the weather was perfect, sunny with very little wind. the extension to the summit of Moel Unben gave us the views of the day. Almost every peak in Snowdonia could be identified. what a glorious sight. Route finding was a challenge, and when mistakes were made towards the end we could have easily retraces our steps to get back on track, but the sight of the car park ahead resulted in us taking a route that perhaps would not have been mine chosen one!

Spring flowers were in abundance and it seems that Bluebells are blooming ahead od schedule. Birds observed or heard include: Swallow, Greenfinch, Buzzard, Wheatear, Meadow Pipit, Gold Finch, Dipper as well as the more comon birds like Chaffinch, Robin and Starling.

An excellent pint of J.W. Lees Bitter made an end to a perfect day!

This is a walk that must be repeated in the future (Although we my try to go up Mynydd Bodran first).

The Three Lakes Walk From Llyn Aled

21st April 2007

Dave, Sylvia and Richard. are they really on the path?

Walk stats:

Distance: 11.6 miles; Climb: 1521'; Time: 5 hours 6minutes; Walking Average: 2.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave and Sylvia J.

Dave and Sylvia heading towards the dam crossing on the Alwen Reservoir.

Weather conditions and ground conditions underfoot were almost perfect for this walk. This time the terrain was dry and firm underfoot, and the term "boggy" never came into question. The pleasant and warm conditions did mean that good views towards Snowdonia were masked by distant haze/mist. However the birds were still singing, particularly skylarks and meadow pipits, but the bird of the the day was the wheatear. Pairs were everywhere, many giving good close views. Other birds seen or heard included curlew and buzzard. Three Canada geese (on Llyn Aled)and 3 Greylag geese (on Llyn Alwen) were also observed.

Route finding across the open moor seemed a little easier than on the the previous occasion, but we were probably using the earlier experience of our visit there to help. We didn't meet any other walkers on this route until we came to the Alwen Reservoir trail. this is a walk that I will do again, providing we can get similar conditions, a god dry spell before and a good weather on the day!

The day concluded with a good pint at the Britannia, even if they were about to celebrate St George's Day!

Ysceifiog-Babell-Lixwm-Brynford Round

Date: 19th April 2007

The view of the Moel Fammau and the Clwydian range.

Walk stats:

Distance: 10.4 miles; Climb: 1295'; Time: 4 hours 52 minutes; Walking Average: 2.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard. Gordon, Celia, Michel and Dave J.

A very pleasant walk in almost ideal walking conditions. Not too hot and not too cold with a refreshing breeze. Much of the walk crossed farm land and farm tracks which in the past have been very muddy to be polite. Today the ground was dry throughout, and the only hazard several unfriendly stiles, on of which had been deliberately blocked by a nearby land owner.
The views were not that extensive, although several points gave good views towards the Clwydian Hills. The view point on Holywell Common also give good vews across the Dee estuary towards Liverpool, giving conjecture about a distant white building (probably the lighthouse at New Brighton). This was very much a Spring day with the hedgerows blushing with countless wild flowers. Birds were singing, including chiffchaff, willow warbler, yellowhammer, jays, nuthatch and great tits. Other birds seen were several buzzards soaring majestically high in the sky, but he the highlight was two partridges on Holywell Common. Near the end of the walk we encountered a young lamb that was in distress at being separated from its mother by a fence and being unable to locate the place that it had gone through the fence. Not to worry "lambuster" Michel came to the rescue, crossing the fence, catching the lamb and returning to the correct field. The lamb ran at high speed to be re-united with its mother, perhaps the only sgn that it was pleased with the "lambuster's" intervention!
An end to a good walk was for the first time on a Thursday. a pint of Bitter and Twisted for me and pints of Highgate's Fox Knob bitter for others. Pint or two at the Britannia afterwards was the icing on the cake!

Teggs Nose and Shutlingsloe

Date: 14th April 2007

Looking from Teggs Nose across teggs Nose Reservoir and Bottoms Reservoir towards the radio staion/mast on Croker Hill/Sutton Common Gridref:SK933677

Approaching one of the main objectives of the day, Shutlingsloe. Dave J half-way up with Richard, as usual in the distance on the horizon approaching the summit.

Richard and Dave J heading towards the village of Macclesfield Forest.

Walk stats:

Distance: 15.3 miles; Climb: 2726'; Time: 7 hours 31 minutes; Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.

This was indeed another glorious day, very much in contrast to the previous attempt to complete this walk. The only downside was the fact that the weather forecast was so good that many other walkers decided that Shutlingsloe was a good objective too. After that the only real encounter with people was at Three Shires Head, a pity as this would have been an excellent place to stop for lunch. Throughout the walk the views in all directions were excellent and at one point we could see the Roaches where we had walked last week. The weather was a little on the warm side and none of us had taken enough fluid with us. However this route does go past several pubs and the Stanley Arms came to our rescue. The walk also provided us with with several first of the year bird migrant sightings including willow warbler and wheatear. the highlight of the day was a ring ousel thanks to a kindly birder who let us view the bird through her scope. Other birds included skylark, meadow pipit, buzzard, grey heron and curlew. On the mammal front mating toads and a brown hare were encountered on route. The day ended with a welcome pint the Cross Keys in Knutsford.

Moel Hiraddug and Cwm Coed.

Date: 12th April 2007

Lunch in Cwm Coed. Location isn't everything when there is a need!

At the highest point on Moel Hiraddug

Walk stats:

Distance: 10.4 miles; Climb: 1600'; Time: 5 hours 23 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 mph.

Group: Martyn, Celia, Richard, Gordon, Paul, Dave and Sylvia J, Dave and Sue P.

A rather hazy day to start but the sun did make an appearance after lunch. Much of the initial walk crossed fields on the approach to Marion Frith and Cwm. This indeed was a day where Spring/Summer was very much in evidence. A day when lambs were being born and one swallow was seen around a farm. Other birds seen and/or heard were chiffchaff, song thrush, chaffinch, great tits and yellowhammers. The views over Rhuallt to Snowdonia left much to the imagination. whilst being distant, they were also somewhat hazy. Nevertheless it gives us an excuse to repeat the walk on a crisp Autumn day. Spring flowers were also showing their colours and in some places Bluebells were out, suggesting that the traditional Bluebell walk may have to be earlier than the third week in May this year. The highlight of the walk was Moel Hiraddug, the hill fort that until recently was not accessible. The destruction by quarry workings at the Northern end was quite dramatic.

Suitable refreshments were taken at the Britannia at Pentre Halkyn. Several J.W.Lees bitters going down well1

The Roaches

Date: 7th pril 2007

The walk ahead.

On the top of Hen Cloud.

At the trig. point on the Roaches.

Walk stats: Distance: 13.6 miles; Climb: 2430'; Time: 6 hours 4 minutes; Speed: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Tito, Fran, Dave J, Celia, Richard and Martyn.

This very popular walk was completed on a glorious sunny day. Dave Berry has "delightful", I think mine will be "glorious"! Starting from Tittesworth Reservoir adds quite a bit to the walk, and the last part along the road from Roaches End is somewhat tedious for tired feet1 Perhaps next time I will have to consider parking on the roadside just below the Hen Cloud or the Roaches.

Virtually the whole walk was completed in sunshine, and although the views were extensive, they were a little hazy in the distance. This ridge top walk gets better and better once the crowds around the Roaches have been left. The feeling of being on the top of the world is as good as it gets in the Peak District. Lunch was taken at the Hanging Stone rocks about half a mile short of Danebridge. Rum enhanced fruit cake and special chocolates were appreciated by all!. The return route also went through Lud's Church. On this occasion quite crowded with visitors, including one school party.

The only bird of note along the river was a grey-wagtail. Skylarks were frequently heard singing. Green woodpeckers were also heard on three occasions, and on the way back a grouse was heard calling. We did hear a bird of prey, but its call wasn't that distinctive. However the bird sighting of the day was two swallows around the barns at Windygates Farm, the first of the year. One swallow doesn't make a Summer, but we've seen two! So Summer must be here!

After walk birthday celebrations involved a tradition trip to the Whim Ales Mecca at Leek. Hartington Bitter at the Wilkes Head was in fine form, and although there had been some improvement in decor, some people would say it is in need of a little more. Others would say its the beer that counts!

Eglywseg Rocks, Trevor Rocks and Ruabon Mountain

Date: 5th April 2007

The view across Trevor Rocks towards Llantysilio Mountains and beyond to Snowdonia.

Walk stats:


Distance: 11.1 miles; Climb: 1500'; Time: 5 hours 20 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.


Group: Paul, Sylvia, Martyn, Gordon, Gordon, Nigel and Dave J. (Richard couldn'y find the parking area thanks to the fact that someone had turned the sign for the Panorama Road round the wrong way, but he did complete the walk hoping to catch us somewhere on route. Alas it wasn't to be.)

On the summit of Ruabon Mountain, a first for those in the picture, but not for the photographer!

This was a fantastic walk on a glorious sunny April day. Starting from the Monument on the Panorama Road and keeps pretty well to the high ground. The highlight was the new signposted path that kept close to the escarpment edge from the top of the valley above the Eglywseg Rocks to finish on the top of Trevor Rocks. This wonderful route gives incredible views throughout, and on a slightly crisper day Snowdonia would be clearly in the picture. Even so we could still make out the distinctive shape of the Snowdon Horseshoe.

This is certainly a walk that will be repeated in the future.

After walk drinks were at the Duke of Wellington, a pub with character. At least it sold Banks bitter, not as good as J.W. Lees, but it was on hand pump and went down well! Will we go there again? Who knows?

Dates and Walks April 2007

Thursday 5th April 2007

Eglwyseg Escarpment and Trevor Rocks

Distance; 10 -12 miles.

Start: Off road parking near the monument on the Panoramic Walk.

Grid ref:SJ246428

To get to the parking area take the A539 Wrexham to Llangollen road as far as Trevor. At the Australia Arms turn right uphill for the Panoramic Walk. Follow the road through Garth Trevor and Garth and at a crossroads turn left. At the next T-junction turn left and follow the road. As the road turns right and crosses a cattle grid (I think), the parking area is on the right just before the Monument.

This is a variation on the walk first introduced to the group by Michel. However this time it is planned to keep to the new path that follows the edge of the escarpment, rather than drop down to Offa's Dyke Path and then climb back up.I'm sure that if Dave Berry had described this route he would have described a being exhilarating and the word delightful would have appeared frequently!

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m. and meet in the parking area near the Monument.

Saturday 7th April 2007 (Tito's birthday!)

The Roaches (a walk for Celia)

Distance:11 - 12 miles




Start: Wadsworth Reservoir Picnic Site.


Grid ref: SJ994603




Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m. and meet in the car park at Tittesworth Reservoir.

After walk drinks will be at the Old Wilkes Head, Leek providing it's OK withTito.

Thursday 12th April 2007

Around Coed Cwm, Marion Frith and Moel Hiraddug.

Distance: 11 - 12 miles.

Climb: 2000' +

Start: Dyserth to Prestatyn Walkway car park.

Grid ref: SJ 062793

To get to the car park, take the A55 Chester to Prestatyn road. Exit at the junction after the Pentre Halkyn junction signposted A5151. Go back over the A55 and follow signs for Dyserth and Trelawnyd. Follow the road through Trelawnyd to Dyserth. The car park is on the right, just before a left bend that goes in to Dyserth. If I remember correctly, it is just after a layby and telephone box on the right.

This walk links two of Dave Berry's walks from his booklet "Walks on the Clwydian Hills" (updated edition), so Dave Jenkins has already done them. If he comes we shouldn't get lost!

Dave Berry describes the first of the walks as being a delightful walk across undulating countryside including the small limestone hill of Marion Frith, and for the first time it will allow us to explore the Iron Age hill fort of Moel Hiraddug. This is something that I've wanted to do for some time,

The second walk he describes as a walk exploring the attractive and varied countryside between Rhuallt and Cwm. It also includes part of Offa's Dyke footpath.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m. and meet at the Walkway car park on the A5151 (east of Dyserth)

After walk drinks will be at the ..........


Good news from the Britannia.


New opening hours from the 2nd April are 12 noon to 11-00 p.m.

Saturday 14th April 2007

Shutlingsloe.

Distance: 13.5 miles; Climb: 2700'+

Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park.

Grid ref: SJ950733

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m. and meet at Tegg's Nose Country Park visitors centre.

To get to Tegg's Nose Country Park from Chester take the A51 and A54 towards Kelsall. Then take the a537 to Knutsford, Macclesfield towards Buxton. On the outskirts of Macclesfield take the Buxton Old Road als signposted to Tegg's Nose Country park. This road goes straight ahead (a right turn) as the main A537 turns left. Tegg's nose Country Park is just aover a mile down thuis road on the right.

This is a walk from Mark Richards book "Walks in ther Dark Peak", although it's the White Peak OS map that we will be using. This is very much an up and down walk and the overall climb will be close to 3000' despite the fact that at no point to we get to a height over 1800'. This is a walk that we last attempted in October 2005, but the walk ws cut short due to the rain. Hopefully this time we will be able to complete the walk as described. Last time we set off on the wrong path out of the car park!

Thursday 19th April 2007

Ysceifiog-Lixwm-Brynford Round

Distance: 10 miles; Climb: Unknown but less than 1500' at a guess!

Start: Ysceifiog Village centre.

Grid ref: SJ152715.

Park tidily in the village alongside the children's play area opposite Richard's house or on the verge in the lane opposite the Fox.

This walk links two of the walks from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". It starts on the Ysceifiog-Lixwm walk taking a delightful path by the lake to Ysceifiog Lake and then climbs through the woods towards Babell and then onto Lixwm. at Lixwm we pick up the Lixwm -Brynford walk which explores pastureland and open country between Lixwm and Brynford. Both walks give extensive views of the Clwydian Hills and on a good day Snowdonia.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m. and meet in Ysceifiog.

Saturday 21st April 2007

The Three lakes Trail

Distance: 10-11 miles; Climb: 2000' at a guess!

Start: On the verge adjacent to the dam on Lyn Aled.

Grid ref: SH916579.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m. and meet at Llyn Aled.

to get to the parking area take the A541 Mold to Denbigh road. At Denbigh take the A543 Denbigh to Pentrefoelas road. The minor road to Llyn Aled is on the right, about 2 miles after the left turn signposted Llyn Brennig. The turning is on the right just as the Alwen Reservoir comes into view on the left.

This is a walk that we haven't done for some time. It would be nice to complete the walk when the going underfoot was a little less boggy, but be prepared and make sure that you bring at least a change of socks with you!. This is quite an exhilarating walk across at times trackless moorland. We didn't get lost last time, so hopefully route finding will be a little easier this time.

The three lakes are llyn Aled, Lyn Alwen and the Alwen reservoir.

Thursday 26th April 2007

Llanfair Talhaiarn

Distance: 5 miles + (whatever extra we decide to do!); Climb: Unknown

Start: Riverside car park at Llanfair Talhaiarn. The car park is just beside the bridge leading into the village from the A548 road from Abergele. There are also toilets nearby.

Grid ref:SH927702

This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book " Walking in the Vale of Clwyd". The walk as described is only 5 miles, but we should have no problem using the OS map to extend it to a distance of our choosing. The walk is described as a refreshing walk along the peaceful Nant Barrog Valley and contours around Moel Unben (we will probably visit the top) with superb views of Snowdonia. The extension could include Mynydd Dir and Mynydd Bodran, both now on open access land.

This start point is the same location that was flooded when the the Elwy burst its banks when we had planned a walk from Llansannan. Hopefully we won't have the same problems this time.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m. and meet at Llanfair Talhaiarn. It's only a small village, so we shouldn't find it a problem arriving at the same riverside/bridgeside car park!

Saturday 28th April 2007

The Fringes of the Morwynion, Owain Glyndwr's Mount and Nant Fridisel.

Distance: 10 miles + 2.5 miles (if we visit Moel Fferna again!); Climb: 2000' +

Start: Pont Carrog ( Next to the river just before the bridge)

Grid ref: SJ115437.

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m. and meet at Carrog.

After walk refreshments at the Grouse Inn, Carrog.

Two walks that we have completed earlier in the year, but not together. Perhaps we will see the start of the Bluebell season as we go through the woods alongside Nant Friddisel.

Church Bay and Carmel Head

Date: 31st March 2007

Walk Stats: Distance: 9 miles; Climb: 1900' Time: 5 hours 17 minutes.

Walking Average:2.2 mph.

Walkers: Martyn, Richard, Fran, Dave and Sue P.

This was a fantastic walk along cliff edge of some of the finest, wildest coastline of Anglesey. The sun was kind, but the Northerly wind kept the temperatures down. Almost the ideal temperature for walking. This indeed was a good "hare" day! The nature highlights of the day were two brown hares that allowed us very good views, one very close. This was a wonderful leisurely walk, an amble to savour. This walk will definitely be repeated, perhaps in the Summer when the sea is warm enough to go for a swim.