Harris Hikers Christmas Meal 2011

Thursday 15th December 2011.

Harris Hikers Christmas Meal.

This years Christmas Meal together will take place at the Britanni Inn at Halkyn on the 15th December 2011.
The menu offered is as follows:

If you let me know whether you can make it and give me your order, I can collate them and give numbers and orders to the Britannia Inn as soon as I can. I want to hand in he completed meals list on Thursday 8th December. I would appreciate all orders to be given to me by Wednesday 8th December.
As usual we will park at the Britannia Inn  (about 09-30 a.m.) have a walk of about 6 miles and be back at the Britannia for about 13-00. Meal 13-30 onwards. 
If you can't make the walk, but can make the meal that's OK too. 
If you're thinking of walking with the group and want to check us out and want to join us for the meal, that's fine too!

Bakewell, Chatsworth Park and the River Wye 26th November 2011

Female goosander on the Derwent at Chatsworth Park.

Red deer in the rain at Chatsworth Park.

Male Tufted duck on the Derwent at Chatsworth Park.

Grey wagtail on the Derwent at Chatsworth Park.

Autumnal colours between Carlton Lees and our lunch spot.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.1 miles. Climb: 1567'.

Time: 4 hours 35 minutes. On he move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

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

Weather was expected to be mainly on the dull side, with a little Sun and possibly some showers.  This was pretty well what we got, but the showers were merely a dampness in the air and didn't warrant a stop to put on waterproofs!  In the main views were good, but today some of the birds that we saw were the highlight of the day.

It started well as we descended the track to Elsenor, when we saw a Treecreeper (they've been quite elusive this year, then we saw a Goosander on the Derwent as we approached Chatsworth Park and further down the river we had good views of a Grey wagtail (spotted first by Celia, that must be a first!), and later on we saw four Common crossbills at Carlton Lees ( first for the blog and definately the birds of the day).  In addition we saw a large number of Red deer on the slopes above the river at Chatsworth Park.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common crossbill, Collared dove, Black-billed magpie, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Winter wren, Blue tit, Great tit, Chaffinch, Black-headed gull, Mallard, Canada goose, Common coot, Moorhen, Tufted duck, Grey wagtail, Long-tailed tit, House sparrow and possiblt a Sparrowhawk.

After walk drinks were enjoyecd by all but one at the Wilkes Head in Leek where Hartington Bitter was the icing on the cake after a good walk.  Sadly Dolly, the landlords dog, is no longer with us.

I must remember not to visit Bakewell this near Christmas, parking was horrendous and if one car owner hadn't moved his car, I think we would have still been there!

St. Dyfnog's Well, Llwyn Woods, Denbigh Castle and Goblin Fields 24th November 2011

The first stretch along the Clwydian Way from the Brookhouse Mill.

"And they came, two by two..."

Little do they know the number of steps that lie ahead!

Walk stats: distance: Distance: 9.7 miles. Climb: 885'.

Time: 4 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Dave J., Annie H., Wendy and Phil.
A very select group walking today too many have other things to do!

A good day weather wise with temperatures well into the shorts walking zone!  Only one of the group lived up to that forecast and wore shorts!

This was a more varied walk than you might expect around the Ystrad and Clwyd, but today it really was superb. Difficult section of the walk encountered in the past had been cleared and new stiles put in.

The walk started well with a pair of Dippers showing well along the river.
When we Arvie at Llanrhaeadr, the St. Dyfnog's church, the church was open, so were all able to appreciate the magnificent Jesse window.
Lunch was taken early, just before we crossed the former golf course, as we couldn't envisage a suitable lunch spot later on.
Crossing fields towards Ystrad arm we even saw daises in flower!
A good walk despite those steps up to the castle!
Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Dipper, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Rook, Blue tit, Great tit, Common buzzard, Pied wagtail, Nuthatch, Common gull, Black-headed gull, Moorhen, Collared dove, Feral pigeon, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch and a Song thrush singing at a time of the year when they shouldn't!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at our usual hostelry, the Britannia Inn at Halkyn.

Walks and Dates November 2011

Harris Hikers Christmas Meal.
See seperate posting below for details.

Thursday 3rd November 2011.

Maes-Mynan and Pwll-Gwyn Woods, Bryn Golau and Ysceifiog Lake.

Distance: 11-12 miles. Climb:1000'.
Start: Ysceifiog. Park next to the village play area. Grid ref: SJ152715.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "More Walks On the Clwydian Hills". Both walks we have done several times, but not for some time. One walk is described as a delightful walk exploring the valley and foothills of the Clwydian Hills and the other walk as exploring the attractive and varied countryside overlooking the Wheeler Valley. Perhaps this time we will actually go round Pwll Gwyn Woods!

Saturday 5th November 2011.

Is-afon and Cwm Glyn with Lakeland Views and Upland Pastures.

Distance:10-11 miles. Climb:1800'.
Start: Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car Park, Llangower. Grid ref:SH903321.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Y Bala nd Penllyn".  One walk explores the hills above Llangower, giving superb views and scenery. The second walk explores the attractive open hills South of Bala, giving the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the hills surrounding Llyn Tegid.

Thursday 10th November 2011.

Pencloddiau and Moel y Parc.

Distance: 10-12 miles. Climb:1800'.
Start: Llangwyfan Forestry Car Park between Pencloddiau and Moel Arthur.Grid ref: SJ139668.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
These two walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "More Walks on the Clwydian Hills. New and extended edition". The walk normally starts from Aberwheeler, but parking is somewhat limited there. This a good walk that explores both sides of Moel y Parc and Pencloddiau.  Expect superb views on a clear and frosty day.

Saturday 12th November 2011.

Great Hill, Spitler's Edge, White Coppice and More.

Distance:11-12 miles.
Climb:1200' at a guess.
Start: Tockholes Visitor Centre and Car Park next to the Royal Arms. SD665215.
Leave Chester 08-00 a.m
This walk is taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". The described walk starts at White Coppice and is only 7 miles. We will extend the walk by starting at the Tockholes Visitor Centre Car park next to the Royal Arms. We have done most of the walk before, but not together. We will have plenty of opportunity to test how waterproof our boots are, especially as we cross Great Hill and Spitler's Edge, peat moorland at its best!

Thursday 17th November 2011.

Marion Frith, Moel Hiraddug, Cwm and Coed Yr Esgob.

Distance:10.4 miles; Climb:1600'.
Start:Car Park at the Western edge of Dyserth on the A5151. Grid ref:SJ062793.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
It's over a year since we last did these two walks together. Both walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydain Hills - New revised edition". He describes the first walk as delightful and the second one as providing a fascinating exploration of the low hills North of Dyserth.

Saturday 19th November 2011.

Mynydd Mynyllod, Llyn Maes y Clawdd and Earl's Wood.

Distance: 11-12 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Llanderfel Park next to the stream. Grid ref: SH982371.
Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry;s book "Y Bala and Penllyn".  One walk explores the delightful hidden pastures and rocky outcrops, reaching moorland North of Llanderfel. The second walk features two attractive lakes and includes a section of the "Queens Walk" named after Queen Victoria'a visit in 1828.

Thursday 24th November 2011.

St. Dyfnog's Well, Llwyn Wood, Denbigh Castle and Goblin Fields.

Start: Riverside parking near the weir in Brookhouse. Turn westward opposite the Brookhouse Inn, signposted "Pottery". Grid ref: SJ06896567.
These two walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  The main walk explore the attractive and varied countryside between Llanrhaeadr and Brookhouse.  The highlight on the walk is the Jesse window in the medieval church at Llanrhaeadre.  The second walk takes us on a "green" approach to Denbigh Castle.

Saturday 26th November 2008

Bakewell, Chatsworth and the River Wye.

Distance:9 miles. Climb:1500'.
Start: Car park in Bakewell. Grid ref:SK218685.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m. If more than one car is required, it will probably be worthwhile going in convoy to ensure that we end up in the same car park.
This is a walk taken from the Pathfinder Guide "Peak District Walks". As well as attractive riverside walking, this walk gives grand views of Chatsworth House and an opportunity to visit Haddon Hall.

Mynydd Mynyllod, Llyn Maes y Clawdd and Earl's Wood19th November 2011

Our first view, looking towards Llanderfel.

On the path from Hafoty Wen to Mynydd Mynyllod.

At the summit of Mynydd Mynyllod!

"Don't just look at us, how do we get down?"

Walk stats:Distance: 11.8 miles. Climb:1657'.

Time: 5 hours 51 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

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

Yet another good day for walking, not too hot and not too cold and a good deal of sunshine.  In fact the only time that Martyn put his fleece on all day was when he went into the Bridge Inn for pint!

The described Mynydd Mynyllod walk was a little odd, so we decided to to do our own route for the part around Mynydd Mynyllod and in fact we did a bit of heather hopping to reach its summit for the first time and possibly the last!

Although we have done this walk a few times, much of the route today seemed new to me. I'm hoping that it was because we did some of the walk in the opposite direction to the described walk, rather tha yet another "senior" moment!

We had lunch back at Llanderfel, taking advantage of the bench provided, but alas not the PC that have been closed for the last couple of years!

The only excitement of the afternoon walk was to be buzzed by a bright red helicopter as we walked along the "Queen's Path back to Llanderfel.
Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, House sparrow, Dunnock, Carrion crow, Raven, Woodpigeon, Collared dove, Jackdaw, European robin, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Great spotted woodpecker, Grey heron, Mallard and Common buzzard.

In all a good walk, appropriate for short wearing conditions in the middle of November!

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bridge Inn at Pontybodkin, where the beer of choice today was Brains bitter. Sadly only the dying embers were left in the hearth, I was glad that I'd put my fleece on!

Moel Hiraddug and Graig Fawr 17th November 2011

The birthday girl, and doesn't she look happy!

She must be thinking of the of her Sandford and London trip over the next few days!

"But you know I like horses"

At the trig point on Graig Fawr.

Fish Mine!

Walk stats: Distance: 10.8 miles. Climb: 1914'.

Time: 5 hours 49 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Annie H., Phil, Celia, Paul, Tom and Carol, Sylvia and Dave J., Fran and Tito.

Was this a shorts day or not? I didn't get any support/like thinkers until Tito joined us for the second part of the walk! I still think I made the right decision!
Another good day for walking, although it was somewhat blustery as we approached the summits of Moel Hiraddug and Graig Fawr, but on days like this inh November we should be very thankfull.
On much of the walk, once we attained any elivation we had good views., somewhat hazy, but enough to gladen the heart! Others may not agree, and I admit to be a little biased, but the coast along North Wales and Anglesey is unbeatable!
Thanks to Annie, we all enjoyed chocolate biscuits in celebration of her birthday.
This was the first time that I have been past the entrance to the well known "Fish Mine", definitely a special bonus for me.
Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, House sparrow, Great spotted woodpecker, Common gull, Black-headed gull, Common buzzard, Nuthatch and Winter wren.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, where the new extra large pots of tea went down well. It should go without saying that the Lees bitter did too!
"Chelsea" mentioned that some of the group were missing and then I realised Sue and Michel, Gordon, Sue and Dave were all missing today!

Great Hill, Spitler's Edge and White Coppice from Tockholes 12th November 2011

Heading for Great Hill, the first time.  Is this really the path?

At the win shelter on Great Hill on the first visit.

The paved way across Spitler's Edge.

Great Hill, the final approach on the second visit.

At the wind shelter on Great Hill on the second visit.

Walk stats: Distance:13.5 miles. Climb:1765'.

Time: 7 hours 0 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Dave J and Mike D.

Another good day for walking, warm sunshine, little wind and not even a threat of any wet stuff (except for what was under our boots!

The car park was the best place for seeing birds today with 6 or 7 different species being seen. We set of from Tockholes along a woodland path that was decked with autumnal coloured leaves, a delightful way to start the walk.

After crossing the Belmont Road the "path" across the boggy peat moor to Great Hill was stretched ahead of us. Whilst none of us experienced "the peaty clutches ..... and waist deep embrace" of Terry Marsh's description, Martyn did experience a closer encounter of the peat than he he really wanted!

Lunch was taken alongside the access track to Lower Hempshaw's. We could just about see Rivington Pike tower. As we approached White Coppice we started to see more and more people.  The route from White Coppice to Great Hill past Drinkwaters seemed very popular with walkers and fell runners.

as we descended Great Hill after the second visit, the Darwen tower could clearly be seen with its new look, making us realise that we were luck enough to climb to the top of the tower on last year's visit.

Birds seen or heard today included: Nuthatch, Blue tit, Great tit, Coal tit, Greenfinch, Long-tailed tit, European robin, Tree sparrow, Carrion crow, Raven, Kestrel, Pied wagtail, Common pheasant, Eurasian jay, Meadow pipit and Mallard.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Royal Arms at Tockholes.  The beers that went down well were Hopstar (Darwen brewery) and Glen top (Rossendale brewery). It's good to see that this gem of a pub is in the Camra 2012 Good Beer Guide.

Overall a superb day witha walk and pint to match!

Penycloddiau and Moel y Parc 9th November 2011

Our first views of Snowdonia.

At the burial cairn on Penycloddiau.

Another looking across the Vale of Clwyd to Snowdonia.

Lunch on the slopes of Moel y Parc.

Autumnal colours in the Southern valley below Penycloddiau.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb:1675'.

Time: 5 hours 5 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Tim, Paul, Tito, Dave J., Annie H., Sue and Michel.
A few regulars from the group were missing today, apparently with "better offers"(reasons)!

What another glorious day for walking this turned out to be. The Sun was shining all day and the none of the forecast rain materialized.  Pleasantly warm throughout the walk, T-shirts and shorts still he order of the day, well at least for one or two of us!

The distance views of Snowdonia from Moel Siabod, Snowdon and the Glyders (especially Tryfan) could all be identified on the horizon. further round the Little Orme could be seen as well as the nearby coast from Prestatyn to Rhyl and beyond.

This delightful walk will certainly be repeated in the not so distant future.

Birds seen or heard today included: Rave, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Common pheasant, Greater spotted woodpecker, Meadow pipit, European robin, Black-billed magpie, Blackbird, Long-tailed tit, Chaffinch, Winter wren and Woodcock.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn where the Lees bitter today tasted superb, a fitting way to finish off the day after such a superb walk.

Cwm Glyn, Lake Views and Upland Pastures 5th November 2011

A hint of Autumnal colours.

One of the many magnificent views of Llyn Tegid and the Arrenigs.

Can't you see, it's this way Dave!

The mystery ridge - Cadair Idris.

On the superb high level access track from Cae'r hafotty to the Llangower road.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 mi.es. Climb:1956'.

Time: 5 hours 1956'. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, and Dave J.

What a glorious day for walking this turned out to be. Mostly sunshine and very little wind. Still in shorts, and at times over-heating, and it's November!  

In the morning Llyn Tegid was like a mirror and seeing the hills and sky reflected in the still water just takes the breath away.
This really was a day to gently stroll and take in the views, remembering what a privilege it is to be able to walk on days like this.

This was an up and down walk, but today the varied terrain and the views were reward enough for the efforts required on the upward sections.

Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Great tit, Common buzzard, Bullfinch, Winter wren, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Black-billed magpie, Eurasian jay, Mistle thrush, Greater spotted woodpecker, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven and House sparrow.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bridge Inn at Pontybodkin, where the first pint of the Cottage brew went down well. Despite having a fleece on, I still looked longingly at the laid fire and wished that it had been lit!

Ysceifiog Lake, Pwll-Gwyn Wood, Maen-Mynan Wood and Bryn Golau 3rd Novemeber 2011

"Piggy in the middle" or just "Pigs eaitig for an apple" by Michel Pelissier.

At Caerwys - an early team photo - by Michel Pelissier.
But who are the posers?

Walk stats: Distance: 11.7 miles/ Climb: 1480'.

Time: 6 hours 11 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Dave J., Phil, Richard, Annie H., Phil, Sue and Michel, Carol and Tim with a guest appearance by Fran and Tito at The Brit!
Someone had a senior moment and forgot to bring his camera, but thanks to Michel's mobile all wasn't lost!

Still shorts weather, and despite the varied weather forecasts we in reality had very little rain.

The highlight of the day was having Richard with us for part of the walk.  Hopefully it won't be long before he joins us again.

This was an unusual walk in that the group members varied from 9, then 8, then we split into a group of 3 and 5 and then finished with a group of 10!

friendly dog owners, a runner, a couple of local ladies in Caerwys and a white haired lady, probably a similar age to several of the group all engaged pleasantries with us.

This was and up and down walk, completed, not quite as planned or as quick as we would have like, but we completed the walk, pleasantly tired and looking forward to the Britannia Inn and a pint of Lees Bitter (well at least one was!)

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Carrion crow, Raven, Bullfinch, Common buzzard, Kestrel, Common gull, Blackbird, Winter wren, Fieldfare, Common pheasant, Mallard, Tufted duck, Common coot, Gadwall, Nuthatch, Peacock and Peahen.

Ysceifiog Lake provided the birds of the day with about five Gadwall.