Around Amlwch and Llaneilian 29th August 2009

The happy grandparents - photo by Richard.

The inside of the church at Llaneilian, how lucky we were to find it open. One of our first views of the coast on route for Amlwch.
Porth Amlwch.

At the trig point on Mynydd Eillian. Almost everyone smiling!

Walk stats: Distance:11.2 miles; Climb:2083'.

Time:6 hours 16 minutes; On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h.; Overall walking average:1.9 m.p.h.

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

Showers were forecast and they weren't wrong, but we didn't expect the half an hour or so continuous rain that we exprienced in the afternoon around Point Lynas. I suppose we should be grateful that we also had quite a bit of sunshine and at least the wind wasn't cold!

It is always a joy to walk along the coast cliffs on Anglesey and today we had the added bonus of superb displays of diving Ganets, a Harbour porpoise jumping out of the water and several sightings of Grey seals.

Route finding at times on the inland stretches proved quite challenging, but eventually we ended up on the right track! The only hill of the day was Mynydd Eillian. Despite its modest height of 580', it still gave good views towards the unusual tower on Ynys Dulas and the Great Orme. Snowdonia could also been seen, but they appeared quite grey and the summits of the higher peaks were in cloud.

It was another day for butterflies, but as many as last week. They included: Clouded yellow, Red admiral, Painted lady, Small white and Small tortoiseshell.

Birds seen or heard today included:Great spotted woodpecker, Oystercatcher, Gannet, Cormorant, Herring gull, Mistle thrush, Stonechat, Swallow, House martin, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Buzzard, Meadow pipit, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Guillemot, Manx shearwater and Sandwich tern.

After walk drinks for those not raving it up in Prestatyn were at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. Once again the Lees bitter was in good nick and quaffed with relish.

Foel Fenlli, Cwm Blaenant and Moel Famau 27th August 2009

Foel Fenlli decked in flowering Heather- a special time of the year to be walking. Heather in flower - what a glorious sight!

On the summit of Foel Fenlli, but should we be there? Well everyone just followed Richard!

On the first new path of the day on the slopes of Foel Fenlli in Cwm Blaenant.

A lovely new path on our local patch - a new approach to Moel Famau!
A special message for Gordon!

Walk stats: Distance: 11.6 miles (and a bit more for most of the group!); Climb:2730'.

Time: 6 hours 16 minute; On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.; Overrall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Gordon, Tim, Celia, Annie H., Paul, Mike, Sylvia and Dave J.

Another glorious day for walking weather wise, no rain, plenty of sunshine and a wonderful colling breeze to greet us as we approached the summit of Moel Famau (Gordon's "favourite" peak). another bonus for the day was finding a way to meet the infamous "nettle run" by turning on to the upper slope path down Cwm Blaenant just after descending Foel Fenlli or using a farm track before the pond!
We used this path after lunch at the head of Cwm Blaenant and the used another farm track that contoured around the slopes above Coed Ceunant (two new paths to most of us, but likely to be used much in the future).

For some the final ascent of Moel Famau was slow and steady, with many stops to wait for beetles to cross the path or just stand and appreciate the Stonechats singing on top of bushes or even pause to admire the view. Others we know just enjoyed, for a little longer than usual,the cooling breeze always to be found around Moel Famau Jubilee Tower. Just like the Tortoise the slowest got to top of the tower and its viewpoint sooner than some who had raced ahead!

Birds seen or heard today included: Magpie, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Buzzard, Raven, Kestrel, Meadow pipit, Stonechat, Wren, Jay, Goldfinch and Yellowhammer (seen by Richard and Dave J.).

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn, where the beer was fine, but its cost to some was a shock!

Dates and Walks August 2009

Updated 26th August 2009.

Saturday 1st August 2009.

Stone Circles, Open Tops and valley Bottoms into Bishop's Castle. Catherine's Walk.

Distance:12 miles; Climb:1300'.
Start: Bishop's Castle, Station Road Car Park. Grid ref SO324 877.
We will need to leave Chester at 7-30 a.m. to be sure that we arrive in Bishop's Castle in time to catch the 9-30 a.m. bus to Shrewsbury (the number 38 bus). The car park is free and there are toilets near by. The bus stop is about 200m away.
It may be useful to meet and then go in convoy. we can discuss this after the walk on Thursday..
The actual start of the walk is Shelve Hill Woods near a village called Gravels on the A488. Grid ref:SO3288 9945, but we will catch the bus from Bishop's Castle.
Hopefully Catherine will meet us at the bus stop. If you have a bus pass don't forget to bring it. For those that don't the bus fare is about £2. At the end of the walk it is intended that we have a quick pint in one of Catherine's watering holes in Bishops Castle before heading home!

Thursday 6th August 2009.

Moel Findeg and Deborah's Well, Fron Hen and Big Covert.

Distance:11 miles;Climb:2000+'.
Start:Maeshafn. Park near the telephone kiosk. Grid ref:SJ202610.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks on the Clwydian Hills". We have done both walks before, but not together, and it will be the first time that we have started a walk from Maeshafn itself. Moel Findeg is always a good walk through open country and attractive woodland. There are always fine views from the summit of Moel Findeg, especially towards the Cheshire Plain. The Fron Hen and Big Covert circuit explores both sides of the Alyn Valley and to the North follows a delightful bridleway around Fron Hen. This could be a chance for Fran to meet us at Maeshafn for the second part of the walk.

Saturday 8th August 2009.

Cwm Merddwr, Foel Las Motte and Ffridd-y-Foel.

Distance:10-11 miles; Climb:1500+''.
Start: Car park in Pentrefoelas. Grid ref:SH874514.
Leave Chester 8-0 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and lakes. This walk became obvious whilst completing our last walk in this area in March. This relatively undemanding walk should give us excellent distant views of Snowdonia. Hopefully this time we will be able to identify the location of the 12th century motte.

Thursday 13th August 2009.

Coed Ceunant and the River Clwyd and On Foot to Eyarth Halt.

Distance:12 miles; Climb:2000+'.
Start: Ruthin riverside car park (Pay and display). Grid ref:SJ121582.
Leave Chester 9-0 a.m.

Another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks In the Vale of Clwyd" that we have done several times before, but this is the first time that we have tried to combine them. He describes the first walk as a walk through varied countryside with excellent views and the second walk is described as a fascinating walk exploring the countryside between Ruthin and Llanbedre Dyffryn Clwyd.

Saturday 15th August 2009.
The Hills West of Cadair Idris.

The weather forecast for today seems quite bad, I'm looking into doing a lower level walk nearer home.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:2640'.
Start: Car park opposite the chapel at Llanfihangel -y-Pennant. Grid ref:SH672088.
Leave Chester 8-0 a.m.
This walk is taken from the Nuttalls' book "Walks in England and Wales Volume 1 Wales". It is a long time since we last attempted this walk, so long ago I think I still had a full head of hair without any grey hairs! The two peaks involved are Tyrrau Mawr and Craig-y-Llyn. We can also explore Castell-y-Bere, the largest castle built by the Welsh. If I remember correctly route finding in places can be challenging, but with Richard's Satmap we shouldn't have any problems this time.

Thursday 20th August 2009.
Owain Glyndwr Mount and Moel Ferna.

Distance:11 miles; Climb:1500+' at a guess.
Start:Pont Carrog. Grid ref:SJ115437.
Leave Chester 9-0 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and The Dee Valley", along with an extension to visit the summit of our old friend Moel Ferna. The exact approach and route of descent will be decided on the daydepending on the weather conditions!
This is the nearest walk day after my birthday, so the usual cake will be provided, but make sure you let me know that your coming, so that I bring enough cake with me
After walk drinks will be at the Grouse Inn at Carrog, unless anyone can suggest anywhere better!

Saturday 22nd August 2009.

Moelfre, Traeth Ora and Mynydd Bodafon.

Distance:11 miles; Climb:1500+' at a guess.
Start: Traeth Lligwy beach car park. Grid ref:SH497871.
Leave Chester 8-0 a.m.
It's that time of the year when coastal walks seem appropriate. This walk combines two walks from Carl Rogers' book "Coastal Walks on Anglesey Volume 1". He describes one as an easy walk along a popular section of coastal path, visiting Din Lligwy Iron Age Village and the Lligwy Burial Chamber. He describes the other walk as a moderate walk along one of the most attractive beaches on the Anglesey coast and visits the excellent viewpoint of Mynydd Bodafon.
Perhaps we will feel like a swim at the end of the walk, so don't forget to bring swimming gear and a towel if you think you might be tempted!

Thursday 27th August 2009.

Moel Y Gaer, Moel Famau, Moel Fenlli and Cwm Blaenant.

Distance:11 miles; Climb:2000+'.
Start:Car park (Pay and Display) at Bwlch Penbarras Grid ref:SJ162606.
Leave Chester 9-0 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". It is quite some time since we combined these two walks. These sections of the Clwydian Hills along the Offa's Dyke footpath are always a joy to walk, even if the summit of Moel Famau is is invariably on the windy side!

Saturday 29th August 2009.

Llaneilian and Porth Amlwch.

Distance:11 miles; Climb:1500'' at a guess.
Start: Car park at the end of the lane to Porth Eilian. Grid ref:SH477929
Leave Chester 8-0 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Carl Rogers' books "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey Volumes 1 and 2". The longer walk is described as a moderate walk along recently opened (1999) sections of the coastal path that might require a little route finding until the paths become established. He doesn't say much about the Porth Amlwch walk except that the coastal path here is easy to follow. This may be another chance for a swim at the end of the walk, so don't forget to bring swimming gear and a towel if you think you might be tempted!

Traeth Ora, Mynydd Bodafon and Moelfre 22nd August 2009

Another view from Yr Arwydd.

At the trig point on Yr Arwydd - photo by Richard.

Ravens on Yr Arwydd - photo by Richard. Looking towards Ynys Dulas from Traeth Lligwy with its tower. At the trig point on Yr Arwydd the highest peak on mynydd Bodafon.
Snowdonia from the summit of Yr Arwydd.
Lligwy burial chamber. Hen Dave a hen Roger yn Din Lligwy.

Walk stats: Distance:12.0 miles; Climb:1312'.

Time:5 hours 35 minutes (excluding lunch break and the afternoon kit adjustment between the two walks); On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall alk average:2.2 m.p.h.

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

What a glorious day for walking this turned out to be. We arrived at Traeth Lligwy around 9-30 a.m. in bright sunshine with very few cars in the car park, a marked contrast to when we arrived back at the car after lunch when it was almost full to capacity with hundreds of people around, most on the beach, but very few swimming in the sea.

The start of the first walk as befits a coastal path walk was along the beach heading for Traeth Ora. we didn't see many sea birds on this section, but that was more than compensated by the plethora of beautiful butterflies that we saw at the Southern end of Traeth Ora. These included:Peacock, Painted Lady, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood. Later on in the walk as we headed back to the beach we saw more butterflies including the Clouded Yellow and Small Whites.

The best views of the day were experienced from the summit of Yr Arwydd at its modest height of 548'. In all directions the views gave a magnificent panorama from the Great Orme to Snowdonia and through to the Rivals on the Lleyn Peninsula. Once again "Bus pass celebration cake" was provided at lunch time.
Hear too, the lower slopes of this little hill were decked in purple Heather. Yr Arwydd may be small but has much to offer, especially on a day like today!

The afternoon walk to Moelfre was very busy along the coastal path, and one lady we encountered said "you're heading for "mad" Moelfre the". On arriving we had to agree. Moelfre was more than very busy, with load live bands blasting out their music and so many people there that slow progress was made as we made our escape. The highlights of this second walk were the coastal views, the birds around Ynys Moelfre and the three ancient monuments, Lligwy Burial Chamber, Din Lligwy Bronze Age Settlement and Hen Capel (dating from the12 century).

Birds seen or heard today included: Buzzard, Kestrel, Raven, Blackbird, Bluetit, Wheatear, Great tit, Chaffinch, Meadow pipit, Rock pipit, Red-legged partridge, Common tern, Cormorant, Herring gull, Curlew, Grey Heron, Magpie, Lesser black-backed gull, Dunlin, Swallow, House martin and Kittiwake.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, a perfect pint to end a perfect day's walking!

Chris O'Donnell Funeral Arrangements.

Chris O'Donnell - Funeral Arrangements.

Most of Harris Hikers will fondly remember Chris O'Donnell as a colleague at Upton-by-Chester County High School where she supported many of our lessons supporting our students that had special needs. You will probably also be aware that she has battled over the last few years with cancer and sadly last weekend lost that fight.

Her funeral will take place at 2-00 p.m. (1400 hours)

on

25th August 2009

at

Saint Oswald's Church, Mollington.

Flowers are welcome.

Owain Glyndwr's Mount, Nant Friddisel and Moel Fferna 20th August 2009

Heading up the Heather clad approach to the summit of Moel Fferna. Lunch time in the summit shelter on Moel Fferna.
The Berwyns from the summit shelter on Moel Fferna.

The view across the Heather clad slopes of Moel Fferna towards the Llantysilio Montains.

Walk stats: Distance:8.1 miles; Climb:2262'.

Time:4 hours 10 minutes; On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walking average:1.9 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Roger, Gordon, Sylvia, Dave J. and Georgie.

With a gloomy weather forecast we set off in damp humid conditions and it wasn't long before we had to don our waterproofs. Thankfully it wasn't cold and our final approach of Moel Fferna was completed in sunshine, accompanied by a stiff breeze. The outstanding memory of this walk will be the superb display of flowering Heather in all directions across the hillside. The views from the summit of Moel Fferna were excellent from the Berwyns to the South and the Eglwyseg Rocks and the Llantysilio Mountains to the North. Even the Clwydians could be seen in the distance.
As this was the first walk after Martyn's 60th birthday, the customary cake was provided. No complaints were heard despite the fact that the cake had only had one feed and was only made last month! with only five on the walk, there is sufficient cake left for Saturday too!

Birds seen or heard today included:Carrion crow, Barn swallow, Wheatear, Meadow pipit, Woodpigeon, Buzzard, Magpie and Jay.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Grouse Inn at Carrog where the Lees Bitter was in particularly good nick.

Maiden Castle to the Peckforton Hills 15th August 2009

Looking at the well, are we impressed? - photo by Richard.

The best photograph taken that included some of the magnificent show of Heather in flower across this section of the Sandstone Trail.
Geogie being instructed to sit at the trig point on Raw Head! to be fair she did moments after the photo was taken!.
Lunch time in the woods, the windiest spot we could find!
Return visit to Maiden Castle.

The day really started well, temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius as we set off and then we were all treated with Rosemary bringing Libby to the door for us all to see. Overall the weather was quite kind, sunny for most of the time and with only one shower of any significance and that lasted for less than 30 minutes. This walk along the Sandstone Trail is always a good experience and today was no exception. The Heather in flower was superb, but the ripe Blackberries and Bilberries were a tasty bonus, even if they did slow us down a little!

The views towards Wales were superb and from the lunch spot, Richard felt at home, he could see Moel Y Parc transmitter (known by Harris Hikers as Richard's mast!).

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Wren, Redstart, Buzzard, Kestrel (the star performer of the day). Nuthatch and Guinea fowl running across the field!
After walk drinks were taken at the Sportsman's at Tattenhall where Thwaites Original Bitter and Wainwright bitter were quaffed with relish.

Birth Announcement 13th August 2009

Congratulations to Rosemary and Chris Broad

on the safe arrival of their daughter Libby

at 13-42 on 13th August 2009.,

weighing in at 6 lb 9 onz.

Congratulations to the new grandparents

Dave and Sylvia Jenkins too.

Coed Ceunant, River Clwyd and Eyarth Halt 13th August 2009

A new view of the Clwydian Hills. The morning group heading for the Nettles!

The afternoon group strolling after their Jewish experience!

Walk stats:Distance:13.0miles; Climb:695'.

Time:5 hours 25 minutes (exc luding lunch). On the move walking average:2.7 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.5 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Roger, Gordon and Tim and joined by Fran, Sue and Dave P for the afternoon trip to Eyarth Halt.

This was a good day for walking, although at times it seemed a little humid. The occasional breeze was always a welcome. In fact the walk should't really include Coed Ceunant in its name as we took a short cut that missed out Llanbedre Hall ant Coed Ceunant altogether in our efforts to get back to the riverside car park in Ruthin before 13-00. Very little climb involved today and the main challenges were mainly stiles and stinging Nettles! The views all day along the Clwydian Hills and across the Vale of Clwyd were excellent whenever we could see above the crops of Maize.

We arrived back at the car park on time, and we were all rewarded with a fine piece of Margaret's cherry and sultana cake.

The afternoon walk was memorable for two things, the first being the muddy smelly farm and farm tracks that we had to endure and the second (the highlight of the walk) was receiving a text from Sylvia announcing that Rosemary had given birth to a girl, Libby, at 13-42 and that all were doing well.

Birds seen or heard today included:Blackbird, Chaffinch, House sparrow, Magpie, Buzzard, Grey heron, Grey wagtail, Blue tit, Carrion crow and Jackdaw.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn where Snowdonia Ale was the quenching beer of choice, although one member tried one from the Three Tuns brewery!

Cwm Mwddwr, Foel Las Motte and Ffridd-y-Foel 8th August 2009

Heading up the bridleway towards Ffridd-y-Foel.

The site of Foel Las Motte.

Just spotted a Stonechat.
Someone enjoying lunch and still isn't sure where he is going!
The skyline above Pentrefoelas. A ridge for the future perhaps!

Walk stats: Distance:10.2 miles; Climb:1054'.

Time:4 hours 48 minutes; On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

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

This was almost the perfect day for walking, not too hot, a gentle breeze at times and not too much Sun. This was a very gentile sort of walk with gentle climbs, good terrain and good views from the several vantage points on route. The start point at Pentrefoelas car park was a credit to the village with a lovely cafe nearby and a superb picnic area and play area for youngsters alongside the river.

Birds seen or heard today included: Grey heron, Dipper, Wheatear, Herring gull, Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch, Wren, Redstart, Buzzard, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Great tit, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit and Curlew.

We completed the walk quite a bit earlier than usual, almost too early for some of us to be allowed home! Thankfully the Brit was ready to come to our rescue!

For those not invited to B's birthday party, after walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

Big Covert, Fron Hen, Moel Findeg and Deborah's Well 6th August 2009

A view from the path that contours Fron Hen. A view from the slopes below Pentre Cerrig Fawr.
Richard leading the way - a step of faith?

On the summitn of Moel Findeg - photo by Richard.

Walk stats:Distance:11.3 miles; Climb:1754'.

Time:5 hours 9 minutes (excluding lunch);On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Gordon, Dave J and Sylvia, Sue and Michel and joined in the afternoon by Fran, Sue and Dave P.

What a glorious day for walking this turned out to be, waterproof needlessly carried and suncream in need for most of the day. The first walk meandered for a mile or so through Big Covert, shielding us to a large extent from the glare of the morning sun. The views today were pretty good, although somewhat hazy in the distance.

The second walk started with the ascent of Moel Findeg with its superb views across the Cheshire Plain, a vantage point enjoyed by many more people, all a good few years younger than us!

Birds seen or heard today included:Carrion crow, Swallow, Kestrel, Buzzard, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, a pair of Dippers, Wheatear, Willow warbler, Wren, Robin and a pair of Spotted flycatchers (the bird of the day, just eclipsing the Dippers).

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Miners Arms at Maeshafn. We arrived five minutes before it was due to close, but thankfully the landlord stayed open long enough to serve us our customary couple of pints, Theakstons Best and Reverend James being the brews on offer.
In all a very enjoyable way to spend the day.

A Pym Chair and Dunge Valley Round 2nd August 2009

Windgather Rocks Dunge Valley. Looking across the valley towards Shining Tor.
On the sunken track from Summer Close to Broad Moss.

Broad Moss above Summer Close.

Walk stats:Distance:6.3 miles;Climb:1154'.

Time:4 hours 6 minutes; On the move walking average:2.0 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.5 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn and Sue Powell.

The weather for this walk was quite good, not too hot, sunny at times and with an occasional breeze. This easy to moderate walk proved to be more challenging than we had anticipated, both in terms of route finding and in negotiating very boggy fields that had also been well used by cattle and sheep. Indeed boots had to be cleaned sooner rather than later to ensure that had a better chance of being restored to sweeter smelling footwear. Despite one major blip in route finding that meant that we made longer than expected diversion to cross a stream on the way to Summer Close, this walk did provide some excellent views across Dunge Valley towards Windgather Rocks and Shining Tor. This walk would be well worth doing again, but after a very prolonged dry spell, so that sinking ankle deep in a smelly quagmire was no longer a reality.

Birds seen or heard included:Lapwing, Carrion crow, Swallow, Kestrel, Blackbird, House sparrow and Stonechat.

Stapeley Hill to Bishop's Castle 1st August 2009

Group Photo by Richard. Who's the happy one then?

The first stone circle, but who knows which way to go? Heading across Stapeley Hill towards Mitchel's Fold Stone Circle.


Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle, time to put on the waterproofs.

Lunch on Roundont.

Walk stats: Distance:12.6 miles; Climb:1585'.

Time: 6 hours 15 minutes; On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

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

This was the much anticipated walk led by Catherine on her local patch. For the second week running it was a linear walk, but this time we caught the local bus from Bishop's Castle to the start at Shelve Old Post Office, the start of the walk. We started the walk in that very light rain that you can hardly feel and seemed unworthy of demanding that you put on your waterproofs. By the time we reached Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle there was no doubt. The rain became intermittent for the rest of the morning, but at least we had lunch on Roundon in the dry and with the distant views towards Stipperstons and the Long Mynd just appearing from their earlier blanket of cloud. Throughout the walk Catherine kept us well informed of interesting local tales and identified many of the flowers seen on route. The final stages of the walk was done in glorious sunshine, enough to distract many of us from our very wet feet!

Birds seen or heard today included:Kestrel, Buzzard, Goldfinch, Carrion crow, Raven, Great tit, Swallow, Swift, Woodpigeon and Redstart (undoubtedly the bird of the day and seen on several occasions by all of the group).

After walk drinks were enjoyed at Catherine's recommended local where Big Nev's brew was downed with approval.

All enjoyed the walk so much that Catherine has agreed to lead us on a similar walk, possibly including the Stipperstones.