Snowdon again 26th July 2010.

Descending the South ridge of Snowdon - by Richard.

Looking down the quarry track towards Y Garn II and Mynydd Mawr.

Mike posing at the top of the incline to the quarry workings near to Bwlch Cwm Llan.

Mike resting at the start of the best part of the South ridge.

Llywedd from the summit of Yr Wyddfa.
The train on the its way to the summit station.

Hotel Eryri and the busy summit from our lunch spot.

Distance:8.2 miles; Climb:2665', lower than expected, it was over 3000' two weeks ago, these GPS devices aren't as good as they should be !

Time: 6 hours 27 minutes; On the move walking average:1.6 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.3 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard and Mike D.

This was another very warm sunny day, with very little cloud cover or wind to cool us. When any wind showed itself, it was just lovely to stand and experience its cooling effect.
Just like two weeks ago, the summit was very busy, but at least we could get to the trig point without too much hassle.

The views all day were superb, although distant vies were somewhat hazy.

Lunch was taken just after starting our descent, taking advantage of a few rocks just off the track not far from the standing stone that marks the top of the Watkin Path.

From our lunch spot we could see eight lakes (Llyn-y-Gader,Llyn Cwellyn, Llyn Ffynon-y-gwas, Llyn Nadroedd, Llyn Goch, Llyn y Dywarchen and Llyn Peris andLlyn Nantlle Uchaf), the Nantlle Ridge, Mynydd Mawr as well the Anglesey coastline.

We arrived back at Rhyd Ddu, having had a good walk, and anticipating a little liquid refreshment at the Britannia Inn.

Birds seen or heard today included:Greenfinch, Carrion crow, Herring gull, Grasshopper warbler (heard only), Raven, Meadow pipit, Wheatear, Grey wagtail and possibley a Ring ouzel although Richard wasn't too sure.

It was a day for dragon flies too, we saw yellow and black one a blue one and a small red one near water just of the quarry track on our ascent.

After walk drinks and meals (rabbit pie) for two of the party were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

Dates and Walks June 2010.

Updated 25th June 2010.

Thursday 3rd June 2010.

Cwn Dulas, Cefn yr Ogof and Gop Wood.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:1300'.
Start location. Abergele, Pensarn Beach car park by PC. Grid ref:SH942786.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
The bulk of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast", with an extension to include the small hill Cefn yr Ogof. Always a good walk with several opportunities to have extensive views. We may decide to explore Gop Wood a little more or even be tempted to paddle in the sea at the end of the walk.

Saturday 5th June 2010.

Arennig Fawr.

Distance:8 miles; Climb:2000'.
Start: Layby/off road tarmacked area on the right just after turning towards Arrenig Village off the Bala to Dolgellau road. Grid ref:SH823392.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

Thursday 10th June 2010.

Another Encounter with Moel Fferna.

Distance:8+ miles; Climb:2000'.
Start: Layby on A5 just East of Glyndyfrdwy next to the Butterfly Man Craft Centre. Grid ref:SJ115436.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This is a new route to us. The walk is taken from John Tranter's book "Walks in and Around the Berwyn Mountains". The approach is along the Nant y Pandy path, but then goes through the remains of the Deeside Quarry and Moel Fferna Quarry before heading off to the summit of Moel Fferna. Route finding may be a challenge! Apparently Ring Ouzels nest in the quarry, hopefully we may be lucky enough to see them.

Saturday 12th June 2010 and 26th June 2010.

Snowdon Using the Bwlch Cwm Llan and Rhyd Ddu Paths.

Distance:8.2 miles; Climb:3161'.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.
Start: Rhyd Ddu station car park: Grid ref:SH571526. This car park does get full, so we may have to rethink the route if we have to park at the Snowdon Ranger car park.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
It's always good to climb Yr Wyddfa at least once a year, and the planned route is one of the best, especially the section along the South ridge, which makes me think that I'm on top of the world! Hopefully the Hotel Eryri will be open and not too crowded to allow us to look inside and perhaps have a drink.

13th June 2010.

Congratulations to Dave and Sylvia

on their

Ruby Wedding Anniversary

Thursday 17th June 2010.

Appleton and Grappenhall.

Distance:11-12 miles; Climb:Less than 500' at a guess!
Start:Car Park on Park Lane near Appleton Reservoir. Grid ref:SJ598843.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Jen Darling's book "walks in Cheshire and Wirral", with a link along the Bridgewater Canal. This is an area that I have keyed in quite a lot of data about, so it will have an added interest for me. I can't envisage much climbing on this walk.

Saturday 19th June 2010.

Lathkill Dale.

Distance:11-12 miles; Climb:900'.
Start:Moor Lane car park just outside Youlegrave. Grid ref:SK192643.
Leave Chester:8-00 a.m.
This combines two walks from Mark Richard's book "White Peak Walks Norther Dales". This walk should be mid-season the flower "Jacob's Ladder", so we should be able to spot some in flower. Lathkill Dale is renown for its wild flowers, so this should be a good time visit the dale. Anticipate a walk with much lingering to admire the beauty of God's creation.

Thursday 24th June 2010.

Daresbury and Moore Nature Reserve.

Distance: 10 miles; Climb:Less than 500' at guess.
Start:car park on Park Lane near Appleton Reservoir. Grid ref:SJ598843.
The Daresbury walk is only four miles, and is taken from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral". In addition it is planned to extend the walk to include Moore Nature Reserve to make the overall walk about 10 miles. We have to explore the Appleton reservoir and Hillcliff areas too!

Appleton Reservoir, Daresbury and Moore NR 24th June 2010.

Appleton Reservoir form its Southern end.

A section of the Lewis Carol window in Daresbury Church.

Crossing the bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal near Moore Nature Reserve.

A view of Lapwing Lake, Moore Nature Reserve.

Walking along the path adjacent to the Runcorn and Latchford Canal.

Distance:12..8 miles; Climb:200'.

Time:5 hours 36 minutes; On the move walking average:2.7 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.3 m.p.g.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Celia, Sylvia and DaveJ.

This turned out to be a a good walk, except for the last mile or so that ended up as road walking, with an attempt to take a short cut to the Bridgewater canal failing, giving us the bonus of touring through a housing estate.

The weather was better than expected with only intermittent sunshine and a cool breeze making it quite pleasant for walking.

We set off around Appleton Reservoir to link up with the Mersey Valley Timberland Trail, which was well signed and we were able to link up with the planned Daresbury walk.

we were very fortunate to find Daresbury church open and were able to enjoy the famous Lewis Carol stained glass windows.

Lunch was taken as we arrived at the first hide by Lapwing Lake in Moore Nature Reserve. Not a lot of birds around, but at least it showed its potential as a good place to go birdwatching.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common coot, Great crested grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Tufted duck, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Whitethroat, European robin, Blackcap, Black-billed magpie, Jay, Mute swan, Yellowhammer, Winter wren, Sedge warbler, Reed warbler, Kestrel, Buzzard, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Lapwing, Pochard, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Grey heron, Great spotted woodpecker, Nuthatch, House sparrow, Barn swallow, Swift, House martin, Woodpigeon, Red-legged partridge and Lesser black-backed gull.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the London Bridge in Stockton Heath, where the Lees Bitter went down well, I'm not so sure about the seasonal Strawberry bitter!

Lathkilldale and More 19th June 2010.

Redstart (our bird of the day, maybe the bird of the year) - photo by Dave J. Skylark - photo by Dave J.

A good example of what you expect at a well dressing. An unexpected example of well dressing in Youlgreave.

Heading for Bradford Dale.

A Mallard family in Bradford Dale.
Jacob's Ladder in flower.

Bagshaw Dale leading to Monyash.

Distance:11.5 miles, Climb:921'.

Time: 5 hours 23 minutes; On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

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

Yet another lovely day for walking, not too hot and not too cold, but some walkers we met seemed dressed for Winter conditions!

Our first surprise of the day was that today was the Well Dressing ceremony in Youlgreave. We were fortunate enough to see three of the five before our route took us in to Bradford Dale. One area of the River Bradford had even been designated as a swimming area!
As last week we saw lots of people, especially along Lathkill Dale, this time most were young people on training for their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Most, but not all seemed to be enjoying the task!

Not a lot was seen on the main section of Lathkill dale, but at least we did see a Dipper or two!

In the higher sections of the dale, we did see lots of flowering Jacob's Ladder orchids, the main reason for choosing this time of the year for this walk.

Another feature of today's walk were the traditional meadows which at a distance looked like a crop of Butercups, but when viewed closer included avariety of flowers including Red and White clover.

However the highlight of the walk was a Restart in clear view, almost posing for us in a Hawthorn bush. Later too we had a good view of of four young Barn swallows perched in a barn, just waiting to be fed by the parents, and in the second from last field that we crossed two Skylarks landed just twenty or so feet away, again giving us excellent views.

The day was ended with a good pint of Hartington Bitter at the Wilkes Head in Leek, although on this occasions, Martyn did not have a carry out, his plastic flagon was found to be holed! It must have got damaged on route!

Birds seen or heard included:Barn swallow, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black-headed gull, Kestrel, Mallard, Tufted duck, Common coot, Moorhen, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Mute swan, Dipper, Blackbird, Garden warbler, Blackcap, European robin, Winter wren, Skylark, Lapwing, Song thrush, Swift, House martin, House sparrow, Winter wren, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler and Redstart (the bird of the day, possibly the bird of the year!).

Mike was right, the T.O.W event at Warslow was the National Tug of War Championship!

Appleton and Grappenhall 17th June 2010.

Martyn marching out, trying to resist the temptation of calling in at John Willy Lees pub or just trying to get out of the picture!

Perhaps we will try it next week, but after the walk! Photo by Richard

Lunch time at Hill Cliffe. Photo by Richard.

Walking along the Bridgewater Canal. What are they all looking at? The answer is in the next picture.

Moorhen with chicks.

Mute swan with cygnets and Mallard with ducklings.

Ragged Robin, one of the many flowers seen on route today.

Distance:11.4 miles; Climb:338'.

Time:4 hours 55 minutes; On the move walking average:2.6 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Gordon, Sue and Michel, Tim, Celia, Sylvia and Dave J
A lovely sunny day with little or no wind to cool us. When the walk went through a wooded avenue, it was blissful!
This was a day for seeing birds with their young, first of all it was Great crested grebe with two chicks and Coots with young on Appleton Reservoir and then on the canal we saw Moorhen, Mallard and Mute swans all with young.

This low level walk, with a few miles along the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal to Grappenhall and only a "gentle" climb to Hill Cliffe Baptist Cemetery.

This was Gordon's patch from when he was a working lad, so he kept us well informed of buildings and churches on the skyline and some of the history associated with them. He seemed pretty well informed about the hostelries on the canal side too!

Flag iris and Yellow water lilies were two flowers of note.

Birds seen or heard today included:Winter wren, European robin, Barn swallow, Swift, Collared dove, Woodpigeon, Common coot, Mute swan, Moorhen, Blackbird, Common whitethroat, Pochard, Great crested grebe, Tufted duck, Yellowhammer, Black-billed magpie, Garden warbler, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, House sparrow, Mallard, Buzzard, Ruddy Duck, Grey heron, Greenfinch, Black-headed gull, Carrion crow and Blackbird.

After walk drinks were taken at the Ring O'bells at Daresbury, another old haunt of Gordon's. The first beer, EPA, wasn't too good, but Theaksons Best and Everards Sundaze were much better, but others preferred Pepsi!

Snowdon from Rhyd Ddu 12th June 2010.

Looking down from the trig point on Yr Wyddfa. Photo by Richard.

Martyn descending the top section of the South Ridge. Photo by Richard.

Looking down the quarry path towards Rhyd Ddu. The Nantlle Ridge on the skyline. Dave J with the South Ridge ahead and Hotel Eryri in view. Dave and Celia on the final section of the South Ridge.

Celia heading for the new Hotel Eryri and the crowds.. Butterwort in flower, according to Celia and those that know!

Distance: 8.2 miles; Climb:3161'.

Time: 5 hours 58 minutes; On the move walking average:1.6 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.4 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Celia and Dave J with Richard on the descent.

What a glorious day for walking this turned out to be. Almost wall to wall sunshine and blue skies too, although the summit was covered in mist at times, but not whilst we were there.

Richard was at the summit just after 11-00, but the rest of us didn't get there until 13-00! Needless to say we didn't take the same route!

This was a day for charity climbs to Snowdon, several hundred followed the Rhyd Ddu path, as did Richard, but we avoided them by taking the quarry track to Bwlch Cwm Llan and ascending via the South ridge.

We joined up again with Richard just before the final climb to the summit and "stayed together" for the descent down the Rhyd Ddu path.

The summit was so busy that we even had to queue to get to the trig point.

I was quite impressed with the inside of Hotel Eryri, although it was too busy to stop to sample their food or drinks.

Birds seen or heard today included: Chaffinch, Meadow pipit, skylark, Wheatear, Carrion crow, Raven, Pied wagtail, Cuckoo, Kestrel, Buzzard, Herring gull and Ring Ouzel (heard only).

As well as flowering Butterwort, Sundews were also spotted, and the occasional Large white butterfly.

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

Looking back across Llechog to the summit of Yr Wyddfa.

Our final view of Snowdon with a Welsh Highland Railway train just arriving from Beddgelert.

Congratulations to Dave and Sylvia

on their

Ruby wedding Anniversary

on 13th June 2010.

Almost a Close Encounter with Moel Fferna 10th June 2010.

I'm glad crossing this wasn't compulsory! Photo by Richard.

On the first tramway climb to Deeside Quarry - photo by Richard.

Nant y Pandy.

Setting off on the new route to Deeside Quarry.

The Deeside Quarry.

The first information board at the Moel Fferna Quarry.

Gordon looking at one of the two information boards at the Moel Fferna Quarry.

At the Moel Fferna Quarry.

Distance:9.6 miles; Climb:1265'.

Time:4 hours 48 minutes; On the move walking average:2.5 m.p.h.; Overall wlk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Sylvia and Dave J., Roger, Gordon, Sue and Michel P. We set off with mist in the air, on the cool side, but pleasant enough for walking. The ascent through Nant y Pandy became more and more humid, and when we emerged at the Nant the moorland around the summit of Moel Fferna was shrouded in mist. The new route along the tramway that contoured around the hillside towards the Deeside Quarry was delightful. The only steepish sections were ascending the tram way to the upper section of the quarry. Similarly the the rack to the Moel Fferna Quarry contoured gently round the hillside until the final short pull up the tram runway to the main quarry complex and the informative notices located at the quarry.

It was at this point that we decided to miss out a visit to the summit of Moel Fferna, still in cloud and by now we were experiencing a cool Easterly wind. We headed North along the main track to Llidiart y Parc, taking lunch in the lee of a wall just before entering the Carrog Plantation.

Resisting the temptation to call in the Grouse we returned along the minor road, except for a short section along the banks of the River Dee, back to Glyndyfrdwy and the Butterflyman Craft Centre.

Birds seen or heard today included:Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Carrion crow, Blackbird, Nuthatch, Pied wagtail, Meadow pipit, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Wheatear, Buzzard, House sparrow, Grey wagtail, Pheasant, Garden warbler, Barn swallow, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch and Swift.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Grouse Inn, where the Lees bitter was so good that we ended up discussing the merits and otherwise of the Royal family!

Unfortunately Richard had a headache and went straight home, hopefully to recover quickly. Thankfully he did with the aid of a hot drink.

Arenig Fawr 5th June 2010.

Lunch time by the tarn - photo by Richard.

The ascent of Arenig Fawr, up, up and up.

I can see Mike, but can you see Richard?

Looking acrossLlyn Trewryn towards Snowdonia.
At the trig point and shelter on Arenig Fawr.
Richard and Mike on the final descent of Moel Lylyfnant.

Arenig Fawr from the disused railway track.

Distance:8.2 (8.8 miles); Climb:1825' (2200').

Time:5 hours 39 minutes. On the move walking average:1.9 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.4 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard and Mike D.

What a lovely day for walking, mainly blue skies, a gentle breeze and temperatures just on the slightly warm side. Distance view were there, but weren't crystal clear, and Snowdon seemed to have wispy cloud just round the summit for most of the day.

This is the first time that I have done this walk and seen other people, seven in all!

We enjoyed lunch at the first large tarn after the descent of Arenig Fawr, just after seeing our first sighting of hang-gliders circling around Arenig Fawr.

After the grassy descent, Richard and Mike decided to climb Moel Llyfnant too, while Martyn tried, in vain, to find the bridle path to Beudy'r cwm and the agreed reuion point at Amnodd-wen.

The final mile stroll was along the disused railway track, a time look at Arenig Fawr and our route of ascent.

Birds seen or heard today included: Wren, Blackbird, Herring gull, Blackbird, Willow warbler, Carrion crow, Buzzard, Meadow pipit, Dipper, Pied flycatcher, Skylark, Redstart, Chaffinch, Common sandpiper and possibly a Hen harrier.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Cholomedy Arms at Cadol, where Boggart Mild, Brimstage Sandpiper and one of the Conwy Brewery bitters were sample.