All Around the Great Orme 29th October 2011

Conwy Mountain from Llandudno West Shore.

An obliging Raven, but not the bird of the day.

Inside St. Tudno's Church.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: 1100' (estimated as GPS reading of over 2000' must have been wind assisted!).

Time: 4 hours 44  minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Roger.

On a day when I thought that I was "Billy No Mates", Roger came to the rescue on Thursday and we decided on a walk around the Great Orme. (Margaret was making a wedding cake and wanted Roger well away from the kitchen!).

Despite the dodgy weather forecast, this turned out to be a superb day for walking, a little blustery at times, but otherwise fine. Shorts were definitely the order of the day, but a fleece was too, but thankfully waterproofs remained in the rucksack.

On this occasion we walked along the toll road from West Shore to Happy Valley, and were amazed to to meet so many other people walking along this route. 

However the most memorable part of this walk was to see a Short-eared owl fly within ten feet of us and in view for quite some time.  After that I didn't care whether it rained or not!

As a change we took the path from Happy Valley straight to St. Tudno's Church,a and for the first time went into the church, after being warned to keep the outer door closed to keep out birds, sheep and goats, a literal rather than a Biblical reference!

Throughout the walk the ever changing light made sure that views were constantly changing, particularly towards Puffin Island and Anglesey.

Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, Kestrel, Herring gull, Mute swan, Oystercatcher, Eurasian curlew, Meadow pipit, Chaffinch, Great black-backed gull, Mallard, House sparrow, Goldfinch and Great cormorant.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn, Halkyn, where after the football results, it wasn't a surprise that Chelsea wasn't  at his usual spot at the bar!

In Search of St Cynhafal 27th October 2011

The Clwydian Hills, not as clear as you would like if you were walking Offa's Dyke today.

Thankfully today we're not!

St. Cynhafal church.

St Cynhafal Church.

Is anyone interested?

Walk stats: Distance: 7.6 miles. Climb: 499'.

Time: 4 hours 13 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Annie H., Sylvia and Dave J.
I'm glad that I didn't listen to the weather forecast prediction that it would feel like 6 or 7 Celsius, if I'd put my winter gear on I'd have been cooking! Thankfully shorts were the order of the day and waterproofs were needed for a few minutes after lunch, although there was a dampness around throughout the walk.

This was a very pleasant walk, almost a stroll, with plenty of birds around to grab our attention.  We frequently had good views of the Clwydians around Moel Arthur, bu the higher sections of the range were often in cloud.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Dunnock, Pied wagtail, carrion crow, Raven, Jackdaw, Common gull, Black-headed gull, Mistle thrush, Fieldfare, Chaffinch, Redwing, Geenfinch, Winter wren, Blackbird, Common buzzard, Goldfinch, Common starling, Grey heron, Great cormorant, Mallard  and Common pheasant.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, but only three were in attendance.  The early finish was too early for Dave J, but I think Saturday in Buxton might be a different kettle of fish!

Walks and Dates October 2011

Updated 24/10/2011

Saturday 1st October 2011.

The Little Orme instead.

  An improvised walk on the coast.

Thursday 6th October 2011.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb:950'.

Start: Opposite the Crooked Horn Inn, Brynford (Park near to sign) Grid ref:SJ186741.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Another two walks from Dave Bery's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". It;s nearly two years since w last did these two walks together! Always a good walk, if you try to forget that climb up the road to the Pen-y-Ball Monument!

Saturday 8th October 2011.

Pen-y-Bwlch Gwyn.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb:2000'.

Start: Pont y Bala Car Park. Grid ref: SH929362.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This is another walk from Dave Berry's book"Walks Around Y Bala and Penlylyn".
He describes it as a walk through the hills north of Bala. It skirts a prominent hill called Moel Emoel. but perhaps we may be able to reach its summit! The open hill section he advises is for "experienced walkers only and should be avoided in poor visibility!" Last time we didn't read the small print and as it suggested route finding at the North end of the walk isn't easy, especially when the paths aren't well used across the moors. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us and we will have good views all day!

Thursday 13th October 2011.

Gop Hill, Golden Grove and Sea Views.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 1500' at a guess!
Start: High Street Car Park in Trelawnyd. Turn right off the A5151 in the centre of the village. Grid ref: SJ090798.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines one walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" with a walk from Bob Harris's book "walks in Ancient Wales". One walk is described as an exhilarating walk with breathtaking contrasting views and the other visits the ancient sites, including the cairn on Gop Hill.

Saturday 15th October 2011.

The Big Moor Including Curbar Edge, Froggatt Edge, White Moor and Baslow Edge.

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

Start: Curbar Edge National Trust Car Park:.SK262747
Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.

The Big Moor walk is taken from Robert Harris' book "Walks In Ancient Peak District". This walk is a superb walk along mainly gritstone edges and gives plenty of opportunity to search out a few sites of historical interest. These include Stoke Flats Stone Circle, Hurkling Stone, Swine Sty Enclosure and Swine Sty. Some of them aren't easy to recognise even when you know that the grid reference is right!

The extension is 2-3 miles and allows us to traverse across Baslow Edge back to the car park.

Thursday 20th October 2011.

Cwm Conwy, Moel Y Gaer and Moel y Crio.

Distance:10 miles. Climb: 1500' at a guess!
Start: Rhosesmor. Parking area next to the children's play area. Grid ref:SJ214684.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain".  The Cwm Conwy walk is one of my favourite walks in the Halkyn area at any time of the year. The Moel-y-Crio use only part of second walk, so we will have to take care that we are vigilant as after going through Moel-y-Crio, otherwise we will be extendeding the walk more than we want to!

Saturday 22nd October 2011.

Caer Gai, Cwm Dyfrdwy and beneath Creigiau Llwyn-Gwern.

Distance: 11-12 miles. Climb:1200'.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

Start: Llanuwchllyn. Either roadside parking opposite the PC (Grid ref: SH 875302) or at the Snowdonia National Park Car Park at the end of the village Grid ref:(SH879297).

This walk uses three walks from Dave Barry's book "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". He describes them as being fascinating walks featuring a hill fort and exploring both sides of the Afon Dyfrdwy Valley, a chance to explore again the stunning and varied scenery South of Llanuchllyn.

Thursday 27th October 2011.

In search of St. Cynhafal and on St. Cwyfan's Trail.

Distance: 12-13 miles. (with chances to shorten if necessary!). Climb:1500'.

Start: Roadside parking on Nant Glyd in Llandyrnog. Grid ref: SJ109650. (Llandyrnog is on the B5429. at the cross roads in the village centre turn into Gladstone Terrace towards Llanynhafal. Nant Glyd is the first road on the right. In the past we have parked next to the football field.)

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". He describes them as being delightful walks exploring the attractive countryside between the Afon Clwyd and the Clwydian Hills. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us on this occasion and we will all agree with him and will all want to complete the walk!

Saturday 29th October 2011.
No walk.

Y Bala and Beyond Llanfor. This walk will now be later in the year, probably in December.

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

Start: Pont y Bala car park. Grid ref: SH929362.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.past we have parked next to the football field.)
This walk  uses two walks from Dave Berry's book"Walks Around Y Bala and Penlylyn". The main walk explores the varied countryside North of Bala, including the wild remote upland arouns Moel Emoel. The second walk allows us to explore Bala itself aand discover some of its history.

Cwm Dyfrydwy and Beneath Creigiau Llwyn-Gwern 22nd October 2011

Looking East towards Bala.

Lunch-time below Coed y Graig. At least Dave's eating his lunch!

One of the delightful green tracks that strolled a long in the sun.

Stepping stones to negotiate.

Walk stats: Distance: 11.7 miles (14.5 miles). Climb: 1548' (1700').

Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (7 hours 12 minutes) On the move walking average :2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Dave J and Mike D.

Another superb day for walking, lots of sunshine and a pleasant cool wind to keep us refreshed (well me really), but at least two of us had bare arms and legs by the end of the day!

At one point we thought that we were on two completely new walks, as the walk progressed we realised that aspects of the second walk were very familiar and the stepping stones reminded of a previous occasion when Dave J stood in the middle of the stream to assist Celia crossing over the stepping stones.

Once again the views all day were magnificent, especially the ones towards the Arans, the Arrenigs and even towards Llyn Tegid.

This was a good day for Fieldfare, they seemed to be everywhere and there were lots of Common buzzards too!

As we approached Llanuwchllyn, I decided that I had had enough walking for one day and declined the extra walk "2" mile walk to Caer Gai and headed back to the car.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Fieldfare, Kestrel, Common buzzard, Black-billed magpie, Eurasian jay, Mistle thrush, Reed bunting, Common snipe, Winter wren, Goldfinch, Long-tailed tit, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven and Nuthatch.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bridge Inn at Pontybodkin where a brew from the Cottage Brewery went down well.  The young lady serving at the bar was delightful too, not the same person encountered on a previous occasion.

Cwn conwy, Coed Trellyniau and Moel-y-Gaer 20th October 2011

"You're not going this way!".

"I may be eating you in 2012!."

Lunch time  prompted by the school bell!

Moel Famau from Moel y Crio.

Om=ne after another, hrading for Moel  y Crio on  the second visit!

No comment!

Walk stats: Distance: 10.9 miles. Climb:1125'.

Time: 5 hours 27 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk avergae: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave, Tito, Phil, Wendy and Tim.

What a glorious day for walking, my only regret was that I believed the weather forecasters and didn't wear shorts!

A shower at first , but sunshine for the rest of the day, and even the breeze was pleasantly coolling at least for me!

Superb views views throughout, especially when we were looking Nortyh and  Liverpool's Anglican Catherdral was so dominant on the syline.

Lunch was taken slightly early, just as the school bell at Berth Ddu went, but it was still probably a betterspot than on the top of Moel y Gaer.

After lunch it was like a pleasant stroll and in the Sun, topped up with a superb pint of Lees at the Britannia Inn.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Pied wagtail, Woodpigeon, Common pheasant, Pied wagtail, Red-legged partridge, Connon buzzard, Blue tit, Redwing, Fieldfare, Kestrel, Goldfinch, Black-billed magpie, Eurasia jay, Blackbird, Grey heron, European robin and Black-headed gull.

Curbar Edge, Froggart Edge, White Edge and Baslow Edge15th October 2011

The magical view that greeted us as we started our walk along Curbar Edge.

Curbar Edge, looking North.

There's always one not paying attention!

Red deer on White Moor.

Red deer on Big Moor.

At the trig point on White Edge.

"Stop moving Mum, I want a drink".

Walk stats: Distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: 735'.

Time: 5 hours 17 minutes. On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Celia, Mike, Becky and Indy the Lancashire healer/Jack Russel cross.

What a glorious Autumn day for walking, cool at first and pleasantly warm and Sunny for the rest of the day. A day for strolling along the edges taking in the superb views, unfortunately hundreds of others thought it was a good idea too!  At least when we got as far as White Edge he hoards thinned out a little.

The highlight of the day was hearing Red stags roaring on Big Moor.  We had had good views, particularly the small heard just below us on White Moor. In all we saw about 20 Red deer, but only 3 stags.

Birds sen or heard today included: Blue tit, Chaffinch, Meadow pipit, Common starling, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw and Sparrowhawk.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Eyre Arms in Calver where the Banks Bitter was the one sampled.  We sat out at the front of the pub, as Indy wasn't allowed in the grassed beer garden at the back!

The Gop, Golden Groves and Sea Views 13th October 2011

At the Neolthic Cairn on the Gop, one of the largest in Europe, but can anyone control this group?

What's this coming out of this Gop cave?  Is it a French Neolithic man?

Early lunch with views over Prestatyn.

At the toposcope on "Mynydd Marian", an unexpected gem on the route.

walk stats: Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 1287'.

Time: 5 hours 1 minute. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Gordon, Sue and Michel, Carol and Tim, Tito, Sylvia and Dave J., Sue and Dave.

Weather wise this was much better than some of the weather forecasts given. In fact it was in the main very pleasant for walking, not too sunny or warm and whenever there was a breeze it really did feel good!

The only difficulty encountered was just outside Gwaenysgor when three geese tried to stop us going past. Thankfully for most of us Tito, our Italian friend saw them off. They must have known that his interest in birds all revolves around the cooking pot!

This walk turned out to have one or two things that we didn't expect. The first of which was finishing lunch before mid-day. This was just because it was the most convenient spot on the walk, not a time precedence for the future!

Distance views were a little misty, we couldn't quite see Blackpool tower today!

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, European robin, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Eurasian jay, Common buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Blue tit, Great tit, Chaffinch, Black-headed gull, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Black-billed magpie, Collared dove, Common starling Fieldfare and Raven.

After walk drinks were taken at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, although the Lees bitter today wasn't quite at its best.

The Pen-y-Bwlch Gwyn Round 8th October 2011

Out of the woods.

Looking across Llaithgwm, a former Quaker farm towards Llyn Celyn.

"Look you, I'm floating across the bog".

Walk stats: Distance: 10.6 miles. Climb: 1763'.
Time: 5 hours 56 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Roger, Dave J and Mike D.
The weather was a little better than we could have hoped for, not much sun, but at least we only experienced a little dampness in the air occasionally.  If anything it was somewhat warm and humid and the low temperatures forecast didn't materialise.
Route finding across the moors wasn't particularly easy, even though visibility was good.  Distant views weren't good, although we did see Llyn Celyn and the unmentionable peak in the distance!
It wasn't on the route, but we did cross the summit Pen-y-Bwlch Gwyn before returning to the path on the route description.
We had lunch looking South-east down the Nant Cefn-coch valley, hoping that whatever we were sitting on was waterproof!
The return route after lunch was quite challenging to start with as the paths on the map didn't seem to exist on the ground, but eventually a more obvious path did appear as Llyn Maen Blas came into view.
An enjoyable walk, boosted by the early morning victory for Wales in the RU World Cup.
Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit , Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Carrion crow, European robin, Mistle thrush, Jackdaw, Kestrel, Rock dove, Common buzzard, Eurasian jay, Black-billed magpie, House sparrow, Red kite and Dave's Treecreeper!
After walk drinks were taken at the New Inn at Pontybodkin, bur the Rev. James wasn't at his best!

Holywell Common, Racecourse and Peny-Ball 6th October 20011.

The unusual waymarker at the start of the walk.

The Pen-y-Ball Monumen from the outh side of Holywell Golf Course.

Lunch time at the Pen-yBall Monument, but who's top dog to day?

At the trig point on Pen-y- Ball.

The Michael Owens' sculpture of Brynford Miners.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.6 miles. Climb: 948'.

Time: 5 hours 10 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0. m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Phil, Tito, Wendy, Sue and Dave.

Overall a very pleasant day for walking, a five minute shower was all we had to endure and the strong winds weren't cold. Nevertheless only one member of the group walked in shorts and a T-shirt for most of the walk!

Lunch was taken at the Pen-y-Ball monument, but attempts to hide from the cooling wind wasn't too successful.  Hot drinks in flasks were welcome!

The views from the trig-point on Pen-y-Ball Top, were superb, particularly towards the Wirral.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black-billed magpie, Common buzzard, Common pheasant, Woodpigeon and Goldfinch.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn, Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter went down well and the fire was just about to be lit.

Chinley Churn and South Head 3rd October 2011

Heading for Chinley Churn.

Still heading towards Chinley Churn.

Nearly there!

Well not really, we never did quite make it to the trig point on Chinley Churn.

Looking back towards the quarries beneath Chinley Churn.

Walk stats: Distance: 5.2 miles. Climb: 1459'.

Time: 2 hours 55 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Sue Powell.

Another good day for an afternoon stroll. Sunnier than expected and with a superb cool wind later on.  Views were good throughout, once we had gained a little height.  Contrasting scenery from small gritstone quarries and rolling grassy hill tops to lowland pastures and the conurbation of Chinley in the valley below.

Birds seen or heard today were few and far between but included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Meadow pipit, Black-billed magpie and Wheatear.
Overall a very pleasant walk, especially as we had the countryside to ourselves, only when we crossed the Hayfield Road did see any other people and they were in their cars.

After walk celebrations were made with a meal at a Indian restaurant in Sale. For once were early enough to take advantage of their "Early bird menu".

Craig-y-Don to Llandrillo-yn-Rhos via the Little Orme 1st October 2011

All of us at the trig point on the Little Orme.

A Wheatear on the Little Orme.

Ringed Plover on Penryn Bay.

Ringed Plover on Penryn Bay.

Saint Trillo's Chapel.

And I thought it was only "wrinklies" that were put out to grass in Llandudno!

Walk stats: Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb:601'.

Time: 4 hours 24 minutes. On the move  walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Roger.

Down to two and with temperatures forecast to be in the mid-twenties Celsius, I decided to switch the walk to a coastal walk in the hope that w might get a breeze off the sea.  Thankfully for most of the day we had quite a bit of cloud cover and so didn't suffer the direct sunshine for long periods, and when we did a cooling breeze helped us. There were lots of people about, but we only saw two people and two dogs swimming in the sea. The highlight of the day was seeing about fifty Ringed plovers on the pebbles at Penryn Bay.  

Lunch was taken just outside Llandrillo-yn-Rhos where we could take advantage of one of the benches provided by the Rhos on Sea Community.  We really did feel like a couple of old wrinklies strolling down the promenade and having a drink out of our flasks as we sat on the bench overlooking the sea. The only thing missing was the newspaper! Befitting our new image, we had more that 20 minutes over lunch!

Birds seen or heard today included: Rook, Herring gull, Great black-backed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Wheatear, Red-billed chough, Ringed plover, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, House sparrow, Great cormorant, Black-billed magpie, Pied wagtail, Meadow pipit and Feral pigeon.

We arrived back at the car to see cars parked on both sides of the road all the way into Llandudno and the whole place looking very busy.  A good day for the cafes and ice-cream vendors in Llandudno.

Overall a very pleasant "stroll" on the coast, just right for a hot day like today.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn and we were back home just after 4 p.m..