Denbigh Castle and the Ystrad Valley 30 August 2007

Denbigh Castle from the start point.

The approach to the entrance of Denbigh Castle.

The monument to Dr. Samuel Johnson

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles; Climb: 1939'; Time: 5 hours 0 minutes;
Walking average: 2.6 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave and Sylvia J.

This walk was undertaken mainly in drizzle that persisted until about 1-00 p.m. Nevertheless it didn't deter from making this an interesting walk with historical features along the route. Denbigh Castle was viewed from close up and allowed us to appreciate the Clwyd valley and Clwydian Hills from its magnificent vantage point. Also on route we followed good lengths of the meandering Afon Ystrad, and at one point went past a derelict cottage reputed to have been used by Dr. Samuel Johnson. A nearby monument by the river bank reminds of his connection with this part of the valley. Further on we past the farmstead, Gwaenyngog associated with the Myddleton and Burton families, linked with Beartrix Potter who spent her holidays there.

The second part of the walk originally planned walk around Foxhall was not undertaken, by the time that we had to make the decision, it was nearly 3 p.m., and doing an extra 4 miles on top of the 9.6 miles already completed did not seem very attractive. The call of a good pint of beer did!

Birds seen or heard on route included: Kestel, Buzzard, Grey Heron, Grey wagtail, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, House sparrow, Greenfinch and Woodpigeon.

A good pint of Snowdonia Bitter and Woodland Bitter was enjoyed at the Glasfryn. Richard declined from joining us on this occasion, hopefully he will recover from his sickly feeling to join us next time, even if it happens to be the Glasfryn.

Dates and Walks August 2007

Updated 26th August 2007

Thursday 2nd August 2007

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer.

Distance: 7 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: On the roadside near to the public toilets on the front at Craig y Don.
Grid ref: SH799822.

This is a walk that we did last year for the first time and enjoyed, so I thought that it was time to give it another airing. It is a little shorter than we are currently doing, but it is summer and being by the seaside perhaps some of us may like a swim. Alternatively we can also extend the walk by a stroll along the beach and perhaps just a paddle!

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m., and meet at the Britannia at Pentre Halkyn. We can then go in convoy to the start point.

Saturday 4th August 2007

Cadair Bronwen, Cadair Bweryn and Moel Sych

Distance: 11 miles. Climb: About 3000'.
Start: Small riverside car park at the eastern end of the village of Llandrillo.
Grid ref: S035372.

This is another walk taken from John Tranter's book "Walks in and around the Berwyn Mountains". His maps as we know aren't that good, but he does say that most of the walk is on good footpaths, so we should be able to find them!
He does say the walk is strenuous, but with a climb of 3000' it couldn't be anything other. could it? There are however one or two there and back bits to visit either a summit or notable feature such as Moel Ty Uchaf and a stone circle. Moel Sych is a there and back bit too.

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.

To get to the car park at the start, take the A5104 from Chester - Saltney - Broughton - Llandegla to Corwen. At the Corwen traffic lights, turn left on to the A5 towards Corwen and Llangollen. After crossing the bridge turn right on to the B4401 to Cynwyd and Llandrillo. Llandrillo is about 3 miles beyond Cynwyd. The car park is on the east side of Llandrillo, on the right by the river, just after a minor cross-roads.

Thursday 9th August 2007

A walk in the Ceiriog Valley

Distance: 9 miles
Start at car park opposite the post office at Pontfadog.
Grid ref: SJ235382

To get to the start at Pontfadog, flollow the A483 main Wrexham road towards Llangollen. Don't take the usual turn to Llangollen, carry on to the A5. At the roundabout after crossing the viaduct, turn right on to the A5 towards Llangollen. The take the first turn on the right on to the B5070 to Chirk. In Chirk at a minor crossroads near the church, turn right on to the B4500 to Pontfadog and Glyn Ceiriog. The car park at Pontfadog is opposite the Post Office.

This walk is taken from a magazine called "Walking Wales" and is a walk in a valley that I've heard a lot about but never walked in before. The walk starts in the valley and climbs to a road that we have walked along on a walk starting from Llangollen. The walk is also called "chapels in the Valley as it passes seven different chapels on route, all with their own idividual style. They should be good markers for knowing that we are on the right route.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Saturday 11th August 2007

Moel Siabod

See separate post for the account of the walk.

Thursday 16th August 2007

Cwm Conwy, Moel y Gaer and Halkyn Mountain

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: About 2000'.
Start at Britannia Inn, Pentre Halkyn.

This combines two of Dave Berry's walks from his book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain. No need for a description, we've all done them before!
Fruit cake will be provided, so let me know so that I remember to bring enough with me. After walk celebrations will be as you would expect at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Saturday 18th August 2007

The Eastern Arans

Distance: 10 miles. Climb:2700'.
Start: Bwlch y Groes. There is an off road parking area at the summit of the minor road from Llanuwchllyn to Dinas Mawddy. Grid ref: SH913233

This is one of thewalks taken from the book " The Mountains of England and Wales Volume ! Wales" by John ans Anne Nuttall. This a walk that we last did a few years ago and involves a fair bit of off path walking on terrain that isn't always easy. Last time the walk was done in Autumn when the leaves on the trees were displaying fantastic orange and golden colours. We also had good views of a Ring Ousel, hopefully we will this time too!

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

Thursday 23rd August 2007

St., Dyfnog's Well, Lleweni Hall and the Afon Clwyd and Afon Ystrads

Distance: 11 miles. Climb: Not a lot.
Start: Near the Brookhouse Mill. Grid ref: SJ07658
The parking area is just off the A525 Denbigh to Ruthin road, adjacent to the turning for Brookhouse Mill and the Mill Tavern.

To get to the start, take the A55 from Chester towards Conwy. Take the filter road left towards Mold and Conwy. Keep in the left lane and follow the directions for Mold - A5119. At thwe roundabout at Mold (Aldi on the opposite side) turn right on to the A541 to Denbigh. Take the A543 left to Denbigh. At the roundabout just outside Denbigh, take the first exit on to the A525 towards Ruthin. This road avoids the cenre of Denbigh. At the next roundabout take the second exit, still following the A525 to Ruthin. The car parking area is a few hundred yards along this road on the left. Turn left towards the Brookhouse Mill, and the parking area is immediately on the right, adjacent to a stile and footpath sign.

This combines two of Dave Berry's walks that start just outside Denbigh, and for a good part follows the banks of two rivers, Afon Clwyd and Afon Ystrad. Last time we were lucky to see a Kingfisher and a colony of Sand Martins.

Saturday 25th August 2007

Alport Dale and the Woodlands Valley.

Distance: 12 - 13 miles. Climb: 1000' (but I expect it will be a little more!)

Start: Birchin Clough Bridge Car parkGrid ref: SE109915.

This walk visits some of the more remote and isolated regions of the High Peak. Access is still denied in some places, but the new Right to Roam Laws may have changed things by now.
Again gaiters and compasses to be recommended. Last time we were in the area of Bleaklow Head we were convinced that we saw a Goshawk, so perhaps we will be lucky again. Once more we will be looking for the "Old Woman" as a guide to the point where we turn left off the Pennine Way. We didn't find her last time though!

Leave Chester at 8-00. a.m.

Monday 27th August 2007

Tremeirchion, Moel y Gaer, St., Bueno's and Moel Maenefa.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: About 2000'.

Start: Roadside parking just outside Tremeirchion.

Grid ref: SJ093737.

To get to the car parking area, follow the A55 as far as the junction for Prestatyn/ Trelawnyd, but this time turn left on to the B5122 for Tremeirchion. Take the second road on the right (at a minor crossroads) and follow this road, keeping in a roughly straight direction until another B road is reached. Here turn left towards Tremeirchion. The off road parking area is just under a mile along the road, just before a road on the left, but after a farm track on the right.

This is a walk that we have done several time before and includes part of Offa's Dyke footpath. Last time we did this walk conditions were dry, but some places can be extremely muddy, particularly one area by a gate and drinking trough that is churned up by cattle. This walk is a Bank holiday special to give Paul the chance to visit the site of St., Bueno's college and its surroundings.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Thursday 30th August 2007.

Around the Ystrad Valley and Foxhalls.

Distance: 11 miles; Climb: Not a lot but proabaly about 1000'.

Start: lay-by on the Denbigh to Penrofoelas road. Grid ref: SJ043660.

To get to the start follow the A543 through the centre of Denbigh, following the signs for Pentrefoelas. The lay-by is just outside Denbigh, on the left, just as the road swings left.

This combines two of Dave Berry's walks fro his book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd, that we have done before, but never together. He describes the first part of the walk as a facinating figure of eight walk exploring wooded Ystrad Valley and the undulating countryside around Denbigh. Sites linked Dr. Johnson and Beatrice Potter are also visited.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Around Tremeirchion 27th August 2007

Garreg Fawr and it's little church for quiet prayer and solitude.

The group on the approach to Tremeirchion.

Snowdonia.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.0 miles; Climb: 2264'; Time: 4 hours 5 minutes;

Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h..

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave J, Celia, Paul and Michael Collinson.

This was a a very pleasant walk, in the main, done in the opposite direction to the way we have done the walk in the past. The weather was kind, enabling us to have good, if not quite perfect views of Snowdonia from several vantage points on route. The first peak on route was Moel Maenefa, which according to the O.S. map should have a trig point. Alas it must have been removed for some reason. The next port of call was St., Bueno's College and its little church on Garreg Fawr, always a good vantage point. Next stop was the Nature Reserve at Graig Tremeirchion with its warning to keep dogs and grandparents under control. This was another good view point and provided an excellent spot for lunch with its picnic table near to the summit. The final route around Moel y Gaer was, for the first time ever, completed thanks to Dave finding the required stile hidden behind dense gorse bushes. Overall a successful walk, enjoyed all the more with plenty of ripe fruit available on route. This included Blackberries, Greengages, and Damsens. Sloes were available, but none of the group were tempted.

Birds seen or heard include: Kestrel, Robin, Buzzard, Raven, Carrion crow, Blackbird, Swallow, Goldfinch and Woodpigeon.

Alport Dale 25 August 2007

The upper reaches of Alport Dale.

At the trig point on Westend Moor.

Walk stats: Distance:13.2 miles; Climb: Aprox 2000' (we don't believe the GPS it suggested 4800'!); Time: 6 hours 58 minutes;

Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave and Sylvia J.

Overall this was an enjoyable walk, even though the weather wasn't as good as perhaps the forecast had suggested. The conditions were dry and frequently sunny, but on the top we were frequently in light cloud, giving an air of mystery to the upper Alport Dale. A strongish wind accompanied us for most of the walk, and on one occasion Richard was blown off his feet!
This is a walk that we will probably do again, hoping for blue skies all day. The walk was a little longer than expected due to a little extension that wasn't planned or desired or wanted! Nevertheless it did give us the opportunity to se at first hand some rather unusual forest clearing techniques in operation.

Across the moor, paths were often unclear and in places quite boggy, Richard getting his first experience of sinking up to his calf in soft peat uttering something that was not easily easy to decipher as he colapsed!
Birds were again in their quiet time although the following were seen or heard: Carrion crow, Goldfinch, House sparrow, Blue tit, Kestrel, Red grouse, Meadow pipit, Wheatear, Sedge warbler, Woodpigeon and Merlin.
Another good pint or two of Howard Townd brewery Monk's Gold was enjoyed at The Star in Glossop.

Along the Clwyd and Ystrad Rivers 23 August 2007

Did this really fall across the stile naturally?

Looking across the Afon Clwyd towards Denbigh castle.

Looking across the golf course towards the Clwydian hills.

Is there a tennis court over there somewhere?

Walk stats: 11.4 miles; Climb:1534'; Time: 5 hours 20 minutes,:
Walking average: 2.6 m.p.h.; Overall average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave J and Tim.

This was a walk done in almost perfect walking conditions, warm , sunny and with a gentle breeze. The walk followed the went past Lleweni Hall where the nearby farm and outbuildings were undergoing renovation and were starting to look quite impressive. The walk then followed the bank of the Afon Clwyd, frequently having to negotiate fallen trees that had blown down since the time that we had last done the walk. Unfortunately the birds seamed to be having their quiet time and we didn't see either the Kingfishers or the Sand martins. However other birds seen or heard included: Kestrel, Buzzard, Cormorant, Magpie, Blackbird, Moorhen, Coot, Mallard, Woodpigeon, Jay, Jackdaw and Blue tit. Rabbits were the only mammal on view. Quite a few dragonflies were seen, including the Banded Agrion Damselfly and probably the Four-spotted Darter.
A very pleasant lunch was enjoyed, sitting on a bench in the churchyard at Llanraedre. Another viewing of the Jesse window was taken before embarking on the route across the golf course. Again we couldn't find the route easily and tried to go around the edges of the greens rather than going straight across which was the route that we should have taken. Perhaps we'll remember next time. Further round we did our good deed for the day by helping one of the locals control his caravan down a drive.

A good pint of Purple Moose Snowdonia, Brains SA, Timothy Taylor Landlord and Spitting Feathers Honeydew were enjoyed at the Glasfryn. Alas the Britannia has again decided to only open at 4-00 p.m. We may have to adjust the time we start walks or walk a little slower, if we want a pint of J.W. Lees after the walk!

The Eastern Arans 18th August 2007

No photographs available - the weather was too wet to take any!

Walks stats: Distance: 6.9 miles; Climb: 2134'; Time: 4 hours 7 minutes;
Walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.; Overall average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave and Sylvia J.

This is a day when we should have listened to the weather forecast and stayed at home doing things indoors! This was one of the wettest walks that I've been on in recent years. It beats both the Christleton and Tatton Park/Rosthern walks. Having said that the walk stated off across challenging peat bog moorland terrain, and finding the summit of these rounded grassy peaks proved quite challenging especially since we were in cloud by this time. Views from the summits were all left to memories of past visits. However the scenery in the Ceunant y Briddell was stunning and low cloud/mist on the summits just added to the atmosphere. Lunch was enjoyed once back at the car, nowhere on route offered shelter from the unrelenting rain and at time gale force winds. Overall an enjoyable walks or so it seemed once we had got back to th car!
Few birds were seen although a mouse and a few rabbits were seen braving the rain. One or two rather bedraggles moths were also see. Birds seen or heard on route included: Meadow pipit, Kestrel, Grey Heron, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon and Wheatear.

A good pint of Hawkshead Bitter was enjoyed at the Cholomendy Arms at Cadol.

Halkyn, Limestone and Lead, Moel y Gaer and Cwm Conwy 16th August 2007

On the top of Halkyn Mountain.


On the top of Halkyn Mountain.

Richard assessing the horse whimsey?

Walk stats: 10.4 miles; Climb: 1540'; Time: 5 hours 31 minutes; Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.;
Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave and Sylvua J.

This was a walk starting and finishing at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn - always a special walk!

The weather forecast was just as they said, sunshine and showers, but after lunch (on this occasion taken early at 12-15 p.m.) proved to be sun almost all of the time. This walk is always enjoyable as it meanders over Halkyn Mountain through old mine workings towards towards the radio masts. This time we think, thanks to Dave J, that we found the remains of the old horse whimsey. The views from the top of Moel y Gaer were excellent, and as ever the two donkeys in the old quarry towards Rhosesmore looked in prime condition. One even seemed to wag its tail when Sylvia called out to it. The woodland walk through Cwm Conwy was very pleasant but didn't add to the bird list, although a Buzzard did fly up just as we crossed the stream in to the field. The Water Buffalo in the field near Midlist Farm looked in good condition. Perhaps one of them (a small piece of one) will be on my menu list later in the year!

An excellent pint or two or three was enjoyed at the Britannia Inn. I know Celia will be disappointed to have missed them, but the Boxers were back. Alas not for ever, they were just on holiday! Both mother and son were as friendly as ever, but they seemed to have been de-slobbered!

Birds seen or heard on the walk: Swallow, House Martin, House Sparrow, Stonechat, Bullfinch, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon and Buzzards.

Thanks everyone for the birthday money, it will probably go to buy a new colour printer cartridge and some copy paper. An excellent choice of card, and the answer I should give is Wales, but you all know it has to be Whim Ales Hartington Bitter which is of course comes from England.

Moel Siabod 11th August 2007

No pictures yet, but you never know, they may arrive from other sources later!

Distance: 6 miles; Climb: 2400', Time: Unknown; Walking Average: Data not available; Overall walk average: Data not available.
Group: Dave J, Richard, Celia, Fran and Tito.

A small breakaway party from the Harris Hikers ventured forth without Martyn on Saturday. It was over the pint at Chirk last Thursday that Celia cajoled Richard and Dave Jenkins to take her up Moel Siabod and Tito and Fran took the opportunity to join the group. It was the one week end of the year when Martyn takes himself off with Gary Leslie et al to let his hair down and enjoy a touch of Jazz in South Wales.

The day started well though Fran perhaps shouldn’t have had so many glasses of wine the previous evening. Dave picked up Fran Tito and Celia at 8 a.m and took the party to Ysceifiog where Richard took over the role and drove us all to Snowdonia He did a bit of moaning that his car wasn’t used to such a weight in the back but it seemed to manage the job. Betws has lost its charm with the “shopping experience” being more important than the countryside for most visitors but we had to agree that it was better that most people stick to the shops and leave the mountains to the few. How snotty is that!!

Tito took some ribbing for his pink socks and whilst he is rather partial to pink, owning a number of shirts and baseball caps in the tone, he seemed to think his very pink socks were not pink. We are not sure what he sees but in any case who cares.

We walked up Siabod by taking the Daear Ddu ridge (I think) which was quite a scramble, but thoroughly enjoyed by all.

On the summit we had lunch and what a view!. Richard and Dave discussed quietly but at reasonable length, the position of the Moels in view and after a number of compass readings all was agreed and honour satisfied. Snowdon was covered for most of the time with mist but we were blessed with much kinder weather walking in tee shirts and shorts all day. We did get a fine view of Snowdon and the surrounding hills when the mist lifted For once there was little discussion about the time for the break as the “top” coincided quite nicely with “lunch time” Clearly everyone knows what time lunch time is, so the exact time does not need to recorded here.

The walk down was fairly leisurely and not too steep, looking over the valley to Plas y Brennin. We enjoyed strolls through forests and woods - Braich Bryn- Engan and Coed Bryn Engan. We debated the cons and cons of the conifer forests but as Fran enjoys the sound and light created by them they do have a pro. We passed quite a large, youthful and friendly party going up just as we were reaching the bottom. Apparently some of the group were training for a trip to Morrocco.

Celia and Fran got a sublime swim at the end of the walk. Temperature not Mediterranean but not shocking either and for both it was the first UK open air swim of the year.

The day ended well with a pint or so at the Fox in Ysceifiog and Richard had the pleasure of being the driver and being able to walk home after his bevy.

Whilst we had a fabulous day we all noted that we kept looking round feeling that there was someone missing as indeed there was – We hope you had a good weekend Martyn and Happy Birthday for next week.

A quiet day for flora and fauna - no sightings sent to the recorder!

Thanks to Fran for her account of this acccent of Moel Siabod.

The Ceiriog Valley, Y Foel and Biddulph Tower 9th August 2007

The trig point on Y Foel.

The Berwyn Ridge from Y Foel.

At the summit of Y Foel, standing on Biddulp Tower.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.0 miles; Climb: 1935'; Time: 6 hours 11 minutes;

Walking average (on the move): 2.3 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

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

Overall this was a tougher walk than we expected, and the walk description wasn't easy to follow and at times the O.S. map wasn't very clear either. Never mind we did get round roughly as we had planned with a little guidance from some of the locals. Weather was excellent, although the midges and horseflies thought so too! Plenty of nettles and thistles were waiting to attack and hawthorn hedges by stiles ready too scratch. Despite the moaning the extension to Y Foel was well worth the effort. Views of the main Berwyns ridge dominated the near distance, but the view to the Eglwyseg Rocks and the Llantysilio range was excellent too. Y Foel was to be the lunch spot, but the insects forced to head for sactuary elsewhere, just outside St Fraids church. Route finding from then on became more challenging and visiting the rest of the churches around Glyn Ceiriog seemed to loose their fascination.

Tim provided some of his wedding cake, a very enjoyable bonus for lunch.

Birds seen or heard on route: Woodpigeon, Carrio crow, Raven, Goldfinch, House sparrow, Dipper, Swallow, Blackbird, Robin, Peacock (heard and three magnificent feathers found on the path) and Buzzards. A Common lizard was reportedly seen!

A very pleasant drink or two was enjoyed at the Bridge, just across the border in Shropshire.

The Berwyns from Llandrillo 4th August 2007

The stone circle on Moel Ty-uchaf.

Looking towards the Berwyns just as the open access land starts (our route of desnt).

Walk stats: Distance: 10.1 miles; Clib: 3022'; Walking average: 2.2 m.p.h.;

Time: 5 hours 49 minutes; Walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave and Sylvia J.

The walk started at the riverside car park in Llandrillo, an excellent place to start a walk with very well maintained toilets too! The weather could have been kinder, particularly on the summits of the Berwyns. Views were occasionally fleeting but mainly almost none existent. Low cloud and a fair breeze kept things pleasantly cool, but once in the valley it became quite warm and sultry. Despite the conditions this was a good walk and one to be repeated when the skies are blue and the clouds are well above the summits. There were plenty of flowers in bloom and the heather was showing signs of coming in to flower. A few moths and butterflies were also spotted as were two green caterpillars about 5 cm long with black and yellow bands along its length. can't find any of them in my book, can you?

Birds seen or heard on the walk: Meadow pipit, Swallow, Carrion crow, Buzzard, Kestrel, Wheatear and Raven.

The Little Orme 2nd August 2007

One of the many flowers that we couldn't identify!

I am convinced that they are Spiked Speedwell.

The view across the Little Orme towards Snowdonia.

At the trig point on the Little Orme.

Walks Stats: Distance: 7.9 miles; Climb: 1440'; Walking average: 2.2 m.p.h.
Time: 4 hours 53 minutes.

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

This was a walk that we first enjoyed first on 11th May 2006 when many Spring flowers, particularly the Purple Spotted Orchid, were in bloom. This walk again impressed with many wild flowers on show. Alas our knowledge to identify many of them, even with the help of a guide book left us still in bewilderment. Nevertheless we can still enjoy their beauty! Blackberries were also enjoyed by most of us. Birds seen and heard on the walk included: Herring gull, Cormorant, Kittiwakes, Kestrel, Buzzard, Peregrine falcon, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow and Chough.

This very pleasant walk will always be worth repeating, particularly on warm sunny days as this proved to be. The views from the summit plateau in all directions are spectacular. None of us was tempted to take a paddle in the sea let alone go for a swim. Put to shame by just two young children playing at the waters edge.
A pleasant pint of J.W.Lees was enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. The Britannia has change landlord again, but they are just as welcoming, and will allow us to park the car there when we go walking.