Elidir Fawr and Y Garn 20th July 2011

Elidir Fawr from Nant Peris.

At the summit of Elidir Fawr.

At the top of Mynyd Perfedd.

At the tiop of Carnedd y Filiast.

At the summit of Y Garn.

The first Common frog on the blog.

Walk stats: Distance:10.0 miles. Climb:3392' (Dave J (3690')).

Time:8 hours 38 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.5 m.p.h. Overall average: 1.2 m.p.h.

Group:  Martyn, Dave J., Fran and Celia.

The weather very warm and humid, and in the main without the relief of a cooling breeze.

Not exactly a perfect day for a walk that included a relentless 2000+' climb across steep grassy slopes at the start and finished with an equally steep and even more punishing on the knees descent from Llyn y Cwn to Gwasnadant.  Distant views were somewhat misty and the very high tops were often in cloud, but thankfully didn't cover Elidir Fawr and Y Garn when we were on them.

We were in the hills for over eight hours, the rest of the group can thank Martyn for enabling them to enjoy the hills for longer as they frequently him to catch them up! He did have an excuse on one occasion, where he decided to walk with three guys attempting the Welsh 3s, after all they did have a radio and were listing to the test match!

Once Elidir Fawr has been conquered, the ridge section of this walk is superb and every step has fantastic views in every direction, almost making you forget the horrible decent and road walk that awaits you at the end.

Birds seen or heard today included: Barn swallow, House martin, Greenfinch, Carrion crow, Pied wagtail, Raven, Stonechat, Meadow pipit, Blackbird, Mistle thrush and Redpoll.
Overall a great walk despite the downside!

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. The Lees bitter really did refresh the parts that other drinks couldn't! 

Craig Adwy-wynt and the Afon Maes Valley 28th July 2011

St Elidan's Church at Llanelidan.

Decisions, decisions, which way to go!

Lunch on Craig Adwy-wynt.

Nantclwyd Hall.

Crossing the oriental bridge by Nantclwyd Hall.

Lead me to Llanelidan as quick as you can!

Walk stats: Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb:1012'.

Time: 5 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Gordon, Sue and Michel, Fran and Tito, Celia, Wendy, LeRoi, Sylvia and Dave J.

A day of unexpected events. The day started, with finding Dave J stopped on the roadside with a  car that refused to go any further. Phoning Fran via Celia we found that they were only  a few miles away from our location near Llong. However everyone in the car had a go at trying to explain where they were, before Wendy was able to understand how to get to us. For some unknown reason they had taken the turning towards the A55, the opposite direction to us!  They did arrive just a few minutes before the AA came to Dave's rescue!

LeRoi transferred to Fran's car and we left Dave to wait for the AA and headed to Llanelidan.

We started the walk about an hour later than usual, hoping that Dave and Sylvia would meet up with us near to Nantclwyd Hall.  They managed to join up with us as we were having lunch on Craig Adwy-wynt.  This turned out to be an excellent point to catch up with us as Roger provided everyone with some of Margaret's much acclaimed Welsh cakes and Sue Pelissier provided some of her very moreish homemade shortbread. Everyone's thanks  go to Margaret and Sue.

Congratulations 

to 

Sue and Michel 

on their

Ruby Wedding Anniversary.

This wasn't really a good day for walking, very warm and very humid, but at least we didn't get wet!  The Craig Adwy-wynt despite the humidity is always good and varied, but we were still glad to take lunch on the limestone outcrops.

At Llanelidan, Tito decided that the best option was to relax in the car as the rest of us headed for the Afon Maes valley.  When we got back to the car, I think most uf accepted that he had made the right choice!

Birds seen or heard today included: Nuthatch, House sparrow, Barn swallow, Moorhen, Mute swan, Greater spotted woodpecker, Common buzzard, Greenfinch, Blackbird, Carrion crow and House sparrow.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the New Inn at Pontybodkin, where the beer of choice was the Reverend James.

How we got there is another story, but it's not a route I want to repeat, Satnav or no Satnav!

Aran Fawddwy and More for Some July 2011

Looking towards the final descent of the day. Taken from the path below PenYr Allt Uchaf.

Heading up Hengwm to the Bwlch between Drysgol and Warn Goch.

At the cairn at Drws Bach, our lunch spot for the day.

The Aran Ridge, the objective after lunch.

At the trig point on Aran Fawddwy.

Looking back towards Aran Fawddwy from our descent to Cwm Cwyarch.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.4 miles (9 - 10.2 miles), Climb:2810' (2900'-3100').

Time:6 hours 14 minutes (7 hours 10 minutes). On the move walking average:1.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.2 m.p.h. (1.4 m.p.h.).

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

We arrived in Cwm cwyarch to find that the farmer at Blaencwyarch had made a new car park (donations via an honesty box with funds going to the Mountain Rescue).

Another glorious largely sunny day with a pleasantly cooling breeze once we got above 2000'. Martyn and Roger only went a far as Aran Fawddwy before deciding to descend, Celia, Mike and Dave went along the ridge as far as Aran Benllyn and Mike and Dave included Pen yr Allt Uchaf before reaching the head of Hengwm.

Distant views were superb all day, although at times a little hazy.  Lunch was taken at Drws Bach before taking the final push to the summit!

The Arans were popular today, walkers seemed to coming from all directions.

As ever the descent from Aran Fawddwy along the fence was very boggy in places and even the boards didn't prevent our boots getting wet. 

The steep descent through Cwm Cwyarch between Glasgwm and Creigiau Camddwr was quite dramatic at times and the path wasn't easy to follow.  We arrived back at the car with knee joints creaking in protest, but they soon revived after a couple pints of Lees bitter at the Crown Hotel at Llandegla, where we met up with Sarah again. She informed us that the they are now open from 12-00 and that she was now doing the cooking.

Birds seen or heard today included: Pied wagtail, House martin, Barn swallow, Carrion crow, Goldfinch, Raven, Kestrel, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Wheatear.

Overall a good but tiring walk.

Walks and Dates July 2011

Updated on the 20th July 2011

Saturday 2nd July 2011

Ynys Llanddwyn.

Distance:9-10 miles. Climb: Not a lot (200').

Start: Car park on A4080, about 1 miles South of Malltraeth. Grid ref: SH412671.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey. Volume 1".  It is quite some time since we last did this walk, and on that occasion we failed in our attempts to stop a runaway horse followed by its hapless rider. Following directions through Newborough Forest hasn't proved easy in the past, but most of the paths going Southward, ultimately end up on the beach and we can't miss Ynys Llanddwyn. Quite a lot of the return route from Ynys Llanddwyn is along Traeth Penrhos and the edge of Cefni Saltmarsh.  I anticipate a short extension to visit the nature reserve opposite the car park.

Thursday 7th July 2011

Ty Mawr Country Park and Croes yr Esgob.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb:1500'.

Start:Trevor basin Car Park. Grid ref: SJ27224228
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk includes a walk from Jim Grindles's book "Circular Walks in North East Wales". This is the first time that we have included this walk and takes us along the river valley. The second part of the walk is one from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley".  We have already completed this walk once this year, but it is the obvious walk to link with the Ty Mawr walk.  The walk could involve crossing the aqueduct once, twice or not all!

Saturday 9th July 2011

The Mountains East of Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Distance:8 miles. Climb:2150'.

Start:Car park in the centre of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Grid ref:SH702459.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from the Nuttalls' book "The Mountains of England and Wales Volume 1 Wales".  As far as I can remember we have only done this walk once before.  Quarry excavations were close to the path then, so there may be quite a bit of re-routing/ diversions to cope with on the day.

Thursday 14th July 2011

All Around Malpas.

Distance: 12 miles. Climb:Not a lot (200').'.

Start:Car park in the centre of Malpas. Grid ref: SJ487473. If approaching along the B5069 past Malpas High School, turn left into High street and the car park is on the left.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines a walk from the OS book "Cheshire Walks" with part of a walk from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral".  A gentle stroll in the Cheshire countryside.

Saturday 16th July 2011

Cadair Bronwen, Cadair Berwyn and Moel Sych.
Postponed. Much rain has been forecast for Saturday and the Berwyns are not the place to be when it rains!
See below for the new walk

Distance:10-11 miles. Climb:3100''.

Start: Riverside Car Park in Llandrillo.  Grid ref:SJ35372.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from John Tranter's book "Walks in and around the Berwyn Mountains".  This is quite a strenuous walk, and in the past has been quite boggy in sections.  Hopefully that will not be the case this time as last time we did the walk it was during the Winter months.  A superb walk in good visibility and the Sun is shining. Let's hope for a good day.

Around the Little Orme and More.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1600'.
Start: Roadside parking near the PC on the shore road in Craig y Don at the East end of Llanduno. Grid ref:SH7994082152.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". This walk is a little shorter than our usual walks, but has become one of our annual favourites after we found a lot of orchids in flower on a previous walk. The cliffs around the Little Orme are nesting sites for Great cormorants and Shag, so bring binoculars too. We have in the past seen seals too.

Thursday 21st July 2011

Clywedeg Reservoir and Moel y Fron.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb:1600'.

Start: On the road parking in Cyffylliog. Grid ref: SJ060578. But meet at the riverside car park at Ruthin. Grid ref: SJ 121582. Car parking is very limited in Cyffyliog so we need to take as few cars a Cyffyliog. Meeting at Ruthin allows us maximize the passengers in the cars we take and leaving the rest in the car parl at Ruthin. it also ensures that we all arriive at the right place for the start of the walk!

Leave Chester.9-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes". This has always proved to be an enjoyable walk in the past and features attractive wooded river valleys, open hills, forests, upland reservoirs and excellent views on a good day.

Saturday 23rd July 2011

The Aran Ridge

Distance: 11-12 miles. Climb:3400'.

Start:Parking area in Cwm Cwyarch. Grid ref: SH854185..

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This is another Nuttalls Walk.  This is a strenuous walk, but the effort is well worth it. Although the ridge is a there and back, on this occasion, not even Dave objects.  On a good day the two outriders Gwaun Lydan and Gwaun y Llwyni can be included (I usually miss them out, especially the latter!). Can be boggy in places, but duckboards help in the worst places.

Thursday 28th July 2011

Craig Adwy-Nant, Nant Clwyd Hall and the Afon y Maes Valley.

Distance: 9-12 miles. Climb:1500'.

Start: Llanelidan. Grid ref: SJ108503. To get to the parking area, take the A494 Ruthin to Bala road, 2 miles after Pwllglas, turn left towards Llanelidan. Keep ahead at the crossroads as you enter the village, then go down a "No through road" past houses, telephone and a chapel to the end of the road where there is a parking area.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd", and explores the beautiful, unspoilt undulating countryside around the Nant Clwyd Estate.  It will be interesting to see how the work around the hall as changed the landscape.  We assumed that they were creating a lake, but were they?

Saturday 30th July 2011

North of the Glyders.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb:4000'.

Start: Nant Peris Car Park. Grid ref: SH607583.

This is another of Nuttalls walks. We have done this walk several times before. This is a superb walk, but really does need fine weather to be appreciated. Once on the ridge, it makes you feel as though you are on top of the world with outstanding views in all directions. This is a very strenuous walk, especially for me, so anticipate that this will be a long day on the hills.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

Clywedog Reservoir and Moel y Fron 21st July 2011

The real workers, on holiday at last!

The leader of the pack!

Common spotted orchid, the flower of the day.

The lunch spot for some, beside the Clywedog Reservoir.

The star spot of the day, a Common lizard.

Which way to go? No problem, the signpost points in the right direction!

Walk stats: Distance: 10.6 miles. Climb:1642'.

Time: 5 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike D., Wendy Peers, Sylvia and Dave J, Fran and Tito, LeRoi Walwin, Tim, Gordon, Roger, Sue and Michel.

What a wonderful start to the walk to have two new additions to the group, I knew about Wendy, but I could hardly believe it when I saw Leeroy standing by Dave's car, after threatening to join us over 12 years ago, at last he was here!  Hopefully they will both want to join us again in the future, whether on a regular basis or on the odd occasion that may suit.

The weather on this occasion was a bit of a none event, a little on the humid side at time and a feeling of dampness in the air, that was the worst that we got.  Ideally I would have liked a slightly stronger breeze, but the rest of the group seemed to be happy and by the end of the walk all of the group had discarded second layers.

Much of the walk was on quiet lanes, but we were occasionally squeezed by passing tractors.  The highlight of the walk was whilst we were walking along one of the forestry tracks adjacent to the remains of of a forest when we first heard and then saw at least two, probably three Peregrine falcons.  We also came across a recent meal of a bird of prey, probably the Peregrines,  a few feathers and the feet of a racing pigeon. (GB11 C 09271). I have e-mailed someone that I thought was the right authority and they have e-mailed me back saying that they had forewarded it. The views at this point were quite good too, when the Clwydian Range could clearly be seen.

Lunch was taken at the Clywedog Reservoir, where we had the luxury of  benches to sit on.  

After lunch, the spot of the day was a Common lizard sunbathing on a discarded piece of newspaper. The photo is on the blog, so I hope it isn't from the Sun or News of the World!

Birds seen or heard today included: Chiffchaff, Eurasian jay, Black-billed magpie, Common swift,Barn swallow, House martin, Herring gull, Common gull, Common buzzard, Pied wagtail, Peregrine falcon, Green woodpecker and Carrion crow.
After walk drinks were taken at the Rainbow Inn just outside Mold. The Black sheep Bitter wasn't in top condition, but the company made up for it!  Hopefully they will have put a new barrel by the time we go there next week!

The Little Orme and More 16th July 2011

At the trig point on the Little Orme, blue skies just appearing.

At the trig point on the Little Orme.

The Little Orme from near our lunch spot in Rhos on Sea.

"I've got my beady eye on you" or a Rook with attitude!

The Little Orme  on the way back from doing our extra mile or two!

Walk stats: Distance: 9.2 miles. Climb:1354'.
Time: 4 hours 31 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Mike D.
The original Berwyns walk was abandoned in favour of the Little Orme walk, knowing that whatever the weather threw at us we could cope or make a rapid return to the car!
We sat in the car for about half an hour, waiting for the rain to ease off sufficiently to tempt us to put on a walking boots.
The weather for the next three hours was cloud, sunshine and very light rain, so waterproofs were on and off like a yoyo. Thankfully they were more off than on.
In the absence of Dave we decided to abandon the walk as described and do a there and back walk to Colwyn Bay. In fact we only got a far as the outskirts of Rhos on Sea where we had lunch before returning.
Arriving back at the car, we discarded our rucksacks and extended the walk to Llandudno. Alas Punch and Judy weren't performing today.  On the front the organiser were getting ready for a triathlon event tomorrow, so we were weaving in and out of the barriers that the were setting up.
The best spot of the day was a Weasel dashing across our path as we descended a the Little Orme towards the quarry. later on we saw a Six spot burnet moth on the roadside path near the entrance to the Nature Reserve.
birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Rook, Greenfinch, Great cormorant, House sparrow, Barn swallow, House martin, Woodpigeon, Feral pigeon, Pied wagtail, Gannet and Carrion crow.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where we know the Lees bitter is in good nick and we always get a welcome.

All Around Malpas 14th July 2011

Heading for St Chad's old church anticipating lunch!

Leaving St Chad's old church in search of lunch!

Not a lunch spot that we would normally choose, 

but two of us were thankfully in the the shade of an old Oak tree.

The final approach (for some) to Malpas.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.0 m.p.h. Climb:628'.
Time: 4 hours 4 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average:2.2 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Gordon, Phil, Sue and Dave P., Carol and Tim, Roger, Sylvia and Dave J.
Roger, Sylvia and Dave J. walked an extra 4.1 miles at cracking pace of 3.2 m.p.h., whilst Martyn and Gordon relaxed with a pot of tea or two outside Maria's!  Who made the best choice?
I feel as though I'm becoming predictable, but yet again this was a glorious day for walking, particularly before lunch.  After lunch it became a little on the warm side and a stronger cooling wind would have been appreciated!
Not a walk that would be in the top ten of walks of most people's walks , but walking in the countryside is always good.
The most unusual event of the day was when a car was encountered at the end of  a lane and asked "How many of you are the?", waiting to save the problem of passing us on the narrow road.  One of the group asked "Do you live around here?"  The reply came "No, just visiting my parents".  they were buried in the grounds of old St. Chad's church!
Some of us were a little desperate, and we sat down in the middle of the tractor tracks and had  lunch. Two of us sheltered under a nearby old Oak tree. At this point we were just over a couple of miles away from Malpas!
Birds seen or heard today included: Barn swallow, common buzzard, Black-billed magpie, Blackbird, Winter wren, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Blue tit, Pheasant and House sparrow more than 30 in field of Barley.
We arrived back at Malpas and 7 of the group decided that 9 miles was enough in the heat of the day and they didn't want to do the 4 mile extension.
Whilst the intrepid three set of on the extension, six of us headed for the Crown Hotel, anticipating an hour and half enjoying refreshments at the Crown Hotel in Malpas.  Nothing was further from the truth.  Nothing was further from the truth, no real ale, only Worthington smooth and no coke, only cans of Pepsi and we didn't want to watch live racing!
After one drink we decided it was enough, two went to look around the church, two went home and Gordon and Martyn spent an hour or so drinking tea outside Maria's (the cafe which was the old fire station).  This must be the first occasion when yours truly has completed a walk when he wasn't driving, sampling only soft drinks!
Despite the fact that we blamed Roger's decision to do the  extra 4 miles, Gordon and Martyn did enjoy watching the world of Malpas go by as they supped their tea, despite the strange looks when Martyn asked for the second pot of tea.

Dunham Massey and the Bridgewater Canal 11th July 2011

Looking across the pond to the rear of the house at Dunham Massey.

A Fallow deer at Dunham Massey.

Another deer at Dunham Massey.

The front of the house at Dunham Massey.

Yellow water lilies on the Bridgewater Canal.

White water lilies on the Bridgewater Canal.

Small tortoiseshell, one of many seen today along the Trans Pennine Trail.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.8 miles. Climb:130'.

Time: 2 hours 54 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p..

Group:Martyn and Sue Powell.

Another glorious day for walking, bright and sunny with mainly blue skies and pleasantly warm throughout. The main delight within the confines of Dunham Massey Park was the Fallow deer that were happy to graze just a few feet from us.  However once outside the park, it was very much a Yellowhammer day, they seemed to be calling from the hedges / bushes everywhere along our route from the park, along the Bridgewater Canal and return along the Trans Pennine Trail. A few were clearly seen too.  Apart from this the only worthy thing of note on the Bridgewater Canal were two rafts of flowering water lilies, one the Yellow water lily and the other the White water lily.

The surprise of the day was the amount of iron work that some workers had dredged from the canal, including several bikes and super market trolleys. 

The next section along the Trans Pennine Trail, an old railway track, didn't have a lot to offer, but there were lots of butterflies flitting around the flowers. They included: Small white Large White, Small tortoiseshell, Peacock and a Common blue.

Birds seen or heard today included: Black-headed gull, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Song thrush, Mistle thrush, Black-billed magpie, House sparrow, Barn swallow, Common swift, Blackbird, Mallard, Common coot, Moorhen, Mute swan, Aylesbury duck, Winter wren and Yellowhammer.

We arrived back at Dunham Massey Park to find it quite busy and decided not to go into the house. Instead we returned to Sue's house where we celebrated the walk with several cups of tea (I think Sue had something a little stronger) and finished off with an enjoyable Salmon dinner.

The Hills East of Blaenau Ffestiniog 9th July 2011

Our first encounter with the slate quarry environment around Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Where do we go now? Our first detour in the planning.

At the summit of Madod Mawr North Top.

The cause of our second detour. The quary below Manod Mawr North Top.

At the summit of Manod Mawr (trig point now missing).

Heading for Llyn Manod and the path to Nant Dwr-oer.

The long incline from Nant Dwr-0er to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb:2521'.

Time: 6 hours 17 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h.  Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

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

A glorious sunny day, put even the grey slate quarries in a good light.  As anticipated a good bit of the walk near quarries no longer existed and we had to make a few detours and the walk ended up over two miles longer than expected.  Much of the route was pathless and we did our fair share of bog hopping, in fact I think 90% of our footsteps responded with a squelch!

The walk included three peaks over 2000', Moel Penamnen, Manod Mawr North top and Manod Mawr, and I suspect that it may be the last time that we visit any of them!

We declined the first incline from Craig-ddu quarry and instead followed a much gentler incline to the shores of  Llyn y Manod to pick up a path that led to the base of the first incline. 

Birds seen or heard today included: Greenfinch, Winter wren, Black-billed magpie, House sparrow, Pied wagtail, Wheatear, Common swift, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Raven.

We arrived back at the car, knowing that we had had a good walk and just in time for Mike to take advantage of the PC before they were locked for the night.

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

Ty Mawr Country Park and Croes yr Esgob 7th July 2011

The Pontcysyllte Aquaduct from the River Dee on the way to Ty Mawr Country Park.

Part of the walk along he towpath heading for Froncysyllte.

Normal lunchtime activities!

The view across the Dee Valley towards Trevor Rocks, Dinas Bran and the Llantysilio Mountains.

A different view of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct from above the village of Froncysyllte.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.5 miles. Climb:1384'.

Time: 5 hours  7 minutes. On the move walking average:2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Roger, Gordon, Phil, Celia, Sylvia and Dave J.

Showers anticipated, but thankfully they were only very light, just enough to make the effort to put on waterproofs for a short time before and after lunch.

The section new to us from Trevor Basin along Offa's Dyke Path to Ty Mawr Country Park was very pleasant, despite the fact that view back towards the aqueduct were somewhat limited.  One section through Pentre was a little contrived, but it did get us away from a busy road for about  mile.  As always walking along the towpath is always pleasant, and today there were lot of colourful narrow boats to see too.  However the highlight of the day was a  female Mallard trying to keep watch over twelve ducklings of various sizes.

Lunch was taken as we descended Croes Yr Esgob along the Llwybr Ceiriog Trail in a 20 minute spell of sunshine between showers.

The views across the Dee valley towards Trevor Rocks and Dinas Bran were superb once the rain clouds had dispersed.

A good walk, always better when the last mile or so is down hill or flat and the Sun is shining as it was today.

Birds seen or heard today included: Greenfinch, Nuthatch, Blue tit, Jackdaw, Jay, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Blackbird, Black-billed magpie, Goldfinch. Redstart, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Winter wren, Blackcap, Common buzzard, House sparrow and Common swift.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Telford Inn, Trevor where the locally (Llantysillio) Llangollen Bitter went down well.  Gordon seemed to enjoy his bowl of chips too (bought by Celia). The rest of us enjoy a chip or two as well.