Dates and Walks November 2008

Updated 27th November 2008.

Saturday 1st November 2008

Eyam, Bretton Clough and Eyam Moor.

Distance: 9-10 miles.
Climb:1500'.
Start: Car park in the centre of Eyam village. Grid ref: SK216766
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from the Pathfinder Guide "Peak District Walks". The introduction to the walk claims that all major fatures of the Peak District are encountered this walk based upon the attractive and fascinating village of Eyam.

Thursday 6th November 2008

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge.

Distance: 7-12 miles.
Climb:2000+'.
Start: Lay-by opposite the Loggerheads Memorial. Grid ref:SJ202626.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book " More Walks in the the Clwydian Hills". He describes the extension to Moel Famau as one of the most enjoyable and least demanding routes to the summit. The other he describes as an excellent walk exploring beautiful valleys and foothills.
After walk drinks will be at the Glasfryn opposite Theatre Clwyd.

Saturday 8th November 2008

Bakewell, Chatsworth and the River Wye.

Distance:9 miles. Climb:1500'. Start: Car park in Bakewell. Grid ref:SK218685 Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m. If more than one car is required, it will probably be worthwhile going in convoy to ensure that we end up in the same car park.
This is a walk taken from the Pathfinder Guide "Peak District Walks". As well as attractive riverside walking, this walk gives grand views of Chatsworth House and an opportunity to visit Haddon Hall.

Thursday 13th November 2008

Denbigh Castle and Lleweni Hall.

Distance:9 miles.
Climb:500'.
Start: Layby/off road parking area close to the Brookhouse Mill just outside Denbigh. Grid ref: SJ072658.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". He describes one walk as an interesting walk that takes you on a green approach to Denbigh Castle. The second walk he describes as being a delightful walk along the Afon Clwyd and Afon Ystrad. This is a walk that most of us know quite well.
After walk drinks will be at the Britannia Inn, Pentre Halkyn.

Saturday 15th November 2008.

Nant y Pandy and beyond The Ro.

Distance:10 miles; Climb: 2000+'.
Start: Layby near the The Original Butterfly Man Centre. Grid ref:SJ157425
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley". The walk features a beautiful narrow wooded gorge, interesting old slate quarries, open moorland and a delightful bridleway along the rim of the Dee Valley. The first part of the walk climbs through the Ro valley to open moorland with its extensive views. A chance to revisit some old friend, Moel Fferna!
Another chance to visit that little gem The Grouse Inn a Carrog.
Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.

Thursday 20th November 2008

Fron Hen, Big Covert and Bryn Alyn.

Distance:11-12 miles.
Climb:2000'.
Start: Large lay-by 1 mile south of the village of Llanferris. Grid ref:SJ187598.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills". We have done both before, although I don't think we have done them together.
After walk drinks will be at the Glasfryn.

Saturday 22nd November 2008

Chatsworth Hall and More.

Distance:9 miles.
Climb:1500'.

Start:Carlton Lees car park close to Chatsworth Park. Grid ref: SK258686.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Mark Richard's walks from his "White Peak Walks - Northern Dales" This is a walk that we did a few years ago, and on that occasion we were reunited with a former member of the Modern Language department from Upton High who happened to be staying in a holiday cottage nearby.

Thursday 27th November 2008

Gladlys, Nant-y-Flint and East of Holywell.

Distance:11-12 miles.
Climb:1500'.
Start: Car park adjacent to the Stag Inn, Bagillt. Grid ref:SJ219753
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain." Both walks explore the undulating hinterland between Bagillt and Holywell and offwer good views across the Dee estuary.
After walk drinks will be at the Britannia Inn, Pentre Halkyn.

Saturday 29th November 2008

Thors cave and Bincliffe.

Unfortunately this walk has had to be postponed - I've got a problem with my loo and someone is coming round on Saturday to see if they can sort it out.

Distance:11 miles.
Climb:1500'.
Start: Wetton village car park. Grid ref: SK108552.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines two from Mark Richard's book "White Peak Walks - Southern Dales. It is along time since we did either of these walks, and the last time we did, Garrie and Margaret Leslie both came.
After walk drinks will be at the Wilkes Head, Leek.

Gadlys and East of Holywell 27th November 2008

Rainbow over the Dee Estuary - the best and only good view of the walk.

Walk stats: Distance:6.2 miles; Climb:1018'.
Time:2 hours 36 minute; Walking average:2.6 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Richard, Annie H, Sue and Michel.
We definitely got the best and the worst of the weather today. It started with bright sunshine and once we reached the top of Gadlys Lane a fine rainbow was evident for quite some time. this was a walk that didn't quite go according to route descriptions right from the start. First we missed the turn off and ended walking up Gadlys Lane, but at least we did miss a few muddy sections by doing so. Then as we attempted to drop back down to the coast again a stile was enclosed by water a little too deep for comfort and we retraced our steps and continued down the road towards Holywell. the advantage was of course we didn't loose all the height we had gained. We continued on the East of Holywell walk for some time, passing through one field that was the host to what must have been about a thousand Woodpigeons, quite a sight when they took to the air before settling down again. by the time we reached the road , the sun had disappeared and the rain was starting to set in. It was soon time to make a decision, do we carry on, or do we get back to base as soon as we could. The latter was chosen, and even then nobody objected and we all arrived back like drowned rats. Wet maybe, but at least our boots were clean!
Birds seen or heard today included: Blackbird, Hedgesparrow, Herring gull, Woodpigeon, Song thrush, Fieldfare, Carrion crow, Magpie, Great tit, Jay and Buzzard.
we were forced to retire early to the Britannia Inn early where we thought a nice hot bowl of soup would have gone down well. Alas it wasn't to be Sarah and Kelly had gone away on a few days break and no food was available. At least Kelly's mum served us a good pint of J.W.Lees bitter and allowed some of us to eat our butties!

Around the Great Orme 22nd November 2008

The new path to the summit.

At the summit of the Great Orme - the first visit.

At the trig point on the summit of the Great Orme.

Walk stats: Distance:8.6 miles; Climb:1783'.

Time: 4 hours 9 minutes; Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.; Overallwalk average:2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Roger.

A last minute change of plan brought us back to the beautiful limestone outcrop called the Great Orme. Weather conditions were good, cool at first, breezy on the top and at times very warm sunshine, making us look a little over dressed as the temperature briefly rose into double figures. This was still not warm enough to make us follow the example of three young men who had just finished their early morning dip as we arrived and the temperature on the car thermometer was still only 7 Celsius. We started the ascent the usual way up the many steps that climb steeply towards the road that leads to the Copper Mine. However this time we decided to follow the new guide post directing us to the summit. This proved to be a delightful path on good grassy paths and avoided the road section that we normally follow past the Copper Mine to the summit.

This route will certainly be the route of choice in the future.

On the summit plateau itself we saw very few people apart from a couple of runners and three men repairing one of the dry stone walls.

Views towards the Carneddau, just enabled us to se that some of the peaks were snow covered, always better to look at that having to tramp through!

The highlight of the day was probably the 50+ feral goats that we saw grazing on the western slopes of the Great Orme (both sides of the road) as we descended along the toll road back to the car at Llandudno West shore.

Birds sen or heard today included:Carrion crow, Raven, Robin, Common gull, Herring gull, Jackdaw, Stonechat, Kestrel, Black-headed gull, Oystercatcher and Mute swan.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where we surprisingly found Richard, Ollie, Andrew and Rose enjoying a meal together before Ollie sets sail on Fort George. We all wish him "Bon Voyage" and hope his destination might allow him to catch up with some cricket in the Caribbean!

Fron Hen and Bryn Alyn 20th November 2008

Bryn Alyn from the slopes of Fron Hen.

Walk stats: Distance:10.8 miles; Climb:2541'.

Time: 5 hours 13 minutes; Walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

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

Today's walk was completed in good walking conditions, somewhat cool, dry and at times unexpectedly the sun came out. The only downside was bracing wind that accompanied as on both our visits to the limestone area of Bryn Alyn. Underfoot it was to put it politely a little muddier in places than we would have liked, the worst bit was self inflicked as the majority, led by Richard, chose to take a closer look at the Burley Hill Quarry while Dave and Martyn were checking out the route we should have taken. Martyn suggested that Richard's punishment for leading them astray was to join us in our after walk visit to the Glasfryn, but he said it was more than he could bear! Overall this is a very enjoyable and varied walk and the section around Bryn Alyn will always be a regular on our walk lists.

Birds seen or heard today included: Blackbird, Collard dove, Dipper, Coal tit, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Kestrel and Buzzard.

Most of us enjoyed Cwrw Eryri close to the open fire at the Glasfryn.

Beyond the Ro and Nant y Pandy 15th November 2008

The second most enjoyable part of the day - after a pint of Lees at The Grouse Inn at Carrog of course!

Walk stats: Distance: 9.0 miles; Climb:1731'.
Time: 4 hours 47 minutes; Walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Roger, Sylvia and Dave J.
The weather forecast for the day wasn't too bad, but it turned out to be much worse than expected. For most of the day we were walking almost continually through damp moist air and at times in cloud. We decided to give our friend Moel Fferna miss and keep below the worst of the cloud. Despite everything overall it was quite a pleasant walk and once more we managed to use a couple of paths that we hadn't used before and at the same time avoided one path that has a notoriously slippy section of smooth rock on it. Views today were somewhat limited and left to memories of past visits. The best of the views was probably heading down to Cwm Canol along a path spoiled in parts from the wheels of off-roading motor-bikes.
Birds seen or heard today included: Long-tailed tit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, House sparrow, Jackdaw, Raven, Robin, Starling, Pheasant, Meadow pipit, Goldfinch and Dipper. The Grouse of course doesn't count.
Roger, the driver for the day, didn't appreciate the scenic short cut from Carrog to the A5014 Corwen to Llandegla!

LLanweni Hall, Denbigh Castle and More 13th November 2008

The recently renovated St. Marcella's Church.
Crossing one of the many fields.
On the ramparts of Denbigh Castle.

Walk stats: Distance:11.5 miles; Climb:677'.

Time 5 hours 48 minutes; Walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.0.m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Roger, Dave J. Michel and Sue, Celia, Fran, Annie R., Annie H. and Sylvia.

The forecast for today sugested that we would probably be walking in rain most of the day, but thankfully this proved wrong and after the first hour it hardly rained at all and at one point we almost had some sunshine. Very little wind and temperatures that must have been in double figures made this unusually warm for this time of the year.This pleasant low level walk in the Vale of Clwyd turned out to be rather wet underfoot, but I don't think anyone was complaining about wet feet at the end of the day. Having walked in this area a few times after completing most of the first walk we crossed the stile by the first bridge when it should have been the second bridge. We were now startting on the walk that visited the church that has the wonderful Jesse window. After a bit of O.S. map work we managed to join up with the second planned walk to Denbigh Castle with a few more miles on the clock than we originally expected to do. and few new paths under our belt.

The only challenging climb of the day was up the steps to Denbigh Castle. as it was open some of the group climb the ramparts too.

After walk drinks were at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. It's always good to be back there with a good pint of J.W. Lees bitter in your hand.

Birds seen or heard today included: Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Long-tailed tit, Blue tit, Wren, Robin, Grey Heron, Dipper, Blackbird, Greylag goose, Mute swan. Mallard, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Buzzard, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Cormorant, Snipe, Woodpigeon, Common sandpiper, Goldfinch and Rook.

Around Bakewell 8th November 2008

The Derwent at Bakewell. Chatsworth Hall

One of the challenging sections across open fields.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.1 miles; Climb:1234'.

Time:4 hours 36 minutes; Walking average:2.6 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Barbara;Mike D., Sylvia and Dave J.

This was a very pleasant walk starting in the picturesque town of Bakewell. Generally the weather was kind to us with only one heavy shower that lasted for only a few minutes. At times the temperature was a little too warm for this time of the year. The only drawback for the day was the muddy nature of some of the paths, the one to Haddon Hall being so bad that we abandoned this there and back extension soon after setting down the path. The highlight of the walk was probably the section through Edensor Village and along the banks of the Derwent in front of Chatsworth Hall.

Birds seen or heard today included: Robin, Blue tit, Chaffinch, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie, House sparrow, Pied wagtail, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Canada goose, Wren and Black-headed gull.

Some of us were fortunate enough to sample Hartington Bitter at the Wilkes head in Leek after the disappointment of the closed and unwelcoming Buckingham Hotel in Buxton.

Moel Famau and the Alyn Valley 6th November 2008

Group photo - is anyone there on the top of the Jubilee tower on Moel Famau.
The group about to leave the summit of Moel Famau.

Almost a view - the route down to Reservoir N0. 3.

Walk stats: Distance:9.9 miles; Climb:1734'.

Time:4 hours 59 minutes; Walking average:2.5 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

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

This walk was completed almost entirely surrounded by damp air, and on Moel Famau itself it was like being in a cloud. It wasn't cold and with no wind it was only late in the day that it started to clear. These two walks from Dave Berry's "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" provided an excellent route to Moel Famau from Loggerheads. Surprisingly the path down to reservoir No. 3 was new to all of us. This pleasant route back down to Cilcain seems less used than other paths, but I for one will need to take more care on the grassy wet and muddy sections if I'm to avoid the indignity of slipping and sliding so frequently!

The views were more or less none existent except for the delightful section on the Leet Path above the Alyn.

Birds seen or heard today included:Carrion crow, Magpie, Nuthatch, Rook, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Buzzard, Wren, Robin, Meadow pipit, Blackbird, House sparrow, Blue tit and Great tit.

Cwrw Eryri was enjoyed by most of us at the Glasfryn. Surprisingly for this hostelry it was very quiet, there was only about four other people there.

Around Eyam 1st November 2008

Looking across towards Eyam Moor from just outside Foolow.
Looking across the Hathersage towards Stanage Edge/Burbage Edge.
Richard and Dave investigate the ring circle on Eyam Moor.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.4 miles; Climb:1793'.

Time: 5 hours 12 minutes; Walking average:2.4 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Sylvia and Dave J.

What a good walk this turned out to be around the fascinating plague village of Eyam. The weather was kind to us in that we only had a few spots of rain, and in fact we had the luxury of basking in the sunshine for lunch. However out of the sun and temperatures must have been close to zero! Once again Derbyshire lived up to its name and many of the well trod paths were muddy, just enough to make you slip if you weren't careful. Although I'd walked in this area before , I didn't anticipate that it would take us over towards the Hope Valley, giving us superb views over Hathersage and beyond to the edges. Autumn is really here now with many of the trees displaying glorious reds, oranges and golden hews al the more magnificent when lit up in bright sunshine. The walk was a little shorter than the guide suggested so we extended it by exploring Eyam Moor for a further mile or so in search of a ring circle.

Birds seen or heard today included: Kestrel, Robin, Fieldfare, Crow, Magpie, House sparrow, Chaffinch, Blue tit, Long-tail tit, Meadow pipit, Blackbird, Mistle thrush, Jay, Goldfinch and Raven.

The Wilkes Head in Leek was the venue for our after walk drinks where the Hartington Bitter was in particularly good form. A usual Dolly the resident Staffordshire Bull terrier was there to welcome each one of us in turn in the hope of obtaining a crisp or other morsel of food. It's always good to visit this wondeful character Leek hostelry.