Kinder Scout, Seal and Ashop Edges 26th September 2009

The latest photo sent by Richard.

Nearly the end of the walk., or so we thought! Photo by Richard.

Looking from Seal Edge to Ashop Edge.

Walking along Seal Edge.

Playing on the rocks.
Boxing Glove Rocks On Ashop Edge.

Distance:10.1 miles; Climb:1400'.

Time:5 hours 47 minutes; On the move walking average:2.2 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

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

The weather turned out to be much better than expected, and by mid-afternoon we had glorious sunshine. The lovely cooling wind accompanying us along the edges was at times a little stronger than we would have liked. Walking along the 4 miles of Seal and Ashop Edges was superb and demands not to be rushed. The views today across the Woodlands Valley and later towards Bleaklow were outstanding.

I believe Richard did the same walk as us today, but he was never near enough to get in camera shot!

Birds seen or heard today included:Red grouse, Meadow pipit, Raven, Goldfinch and Kestrel.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Star Inn in Glossop, which just happened to be hosting their "Beer Festival". Beer sampled included Mordue IPA, Roosters IPA and Blacksheep Bitter. Unfortunately Roger didn't like his Old Rosie, but the same couldn't be said for Richard or Dave!

All Around Eglywseg Escarpments 24th September 2009

If I was king this would be all mine!

What's that on your face?
Where's the building site then?

Walk stats: Distance:9.4 miles; Climb:1252'.

Time:4 hours 27 minutes; On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Dave J', Sylvia, Sue and Michel, Gordon, Annie H., Celia, Tim, Fran and Tito.

This is always a great walk in any conditions, but today the weather was almost perfect for walking, not too hot and not too cold and at times a lovely cooling breeze! Walking along the edge of limestone escarpments is always a joy, giving a feeling of being on top of the world!

lunch today was enhanced by Sue bringing the last of Martyn's Bus Pass Celebration cake for us most to enjoy, and in addition Margaret had sent Roger with a box full of Welsh Cakes. We all enjoyed at least two, but Richard enjoyed a few more, he beamed when Roger handed over the box to him with more than 10 still in it!

Birds seen or heard today included: Meadow pipit, Kestrel, Greenfinch, Buzzard and Raven (the star performing bird of the day).

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-Yr-Ochain at Gresford. Richard would have preferred to be back at the Brit!

Dates and Walks September 2009

Updated 10th September 2009.

Thursday 3rd September 2009.
Cwm Conwy, Moel y Gaer and Coed-y-Felin.

Distance:12 miles; Climb: 2000'.
Start:Rhosesmor. Parking area near the children's play area. Grid ref:SJ215687.
Leave Chester:9-00 a.m.
This combines two walks from ave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". On their own these are both good walks and together they will involve a little more climb than we have become accustomed to on a Thursday walk. One walk explore the varied countryside between the Wheeler Valley and Halkyn Mountain and goes through the lovely ancient broadleaved wood Coed-y-Felin. The second walk also includes a path goes through the lovely wooded Conwy Valley. This area can be muddy, especially if the area has had rain and the cattle have churned it up!

Saturday 5th September 2009.
Moel Hebog and More.

Distance:9 miles; Climb:2360'.

Start: Car park at Llyn Cwmystradlyn. Grid ref:SH557441
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is a walk that I have been interested in attempting for some time and approaches Moel Hebog from the opposite side to our normal approach. This walk is taken from Bryan Lynas's book "Snowdonia Rocky Rambles - Geology Beneath Your Feet". This book is written specifiacally to explore the geology of an area and should enable us to explore this area in a different light. Following the route description amidst the in depth geological notes could be quite a challenge, as much of the route does not follow good paths!

Thursday 10th September 2009.
Gadlys, Nant-y-Flint and East of Holywell.

Distance:11 miles; Climb: 1500+'.
Start: Bagillt. Car aprk next to the Stag Inn.Grid ref:SJ219753
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks that we have done many times before, but last time we abandoned it early because the rain was a little too heavy for us! It is also a good time of the year for the fruit to be ripening, so there may be Blackberries to force us to linger awhile. I the past we have also found wild plums and damsons on this walk as well as sloes.
These walks explore the varied and attractive hinterland between Flint, Bagillt and Holywell. The views towards the Dee Estuary can be stunning.

Saturday 12th September 2009.
Halkyn, Limestone and Lead and Martyn's Bus Pass Celebration.

Distance:6-7 miles; Climb: 760'.
Start: Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. Grid ref: SJ212712
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This is a much shorter walk than usual, but we need to be back at the Britannia Inn, ready to sit down by 13-00. See separate post "Martyn's Bus Pass Celebration" for more details.This is the usual walk from the Britannia Inn, and is one of my favourite walks as it climbs to the trig point on Halkyn Mountain before meandering through the old lead mine workings and through the Water buffalo field back to the Britannia. No extensions will be allowed on this walk!

Thursday 17th September 2009.
Moel Maenefa and Around Coed Cwm.

Distance:11 miles; Climb: 1500+'.
Start: Off road parking just East of Tremeirchion. Grid ref:SJ095740.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the Clwydian Hills - New Edition". The Moel Maenefa walk is a new one for me and is described as being a walk of great variety, exploring the foothills of the Northern Clwydians and the Vale of Clwyd, offering expansive views. One of the walks also goes around Coed Cwm and explores the attractive countryside betwen Rhuallt and Cwm. Route finding through Coed Cwm could be intresting, if I remember correctly from our last visit!

Saturday 19th September 2009.
Cadair Bronwen and Cadair Berwen from Lladrillo.

Distance:10-11 miles; Climb: 3100'.
Start: Llandrillo riverside car park. Grid ref:SJ035372.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from John Trentor's book "Walks in and Around the Berwyn Mountains". The last time we did this walk, the weather wasn't very kind to us and we resisted the temptation to explore a little further the main ridge on the Berwyns. Nevertheless this is a really good walk and in good weather the extension to Moel Sych is a very likely option.

Thursday 24th September 2009.
Eglwyseg Rocks and More.

Distance:9-10 miles; Climb: 1750'.
Start: Off road parking just before the bard memorial stone on the "Panorama Road".Grid ref:SJ246427.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This is one of the best walks in the Llangollen area, and is always one of our favourite walks, especially now that more paths around the edges of the limestone escarpments have been created. The exact route we take around the edges will be decided as we are on the route. Little more needs to be said about this walk except that throughout the walk the views are superb, and much of the walk makes you feel as though you are walking on top of the world!

Saturday 26th September 2009.
Kinder Scout, Seal Edge and Ashop Edge.

Distance:10 miles; Climb: 1000+'.

Start: Birchen Clough car park on the A57 Snake Pass road. Grid ref:SK109919.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Mark Richard's book "High Peak walks". He describes it as providing one of the most rewarding and dramatic walks in the High Peaks. From the depths of the upper Woodlands Valley, the walk climbs onto Seal Edge, parading along the craggy rim by Chines Wall and Boxing Glove Rocks before descending to Ashop's Head and returning down the Snake Path. The last time I did this walk we managed to see a couple of Mountain Hares. Hopefully we will be lucky again.

Pym Chair, Todd Brook and Summer Close 20th September 2009

Looking towards Windgather Rocks.

Looking across the Dunge Valley over Summer Close.

On the ridge above Summer Close.

Walk stats:Distance:4.9 miles; Climb:1086'.

Time:2 hours 52 minutes; On the move walking average:2.1 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn and Sue Powell.

This was a walk that we had done before in August, but this time we hoped to complete the walk by finding the path up to Summer Close. Alas we didn't, but we got much closer this time! This was another glorious day for walking in the countryside. Perhaps a little on the warm side, but
we shouldn't complain.

Birds seen or heard today included:Meadow pipit, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Barn swallow and Goldfinch.

The Berwyns from Llandrillo 19th September 2009.

The cairn circle on Moel Ty-uchaf.

At the summit cairn on Cadair Bronwen - the only peak in the clear!

Heading for Cadair Berwyn - it's not that bad really!

What to do when "Sych" people leave you!

The new more pleasant way down to Llandrillo.

Walk stats: Distance; 10.7 miles (12.5 miles for Dave and Richard); Climb:2306' (2400' for Dave and Richard).

Time: 5 hours 41 minutes; On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.9 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Dave J. and Mike D.

we set off with high hopes that we would get better views from Cadair Berwyn than we did the last time that we did this walk. We did, but only just! Cadair Bronwen wa clear, but Cadair Berwyn and beyond just in light cloud throughout. Nevertheless it wasn't cold and we did get good views towards the valleys whenever we were out of the cloud. Lunch was taken by the trig point on Cadair Berwyn, and despite being in very light cloud it was a good lunch spot. Three of us enjoyed a slightly longer than usual lunch as Dave J and Richard headed off towards the out-lying Moel Sych. Towards the end of the walk we decided to try a different bridle path back to Llandrillo one that gently, almost contouring before dropping down to the village. This slightly higher path is certainly to be recommended as it avoided more than a mile along a minor road.

Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Robin, House sparrow, Stonechat, Black-billed magpie, Swallow, Buzzard, Nuthatch, Meadow pipit, Wheatear, Red grouse and Jay.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at Cholomendy Arms at Cadole where Brains Merlin Ale went down well an d Cathedral Ales Golden Imp was an added bonus with its unusual flavour!

Moel Maenefa and Coed Cwm 17th September 2009

Now where is Sue, she like friendly bullocks!

At least one person looks happy!

Group photo on the summit of Moel Maenefa.

Group photo on the summit of Moel Maenefa - taken by Richard. Spot the difference!

Walk stats: Distance: 11.2 miles': Climb:1686.

Time:5 hours 33 minutes; On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.o m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Tim, Paul, Gordon, Annie H., Sue and Michel.

another good day for walking, no rain, pleasant temperatures on the main, but a little humid around the maize fields! this was a lovely varied walk, and on a good clear day would have provided some magnificent views towards Snowdonia. Unfortunately today distant views were somewhat hazy!. later views towards the Prestatyn and the coast were superb.

Lunch was taken alongside Coed Cwm, too early for some, too late for others!

After lunch we followed a section of the Offa'a Dyke Path that I have wanted to do for a long time, probably new to all of us!

Birds seen or heard today included: Barn swallow, Robin, Black-billed magpie, Nuthatch, Buzzard, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Teal, Goldfinch, House sparrow and Wheatear.

After walk drinks were enjoyed, as is often the case, at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

Two surprises today, the first a lovely photo album from Michel taken on my "Bus pass Celebration Day" and when a got home on the mat was a lovely card from Elaine!

Bus Pass Celebration Walk and Meal 12th September 2009

A slightly bigger picture than the one below!

Llamas in Pentre Halkyn, always a distraction!

All the group plus the photographer's dog! Group Photo taken by Paul.

You really don't believe that Water buffalo are friendly?

After walk and pre-meal drinks.

After walk and pre-meal drinks.

Before the meal.
Before the meal.

Walk stats:Distance:6.0 miles; Climb:557'.

Time 2 hours 37 minutes;On the move walking average:2.6 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.3 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Mike, Paul, Celia, Tessa and Dave R., Roger, Sue and Michel, Tito, Sue and Dave P., Richard, Annie H., and Derek.

What another glorious day to be out walking in the beautiful area around Pentre Halkyn and Halkyn Mountain with its added industrial heritage past and present. Blue skies, warm sunshine and a very gentle breeze occasionally mustering the energy to cool us slightly.

At the trig point on Halkyn Mountain, a friendly dog walker offered to take a photograph of the whole group using Richard's camera.

As planned we managed to meet up with Derek half way round the walk.

This time the "Water buffalo" field was occupied and as usual they showed their friendly nature by coming over to us to investigate, perhaps against the wishes of some of the group!

Birds seen or heard today included:Pied wagtail, Black-billed magpie, Buzzard, Robin, Blackbird, Nuthatch, Stonechat, Wren, Meadow pipit, Jackdaw and Carrion crow.
The walkers were joined at the Britannia Inn, Halkyn by, Jillian, Sheila and Gordon, Sue and Graeme, Carol and Tim, Margaret, Fran and Naomi.
The celebration meal was enjoyed by all, only two managed a sweet, but they didn't have a starter!

At the conclusion of the meal Sue Pelissier producied a birthday fruit cake, and despite any comment made by her brother in law, we all including some of the regulars, thought it tasted superb. Hopefully next Thursday's walking group can enjoy the rest of the cake.

I would like to thank everyone for their generosity in contributing to the birthday gift and the "better than champagne" bottles of beer, very much a statement I would endorse. The birthday gift will enable me to buy a new pair of walking boots to go with the socks. I would also like to thank Tessa and Dave for the book about the Spix's Macaw and the book tokens that I will probably use to get yet another book on walks.

Thanks again to Sue Pelissier for making the lovely birthday fruit cake.

Thanks to Sarah and Kelly at the Britannia Inn for their gift of bottles of Lees Limited Edition Harvest Ale. Thanks to everyone including the bar staff and the regulars who all helped to make this a superb way to celebrate getting a bus pass! It's good to see the Britannia Inn back in the Camra 2010 Real Ale Guide, but we have always known the Lees bitter at the Brit is good!

Gadlys, Nant-y-Flint and East of Holywell 10th September 2009

One of the best views of the day, looking across the Dee estuary towards the Wirral.

Are we on the right road? Well we made it the right road

A welcome lunch spot, all grateful that we had found Fran!

Don't argue with these two, I don't think that they would hesitate to give you the brush!

Who's want to keep this lot in line!
Is this why we love walking in the Autumn - Damsons, much better than Sloes!

Walk stats: Distance:12.5 miles; Climb:1427'.

Time: 6 hours 10 minutes; On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h; Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.g.

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

What glorious day for walking this turned out to be, almost wall to wall blue skies all day, plenty of sunshine and the occasional gentle breeze to cool us.

Once again we met several farmers that were happy to chat and appeared happy that we were walking across their land!

This was a very much an up and down walk, and our legs felts that we had climbed much more than the meagre 1427' recorded, if the effort needed to climb the steps at the Britannia Inn was anything to go by! This walk has in the past prooved to be a "mud challenge", but today we found the worst section had been concreted, making the approach to the wood almost delightful! In fact all of the sections through woodland were good today. A superb walk with only one really nasty stile!

Birds seen or heard today included: Buzzard, Carrion crow, Jay, Jackdaw, Blue tit, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Robin, Woodpigeon, Nuthatch, House sparrow and Goldfinch.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn, a little later than usual, but very much needed!

Moel Hebog from Llyn Cwmystradllyn 5th September 2009

Yes its true, Richard isn't a mile ahead, but we had only just set off! Gorseddau Quarry and Llyn Cwmystradllyn.
Is this really the way?
Aircraft remains found just after the lunch spot.

Is this Harris Hikers last stand on Moel Hebog? it certainly is for 2009!

Photograph kindly taken by a friendly Evertonian! Good to know that some of the group supported the Reds - thanks Steven.

The way down from Bwlch Meillionen.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.7 miles; Climb:2804'.

Time:6 hours 16 minute; On the move walking average:1.9.m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.6 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Mike D., Celia, Tito, Sylvia and Dave J.
We set off we very little hope of getting any sort of view from the summit of Moel Hebog, above 2000' was firmly decked in cloud! However just as we arrived at the summit the clouds lifted and we had glorious views in all directions.

This route to Moel Hebog was interesting to say the least as it approached through the Gorseddiau Quarry and then contoured around the Eastern flanks of Moel Hebog. we even came across the remains of Avro Anson EG472 of 9OAFU Llndwrog that crashed on 13th June 1944, with only one of five crew surviving. apparently the navigator got it wrong and thought that they were over Hawarden and attempted to descend!

Memories of this walk must include the fact that much of the route involved boggy conditions underfoot, and if you arrived back at the car with dry feet you were extremely lucky!

Birds seen or heard today included:Meadow pipit, Stonechat, Pied wagtail, Grey wagtail, Common gull, Lesser Black-backed gull, Carrion crow, Swallow, Raven, Buzzard and Chough.
after walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn where a warm welcome is always received.

Birthday Celebrations 4th September 2009

Roland Pelissier 60 heddiw.

Roland Pelissier 60 au jourd'hui!

Roland Pelissier 60 today.

Penblwydd Hapus i Chi!

Joyeux anniversaire!

All of Harris Hikers would like to wish

Roland

a very happy birthday now that he has joined a very select club and look forward to seeing him on walks in the future!

Cwm Conwy, Moel y Gaer and Coed-y-Felin 3rd September 2009

Starting off in the sunshine, well nearly!
Not again - going the wrong way!

Another day for flower power, flowering gorse on Moel Y Gaer.

What I remember most about this walk - Richard!

Walk stats:Distance:12.5 miles; Climb:2180'.

Time:5 hours 29 minutes; On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.

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

This was another day when the weather turned to be better than perhaps we were expecting. we had the occasional shower that invariably made us don our waterproofs for longer than was necessary!

A good and varied walk, less muddy than usual on the Cwm Conwy path through the wood. Breezy at times especially around Moel y Gaer where we had lunch! Views towards the Wirral. Moel Fammau and Moely Parc were good.

A really good combination of walks that we must do again!

Birds seen or heard today:Swallow, House martin, House sparrow, Kestrel, Common gull, Black-headed gull, Great tit, Carrion crow, Blackbird, Magpie, Woodpigeon and Hobby.

after walk drinks were enjoyed, as is often the case, at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, especially today as my last pint of Lees was on the house!

Martyn's Bus Pass Celebration 12th September 2009

Planning ahead.
Saturday 12th of September 2009.
Martyn's bus pass celebration.

Thye menu for the meal on 12th September 2009 is now available. I would be very grateful, if you would let me know as soon as possible your choice of starter and main course. I intend to give Kelly and Sarah our choices on Thursday 10th September, but if you could let me know earlier it would be much appreciated.

Most of you will know by now that Harris Hikers will be having a little celebratory meal together at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. The meal has been booked for 13-00. It is proposed that those who wish, can go on a short walk around 6 miles (no extensions allowed), meeting at the Britannia at 09-30, so that we can be back at the Brit by 13-00.

Everyone who has been linked with the walking group past or present in whatever capacity is cordially invited to join us for the walk and the meal or just for the meal.

During the last week in August I will ask Sarah or Kelly at the Britannia for a menu so that we can pre-book both the starters (if required) and the main course in advance.

I plan to give them a copy of our orders on Thursday 10th September.

Please let me know if you are able to join us for the meal so that I can contact you as soon as the menu is available.

Sue Pelissier has booked for about 30, but Sarah says that they can cope with up to 50. 30 seems a little large at the moment. So far 23 have confirmed that they intend to join me.

Martyn

Those confirming that that can come to date are: Martyn and Jillian, Celia, Sue and Michel, Margaret and Roger, Fran and Tito, Tim and Carol, Sue and Dave P., Richard, Gordon and Sheila, Paul Collinson, Derek Venables, Graeme and Sue Anderson, Mike Dodd, Annie H, Naomi Deynem.