Pen-y-Gaer, llyn Dulyn and Melynllyn 31st May 2008

One of our first views of the Carneddau near the start of the walk.
Llyn Dulyn does exist!

One of the first glimpses of Lyn Eigau

Walk stats: Distance:10.3 miles; Climb:1725'.

Time: 5 hours 49 minutes; Walking average: 2.3. m.p.h.;Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group; Martyn, Roger, Sylvia, Richard and Dave J.

This was a superb walk in a much neglected area of Snowdonia. Much to our amazement we did see three other people on the walk. The weather all day was perfecr, wall to wall blue sky, hardly any wind and warm temperatures (20+ Celsius). The views of the high peaks of the Carneddau were excellent, perhaps making us envious that we weren't tramping the high peaks today. Walking around this valley had much to offer and the two hidden reservoirs of Llyn Dulyn and Lynn Melynllyn were an added bonus. Why go abroad when Wales has so much beauty to offer?

Birds seen today: Stonechats (this valley was Stonechat valley), Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Wren, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Grey wagtail, Raven, Carrion crow,Buzzard, Carrion crow, Chaffinch, Hedge sparrow, Mallard, and Cuckoo (seen as well as heard).

As always good pints of J.W.Lees were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

As always a good time was had by all!

Graig Fawr from Prestatyn 29th May 2008

The quarry that destroyed the remains of Dyserth Castle?
At the trig point on Graig Fawr.

Barkby Beach, Prestayn

Walk stats: Distance: 8.1 miles; Climb:821'.

Time:3 hours 55 minutes; Walking average: 2.6.m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave J., Sue and Michel, Sue and Dave P.,Carol and Tim Dwyer.

A slightly shorter than usual walk, but on this very warm humid day this was a bonus. The sea at Prestatyn's Barkby Beach seemed very inviting, but only a few hardy souls were seen in the water. None of us showed any sort of inclination to join them! As usual onn this walk we attempted to locate any evidence of the remains of Dyserth Castle, and at least this time we ventured into the quarry that we believe was responsible for destroying the last of the remains. The views from Graig Fawr were excellent, although distant views of Snowdonia were hazy to say the least. Lunch was taken early, just before mid-day, so that we could bask in the sun ion the slopes of Graig Fawr. Again the views from the Offa's Dyke footpath across Prestatyn to the wind turbines were also superb.

Richard added "kite catcher" to his CV, having run after and catching a kite that was returned to it's distraught young owner, happily reunited with a kite that she had had since she was a baby.

A Common seal engaged our attention at the start of the day.

Birds seen or heard today included: Cormorant, Swallow, House martin, House sparrow, Woodpidgeon, Chaffinch, willow warbler, Carrion crow, Raven, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Great tit and Grasshopper warbler.

A pint or two of J.W.Lees bitter were quaffed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn and there was still time to sit out in the garden when we got home.

Dates and Walks May 2008

Updated 25th May 2008

Thursday 1st May 2008

Little Orme and Coed-y-Gaer.

Start:On the roadside near to the public toilets on the front at Craig y Don.
Grid ref: SH799822.
Distance: 8 miles. Climb:1500'.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
Always a good walk, a little shorter than our usual, but we can always extend it by walking along the beach towards Llandudno.

Saturday 3rd May 2008.

Llyn Crafnant, Llyn Gerionydd and Llanrhychwyn Church.

Distance: 12 miles; Climb: 1500+'.
Start: Car park in Trefriw. Grid ref: SH782630.
Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.
This combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley. This walk visits two popular lakes, one of which we seem to have seen quite a lot of recently. One walk also visits the remains of a remote upland church,said to be the oldest in Wales.

Monday 5th May.

Pendle Hill.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 2000'.
Start: Downham Village car park. Grid ref:SD785442
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.
This is a variation of the walk that we normally do, but is taken from a booklet produced by the Guardian called "the Best Walks in Britain". It ascends on the route we normally descend and uses a route further to the east on the descent. Another possible Dotterel day!

Thursday 8th May 2008.

Penycloddiau and beneath Moel y Parc.

Distance: 11-12 miles; Climb:2000'.
Start: Llangwyfan Forestry Car Park between Pencloddiau and Moel Arthur.
Grid ref:SJ139668
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". I have done both of these walks but not together. The walk around Moel-y-Parc I have completed only once before, but that time we started at Aberwheeler, and did a little bit of route detouring of our own to approach the summit from the North. That won't be our plan this time! This route doesn't actually reach the summit of Moel Arthur unless a there and back extension is thought desirable.

Saturday 10th May 2008.

Moel Siabod by a new route.

Distance: 10 miles; Climb:2800'.
Start: Parking space near Dolwyddelan station. Grid ref: SH738522.
Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Michael Burnett's book " Walks East of Snowdon". The walk approaches from the South of Llyn y Foel, before heading up the South ridge and descends via the East ridge. It finally returns via the the impressive ruins of Rhos Quarry.

Thursday 15th May 2008.

Coed Pen-y-Gelli and the Gorsedd Round The Bluebell Wood walk).

Distance:12 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Side road (one way) in Lloc. Grid ref: SJ145765
Again this combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain", but I don't think we have done them together. Hopefully this will give us the opportunity to see the Bluebells in their full glory.

Saturday 17th May 2008.

Ro Wen and Across the Lledre.

Distance: 10 miles; Climb: 2500+'.
Start: Parking space near Dolwyddelan station. Grid ref: SH738522.
Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.
This walk uses two walks taken from Michael Burnett's book " Walks East of Snowdon". The main walk takes you to the beautiful Penamnen Valley to the summit of the mountain that dominates it to the East.
The second short walk takes us alongside the Afon Lledre, crossing it via a footbridge and then gently climbing up the western foothills of the valley offering spectacular views of the Lledre Valley. Half of the walk repeats sections of the walk completed on the 26th April 2008

Thursday 22nd May 2008

No walk planned as I am away camping!

Hopefully Dave J., Michel and Richard will think of a suitable walk for everyone.

Saturday 24th May 2008.

Lamaload, Forest Chapel, Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor.

Distance: 11 miles; Climb: 2000+'.
Start: Lamaload Reservoir Car Park. Grid ref: SJ976753.
Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks". It partly covers a walk that we completed from Tegg's Nose. The route visits two of the highest points in Cheshire, both excellent viewpoints on a good day!

Thursday 29th May 2008.

Graig Fawr, and Coed yr Esgob from Prestayn.

Distance:9-10 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Prestatyn beach car park. Grid ref: SJ068840. There is a large car park by the toilet block, just before the beach car park, but I usually park on the one that overlooks the beach.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This is a walk that I have done many times before and always enjoy. The route uses the North Wales Path and Offa's Dyke path to link the start point with a walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills". There could be a chance for a swim, if anyone is brave enough!

Saturday 31st May 2008

Pen-Gaer, Llyn Dulyn and llyn Melynllyn

Distance: 10 miles; Climb: 2000+' (at a guess).
Start:Pen-y-Gaer. Grid ref: SH744693.
To get to the start point. From the Bedol pub in Tal-y-bont (in the Conwy valley), take the road signposted to Llanbedr-y-cennin. Go past the Olde Bull Inn and continue up the hillsise. At a junction, turn left and follow the road up below the norther slopes of Pen-y-Gaer to its end, where it becomes two tracks and there is a parking area near a seat.
This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". He describes this as an exhilarating walk. It includes extensive views from Moel-y-Gaer, a hill fort with rare "cheveux de frise" defenses. The walk crosses wild upland valleys, visiting remote lakes set in dramatic cwms. At one point it follows a delightful track and later on scenic high level track before passing a bothy. Although the walk involves little demanding climbing, it is a walk for experienced walkers only, and should not be attempted in poor visibility. Let's hope the weather is kind to us.
Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.

Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor 24th May 2008

Ignore any dates on the photographs. Richard hasn't used his camra for a while!

The approach to Shutlingsloe.
On the summit of Shutlingsloe.
The lunch spot.

On the summit of Shining Tor.

The final approach to Lamaload.

Walk stats: Distance:11.8 miles; Climb:4618'.
Time:5 hours 47 minutes; Walking average:2.4 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Richard, Celia and Roger.
This was an excellent walk completed in conditions that could best be described as one to blow the cobwebs out of your hair. Otherwise it was in the main bright and at times warm and sunny. The views from the summits of Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor were good. The highlight of the day was the friendly farmer at Greenways Farm, wit his bushy eyebrows and his tales of his walking exploits in the past, and of course there was the cute two week old calf in the farm yard.

This is definitely a walk to be repeated.
Birds seen or heard today included: Kestrel, Blackbird, Meadow pipit, Mallard, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Willow warbler, Canada goose, Woodpidgeon and starling.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Lord Elgin in Knutsford.

Norber from Danebridge Camp Site 22nd May 2008

Our first view of the route to Norber Scar.
One of the many erratic boulders on the Norber boulders field. Ken Murray at the highest point on Norber, Ingleborough and Simon's Fell behind.

The Danebridge camp site as we left it.

Walk stats: Distance:7.1 miles; Climb:1148'.

Time:3 hours 51 minutes; Walking average:2.3 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn an Ken.

Weather for this short amble was excellent almost perfect for walking. Pleasantly warm, sunny and with a breeze now and then to cool us down. This walk offered a lot to interest us, from the Norber erratics field, the limetone pavements and the fast number of cairns across the summit plateau of Norber. The views towards Ingleborough in particular were impressive.

Birds seen or heard today included:Wheatear, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Rook,Curlew, Pied wagtail, Swallow, Swift, House martin, Starling, Chaffinch, Pheasant and Woodpidgeon.

The only downside was the fact that we arrived at the Gamecock at Austwick 30 minutes after closing time. Not to be beaten this time we went back for evening opening to enjoy a good pint of Thwaites Original.

Ingleborough from Danebridge Camp Site 21st May 2008

Ingleborough from Simon's Fell Breast
Ken Murray at the shelter on Ingleborough.

Martyn at the trig point on Ingleborough.

Ken Murray descending Trow Gill

Walk stats: Distance:13.9 miles; Climb:2634'.

Time:7 hours 10 minutes; Walking average:2.3 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Ken Murray.

Overall this was a superb walk and the route can be recommended for anyone wanting a full day's walking. The route went via Austwick, Crummack, Thieves Moss and across Simon's Fell Breast and onto Ingleborogh. The return route went via Gaping Gill, Trow Gill and Clapdale Drive before cutting across to Long Lane and finally Thwaite Lane back to Austwick.

The weather was good, if somewhat overcast and blustery on the tops, but fine views in all directions were to be had. This was a very popular walking area and we saw more people on this walk than I've seen on a walk for a long time. There weren't many occasions when we had the landscape to ourselves.

Birds seen or heard today included: Cuckoo, Wheatear, Buzzard, Skylark, Meadow pipit, Blackbird, Wren, Chaffinch, Curlew, Blue tit, Great tit, Pied wagtail, Swallow, Swift, House martin, Starling, Rook, Redshank and Pheasant.

The only downside was the fact that we arrived back at the Gamecock in Austwick 15 minutes before it was due to open and missed out on a pint!

Pencloddiau and Moel y Parc 8th May 2008

Celia enjoying her second drink of J.W. Lees bitter at the Britannia Inn!

Archaeologists at the dig on Pencloddiau.

On Offa's Dyke Path below Moel y Parc on the way to Aberwheeler.

Dave J. at the summit cairn on Moel y Parc
(the rest of the group in the background enjoying lunch)

Walk stats: Distance:9.4 miles' climb:2290'.

Time: 4 hours 26 minutes; Walking average:2.6 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

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

What a glorious day this turned out to be. Almost perfect walking conditions, especially after lunch when a very pleasant cooling wind accompanied us. On Pencloddiau we had a very interesting chat to a group of archaeologists investigating the area around the summit cairn. Hopefully we will find out the results of these escavations in the future.

Views today weren't as good as one might expect because of the heat haze/mist across the distant peaks of Snowdonia. nevertheless the views were good giving that air of mystery.

Again Spring flowers were seen in abundance.

Birds seen or heard today included: Wren, Magpie, Robin, Dunnock, Carrion crow, Raven, Skylark, Meadow pipit, Buzzard, Green woodpecker, Yellowhammer, Pheasant, willow warbler and Ciffchaff.

As usual after walk drinks were at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. An excellent pint or two or even more of Lees bitter were quaffed with relish. Surprise of the day was the fact that even Celia tried the bitter and admitted to enjoying, buying a second drink for herself and others of course. One person enjoyed a pot of tea, and others soft drinks!

Ro-wen from Dolwyddelan 17th May 2008

The final approach to the summit of Ro-wen. One of the misty views looking across the Penamnen valley from the slopes of Ro-wen.

Lunch at the summit shelter on Ro-wen.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.4 m.p.h.; Climb:1729'.

Time:4 hours 0 minutes;Walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

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

The weather forecast wasn't good with single figure temperatures, low cloud and showers on the menu for the day. However it turned out to be marginally better, it was overcast with a hint of rain in the air that never really materialised, cool on the tops but warm in the valley. The views from the summit of Ro-wen on a good clear day would have been superb, today we had to be satisfied with misty peaks all round and the desire to return to see the views in their full glory.

The walk was a little shorter than usual, but it did allow us to listen to the FA Cup Final on the way home and watch some of it in the Britannia Inn while we enjoyed a pint or two of J. W. Lees' bitter.

Birds seen or heard today included: Willow warbler, Chaffinch, Skylark, Meadow pipit, Whitethroat, Great tit,Swallow, Swift, Mallard and Pied wagtail.

Coed Pen y Gelli and the Gorsedd Round 15th May 2008

The watch tower in Coed y Garrog.
Blue bells
Walking through the Blue bells.

One of the foals

Walk stats: 12.9 miles; Climb: 1151'.

Time:5 hours 20 minutes; Walking average:2.7 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

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

After the walk we all said that our legs knew that they had been on a good walk. Having checked the bit that was missing when the GPS was switched off for a while, this added an extra 1.5 miles to the total recorded. It didn't add too much to the climb because it was virtually all down hill.

The weather was very pleasant, warm, sunny and with bright blue skies and occasionally a gentle refreshing breeze. This was the Blue bell walk. They were a little sad and seemed to be lacking a water in the first wood, but in the second wood they looked a little more lively. This was certainly a day for flowers, the hedgerows were adorned with flowers everywhere we looked. We could appreciate their beauty even if we couldn't identify them!

During the walk we had excellent views of a Fox, but the best was left till near the end of the walk when one field had two very young foals in it.

Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Starling, House sparrow, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Buzzard, Skylark, Chaffinch,Pied wagtail, Swallow, Swift, House martin, Greylag goose and possibly a Garden warbler.

A much needed pint of J.W.Lees bitter was enjoyed by at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

Moel Siabod from Dolwyddelan 10th may 2008

We shouldn't be here, we should be up there!
Tryfan and the Glyders from the summit of Moel Siabod.
Crossing the stile what ever way you want!
One of our final views of Moel Siabod from the Capel Curig to Dolwyddelan bridleway.

Walk stats: Distance:10.2miles;Climb:2452'.

Time:6 hours 28 minutes;Walking average:2.1m.p.h.;Overal walk average:1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Roger and Celia.

As described on the walks list, this turned out to be "Moel Siabod by a different route". Route finding wasn't easy and we first went wrong approaching Llyn y Foel a little too far to the west, then went wrong again when we missed out the main Daear Ddu ridge and approached the summit again a little too far to the west.

However the walk turned out well, even if the views gave an air of mystery with hill tops shrouded in mist.

The weather was dry and very warm and quite humid. The only disappointment was the fact that the summit was overcrowded and we couldn't get our usual group photo at the trig point. I'd forgotten how demanding on the knees the descent down the main ridge towards Rhos quarry was and progress was quite slow to say the least. The new sections around the quarry and along the main bridleway from Capel Curig to Dolwyddelan was quite interesting and gave some new angles of Moel Siabod for us to experience.

Birds seen or heard today included: Ring ousel, Swallow, Swift, Robin, Raven, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Cuckoo, Willow warbler, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Pied wagtail and Mallard.

J.W.Lees bitter was enjoyed by all who called in at the Britannia Inn for after walk drinks. Satisfying drinks after quite a tiring walk.

Pendle Hill 5th May 2008

A Dotterel day - our first ever sighting.

Downham's pride and joy.

Bird of the day - photo provided by D. Jenkins.

At the trig point on Pendle Hill.

Lunch time in the lee of Pendle Hill.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.2 miles; Climb:1985'.

Time:4 hours 34 minutes; Walking average:2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Celia, Dave J., Sylvia, Paul, Michael, Fran,Tito, Dave and Sue P.

This was a glorious walk capped by the sighting of the main objective of the day. After more than ten years of potential Dotterel day we did see them! Close up and in numbers, both male and female in fine breeding plumage. Without this sighting this is still a superb walk from the picturesque village of Downham. The weather was kind to us, warm and sunny to start with, then in the afternoon somewhat overcast, but still very warm. Views were still abit hazy, but after seeing Dotterel nothing seemed to matter. Martyn provided some fruit cake in celebration of "Workers/Labour Day", but it should have been for "Dotterel Day".

Other birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Pied wagtail, Mallard, Pheasant, Collared dove, Lapwing, Robin, Kestrel. Canada goose, Meadow pipit, Reed bunting and Skylark.

Thwaites' Wainwright was the pint enjoyed at the local Downham Arms.

Llyn Geirionydd, Llyn Crafnant and Llanrhychwyn Church 3rd May 2008

Richard's first ever sighting of a Cuckoo day walk.

Spot the Cuckoo in the tree in the middle of the picture!
Exploring the old mine entrance.
At the Memorial by Llyn Geirionydd.

Marsh Marigolds near Llyn Geirionydd.

Resting by the Klondyke Mill tramway.

The view of Snowdoinia from near Castell-y-Gwynt cottage.

Walk stats:Distance: 9.9 miles; Climb:1956'.

Time:5 hours 49 minutes; Walking average 2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn; Richard, Celia and Roger.

This walk had more to offer than we originally anticipated. The weather was excellent, sunny and there was only a gentle breeze. The walk out of Trefriw followed a path through wonderful deciduous woodland where the birds were serenading us, and we heard the first Cuckoo of the day. Cuckoos were heard calling throughout the day around both lakes, but the highlight of the day was when Richard spotted a calling Cuckoo resting in a tree about 50 yards away, and to make it even better as we all watched the first Cuckoo a second Cuckoo joined it. Without doubt the Cuckoo was our bird of the day.

We took advantage of the picnic table by Llyn Geirionydd to have our lunch before the gentle climb to the New Pandora Mine. Along the track to Castell-y-Gwynt we had spectacular views of Moel Siabod, Snowdon, the Glyders and Tryfan.

Spring flowers were also on display in many area on the walk.

Birds seen or heard today included:Two Cuckoos, Wood warbler(the first I've ever seen),Robin, Willow warbler, Swallow, Swift, Chiffchaff, Mistle thrush, Mallard, canada goose, Greylag goose, Common gull, Pied wagtail, Grey wagtail, Carrion crow, Buzzard, Wheatear, Siskin, Wren, Dunnock, Great tit and Blackbird.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

The Little Orme Ist May 2008

At the trig point on the Little Orme.

Looking across the bay to the Great Orme. One of the many views on offer today.


Inspecting the Gorse.

Walk stats: Distance:7.2 miles; Climb:1756'.

Time: 4 hours 0 minutes; Walking average:2.3 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group:: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Annie H., Sylvia and Dave J.

A short walk, but how good it is to be beside the sea. The weather was almost perfect for walking, sunny with a cooling wind. This wonderful little walk is one to savour at any time of the year, but today was quite special. There were so many Spring flowers in bloom and the Gorse gave splashes of bright yellow everywhere we looked and that characteristic coconut aroma delighted our sense of smell frequently. However the sighting of the day was three Common Seals swimming off the Little Orme Head quite close in. Seeing the nesting Fulmars and Kittiwakes was good too. The views in all directions were magnificent and were a joy to behold.

Last year we did the walk at the beginning of August. We might repeat it agin at the same time this year to see if we can spot the Spiked speedwell again.

Birds seen or heard today included: Wheatear, Kittiwakes, Fulmar, Robin, Wren, Houses sparrow, Dunnock, Jackdw, Jay, Carrion crow, Great tit, Rook, Jackdaw, Willow warbler, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Blackbird and Greenfinch.

Enjoyable pints of J.W. Lees bitter were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.