Dates and Walks July 2008

Updated 23rd July 2008

Everyone will be pleased to know that the handbag and driving license found on the Foel Fenlli walk was successfully returned to the owner.

(a thank you letter has been received).

Thursday 3rd July 2008

Budworth Mere, Pick Mere and Neumann's Flash.

Distance: 8-10 miles.
Climb: Very little!
Start: Marbury Country Park, Northwich.
Grid ref: SJ650765.
This walk is taken from a magazine in the Country Walking 1992 series. This is a very gentle low level walk with ample opportunities for some good birdwatching. Binoculars would be a useful addition to your walking equipment on this occasion. We hope to see Black-winged stilts that have nested for the first time this year on Neumann's Flash. Apparently the Black-winged stilts disappeared from Neumann's Flash on the 22nd June, but even without them, Neumann'a Flash is always worth a visit. Visiting Neumann's Flash will require a slight extension to the original 8 mile walk. The walk also goes past the Anderton Lift which I believe is operational again.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m. and meet at Marbury Country park.

Saturday 5th July 2008

Y Cribau and Dolwyddelan Castle.

Distance: 8-11 miles.
Climb:2000+' at a guess.
Start: At Pont Rufeinig (Roman Bridge Station).
Grid ref:SH713514.
This combines two walks from Dave Burnett's booklet "Walks East Of Snowdon". The first walk follows an ancient trail onto the hills before climbing the rock ridge of Y Cribau. This viewpoint offers an outstanding view of the Snowdon Horseshoe. The second walk is described as a fascinating walk providing dramatic glimpses of Dolwyddelan Castle and rises to an ooutstanding viewpoint offering a panorama of the Lledre Valey and surrounding mountains.
Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m. and meet at Pont Rufeinig (Roman Bridges Station).

Wednesday 9th July 2008

Change of day, I have a meeting on Thursday afternoon.

Foel Fenlli, Cwm Blaenant, Moel y Gaer and moel Fammau

Distance:11-12 miles.

Climb:2000+' at a guess.

Start: Bwlch Penbarras car park (Pay and display).

Grid ref:SJ162606.

It is quite some time since we walked in this area, except for Richard of course, so I thought it was about time that we reaquainted ourselves with our local patch.

These two walks are taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks in the Clwydian Hills"

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Saturday 12th July 2008

No walk planned - this is the date for WEF Men's Walk.

Thursday 17th July 2008

South of Llyn Brenig and Cwm Alwen.

Distance: 13 miles.

Climb:2000+' at a guess.

Start: Llyn Brenig Visitor Cenre car park (Pay and Display).

Grid ref: SH965847

The main walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "walking in the Vale of Clwyd and the Denbigh Moors", and the second walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes". She describes her walk as being varied, whilst Dave Berry describes his as being a walk exploring the attractive Alwen Valley and adjoining hills.

This walk is a little longer than usual and with the start point being a little further away than usual I expect we will also be a little later than usual getting back.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Saturday 19th July 2008

Wild Moor

Distance:11 miles.
Climb:2120''.
Start: Church Stretton. Grid ref:SO453936.
The original walk on the Nantlle Ridge was abandoned due to the weather forcast indicating lots of rain and even worse very strong gusty winds. This was a last minute change to switch to this lowere level walk on the Long Mynd.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

Thursday 24th July 2008

Around the Old Horseshoe Pass and Eglwyseg Rocks.

Distance:12 miles.

Climb:2500+'.

Start: Car parking area opposite the Ponderosa Cafe.

Grid ref:SJ193481

This is a repeat of the walk some of you did on the 27th March 2008, but I missed. The two walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" in which he describes one walk as delightful and the other as exhilarating. Add this to your own comments what more could you want from a walk? It sounded like a good walk if somewhat challenging with that uphill road walk back to the Ponderosa to greet us at the end.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Saturday 26th July 2008

Rhosneigre and Traeth Crigyll

Distance:13 miles.
Climb: Not a lot, but more than we probably expect - coastal walks are like that!
Start:The beach car park on the A4080 between Llanfaelog and Aberffraw.
Grid ref:SH331717
This combines two walks from Carl Roger's books "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey Volumes 1 and 2".
Coastal walks are always special and this will also give us an opportunity for a paddle or even a swim, so don't forget to put in your swimming gear if you fancy a dip at the end of the walk.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

Thursday 31st July 2008

Around Cwm Ceirw.

Distance:8-9 miles.

Climb:2000+' at a guess.

Start: Car Park in Cerrigydrudion. Close to the garage on the left approaching the village from the Ruthin road.

Grid ref: SH954488.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes".

He describes it as a walk exploring the the remote hills and valleys between Cerrigydrudion and Llangwm.

If time allows I would like to investigate a possible parking area on the A5 just down the road near Glasfryn. It is a layby on the left just before a garage and before entering the village at Grid ref: SH917502. If this parking area is OK then there are another a couple of good walks that start from Glasfryn that we can do.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Rhosneigr and More 26th July 2008

One view inside the Neolithic burial chamber.
Lunch near Llyn Traffwll Reservoir.

Walking along Traeth Llydan

Walk stats: Distance:15.4 miles; Climb:610'.

Time: 7 hours 0 minutes; Walking average:2.6 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

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

The general forecast for the day was good, mainly cloudy, but warm. It proved to be better than that and by afternoon it was sunny and probably in the high twenties. The walk started with a visit to Barclodiad y Gawres, a restored Neolithic burial chamber. Unfortunately we were too early to gain entry and had to be satisfied with peering through the bars! Much of the walk passed alongside lakes, most of which provided good birdwatching opportunities. although it at first seemed like an easy walk, in reality it proved quite challenging in every respect! sections involved finding paths through golf courses, supposedly waymarked but with the way mark post not obvious, trekking across a moor supposedly on a path but no evidence of one on the ground and some serious gorse negotiating again supposedly on a path but it was a great relief to eventually arrive at the village of Llanfihangel ym Nhowyn.

The highlight of the day was the last 4 mile treck along Traeth Cymyran, Traeth Cigyll and Traeth Llydan to the car park. By this time it was really sunny. There is nothing better than strolling along a beach with the tide coming in and being blessed with blue skies all around, so much so that most of us were tempted to cool down with a dip in the sea, a brief but exhilarating experience.

Birds seen or heard today included: Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Lesser black-backed gull. Great-crested grebe, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Starling, Greenfinch, Linnet, Mute swan, Cananda goose, Greylag goose, Barnacle goose with young, Woodpigeon, Collard dove, Pied wagtail, Pheasant, Carrion crow, Raven, Coot, Moorhen, Swallow, Swift, Sand martin, House martin, Cormorant, Mallard, Blackbird, Reed bunting, Sedge warbler,Pochard, Tufted duck, Ruddy duck and Sparrowhawk. Possibly a Hobby too!

We also saw a Brown Hare racing across the field in frint of us as well as many flowers including ther much talked about Ragged Robin!

After walk drinks were quaffed with relish at the Britanni Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

Around the Old Horseshoe Pass and Eglwyseg Rocks 24th July 2008

The group at the start of the walk.
Sue and Marie and a man with a new toy!
One section of Offa's Dyke path.

Lunch below the Eglwyseg Rocks.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.3 miles; Climb:2205'.

Time:5 hours 38 minutes; Walking average:2.5 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Paul, Annie H., Dave J., Michel, Sue and Mareen (Michel and Sue's niece).

The forecast for today was good with anticipated temperatures in the high twenties. Arriving at the Ponderosa we might have thought otherwise. The nearby hill tops were in mist and there was quite a cool breeze enjoyed by some, but not by all! However as we descended towards Worlds End the mist lifted and and the temperatures rose. This walk has been impressive for its scenery, particularly around the Eglwyseg Rocks. The only downside today was tramping through head high bracken from Pentre Dwr to the current Horseshoe Pass. Even the climb along the Old Horseshoe pass road didn't seem as demanding than it had in the past, but the conditions today were in our favour.

For the first part of the walk we were joined by Michel, Sue and their young French great niece, Mareen, but they soon abandoned us for a shopping trip in Llangollen.

Birds seen or heard today included: Stonechat, Redstart, Kestrel, Meadow pipit, Magpie, Wren, House martin, Raven, Carrion crow, Wheatear and Buzzard.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Crown Inn, Llandegla where the Lees bitter was in fine form. New landlords mean that this delightful hostelry is more likely to be open when we need it!Paul acted as the good Samaritan as he gave a couple of walkers a lift back to Trevor where they had left the car, not realising that buses from Llandegla going anywhere are few and far between!

An excellent day out in God's own country.

Wild Moor 19th July 2008

Heading for Wild Moor. At the trig point on Pole bank. The lovely Townbrook Valley.

Walk stats:Distance:10.9 miles;Climb:2120'.

Time:5 hours 10 minutes; Walking average:2.6 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

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

We were planning to walk the Nantlle Ridge in Snowdonia, but the weather forecast of rain and strong winds persuaded us to relocate to Church Stretton. Weather here wasn't that good either mainly light showers with short dry breaks and the occasional splash of sunshine. The wind was quite strong at times. Conditions enabled Wild Moor to live up to its name. For most of us this walk took us to areas of the Long Mynd that we hadn't visited before as we dropped down past Wild Moor Pool and headed towards the village of Ratlinghope. The only downside was around Catbatch where waist high bracken presented a challenge for just over a mile and Celia decided to have a paddle in the hidden brook. Distant views towards Stipperstone, the Wrekin and the Brecon Beacons were just about there in periods where the clouds lifted and blue skies were the order of the day. We didn't linger long on the top of Pole Bank before decending to Church Stretton down a lovely path along the side of Townbrook Valley.

Birds seen or heard today included:Greenfinch, Grey heron, Kestrel, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Jackdaw, Grey wagtail, Redstart, Woodpidgeon and Stonechat.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Ragleth Inn in Little Stretton, thankfully open all day at the weekend since a new landlord has taken over.

Around Cwm Alwen from Llyn Brenig 17th July 2008

The rest of the group taking lunch. Yes, this really is summer!

Caer Ddunod, site of Caractacus' last stand against the Romans above the farm.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.3 miles; Climb:1485'.

Time:5 hours 14 minutes; Walking average:2.7 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.3 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Sylvia and Dave J.

Weather today wasn't perfect, dampness in the air for most of the walk, just enough to wet you if you didn't use your waterproofs. However full blooded rain didn't materialise and wet knee length grass was more of a problem. The sun even came out for 5 minutes! Views today were very limited due to low cloud and mist, a pity since this walk has several good viewpoints towards the Clwydians, Berwyns and Llantysilio Mountains. This pleasant and varied walk will have to be repeated when distant views are more likely to be on the menu.

Birds seen or heard today included:Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Buzzard, chaffinch, Blackbird, Swallow, House martin, Sand martin, Redstart, Herring gull, Chiffchaff, Grey heron, Kingfisher, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Stonechat and Meadow pipit.

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

Snowdon 12th July 2008

Some of the group at the summit trig point on Snowdon.
The group at the lunch spot - the best it gets!

The best view of the day - Hebog ridge.

Walk stats: Distance:8.1 miles; Climb:3319'.
Time: 5 hours 10 minute; walking average: 1.9 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Julian Chisholm, Tony Smith, Peter Sykes, Andrew Jones, Andrew and Geoff Lawson.

This was the Waverton Evangelical Fellowship Men's annual walk.
The route ascended via the Snowdon Ranger path and descended by the Rhyd Ddu path using cars at both ends. The weather wasn't too kind to us and Snowdon summit never emerged from the clouds. Views from the summit trig point were left to memories or imagination. I was expecting the summit hotel on Snowdon to be near completion, but on what we saw today we will have to revisit in 2009 to see it completed!

Nevertherless the walk was enjoyed by all, but we had to wait until we could shelter by the first wall on the Rhyd Ddu path to have our lunch. By the time we finished we were in glorious sunshine with good views across the valley towards Moel Hebog and the Nantlle Ridge. The Snowdon summit still remained in cloud throughout.
Birds seen or heard today included: Swallow, Stonechat, Raven, Herring gull, Meadow pipit and Wheatear.

Moel y gaer and Moel Famau 8th July 2008

Afternoon shift!
Distance: 4.9 miles
Height:1269'.
Walking average:2.7 m.p.h.
Group:Richard; Fran; Sylvia and Dave J.

A little moist in places from soaking bracken and mist on the summit of Moel Famau, not a lot of rain(seems hard to believe), some confusion over the route at one point (Did you find it difficult to find the second stile? The easy bit is to not cross the first stile, but to follow the fence to the right and go through the gate!), but common sense prevailed (not mine) and we hit the described trail. It was decided not to visit a hostelry the only option being the Glasfryn!

Foel Fennli and Cwm Blaenant 9th July 2008

The group on the lower ramparts of Foel Fennli.
The first photographic evidence of Roger's first mid-week walk.

Three young Swallows sitting on a gate.
The final approach towards the road near the Clwyd Gate Inn.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.6 miles; Climb:1524'.

Time: 3 hours 39 minutes; Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

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

The weather wasn't as good as we would have liked, but it did live up to the forecast. Although it was Roger's first mid-week walk we didn't blame him for the less than perfect weather, the sort of weather that we haven't experienced for quite a while. Not to be put off by the fine rain we set off towards Foel Fennli. We soon found a handbag and then had to debate what we should do with it, since it contained a driving license- the only thing of value in the bag. The bag and its contents will be posted to the address on the license on Thursday (I forgot that the Post Office in Saltney Ferry closes on Wednesday afternoon!

We continued at quite a brisk pace around Foel Fennli and were only held back on one section where we had to fight our way through waist high nettles for a few hundred yards. fortunately Dave J., wearing long trousers paved the way and those wearing only shorts received minimal stings! The section around Cwm Blaenant is always good, but its best points were less evident as the weather and low lying clouds closed in. We decided to wait until we got back to the cars before having lunch and deciding on plans for the afternoon.

Birds seen or heard today included:Raven, Magpie, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Meadow pipit, Rook, Carrion crow, Greenfinch and Yellowhammer.

During lunch the rain became heavier and Martyn and Roger decided the best option was to head homeward, we even missed the usual after walk refreshments!

The rest of the group, encouraged by Dave J., decided to complete the second walk over Moel y Gaer and Moel Fammau as planned. Their story will be published later, if and when the appropriate data becomes available!

Everyone will be pleased to know that the handbag and driving license was successfully returned to the owner (a thank you letter has been received).

Y Cribau 5th July 2008

Looking across Llyn Gwynant towards Moel Hebog and the Nantlle Ridge from the Y Cribau ridge. The Snowdon Horseshoe from Y Cribau.

Tito on the summit of Y Cribau.

Y Cribau from the shores of Llynau Diwaunydd.

Our dragonfly, possibly a Yellow-ringed dragonfly.

Walk stats:Distance:8.1 miles; Climb:1952'.

Time:5 hours 32 minutes; Walking average:2.o m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.4 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Fran and Tito.

Had we listened to the weather forecast we would not have even started this walk! Thankfully we didn't and the deluge of rain predicted turned out to be three short showers that didn't even wet our waterproofs! Most of the walk was completed in warm sunshine. Y Cribau a small peak well off the the normal route and had no real paths to its summit. Consequently it did mean that we had to trek across quite a lot of tussocky grass to reach the summit ridge. Our rewards were some excellent views of the Snowdonia mountains including the Snowdon Horseshoe, Moel Hebog and the Nantlle Ridge in the distance. Our descent, not the one described in the walk, but one we were glad that we did, resulted in us havining to circumnavigate a remote lake called Llynau Diwaunydd. This little visited area was certainly worth the visit. The remaining descent through the forest was a challenge in mud negotiation, but thankfully none of sank more than a few inches and our feet remained dry. It was on this section that we encountered a fine yellow and black dragonfly basking in the sun.

Birds seen or heard today included:Raven, Swallow, Stonechat, Meadow pipit, Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Pied wagtail, Magpie, Carrion crow and Chaffinch.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn, Pentre Halkyn where the Lees bitter was in fine form.

In all a very good day's walking.

Budworth Mere and Pickmere 3rd July 2008

Are we supposed to be walking or what?

The Anderton Boat Lift.
The avenue of Elms just outside Great Budworth.

The view across Pickmere.

Walk stats: distance: 12.1 miles; Climb: 542'.

Time:5 hours 32 minute; Walking average:2.7 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Fran and Tito.

This rather genteel walk proved to be more challenging than expected. To start with the road through to Marbury Country Park from Northwich, the described start of the walk, was no lionger accessible to vehicles and we ended up starting at the car park nearest to Neumann's Flash. Our option extension was no longer an option. The weather started off bright and sunny, and remained as such for most of the day. Threatened showers didn't materialise and on the two occasions when I put my waterproof coat on, it proved fruitless as the rain stopped as soon as the waterproof was on. The description was at times somewhat minimal and by Pickmere references to stiles didn't help when there none, not even evidence of where they might have been. as one might expect the Anderton Boat Lift working was impressing and an added bonus along the walk. Other highlights included the picturesque village of Great Budworth and a fine avenue of Elms with the rays of sunshine breaking through intermittently.

Birds seen or heard today included:Yellowhammers (lots), chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Willowwarnler, House Martin, Swallow, Swift, Jay, Carrion crow, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Great crested grebe, Coot, sedge warbler, Mallard, Mute swan, Rook, Goldfinch,House sparrow and Kestrel.

After walk drinks were held at the Farmers Arms at Kelsall where the two brews sampled were Blacksheep Bitter and Jennings Cumberland Bitter.