Moel Gyw, Llyn Gweryd and Plas y Nant 28th February 2008

At the summit cairn on Moel Gyw.
At the trig point on Moel Gyw.

Fran and Annie on the delightful grassy ridge path from Garreg Lwyd to Llanarmon yn Ial.

The view from the summit of Moel y Plas

Walk stats: Distance: 11.5 miles; Climb:2195'.

Time: 5 hours 24 minutes; Walking average:2.6 m.p.h; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave J., Annie H., Fran and Tito.

Overall this was an excellent walk. The day started with the sun shining, but quite breezy. Almost perfect for walking. The views in all directions were excellent, particularly from the summit of Moel Gyw. The path from Garreg Lwyd to Llanarmon yn Ial, was a new route to most of us. This fine grassy ridge was a joy to walk on. We had our lunch just below the summit of Moel y Plas, still basking in the sun with fine views across Llyn Gweryd towards the Llantyslio range and Berwyns beyond. After visiting the summit cairn on Moel y Plas we returned to the main Offa's Dyke path. This lofty path always gives good views towards North Wales and Snowdonia across Vale of Clwyd. We are too familiar with this area and ended up walking along a beautiful and delightful section of Offa's Dyke path when we should have headed down hill on the track leading to the valley floor. We retraced our steps, not a hardship when the path is so delightful and continued on the route as directed. The section through Coed Plas y Nant was new to me, and does seem to have potential as a Blue bell walk in May. Ramsons were also showing well, and their leaves sampled by some.

Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Gossander, Woodpidgeon, Buzzard, Carrion crow, Coot, Bullfinch, Common gull, Raven, Kestrel, House sparrow and Greenfinch.
The beers sampled today included Purple Moose, Snowdonia Ale, Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Deuchars IPA. The fire at the Glasfryn was an added bonus and the serving staff are always pleasant. I'm glad that Richard said that he prefered to go to the Glasfryn than the other hostelry in Mold that was suggested.

Dates and Walks February 2008

Updated 25th February 2008

Saturday 9th February 2008
I am sorry to have to inform everyone that our friend Garry Leslie died yesterday in Arrowe Park Hospital after becoming very ill whilst taking chemotherapy for his cancer.
Garry's funeral is taking place

on

Friday 22nd 2008

at

3-00 p.m.

at

Blacon Crematorium.

Saturday 2nd February 2008

Wincle to Sutton Common along the Gritstone Trail.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1500+' (at a guess)
Start: Lay-by on the A54 about 2 miles East of its junction with A523. If more than one car is needed, it may be useful to go in convoy to make sure that we all get to the same lay-by.
Grid ref: SJ940675 This layby doesn't seem to exist start at Danebridge instead.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks". He describes the walk as moderate/strenuous. This walk is the first of the walks that will allow us to get up close to that massive communications tower on Croker Hill. Views from Croker Hill are described as being extensive.

After walk drinks could be at the Wilkes Head in Leek!

Thursday 7th February 2008

Barber Hill and the Vivod Estate,

Berwyn Halt and the Horseshoe Falls.

Distance: 9-10 miles.
Climb: 1500' (at a guess)
Start: Llangollen long stay car park (pay and display). This is the car park that you get to by taking the first road on the right after crossing the bridge towards the centre.
Grid ref: SJ214420.

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley". The most memorable time that we did this combination of walks was in March 2006, when there was snow on the ground. It was a glorious sunny and the sun reflecting on the snow on the trees sparkled like jewels. This was a glorious walk, hopefully to be repeated again this time round.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Saturday 9th February 2008

Mynydd Garthmyn and Capel Garmon Burial Chamber

and a visit to St., Michael's Church.

Distance: 9-10 miles.
Climb: 2000' (at a guess).
Start: Betws-y-coed main car park (opposite the station).
Grid ref: SH795565.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Betwy-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". The walk visits the old drovers village of Capel Garmon. After a there and back ascent to the summit of Mynydd Garthmyn with its classic views of the Conwy Valley, we will visit a Neolithic burial chamber. The shorter second walk takes us on a path following the Afon Llugwy and Afon Conwy before visiting the fourteenth century St., Michael's Church.

Thursday 14th February 2008

Nant-y-Pandy and Moel Ferna.

(Michel's 60th birthday walk and Nigel's seach for a hanky!)

Distance: 9-10 miles.
Climb: 3200'.
Start: Lay-by by the Butterfly Man Craft Centre, Glyndyfrdwy (on the A5 Corwen to Llangollen road. )
Grid ref: SJ115436.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

I thought that it was time we revisited our friend Moel Ferna or did I really mean the Grouse Inn at Carrog! We had one or two memorable walks to Moel Ferna last year. Perhaps we will see some snow again this year too,but hopefully without the wind. Maybe another chance to see Crossbills.

Saturday 16th February 2008

Timbersbrooks to Rushton Spencer including the Cloud.

Distance: 11 miles.
Climb: 1500+'.
Start: Weathercock Lane picnic site car park, Timbersbrooks.
Grid ref: SJ895627
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

This walk taken from Carl Roger's book"Circular Walks along the Gritsone Trail and Mowcop Trail". Strictly speaking this is a walk around Rushton Spencer, but with an extension to include a traverse of the Cloud. One section includes paths alongside the River Dane. Part of the Staffordshire Way is used in the circuit.

Wednesday 20th February 2008.

The Christleton Round.

Distance: 9-10 miles.
Climb: Not a lot!

Start: Christleton village car park (turn down the track/road in front of the houses next to the pond).

Grid ref: SJ443659.

Meet at the car park at 9-30 a.m.

Wednesday is the correct day this week, I've got another appointment on the Thursday afternoon.

We can't get much more local than this, but I do have another meeting in the evening, so being close to home has advantages. Richard, Michel and myself last did this walk in September 2006. At that time we thought this was the wettest walk ever, but we now know differently. The walk is taken from the Ramblers' magazine "Walk". The walk goes to the Roman Bridges and then heads through the Nature Reserve across farm fields, where there is plenty of potential for going off route. The final stretch is along the canal back to Christleton

Saturday 23rd February 2008 .

Coed Creigiau and Cefn Cyfarwydd.

Distance: 8- 10 miles.

Climb: 1500+' (at a guess).

Start: car park in Trefriw.

Grid ref: SH782650.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

This is another walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betwy-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". He describes the walk as an exhilarating walk exploring the little known upland area North west of Trefriw. It also includes a new wooded trail, Coed Creigiau. Possible extension to include Llyn Cowlyd.

Thursday 28th February 2008

Moel Gyw, Coed Plas y Nant and Llyn Gweryd.

Distance: 11-12 miles.

Climb: 2000+' (at a guess).

Start: Lay-by just after the Llanarmon-yn-Ial turn on the A494.

Grid ref: SJ185592

This walk combines two of the walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills" (New Edition). He recommends the start point to be the Clwyd gate Hotel, but we will start just down the road from there (nearer to Llanferris). However with a little bit of map reading we should be able to link the start point with the recommended start point with minimal walking along the busy A494. He describes the walk as an interesting walk combining the delights of an open high level path with tremendous views, and the opportunity to explore a little known side valley. The second walk offers panoramic views around the upland lake Llyn Gweryd.

Coed Creigiau and Cefn Cyfarwydd 23rd February 2008

Glimpses of the Conwy valley from Coed Creigiau.
Looking towards Dolgarrog from Cwm Ddu

Heading into Cwm Ddu.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.3 miles; Climb: 2224'.
Time: 3 hours 24 minutes; Walking average:2.7 m.p.h., Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Richard, Celia, Dave J, Sylvia and Rosemary.

The weather today wasn't too kind. Continuous light rain and low cloud. Glimpses of distant views were always somewhat misty. Following the route description at times wasn't easy, but fortunately waymarkers brought us back on track. Despite the weather and the fact that much of the walk was on tarmac this walk does have potential. We will have to repeat the walk when we know that high peaks of the Carneddau can be seen in all their majesty.

At one point a Brown hare raced ahead of us, effectively showing us the way.

Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Chaffinch Blue tit, Great tit, Fieldfare, Magpie and Carrion crow.

Some of us enjoyed a pint or two of J.W. Lees bitter at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn where the big screen displayed the progress of Wales on their way to their third successive victory in this year's six nations championship.

Christleton 20th February 2008

Why are they so slow?
On the way home.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.6 miles; Climb:150'.
Time:4 hours 30 minutes; Walking average: 2.8 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Group: Richard, Dave J, Annie H, Sue and Michel.
Martyn joined the group just before Roman Bridges
(Distance: 8.o miles; Climb: 119'.)
(Time: 3 hours 40 minutes, Walking average: 2.8 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.)

This isn't the most exciting walk that has been on the list, but on reflection it turned out to be a good choice to have a very local walk. At least today the weather was dry, cold and at times bright and sunny. Conditions underfoot were generaly quite good, but the towpath between Golden Nook and Waverton was a little muddy and slippy in places.
The highlight of today's walk was the number of birds that we saw and heard.
They included: Mute swan, Mallard, Teal, Snipe, Canada Goose, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Common gull, Buzzard, Kestrel, Long-tailed tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Blut tit, Great tit, Treecreeper, Lapwing, Moorhen, Coot, Grey heron, Carrion crow, Robin, House sparrow, Mistle thrush, Song thrush, Rook, Jackdaw, Collared dove, Woodpidgeon, Wren, Fieldfare and Redwing.
After walk drinks were at the Plough Inn, Christleton, where real fires greeted us. The beers sampled today included Spitting Feathers Old Wavertonian and Theakstons XP and and Special.

Boseley Cloud, Rushton Spencer and the Bridestones 16th February 2008

The Bridestones Neolithic burial site.

What's Tito doing that everyone else daren't look?

My shadow and friends at the summit of Boseley cloud.
Walk stats: Distance: 11.1 miles; Climb: 1664'.
Time: 5 hours 54 minutes. Walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Group; Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J.

This walk was completed in gloriuous walking conditions, cold, dry with plenty of bright sunshine. Not quite shorts weather but nearly there!
This walk had plenty of variety, including the impressive Neolithic burial site at Bridestones, the picturesque St., Lawrence's church above Rushton Spencer, and the gem of all today, Boseley Cloud. The views from this small gritstone outcrop were magnificent, made all the better for being bathed in sunshine. It wasn't difficult to see why this place was an attraction for so many people, young and older alike on a day like this.
Birds seen or herard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, Great tit, Carrion crow, Robin, Jackdaw, Grey heron, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Fieldfare, Redwing, Blackbird, Long-tailed tit and a flock of Willow tits that flitted delightfully in the tree tops around us for several minutes. Only four of us enjoyed the hospitally and a pint or two of the best bitter in the world that you always get at the Wilkes Head in Leek.

Nant y Pandy and Moel Fferna 14th February 2008

Waterfall on the Nant Y Pandy

Ice coated heather.

Most of the group at the summit of Moel Fferna.

Michel getting the celebrations started.

Who's the naughty boy then?

On the easy track again.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.5 miles; Climb: 2056'.
Time:5 hours 12 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Nigel, Celia, Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J., Sue and Michel.

This birthday walk for Michel (one day early really) had a few more surprises than we anticipated. Nigel joined us for the first time for a long time on a Thursday - he obviously had withdrawal symptons from Moel Fferna.
The initial approach along Nant y Pandy followed closely to tumbling, cascading river, a beautiful sight when plenty of water is flowing as it was today. The remains of old slate processing sites added to the interest. On leaving the confines of the wooded section of Nant y Pandy we decided to take a slightly differen route to the high moorlands by follwing the path through Cwm Canol and climb the gently rising path up the valley side to tarmac road that goes across into the Ceiriog Valley. At this point it was very evident that the temperature was below freezing with ice clinging to anything that it could get hold off, dressing the heather, trees and fences with beautiful/magical adornments. Photographs don't do it justice, but the privilage of seeing them makes a lasting memory.
Approaching the summit of Moel Fferna became more difficult as the visibilty was greatly reduced, and the main party lost contact with the three in the advanced party. Unfortunately the O.S. map indicated paths at the wrong point and the main group continued close to the fence when they should have taken the track that went half right (as Celia initially wanted to). Eventually we realised that we had gone wrong and retraced our steps back to that point, and were soon reunited with the three n........ boys, who had by this time been waiting for about 30 minutes for us and had started look for us. We returned to the summit cairn/shelter where we could celebrate Michel's soon to arrive free bus pass status. Carva, rum laced fruit cake and lovely rich biscuits were enjoyed by all. Here the temperature wa very cold and unprotected hands soon began to suffer. What a welcome hot drinks were today!
The descent to the valley was now easy to follow and and the temperature roase as we dropped below the mist. All the surprise weren't yet over! Fran decided to investigate an unusal object at thwe top of the field, and was disappointed to find that it was only an old sack on a fence post, the purpose of which still eludes us. Finally, at a point where Dave J. had slipped about a year ago, Celia decided to do the same, hurting her dignity and getting wet muddy gloves and evidence in other areas too that this wasn't really the place to sit down.
We were soon back at the cars and eager to sample again the warm welcome and delights of the Grouse Inn at Carrog.
Birds seen or heard today were very few, they had more sense and stayed under cover. They did include: Robin, Wren, Raven, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, House sparrow and Fieldfare.
At the Grouse Inn, the first pint of Lees bitter was excellent, but the next few pints were a little on the cold side. Two of the group enjoyed hot cups of tea, eventually bringing them back to life!

Mynydd Garthmyn, Capel Garmon Burial Chamber and St., Michael's Church 9th February 2008

The footbridge over Afon Conwy.
The group on Mynydd Garthmyn. One of the many excellent views seen on route. See from the lunchspot.

Capel Garmon burial chamber.

Walk stats: 9.2. miles; Climb:1120'.
Walking average 2.4 m.p.h.
Group: Richard, Celia, Roger, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J.

Birds seen or heard today include:Jackdaw, Jay, Magpie, Raven, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Hedge Sparrow, Nuthatch, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Mallard, Moorhen and Grey heron.

Barber Hill, Vivod Estate and the Horseshoe Falls 7th February 2008

The view from the lunchspot.


Climbing the road from Vivod - Llantysilio Mountains above.

The group at Llantysilio Church

Walk stats: Distance: 10.7 miles; Climb: 1974'.
Time: 5 hours 10 minutes, Walking average: 2.7 m.p.h., Overall walk average 2.1 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Annie H., Fran and Tito, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J.

This walk is always enjoyable, more so when the sun shines as it did today. The barmy temperatures caught most of us out, only Dave J. managed to where shorts, but even he cheated a little by wearing zip-offs! The first walk provides many magnificent views across the Dee valley to the Llantysilio mountains, the Eglwyseg Rocks, Dinas Bran and Trevor Rocks.
The surprise of the day was to come across a van trapped across a narrow section of the road, wedged at the back and against the fence at the front. How it was to be recovered, gave rise to some debate, but we'll probably never find out how it was done.
The River Dee was in spate and its roar could be heard a long way off as it crashed against the rocks on its way to Llangollen and beyond.
The flowers of the day were the Snowdrops where their dominant presence around the the gravestones and borders in Llantysilio Church, bathed in sunlight really did make you feel that the joys of Spring were here.
Birds seen or heard today included: Buzzard, Robin, Raven, Siskin, Pied wagtail, Blackbird, House sparrow, Mallard, Blue tit, Great tit, Nuthatch, Carrion crow, Grey Heron and Jackdaw.
After walk refreshments were enjoyed at the Cornmill, where brews from the Cottage and Weetwood breweries were enjoyed.

Bosely, Sutton Common,Croker Hill and the Gritstone Trail 2nd February 2008

Looking to the Comminications tower on Croker Hill/Sutton Common.

Lunch time.

The view from the lunch spot.

Snowman in the making.

Saying goodbue to Mr. Snowman.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.1 miles; Climb: 2323'.
Time: 6 hours 10 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J., Fran and Tito.

The start point as originally planned, had to abandoned when the road leading to it was closed, presumeably due to snow/ice on the minor road concerned. This meant that we had to improvise and started the walk from a large layby on the A523 at Bosely. The walk had to be adapted as well, since this start point was nearly 2 miles from any point on the planned walk.
Undeterred we set off through the snow covered fields towards the dam on Bosely Reservoir.
Bright sunshine and blue skies was sufficient and the snow were enough to make you glad just to be out.
The adapted route took us through some beautiful picturesque valleys and along high field tops with magestic views in all directions. It also treated us to some rather boggy terrain that would test anyones boots to the limit of their waterproofness.
Lunch was taken in a sheltered spot with its picture postcard view looking towards Brooms Farm. After lunch Michel couldn't resist the temptaion of building a snow man.
The highlight of the walk was the ridge sections across Sutton Common, Croker Hill with its communications tower and then along the old road following the Gritstone Trail. White Nancy, Shutlingsloe, the Roaches and Boselt Cloud could all be seen in their finery dressed with snow.
Birds seen or heard today included: Magpie, Nuthatch, Robin, Greenfinch, Carrion crow, Great crested grebe, Coot, Mallard, Snipe (bird of the day for most), Grey wagtail, Kestrel, Buzzard, Blue tit, Grat tit, Jackdaw and Goldfinch.
This magnifenct day's walking in the East of Cheshire was topped with pint of the best bitter in the world (Whim' Hartington Bitter) at the Wilkes Head in Leek. We needed to return home this way to avoid the road works on the A54, and coincidently give us the chance to visit the Whim hostelry in Leek.

This is a walk we will have to do again, probaly from Danebridge/Wincle when there is no ice/snow on the ground.

Around the Bollin and Wilmslow to Mottram Bridge 31st January 2008

The view towards Alderley Edge and the Peak District.

Crossing the River Bollin.


Distance: 13.3 miles; Climb: 2008'.
Time: 5 hours 42 minutes; walking average: 2.8.m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J.

The weather forecast for today, from some sources was horrendous, reducing the expected numbers as the fair weather walkers dropped out. They should have ignored what the weather men said, and just watched the computer generated movement of the clouds which suggested that we might just get away with it. This proved the case and virtually no rain was experienced and blue skies and some sun accompanied us for most of the walk.

The first walk around the Bollin via Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Woods was a delight, if somewahat muddy in places underfoot. This walk would be worth doing at any time of the year, but especially so in Spring. Lunch was taken at the picnic site at Twinnies Bridge.

The start of the second walk was linked by paths along the edge of the Carrs. It didn't quite live up to the beauty of the first, but the last section was again along the the wonderfully meandering River Bollin. Richard tried to lead us too close to the river and we ended up with a barbed wire fence to cross. Dave J. came to the rescue by putting his rucsac across the barbed wire to make our crossing easier and rip free.

Birds seen or heard today included: Robin, Chaffinch, Kestrel, Buzzard, Long-tailed tirt, Blue tit, Great tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Grey wagtail, Coot and Shoveler.

After walk drinks were at the Lord Eldon in Knutsford.