Biggin Dale, Tissington Trail and the High Peak Trail 29th May 2009

Descending Biggin Dale from Dale End. A very obliging Whitethroat.

The High Peak Trail beyond the farm.

Heading through a field of Barley down to the High Peak Trail.

Distance:12.5 miles; Climb:816'.

Time: 5 hours 0 minutes; On the move walking average:2.9 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.5m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Sylvia and Dave J.

What a glorious day for walking, perhaps little on the warm side, but out of the valleys we were accompanied by a wonderful cooling breeze. This is very popular area and the two trails were well used by families of cyclists taking advantage of the easy gradients on the former track beds. Our first break from the crowds was on the descent of Biggin Dale, a lovely valley leading down to the Dove, another popular dale. Once again many Spring flowers were on display. In fact the upper reaches of Biggin Dale could be renamed Orchid Valley with one side of the valley in particular being adorned by hundreds of Early Purple Orchids.

Birds seen or heard today included:Swallow. Dunnock, Wren, Greenfinch, Great tit, House sparrow, Garden warbler, Blackcap, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Kestrel, Mallard, Chaffinch and Whitethroat.

Sylvia started the walk with an ice lolly from the Hartington Station Signal Box shop, as well as celebrating the end of the walk with one too. Richard also decided to join in this cooling activity. Dave J. and Martyn decided to wait until arriving at the Wilkes Head in Leek where that wonderful beer, Hartington bitter, was quaffed with relish.

Cwm Dulas,Gopa Wood and Much More 28th May 2009

Photos - to be supplied later by Richard.
Distance:12.7 miles;Climb:1800'.
Time:6 hours; On the move walking average:3.3 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.3 m.p.h.
Group:Richard, Roger, Gordon, Annie H., Sylvia and Dave J.Another great day for a walk. No rain and plenty of warm sunny weather. The tide was out for the coastal section and then we followed the North Wales Coastal Path (nearly losing Richard in the process) past the Maiden's Leap before rejoining the planned route briefly. We then took the Llandulas road from Rhy-y-foel as far as Terfyl where we turned right up a stony and steep path twards Cefn yr Ogof. After the initial step climb, it was a fairly easy stroll to the trig point for lunch. What a treat it was to be on a new hillside full of flowers in the sun. We walked South down to the end of the open access land and joined the planned walk at Llys Awel.
Birds seen and heard today included:Herring gull, Oystercatcher, Carrion crow, Magpie, Jay, Raven, House sparrow, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Song thrush, Pheasant, Woodpigeon, Collared dove, Wren and Buzzard.
Report account by Dave J.

Ludlow and the Mary Knowl Valley Walk 27th May 2009

The earliest riser on the camp site. View across the camp site towards Ludlow and beyond.

The Mary Knowl Valley where several deer ran across open land to the wooded area below.

A gladed path in the Mary Knowl valley.

Distance:6.1 miles;Climb:976'.

Time:3 hours 36 minutes;On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn and Ken Murray.

delayed bu early morning rain we set off on the walk about 1 p.m. The early part of the walk used a bridle path through a lovely mixed woodland and thankfully shaded us from the heat of the mid-day Sun. forest tracks being quite confusing at times and we ended up on the wrong side of Mary Knowl Hill and had to retrace our steps for a couple of hundred yards to get back on track. It was good to finally arrive at the Mary Knowl cottage and to see it restore sympathetically. The descent of the Mary Knowl Valley was on clear and pleasant footpaths. The highlight of the day was to see half a dozen deer (probably Fallow deer) bounding across the field in front of us. one section of the walk, near a remote cottage, was marred by a small dog with ideas much above his station, barking profusely and charging at us until we were about 150 yards past the cottage.

The final stage of the walk from Ludlow started up some steep steps before gradually rising through woodland to eventually reach the farm track back to the camp site.

Birds seen or heard today include: Greenfinch, House sparrow, Swallow, Skylark, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Magpie, Carrion crow and Pied wagtail.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Church Inn, Ludlow where several real ales were sampled, including one very good mild.

Thor's Cave and Bincliff 23rd May 2009

At the entrance to Thor's Cave - but did anyone dare to enter!

Thor's Cave from Ladyside.

The cathedral of the Peak - Grindon.

One of the youngest seen today!

The Manifold Valley from the high path across Bincliff.

Walk stats: Distance:12.4 miles; Climb:1974'.

Time:6 hours 22 minutes; On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.9 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard and Roger.

What a glorious day for walking this turned out to be. No rain, plenty of sun and at times a lovely cooling breeze.

This was a much up and down walk, crossing valleys, rather than following the valley. Much time was spent on high paths looking down on the places like the Manifold valley. This was a day when we saw the White Peak at its best. What a privilege it is to be able to enjoy walking this beautiful countryside on days like this.

Birds seen or heard today included:Swallow, Swift, House martin, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Peregrine falcon, Sparrowhawk, Magpie, Jackdaw, House sparrow, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Mallard, Curlew, Great tit, Pied wagtail, Greenfinch and Carrion crow.

Today was a day for butterflies too. Small white, Large white, Orange tip and Yellow brimstone were all dancing to entertain us!

Spring flowers were also in abundance!

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Swan in Leek. The best bitter to quench our thirst was Black sheep bitter (The Wilkes Head was unfortunately heaving with a wedding party and we were too impatience to queue, shame on us!). Hopefully it won't be the same next Saturday!

Around the Little Orme and Coed Gaer 21st May 2009

At the trig point on the Little Orme On the summit plateau on the Little Orme.

Looking West from the Little Orme towards the Great Orme.

Looking East from the Little Orme towards Colwyn Bay.

Walk stats:Distance:7.3 miles; Climb:1511'.

Time:4 hours 14 minutes; On the move walking average:2.2 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

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

This is always a good walk, invariably slower than usual with so much to catch our attention, the birds around the cliffs, the sea and the hope of seeing seals, the Spring flowers and of course the wonderful views. Today was no exception. The weather was much as forecast, mainly sunny with a cooling breeze and short light shower. Lunch was taken as usual on the limestone outcrop called Mynydd Pant.

Birds seen or heard today included:Gannet, Fulmar, Guillemot, Razorbill, Herring gull, Cormorant, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Raven, Blackbird, Magpie, Goldfinch, Linnet, Wheatear, Robin, Wren, Greenfinch, Kittewake, Lesser black-backed gull, Great black-backed gull, Great tit and Dunnock.

The Spring flowers were blooming and there were several patches Early Purple Orchids. In the
quarry on the East of the Little Orme was a magnificent carpet of Thrift.

Once again we were fortunate to spot three Common seals in the sea below the Little Orme.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn where the Lees bitter went down well.

Dates and Walks May 2009

Updated 22nd May 2009.

Good News

Avis (Fran and Catherine's mother) has been allowed home.

and

Congratulations to the Ravazzolos.

Fran and Tito are hot footing it to Italy to see their grandson (born yesterday).

Saturday 2nd May 2009.
The Lawley and Caer Caradoc.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:2000'.
Start:Church Stretton centre car park (pay and display). Grid ref:SO454911.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

It's Dotterel time again, so this is another walk that may give us the chance of seeing them again. The walk combines two walks taken from Ian Jones' booklet "20 Walks From Church Stretton".It is a walk that we first did in 1998 and have done several times seince then. This is a superb walk, especially on a good day. It is the nearest that you can get to a ridge walk, particularly along the Lawley!

Monday 4th May 2009.
The Great Orme and More.

Distance:9 miles; Climb:1800'.
Start: Roadside parking on Llandudno West Shore near play area and PC. Grid ref:SH773819.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Always a good walk and one I never tire of doing. In the main we should avoid the throngs of tourists except when we are near the summit trig point. Again there is a chance of seeing Dotterel!

Thursday 7th May 2009.

Coed Pen-y-Gelli and the Gorsedd Round - the Bluebell Walk.

Distance: 12 miles; Climb:1500'. Start: Roadside parking in the quiet lane by the Rock Inn, Gorsedd. Grid ref:SJ144765.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk is two weeks earlier than last year, so hopefully we catch the Bluebells at their best!

Saturday 9th May 2009.
The Big Moor, Curbar.

Distance: 9-00 miles; Climb:2000+'.
Start:National Trust Car Park at Curber Gap. SK263747.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is one taken from Bob Harris's book "Walks in the Ancient Peak District" It explores areas of the Peak District not covered on our previous walks, especially the higher White Edge on Big Moor. The walk gives us the opportunity to seek out ancient sites such as the Hukling Stone and a Stone Flat Circle.

Thursday 14th May 2009.

On the Pilgrims' Trail and Derwen.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb:1500'.

Start:Melin-y-Wig, by the notice board or up the road on the bend by the footpath sign. Grid ref:SJ487040.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". This is a lovely walk that in the past we have done in the Winter months when it has been wet underfoot and pouring with rain too. Perhaps completing the walk in Spring will show the riverside walk in it best light. We should also have time to explore two Medieval churches, part of the Pilgrims Route from St., Winifred's Well, Holywell to St., David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire.

Saturday 16th May 2009.

Ragleth Hill and Bowdler Hill.

Distance:8+ miles; Climb:2000+'. Start:Church Stretton centre car park (pay and display). Grid ref:SO454911. Leave Chester 8-00 a.m. Another two walks from Ian Jones' booklet "20 walks from Church Stretton". The walk across the ridge of Ragleth Hill has always looked inviting and the views across Church Stretton should give us a different prospect of the Long Mynd. If it is possible w will attempt o cross Hazler Hill with its mast, but I think the summit itself will be off limits. Hope Bowdler has always looked good when we have have walked alongh Caer Caradoc. What ascebnt er do wil be decide on our approch. It is still Bluebell time so we'll have another chance to them in their glory.

Thursday 21st May 2009.

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer.

Distance:7-8 miles; Climb:1760'.
Start: Roadside parking close to PC on the beach road at Craig y Don.Grid ref:SH799822.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
Always a good walk. This walk is becoming an annual event in search of orchids and possible seal sightings. The views across the bay to the Great Orme are stunning.

Saturday 23rd May 2009.
Bincliff and Thors Cave.

Distance:11 miles;Climb:1500'.

Start:Wetton Village Car park. Grid ref: SK108552. Leave Chester 8-00 a.m. This walk was originally planned for 7th February 2009. It combines two walks from Mark Richard's book "White Peak Walks - Southern Dales". It is a long time since we first visited Thors cave, so it will be good to explore it again. The Bincliff walk is a new one to me. New walks are always a bonus.

Thursday 28th May 2009

Cwm Dulas and Gopa Wood.

(I am away camping! Dave J has the route directions. As I am away and can not coordinate the transport, it was decided that the easiest solution was to meet at the Pelisiers and decide how many cars would be needed, remembering of course that Richard will be at the Britannia!

Distance:9 miles; Climb;1400'.
Start:Pensarn Beach Car Park, Abergele. Near PC block. Grid ref:SH942786
Leave Chester 9-0 a.m.
This is another one of our favourite walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". Walks by the sea are always special. Perhaps we can explore the Gopa Wood a little more extensively than we have in the past.

Saturday 30th May 2009.
The High Peak Trail, Tissington Trail and Biggin Dale.

Distance:12 miles; Climb:1200'.
Start: Hartington Old Station. Grid ref:SK149321.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Mark Richard's book "White Peak Walks - Southern Dales". It is a long time since we have completed these walks and should be a gentle stroll through beautiful countryside.

Ragleth Hill, Helmeth Wood and Hope Bowdler Hill 16th May 2009

At the summit pole on Ragleth Hill

Bluebells in Helmeth Wood.

Heading to the summit of Hope Bowdler hill - the last climb of the day! At the summit of Hope Bowdler Hill.

Walk stats: Distance:10.8 miles; Climb:2000' (estimate from Memory map profile, GPS gave 3746' but we know it does cope with windy conditions!).

Time: 5 hours 34 minutes; On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.9 m.p.h.

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

What a superb walk this turned out to be. The weather forecast wasn't good to say the least, but apart from a couple of short showers, rain and hail included, we were very fortunate. Indeed we had wonderful spells o f sunshine. The wind however was something different! On the top of Ragleth Hill it was strong, but as we crossed the ridge of Hope Bowdler Hill it was a challenge to stay upright let alone make any forward progress!

This turned out to be another Bluebell Wood walk, wherever we looked they seemed to be in bloom as were many other flowers particularly in the hedgerows.

Birds seen or heard today included:Chaffinch, Robin, Wren, Swift, Swallow, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Blackbird, Carrion crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Redstart, Yellowhammer (my bird of the day!), Great spotted woodpecker, Raven, Skylark, Treecreeper, Great tit, Buzzard and possibly a Cuckoo.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Buck Inn where Jennings Tom Fool was the best on offer.
This is a walk to be repeated, but next time I don't think we will visit North Hill farm, instead we will head straight up to the Battlestones on Willstone Hill!

Melin-y-Wig, Derwen and Betws Gwerfil Goch 14th May 2009

The first hint that this was going to be another Bluebell wood walk! The medieval cross and school room at Derwen.

St. Mary's Church, Derwen, the welsh entrance.

The foal of the day, but which one ,he/she is running away! The unexpected sight of the day, but which one moaned abot stopping for lunch!

Walk stats:Distance: 8.7 m.p.h.;Climb:982'.

Time:4 hours 6 minutes; On the move walking average:2.6 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger and Gordon.
A very select group took advantage of the better than expected weather conditions to embark on this "delightful" walk. today we seemed to be in mist/cloud, but with no wind it was pleasantly warm, despite the feeling of dampness in the air.

Views were always imaginary, we will just have to repeat the walk on a fine Summer day.

A quiet day by all, no talk baby talk, no recipe talk, no holiday talk, only the sound of birds and the sheep.

occasionally we had the challenge of young cattle following us, but at least the sheep ran away!

Two of the party got wet feet, but only one went more than ankle deep in a gallant step of path finding!

Birds seen or heard today included; Magpie, Pheasant, Great tit, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Robin, Blackbird, Buzzard, Wren, Great spotted woodpecker, House sparrow, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Curlew and Mallard.
After walk drinks were enjoyed by all at the Glasfryn, Mold. The beers enjoyed by two of us included the Conwy brew, Eryri Cwrw, and a Derwent brewery mild.
Always a good walk - a little disappointing that the village of Betws Gwerfil Goch doesn't seem to acknowledge in any way that Augustus John was a notorious resident of the village!

Corbar Edge, Froggatt Edge, White Edge Moor and White Edge 9th May 2009

Corbar Edge. Stoke Flat stone circle.

Lady's Cross on White Edge Moor.

Is this the Hurkling Stone!

At the trig point on White Edge.

Walk stats: Distance:7.8 miles;Climb:1594'.

Time:3 hours 47 minutes;On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard and Celia.

Overall this was an excellent walk in weather better than we were lead to expect. Dry and in the main sunny with a stiff breeze to keep us cool! this walk will be repeated in the future, but will probably be extended to include Baslow Edge as well. Starting at Corbar Gap meant that we started with only a short climb to reach the path across Corbar Edge, today the playground of a man with a remote controlled kite! Most of the walk was along the edges with good views in all directions.

Birds seen or heard today included:Willow warbler (with good views too), Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Carrion crow, Kestrel, Blackbird, Swallow, Cormorant, Raven, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Curlew. After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wilkes Head in Leek where the Hartington Biter was in excellent condition. We were even home early enough to watch Liverpool beat West Ham in the match that kicked off at 5-30 p.m.

Coed Pen y Gelli and the Gorsedd Round B 7th May 2009

Normally our best Bluebell wood - Coed Allt-y-tywood. Bluebells in Coed Cornel-cae.
An Early Purple Orchid - is this the flower of the day?

Coed Pen-y Gelli - more Bluebells than we have seen before!

The Watch Tower, often seen, but never actually reached!

Walk stats: Distance: 11.7 miles; Climb:1704'.

Time:5 hours 35 minutes; On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.g.;Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Gorden, Celia, Tito, Sue and Michel.

What a glorious day this was, almost perfect weather for walking! Blue sky, sun and a pleasant breeze for most of the day (a little stronger towards the end of the day!).

The Bluebells were in fine form, although our normally best wood was being "managed" and as a consequence some of the fine avenues of Bluebells had been destroyed. However in compensation some of the other woods visited produced better than ever swathes of Bluebells.

As usual lunch was taken at the Pen-y-Gelli Nature Reserve, where we bsked in the sun, protected from the wind by the sides of the old quarry.
At this time of the year this is always a good walk, and as today, in good weather is always a joy to be on. Best views of the day were across the Dee Estuary towards the Wirral.

Today was a day to admire the many Spring flowers in the hedgerows, the Early Purple Orchid probably being the star!

Birds seen or heard today included:Blackbird, Blackcap, Robin, Green woodpecker, magpie, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch, Pied wagtail, Robin, Housesparrow, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Lapwing, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Greylag goose, Canada goose, Swallow and Buzzard.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. The J.W. Lees bitter was good , especially the new barrel that was put on while we were there. The welcome at the Britannia is always good, and Sarah (not knowing the history) gave Celia two extra bags of crisps!

Around the Great Orme 4th May 2009

No photos for this walk - weather not conducive to using a camera!
Walk stats:Distance:8.2 miles; Climb:1700' (Estimate taken from previous times on this walk).
Time:3 hours 38 minutes; On the move walking average:2.7 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.3 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Sylvia and Dave J.
This extra walk for the early May Bank Holiday was intended to be a gentle stroll with the added bonus of a little birdwatching! Instead it proved to be a battle against at times gale force winds and driving rain. There was little incentive to stop and stare out to sea in the hope of seeing seals or sea birds. Overall this will not be a walk that will linger fondly in our memories, although it will be repeated on many occasions in the future, but hopefully when the sun shines!
birds seen of heard today included:Blackbird, House sparrow, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, Mute swan, Herring gull. Black-headed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Fulmar, Kittewake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Wheatear.
After walk refreshments were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where the Lees bitter was back on form again!

The Lawley and Caer Caradoc 2nd May 2009

The way ahead and plenty of very young lambs too! The bird of the day on the Lawley!

The Lawley from the slopes of Caer Caradoc.

In Caer Caradoc Hill Fort.

Walk stats:Distance:10.8 miles; Climb:2276'.

Time:5 hours 57 minutes;On the move walking average:2.2. m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Sylvia and Dave J.

What a glorious day this turned out to be, almost perfect weather for walking, sunny most of the time, the occasional light breeze and no rain. This must be one of the best walks from Church Stretton especially with the two ridges of the Lawley and Caer Caradoc. This was the first time that I've actually been to Caer Caradoc and was impressed by the size of the hill fort.

We were delighted to see large numbers of Small White butterflies dancing around the flowers in the valley below the Lawley. This was then surpassed by the tumbling antics of several Ravens as we had lunch on the slopes of the Lawley. Then to finish off we had a superb view of a hovering Kestrel at eye level to us and only about 30 feet away.

Other birds seen or heard today included:Blue tit, Great tit, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Swallow, House martin, Dunnock, House sparrow, Carrion crow, Buzzard, Sedge warbler, Yellowhammer, Mallard, Green woodpecker, Great spotted woodpecker, Wren, Cuckoo and Treecreeper.

After walk drinks were taken at the Buck Inn in Church Stretton. Even Banks' bitter tasted good today. The better pint on offer was a Marston's brew.

Snowdon 30th April 2009

The whole group on the steps to Hotel Eryri.

Ascending the Snowdon Ranger path to Snowdon. At the trig point on Yr Wyddfa.

The group outside Hotel Eryri (still not open) on Yr Wyddfa summit.
Descending the South Ridge on the Rydd Ddu path.

The first view of the day!

Walk stats:Distance:8.2 miles; Climb:2918'.

Time:6 hours 2 minutes; On the move walking average:1.7m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.3m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Gordon, Dave J., Sylvia, Fran and Tito, Sue and Michel and friends from Arradon.
The predicted light rain turned out to be much more than just showers and it rained continuously until we reached the summit. However the strong winds died out much quicker than expected, making it feel much warmer when the rain stopped.

Views were very limited, but glimpses started to appear towards the end of the day, along with our first sight of the Sun and blue skies.

We celebrated reaching the summit trig point with some French red wine kindly provided by John-Louise.
Although still in cloud we lunched outside Hotel Eryri, apparently due to open to the public in a couple of weeks time.

The birds seen or heard today were few and far between but included:Meadow pipit, Skylark, Wheatear, Carrion crow, Swallow and Chough.

After walk drinks were celebrate at the Cwellyn Arms at Rhyd Ddu where the Bragdy Conwy brew was excellent (sampled by some of our French friends too!).

The Chester contingent also sampled J.W.Lees bitter at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, but it wasn't quite at its best on this occasion. six of the group also had a meal where Rabbit pie was the main tempter!

Overall a very enjoyable day, despite the cloud cover and lack of views which must have been a been a disappointment to our friends from Arradon.