The Tarren Hills 28th August 2010

A waterfall on the Nant Gwernol.

Our first view of Tarren y Gesail.

Heading up the grassy slope of Tarrenhendre.

At the cairn on Tarrenhendre.

At the trig point on Tarren y Gesail.

Walk stats: Distance:10.8 miles; Climb:3367'.

Time: 6 hours 38 minutes; On the move walking average: 1.9 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.5 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Celia and Dave J.

The weather forecast was for showers all day, and it turned out to be right, but we did have a few sunny spells, particularly at the start and the end of the walk. The walk started by following a path above the Nant Gwernol, a very picturesque route and then followed an old railway track. The going was easy, little did we know what was to challenge us later on. The final steep scramble through Heather, slate scree and a grassy slope to the ridge, wasn't exactly delightful. The relief of arriving on the slopes of Tarrenhendre was soon lost as we headed up the seemingly never ending grassy slopes to th cairn on the top. By this time we were accompanied by a strong North-Westerly wind and low cloud, so views were minimal. The route followed the fence and we were fortunate to get glimpses of good views down to the coast.

Surprisingly we saw other walkers on this route.

We arrived at the shelter and trig point on Tarren y Gesail, thinking that the rest of the route would be a gentle descent, but once again we were to be proved wrong. One section was very boggy, no wonder the OS map described it as "Fords"! However from Bryn Eglwys quarry the route was easy and soon turned into tarmac track all the way down to Abergwynolwyn.

Birds seen or heard today were few and far between but included: Chaffinch, Cola tit, Buzzard, Kestrel, Meadow pipit, Raven, European robin, Treecreeper, Winter wren and Red kite (seen just as we were leaving Abergwynolwyn).

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Cholomendy Arms at Cadole, where the brews sampled were from the Boggart Brewery, the Cottage Brewery and Lees Brewery.

A good walk that would have been much better on a warm, sunny day with a gentle southerly wind to cool us!

Tarporley and Peckforton 26th August 2010

Our first view of Beeston Castle.

At Wharton's Locks on the Sandstone Trail.

Paul and Gordon on one of the field paths.

Dave J at the top of the original stile.

Sue taking the original stile, Michel opting for the easy way!

Walk stats:Distance:10.8 miles (11 miles on a different GPS). Climb:687'.

Time: 5 hours 0 minutes; On the move walking average:2.7 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sylvia and Dave J., Phil, Paul, Gordon, Roger, Sue and Michel, Celia, Sue and Dave P.

Not the sunniest of days, and for some of the group a little on the cool side. In reality this was a good day for walking, not too much danger of "steaming"! This was a very pleasant walk on what we can regard as our local patch, although after a while I did get a little bored trekking through Maize fields!

Lunch spots were few and far between, but we were able to take advantage of the picnic area and tables by Beeston Castle.

The most unusual thing of note was a stile that had been created to go through the branches of a tree, although now you can avoid by just using a gate to the side of the stile.

It was good to have Dave Pearson with us just over a week after his eye operations. I thinks some of us were a little disappointed that he wasn't wearing protective goggles!

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, House martin, Barn swallow, Buzzard, Kestrel, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Wheatear, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Black-billed magpie, Carrion crow, Mallard, Canada goose, Moorhen, Rook, Winter wren, Woodpigeon, Pheasant and Pied wagtail.

After walk drinks were taken at the Rising Sun in Tarporley, but we only just made it, it stopped serving at 3-00 p.m. The brews sampled were all Robinson's. The Unicorn was probably the best on offer, Bizzy Bee was Ok but Dizzy Blond was the worst drink I've tasted this year, well past its best, I should have taken it back!

Walks and Dates August 2010.

Updated 23rdAugust 2010.

Thursday 5th August 2010.
Little Budworth Country Park and More.

Distance:11 miles; Climb:Not a lot!
Start: Little Budworth Country Park Car Park on Coach Road. Grid ref:Sj590654.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
Another walk from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral" with and extension that includes Sandy Bank Farm, Brookhouse Farm, Hebden Green, Adjuncta Covert, Darley Hall and Lower Farm.
The described walk is quoted as being a walk through magical woodland, soft sandy soil and dappled shade of Silver birch. The extension explores the farmland area Little Budworth and Winsford.

Saturday 7th August 2010.
Anglesey Coastal Path - Aberfraw to Rhosneiger.

Distance:12 miles; Climb:500+' at a guess.
Start:Park on Common land beside the old bridge just before Aberfraw. Grid ref:SH356689.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Carl Rogers' book Coastal Walks Around Anglesey Volme 1", but in order to do so, there is an overall 3 mile link-up. Coastal walks are always enjoyable, especially in the Summer. The walk will involve some retracing of our route, especially around the motorbike track. The internet suggests that there is a temporary diversion around it, hopefully it will be easy to follow.

Thursday 12th August 2010.
Little Leigh and Great Budworth.

Distance:12-13 miles; Climb:500+' at a guess.
Start: Marbury Country Park. Grid ref:SJ653764. The Country Park can only be approached from the Winnington side (North). take the A533 through Winnington, and after crossing the swing bridge over the River Weaver to Anderton. After about 1 mile turn right into Marbury Lane which leads to the Country park.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combiness two walks from Jen Darling's book "walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral", but we will have to adapt the route slightly in order to link them. The walk includes meres, flashes and part of the Trent and Mersey Canal. It will also give us another chance to see the Anderton Lift again, hopefully it will be operating on the day. The Little Leigh walk includes going over the Saltersford Tunnel along the "horse path". Don't forget to bring binoculars with you, we can't go to Marbury Country Park without at least looking over the mere.

Saturday 21st August 2010.
A Walk Around the Land's End of Wales.

Distance:11-12 miles; Climb:900+' at a guess.
Start:Aberdaron Car Park. Grid ref:SH173263.
Leave Chester at 7-30a.m.
This is a walk taken from "Walk Magazine". In the main this walk uses the new waymarked coastal path between Porth Oer and Aberdaron, with a short there and back to visit Mynydd Carreg. The walk involves coastal cliffs, moorland, field paths and minor roads. Don't forget to bring binoculars with you. There may be an opportunity for a quick dip in the sea at the end of the day, if time allows.

Thursday 19th August 2010.
Frodsham and Alvanley.

10 miles; Climb:1000+' at a guess.
Start:Frodsham Station Car Park. Grid ref:SJ517778.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral". One is described as a saunter along the Sandstone Trail and the other one gives glorious views from Overton Hill. We will also include the Memorial on the summit of Frodsham Hill with its commanding views towards North Wales.

Saturday 14th August 2010.
Saddle Fell, Bleadale Water and Fair Snape Fell.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:2165'.
Start: Chipping Village Car Park. Grid ref:SD622433.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". He describes it as a varied and demanding walk, not suited to misty conditions and dogs are not allowed on the concessionary paths. oute finding could be a challenge, but at least there is the distinctive Langden Castle as a landmark at the most Northerly part of the route.

Thursday 26th August 2010.
Peckforton and Tarporley.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:800'.
Start:Public car park next to the Rising Sun in Tarporley. Grid ref:SJ553627.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Another two walks from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral". These are two easy walks near home.It includes some sections of the Sandstone Trail. It may be possible to see Peregrin falcons around Beeston Castle.

Saturday 28th August 2010.
The Tarren Hills.

Distance:9 miles; Climb:2900'.
Start:Abergwynolwyn Car Park on the B4405. Grid ref:SH678069.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from the Nuttalls book "The Mountains of England and Wales - Volume 1 Wales". We have done this walk in the past, but it was so long ago that I can't remember anything about it. The walk follows the line of an old railway, climbs along a forest track before a final scramble up a steep shaley slope that leads to the summit Tarrenhendre.

Lands End Of North Wales 21st August 2010

At the gateway to .....?

Looking back towards Aberdaron from the Coastal Path.

At the highest point of the day, Mynydd Mawr.

Looking back along the Northern cliffs of the Llyn Peninsular.

Whistling Sands, but they didn't whistle for us!

One of the many butterflies seen today. A Wall?

A Common blue.

One of the many butterflies seen today. Another Wall.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.4 miles; Climb:2163'.

Time:6 hours 21 minutes; On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

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

A good day for a walk, perhaps a little on the warm side whenever the Sun was shining on us and the lovely cool wind subsided or we were in a sheltered spot. A superb walk in the main, although the way-marking was lacking in places, especially around the look out buildings.

We set off inland from Porth Oer, and were luck enough to take a bridleway that was a haven for butterflies.

Butterflies seen included:Small white, Large white, Speckled wood, Meadow brown, Common blue and Wall.

Birds seen or heard today included:Barn swallow, House martin, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Fulmar, Chough, Stonechat, Meadow pipit, Curlew, House sparrow, Linnet, Goldfinch, Common tern and Gannet.

After a delayed start, Roger was unable to join us for after walk drinks at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, but the cause of the delay did by the first round!

Frodsham and Alvanley 19th August 2010

Some of the group needed a rest after the first climb of the day!

What a group, Rag, Tag or Bobtail or what!View across the Mersey from the Monument on Frodsham Hill.

Helsby Hill from the viewpoint on the Sandstone Trail.

On the Sandstone Trail.

Emerging from the last and unexpected climb of the day.

Wall stats: 10.9 miles; Climb:1284'.

Time: 5 hours 35 minutes; On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Gordon, Roger, Sue Pelissier, Celia, Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J., and Sue Pearson.

A perfect day for a walk, warm and sunny and hardly any wind, and it only really started to rain as we were on our way home. The only disappointment were to missing members of the group (Michel Pelissier on bathroom watch, Dave Pearson recovering from his laser eye treatment and Richard on Imogen duty.

the first section of the walk along the ridge from Frodsham towards Delemere is was superb, whilst the return rout wasn't quite a good. Unusual encounters included a horse that wanted to nibble Martyn's rucksack and if the truth was know a little bit more as well!

Lunch was taken overlooking a field of thistles, but when some of the group are hungry they'll eat anywhere!

This was a good day foe butterflies with Small white, Large whites, Common blue, Peacock, Meadow brown, Small tortoiseshell and Speckled wood all being seen.

Birds seen or heard today included; Barn swallow, House martin, Rook, Jackdaw, carrion crow, House sparrow, Blue tit, Pied wagtail, European robin, Buzzard and Sparrow hawk.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Helter Skelter in Frodsham.

Fair Snape Fell and More 14th August 2010

The upper sections of Saddle Fell and across the valley Wolf Fell.

Parlick from the slopes of Fair Snape Fell.

Educational flower beds at Chipping, learning about the butterflies and bees.

Dave realises that we've missed out a bit of the walk!

Martyn at the trig point on Fair Snape Fell.

Dave and Richard a the trig point on Fair Snape Fell.

Walk stats: Distance:10.2 miles; Climb:1938'.

Time:5 hours 38 minutes; On the move walking average:2.1 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard and Dave J.

A good day weather wise, no rain, quite a bit of Sun and a cool breeze.

Chipping village has a good car park that doesn't charge an arm an a leg, and an like Slaidburn the toilets were excellent. The track across Saddle Fell was a gentle grassy track, but on the opposite side of the valley on Wolf Fell a grouse shoot was taking place. We didn't hear the guns fire very often, so I don't think many grouse were shot. I think more grouse were on our part of the fells, I wonder if they knew!

Once on the top of the fell, the path soon weaved its way through the peat hags and bogs, but thankfully no-one got wet feet and we didn't find any unexploded ordnance!

Having missed out a part of the walk, looking at the map afterwards it was probably a good mistake to make, we decided to do a there and back to Fiendsdale Head before heading for Fair Snape Fell. It was a there and back, but to make it a little different, we followed the East side of the fence on the way out and the West side on the return.

Lunch was taken, sheltering from the cool wind with a peat hag to our backs and views of Blackpool tower in front of us.

Dave kindly provided small sponge cakes from Libby's first birthday party yesterday.

The ridge from Fair Snape Fell to Parlick was probably the best part of the walk, and probably explains why were saw lots of people on this section.

From Fell Foot, we decided to use field paths as much as we could back to Chipping.

Birds seen or heard included:House sparrow, Barn swallow, Red grouse, Red-legged partridge, Snipe, Dipper, Mallard, Collared dove, Black-billed magpie, Snipe, Wheatear, House martin, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit and Common starling.

After walk drinks were enjoyed in the only real ale pub in the village, The Tillotsons and the landlaord's choice, Sawley Tempted by the Bowland Brewery went down well.

A good walk, soured only by Martyn scratching the side of his car on the corner of a wall!

Around Little Leigh and Marbury Country Park 12th August 2010

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On the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath after lunch.

Is there anyone there?

At the entrance of the Saltersford Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey canal.

Descending the second horse path above the Barnton tunnel along the Trent and Mersey Canal.

The Anderton Boat Lift - one up, one down!

Walk stats:Distance:11.5 miles; Climb: 432'.

Time: 4 hours 57 minutes. On the move walking average:2.7 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.3 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Paul, Sylvia and Dave J., Roger, Gordon, Sue and Michel

A bit of an iffy weather forecast, but thankfully all the showers came before lunch, and there was only one that could be a a ten minute downpour!

A good and varied walk with a 20 minute break to watch the Anderton Lift operating between the River Weaver and the Tent and Mersey Canal.

Instead of completing the Marbury walk, we decided to explore Marbury Country Park instead.

Birds seen or heard today included:Blue tit, Coal tit, Great tit, Nuthatch, European Robin, Grey heron, Buzzard, Yellowhammer, Greenfinch, Jay, Black-billed magpie, Woodpigeon, Collard dove, Redstart, Common whitethroat, Tufted duck, Great crested grebe, Mallard, Moorhen, Black-headed gull, Mute swan, House sparrow, Winter wren and Barn swallow.

After walk drinks were enjoyed aat the Fox and Barrel at Cotebrook where Deuchars IPA, Weetood's Eastgate and Lymestone's Stone Faced were the brews sampled.

Aberfraw and More 7 th August 2010

The view along the estuary from the old bridge just East of Aberfraw at the start of the walk.

A coastal view looking across the beach and the Aber Fraw estuary.

Tito striding out across the beach.

The entrance to Barclodiad y Gaws burial chamber.
Fran and Tito going for a swim before lunch.

Fran and Tito approaching Barclodiad y Gaws burial chamber with Rhosneigr

and

maybe "lion rock" in the background.

Walk stats: Distance:12.0 miles; Climb:851'.

Time: 6 hours 17 minutes; On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h.; Overall walk average:1.9 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Celia, Fran and Tito.

Weather forecast for showers before lunch, but thankfully the only precipitation experienced was on the journey! A good day, warm, dry and sunny at times, and only a gentle breeze to help us on the return.

This is the first walk that the group has undertaken that was entirely a there and back walk, I'm sure Dave wouldn't have allowed us this indulgence!

Walks along the coast are always superb and this was no exception.

The only annoyance was the sound of speeding motor bikes around the Motor circuit and perhaps the fighter jets that buzzed us, but more than half the group didn't even notice them!

A bonus f being forced inland around the motor racing track, was the hedgerows were alive with butterflies, Small whites, Large whites and Red admirals. I've never seen so many Small whites in one area as this.

Lunch was taken in a small bay, about half a mile short of the main beach that is East/South of Rhosneigr. We indulged Fran by walking as far as "lion rock" , a childhood favourite location for swimming and camping.

Unusually the group agreed that the best return route was just to retrace our outward journey.

Another lovely sight was watching 500+ Common starling wheeling around before settling down to feed.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common starling, Common tern, Gannet, Oystercatcher Stonechat, Ringed plover, Redshank, Common sandpiper, Carrion crow, Rook, Linnet, Black-headed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Greater black-backed gull, Great cormorant, Barn swallow, Greenfinch, Pied wagtail, Winter wren, Greylag goose, Herring gull and Blackcap.

Butterflies seen today included:Small white, Large white, Red admiral, Small tortoise shell and Common blue.

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

Little Budworth and More 5th August 2010

Fran legless and it isn't even 11-00 a.m! Up close with a Maize field! Striding out towards the end of the walk!

Walk stats: Distance:12.1 miles; Climb:466'.

Time: 5 hours 20 minutes; On the move walking average:2.6 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Sue and Michel, Phil, Tim, Sylvia and Dave J., Fran, Celia, Sue and Dave P.

Thankfully the forecast rain showers didn't materialise, and the weather was almost perfect for walking, especially when a gentle cooling breeze kicked in now and again.

Although there weren't many notable features on this walk, there was much evidence of "house development" being undertaken by the "Cheshire set"!

The most impressive being Brookhouse Farm, renamed Hadley Moss, much work already done, but still an ongoing project. It's good to see at least some people are spending money and keeping people employed! A lovely herd of Highland cattle on one side of the drive and a flock of sheep on the other, but this seemed more like horse territory that tradition farming!

Lunch was taken in luxury, taking advantage of garden seats in a small park/play area next to the church in Little Budworth.

A good number on the walk today with the Pelissiers back home and Sue and Dave P returning to the fold after. Only Tito was missing, he had a better offer, a visit to the dentist!

Birds seen or heard today included:Blackbird, Pied wagtail, Yellowhammer, Green woodpecker, Buzzard, Lapwing, Skylark, Common coot, Mute swan, Mallard, Moorhen, Great crested grebe, Chaffinch, Barn swallow, House martin and House sparrow.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Fox and Barrel, where Weetwood, Cheshire Cat and Deuchars IPA were the tipples that revived weary legs of most of us.

Purple Gallinule 2nd August 2010.

Purple gallinule on Balderton Brook near Stonebridge in Saltney.

Taken at 07-15 a.m. on 2nd August 2010.

The bird has now been verified as an escapee!