Cwm Porth-Llwyd and Falls 28th April 2012

Part of Dolgarrog Memorial Reserve.

(1925 dam burst and disaster that destroyed part of the village with the loss of many lives)

The Conwy Valley from above Dolgarrog.

Coedty Reservoir from the track leading to Llyn Eigiau.

The view of the Carneddau from our lunch spot at the Llyn Eigiau dam.

The upper section of the Prth-Llwyd Falls.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.3 miles. Climb: 2102'.

Time: 6 hours 5 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Dave J.

A largely dry day was forecast, with feel like temperatures of around 7 Celsius and a 43% chance of rain.  Thankfully we didn't get any rain and they were about right between Coedty Reservoir and Llyn Eigiau, but in lower sections of the walk, I felt that I was a little over-dressed!

We started the walk by exploring the Dolgarrog Memorial Nature Trail, where the only birds heard or seen were Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Song thrush and Blackbird.

Although I have done this walk several times, much of it seemed new. Alas another example of memory fading with age, but it does have the advantage that it looked like a new walk!

On this occasion we decided that we would follow the Cwm Porth-Llywd walk as described, taking the track that went past Coedty Reservoir as we had not included this track on a walk before.  This delightful track gave us the highlight of the day, as we approached open country we had superb views of a Cuckoo, at one point posing on a bush less that 50 yards away. Hearing the Cuckoo call is always a joy, but seeing it it as well is even better that the icing on the cake! The characteristic Cuckoo call was heard several times too.  The Cuckoo was the bird of the day, despite having seen a Pied flycatcher earlier on.

Lunch was taken at Llyn Eigiau, where we took shelter from the cool North-easterly wind by staying behind the remains of the dam wall.

The return route involved about 3 miles of road walking, so we decided to investigate field paths. This turned out to be a mistake as the path no longer existed on the ground and only two stiles remained and all other crossing points had barbed wire fences and that included one of the "stiles". We now know why the described route took the easy option along the road. Next time we will do the same!

Birds seen or heard today included: Cuckoo, Pied flycatcher, Blackcap, Blue tit, Great tit, Willow warbler, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Goosander, Barn swallow, Kestrel, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Stonechat, Carrion crow, Raven, Common buzzard, Winter wren, Common blackbird, Wheatear, Pied wagtail and Grey wagtail.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn  at Halkyn, where the Lees bitter as usual was in good form.

Coed Pen-y-Gelli and Around Gorsedd 26th April 2012

Bluebells in Coed Allt-y-tywood.

More Bluebells in Coed Allt-y-tywood.

Emerging from Coed Allt-y-tywood dressed for rain that didn't come until after lunch!

An Early Purple Orchid, seen just after I thought taking this walk earlier than usual would mean that we might miss them in flower.

At the Coed-y-Gelli Nature Reserve, our usual lunch spot and thankfully no rain yet!

Walk stats: Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb:667'.

Time: 5 hours 5 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.ph. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Phil, Celia, Sylvia and Dave J.

If we had accepted the weather forecasters as being accurate, then I woudn't have been writing this account of our walk today! Once again my main regret was the fact that I was wearing Winter gear (Paramo), when shorts and Summer gear would have been more appropriate, even when we had light rain just after lunch.

This was primarily a walk wher we hoped we would see displays of Bluebells in flower.  Alas we were to be disappointed. Coed Allt-y-tywood, usually one of our best Bluebell woods was disappointing. Much of the Southern end of the wood had very few Bluebells in flower and the brambles seemed to have taken over the areas under the trees.  Thankfully we did see some Bluebells in this wood and in parts of Coed Pen-y-Gelli too.

Lunch was taken in the quarry at Coed Pen-y-Gelli Nature Reserve, where we could enjoy the sheltered area in the absence of the road noise of the A55 less than a mile away and still no rain!

The Gorsedd Round is not one of my favourite walks and when it started to rain as we approached Merton Abbot, I decided that I wanted to shorten the walk and head directly to Carmel and continue the walk as described from there. Only one member of the group was very disappointed, but he didn't sulk for long!

An an enjoyable walk, despite the many unpleasant stiles, slippy mud and fields of long grass!

Birds seen or heard today: Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Woodpigeon, Black-billed magpie, Shelduck, Mallard, Willow warbler, Nuthatch, Common buzzard, Linnet, Goldfinch. Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Blackcap, Song thrush, Winter wren, Common pheasant, Barn swallow, Linnet, Chaffinch and an owl (probably a Little Owl) seen by some of the group.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, when once again the Lees bitter was in superb condition.

Walks and Dates April 2012

Updated 22nd April 2012

Congratulations to Wendy and Ian Peers on becoming grandparents for the first time. their grandaughter, Ffion was born on the 18th April 2012.

Thursday 7th April 2012.

Moel Fenlli, Cwm Blaenant, Moel Llanfair and Coed Plas Y Nant.

Distance: 12 miles. Climb: 2000' at a guess!
Start: Bwlch Penbarras Car park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SJ161605.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This is the walk that we abandoned on 5th January this year due to gale force winds at Bwlch Penbarras. Hopefully we wil complete the walk this time.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". One walk visits the Moel Fennlli hillfort and the secluded Cwm Blaenant and the other walk follows Offa's Dyke along high level track around Moel Gwy and Moel Llanfaer before returning via Coed Plas-y-Nant. Good views along most sections of the Offa's Dyke path.

Saturday 14th April 2012.

Llyn Elsi and Llyn y Parc from Betws -y coed.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb:1600' at a guess!
Start at the main car park at Betws-y-coed (near the PC). Grid ref: SH795565.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This is a figure of eight walk that combines two walks from ar Roger's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley". He describes one of these as a moderate walk to the most famous lake around Betws-y-coed, and the other as more strenuous as it climbs steeply out of the Llugwy valley to explore the woods and lakes of the Gwydir Forest.

Thursday 12th April 2012.

The Eglwyseg Escarpments and Trevor Rocks.

Distance:9-10 miles. Climb:1400'.
Start: Off road parking on the Panorama road just East of the monument. Grid ref: SJ247426.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This must be one of the best walks in the Llangollen area, especially on a sunny day. a walk that makes you feel like you're on top of the world with superb views in all directions, including the Dee Valley, Dinas Bran and the Llantysilio Mountains and the Berwyns.

Saturday 14th April 2012.

A Tale of Two Quarries and the Foothills of Moel Morfydd.

Distance:10-11 miles; Climb:2800'.
Start: Opposite Capel Hebron, Rhewl. Grid ref:SJ182449.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
Two walks taken from Dave Berry's book ""Walking Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley. The two quarries walk is described as an exhilarating walk exploring the foothills and attractive South facing side valleys of the Llantysilio mountain range.
The second walk is described as a walk that explores the beautiful Dee Valley and includes passing around the head of an attractive side valley beneath Moel Morfydd, offering superb views of the Dee Valley and beyond.
This is a walk that we usually do on a Thursday, but parking is limited, so I thought it would be better to include it on the Saturday list for a change.

Thursday 19th April 2012.

Craig Bron-Banog and Part of Cwm Alwen.

Distance:11 miles; Climb:1100'.

Start:Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr. Riverside picnic site. Grid ref:SH987496. Take the Ruthin to Cerrigydrudion road. Turn right just after the bridge by the Crown Inn. Continue down the road past the church. The picnic area is on the right just before the school.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
Both walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks In the Hidden Heart North Wales". The Craig Bron-Banog walk is new to us. He describes it as an eight mile figure of eight walk exploring the afforested undulating countryside South-east of Llyn Brenig. The route meanders through Clocaenog Forest, passes a hidden waterfall and an ancient standing stone before reaching the highest point of Craig Bron-Banog with its panoramic views.

Saturday 21st April 2012

Another Walk On Conwy Mountain.

Distance: 11 miles. Climb:2000' .
Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. Pay and Display. Grid ref:SH781773.
Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Carl Rogers's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley". Much of the routes as far as Conwy is the same as we have done on the last two occasions,. It goes through the harbour, follows riverside before passing the school and then climbing to Conwy Mountain along he North Wales path. The return route goes South towards Henryd.
This is the walk that I did with Mike on the 3rd of March, although this time, I plan to include a short extension to visit St Celynnin's Church, hoping that it will again be open.

Thursday 26th April 2012.

Coed Pen-y-Gelli and the Gorsedd Round
The First Bluebell Wood Walk of the Year.

Distance:11-12 miles. Climb:1050’.

Start: Roadside parking at Lloc. Turn left by the public house if approaching from Holywell on the A5026 o right if approaching on the A5026 from its nearest junction with the A55. Grid ref:SJ145765.

This is a annual Bluebell Wood Walk, and is effectively a figure of eight walk based on Lloc. This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry’s book “ Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain”. This walk is usualy done in May, but the Bluebells already seem to be in flower.

Leave Chester at 09-00a.m.

Saturday 28th April 2012.
Porth-Llwyd Falls, Cwm Port-Llwyd and Moel Eilio.

Distance:10 miles; Climb: 2000'.
Start: Roadside parking in Dolgarrog in road opposite Dolgarrog Social Club. Grid ref:SH769677.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". One walk he describes as a demanding 3 mile walk ascending the steep wooded slopes above Dolgarrog and includes a waymarked trail commemorating the 1925 dam disaster. The second walk explores remote upland valleys using an old 2' narrow railway track and returns across Moel Eilio ridge. The final part of this walk passes Porth-Llwyd Falls, a popular attraction with Victorian visitors.

Conwy Mountain and More 21st April 2012

Conwy estuary from Conwy Harbour.

The North Wales Path across Conwy Mountain.

"I've got my eyes on you, any closer and I'll get my Dad".

Looking towards the main entrance to Castell Caer Seion, a new approach for us.

Biblical inscriptions on the wall in Llancelynin. (I think it is the creed in Welsh).

Bluebells in a wooded in the area Southern of Iolyn Park.

Conwy Castle, our final approach.

Walk stats: Distance: 11.7 miles. Climb: 2550'.

Time: 6 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger and Dave J.

The weather forecasts today weren't very helpful, one had temperatures in the teens and others much lower, at least they all said that we would get showers and they were right!  Whilst we didn't get lots of rain, it proved that leaving waterproofs on was the best option, it just meant that I felt that I was cooking for most of the day!

Although we use a described walk, we often choose to make our own deviations/detours/ extensions, today was no exception!
This time we took the North Wales Path, rather than following the whole of the ridge to Castell Caer Seion. This proved to be a delightful path that allowed us to approach Castell caer seion from a different direction.
The second changed to the described route was an extension to Llancelynin to see again the Welsh inscriptions of the Lord's Prayer and the The Creed.
Lunch was taken at Llancelynin, as we arrived it was glorious sunshine, but it didn't last and we ate lunch in light rain. The rain didn't stop us enjoying our lunch!
After lunch we set off on a superb green road, but that didn't last as we headed off on a track that soon showed evidence that it had been little used. Nevertherless Dave's map reading skills got us back to the link up with the described walk, without any need to look at our GPS/Memory Map devices!
The third change to the described walk, meant that we followed a footpath that went through a caravan park and linked up with the original route just before the wood on the final approach to Conwy.  This was probably better than the original route as it avoided crossing field fences where stiles were missing!
We arrived back at the car, knowing we had been on a good walk, nearly 12 miles and more that 2500' of climb! Boy was I looking forward to that pint at the Britannia Inn, Halkyn. As ever it didn't disappoint!
Birds sen or heard today included: Redstart, Blue tit, Great tit, Herring gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven , Red-billed chough, Grey heron, Pied wagtail, Mallard, Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Common redshank, Mute swan, Nuthatch, Eurasian jay, Black-billed magpie, Meadow pipit, Common buzzard, Mistle thrush, Greenfinch, Kestrel and Barn swallow.

Cwm Alwen and More 19th April 2012

St Michael's Church at Llanfihangel Glyn Myryr.

Inside St Michael's Church at Llanfihangel Glyn Myryr.

The flood plaque on the wall on the left that shows the height that the water reached (8 feet).

 The Afon Alwen from the bridge by the Crown Inn.

A delightful lunch spot, in the Sun and with a view, and everyone's happy!

Walking across the dam at Llyn Brenig.

Glad to be back at the pic-nic site car park, the start of our walk, still in sunshine!

Walk stats: Distance: 10.6 miles. Climb: 1125'.

Time: 5 hours 14 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Fran, Sue and Michel.

Showers expected, but thankfully we didn't experience too many of them, and we even had quite a lot of sunshine, particularly after lunch.

we headed from the car park towards St Michael's church, and for one we decided to go into the church.  What a lovely church it turned out to be, and good to see that it is still in in use.
As we approached Tal y Cefn Isaf, we got a little confused and continued towards Pentre-llyn cymmer instead of turning left (Dave wasn't with us!).

Having missed our turning we decided to extend our walk by going to Llyn Brenig, crossing the dam and heading down  to the road/track back to the Pentre-Llyn Cymmer.

This turned out to be a bonus as we approached the dam, Sue and Michel pointed out two Redstarts in the trees below us. There may have been more, but we saw at least two male birds.

As we went around and Caer Ddunod we met a farmer as we went through his farm yard, what a lovely man he was as he politely engaged in conversation with us. It's encounters like this that gladdens the heart!

We arrived back at the car, having had a good walk, plenty of fresh air (especially as we crossed the Llyn Brenig dam) and anticipating that refreshing drink at the Castle Hotel in Ruthin.

Birds seen or heard today included: Redstart, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, black-billed magpie, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Meadow pipit, Chaffinch, Great tit, Barn swallow. Mallard, Canada goose and Herring gull.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Castle Hotel, Ruthin, one of the latest Wetherspoon venues. a welcome option for us in this area.

Llyn y Parc and Llyn Elsie 14th April 2012

Dipper country on the Afon Llugwy, West of Pont y Pair at Betw-y-coed.

There is a Dipper in the picture, even if you can't spot it!

One of the best views of the day, Moel Siabod, Yr Wyddfa and Tryfan.

A small waterfall on our way to Llyn Elsie.

Llyn Elsie from the Monument - first time.

Walk stats: distance: 11.0 miles. Climb: 2114'.

Time: 5 hours 24 minutes. On the move walkin average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Dave J and Celia.

Yet another superb day for walking, lots of sunshine, blue skies and only a few spots of the wet stuff.  My only regret was that I should have been wearing shorts, this was not Paramo trousers weather, even with maximum leg ventilation!

We have walked in this area many times, but the two walks today provided us with lots of variation and new paths to experience. Thankfully Carl Rogers's descriptions kept us in track 99% of the time!

Views towards Snowdonia at times were superb.

Lunch was taken alongside the Afon Llugwy, taking advantage of a picnic table and sitting in the Sun.

The approach to Llyn Elsie after lunch was new to us, and was probably one of the best routes we have done, certainly one to be repeated.

The descent from Llyn Elsi was quite steep and you had to watch where you were putting your feet, but at least it did descend to the road to Pont Y pair Bridge in Betws-y coed, much closer than I had expected.

Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, Coal tit, European robin, Eurasian jay, Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Tufted duck, Canada goose, Chaffinch, Woodpeon, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Dipper, Mallard, Great spotted woodpecker and Goosander.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britaania Inn at Halkyn, where the Lees bitter went down well.

Around the Eglwyseg Escarpments 12th April 2012

A view from the top of the Trevor Escarpment looking towards Dinas Bran.

Not really at the top of anything, but it's the nearest we are going to get to the top of anything on today's walk!

Views from the Eglwyseg Escarpments looking towards the Berwyns and Llantysilio Mountains.

Follow the leader, hoping it was the last climb of the day.

It wasn't!

"My Mum says "where's Roger?"".

Walk stats: Distance: 9.3 miles. Climb: 1445'.

Time: 4 hours 55 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Annie H., Sue and Michel, Gordon, Phil, Paul, Dave J., Fran, Wendy and Celia.

Sunshine and showers were on the forecast, but thankfully we only got the sunshine.  I was the only one in shorts, polo shirt and sunhat on the whole walk, but I think I was the one that was wearing the right gear!
This is always a superb walk, but on days like this it takes a lot of beating!  The views all day were superb, and Snowdonia still decked with snow clearly seen in the distance.
Landowners have blocked our usual route, but the directed footpath in fact enhance the walk! 
Lunch was taken on the edge of Arthur Rocks, an often used lunch spot, and on this occasion one we took before anyone was really grumbling. One mention of "this is a good spot in the Sun" or "when is lunch?", doesn't count!
The final section of the walk, has in the past been a little iffy to say the least, but on this occasion we made all of the right descisions to avoid any trekking through unpleasant bracken!
Birds seen or heard today included: Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Winter wren, Stonechat, Chaffinch, Wheatear, Curlew, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Raven, Peregrine falcon and Common blackbird.
This walk was enjoyed in just about perfect weather conditions for walking, I didn't really have to change my shirt for lunch, but I did because it's difficult to break the habit!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-y-Ochain at Gresford, where the refreshing Cwrw Eryri went down well as we sat outside, still in glorious sunshine!

A Tale of Two Quarries and More 7th April 2012

Looking towards the Dee valley, almost a view.

Looking towards Rhiw Goch Quarry.

The easy bit of the walk.

Still in snow after passing through the old part of the Berwyn quarry.

Our final view of the Dee Valley as we descended from Berwyn Quarry to Rhewl.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.5 miles. Climb: 1859'.

Time:  6 hours 4 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Dave J.
Drizzle was on the forecast and drizzle was what we got in abundance!  However it wasn't cold and we did get a little sunshine as we had lunch just beyond Rhiw Goch quarry.
As a variation, we decided to take a footpath leading Northward from Elenechtyd to Cefn-y-coed. However when we approached Cefn-y-coed the landowner informed us that the footpath had not been in existence for over 30 years! However he did allow us to go through and onto the access track.
We didn't hit any snow until after lunch and as we started to rise towards bwlch between Moel y Gaer and Moel y Gamelin and then it was as bad, if not worse than anything we had to negotiate on Moel Fenlli earlier in the week.  However worse to come, not in terms of depth, but as the snow was melting it made conditions very slippy underfoot, and manage to slip over several times, but at least it was a soft landing each time!
Only a 7.5 miles walk, but we arrived back at the car with tired legs, realising that this walk had been quite demanding.
Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Carrion crow, House sparrow, Blue tit, Great tit, Chaffinch, Mandarin, Common buzzard, Coal tit, Dunnock, European robin, Common blackbird, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Great spotted woodpecker, Green woodpecker, Song thrush, Winter wren, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail and probably Fieldfare.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Grouse Inn at Carrog, where the Lees bitter went down well.
A good walk and back home before six!

Moel Fenlli, Cwm Blaenant and Moel Llanfair 5th April 2012

At the start of the ascent around Moel Fenlli hill fort.

Ruthin from the ramparts on Moel Fenlli hill fort.

Dave J descending Moel Fenlli.

"I always walk this way!"

Snow deep enough to reach the top bar on the stile.

Looking from Offa's Dyke footpath towards From-heulog.

Bluebells in flower - I'll have to bring our Bluebell walks forward a couple of weeks!

Walk stats: distance: 11.4 miles. Climb: 1950'.

6 hours 26 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Annie H., Phil, Dave J and Paul.

What a glorious day for walking this turned out to be. A little unexpected in that the amount of snow on the higher ground was deeper and softer that expected, in fact a week ago I was expecting that I'd still be walking in shorts! Alas today I chose winter gear, but I could have got away with shorts!

Anyway there is always something special walking in fresh snow with the sun shining on the snow-covered hills all around, but with the valleys still green.

The challenges of walking in snow, sometimes sinking to our knees meant that we arrived back at the car as tired as we have ever been on a Thursday walk! Boy did I need that pint of Cwrw Eryri to revive me at the end of the day! In fact I had two brews of tea when I got home make me feel that I had re-hydrated myself enough!

We had lunch at the end of Offa's Dyke footpath beyond Moel Llanfair. Paul thought siting on the stile was a good choice to sit and have lunch (this is a spot I have chosen several times too, so I was a little peeved!). However they graciously allowed Phil and I sit on the bench seat, that in the end seemed the best choice.  Unfortunately Paul had to get up several times as other walkers wanted to cross the stile, they seemed do be honing in on this stile from all directions!

The walk after lunch was probably not the most exciting part of the walk, but we did Bluebells in flower, as well as Wood anemone and Wild garlic.
What a joy it is when we can walk at this time in the year, when the blossom is on the trees and flowers are starting to appear and the birds are singing. God's creations are good.

Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Common buzzard, Blue tit, Great tit, Chaffinch, Carrion crow, Raven, Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Willow warbler (our first of the year, singing as we had lunch), Jackdaw, Stonechat, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Common pheasant.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn, Mold, where we met up with Sue and Michel who had patiently waited for us, even though we were about an hour later than we would have normally expected after this walk.

Birds Seen or Heard in March 2012

Birds Seen or Heard in March 2012.

Barnacle goose


Black-billed magpie

Blackbird

Black-headed gull

Blue tit

Canada goose

Carrion crow
Chiffchaff

Coal tit

Collared dove

Common blackbird

Common buzzard

Common coot

Common pheasant

Common redshank

Common starling

Eurasian curlew

Dipper

Dunnock

Eurasian curlew


European robin

Fieldfare

Fulmar

Goldcrest

Goldfinch

Great black-backed gull

Great cormorant

Great tit

Great-crested grebe

Green woodpecker

Greenfinch

Grey heron

Grey wagtail

Greylag goose

Guillemot

Herring gull

House sparrow

Jackdaw

Kestrel

Kittewake

Lesser black-backed gull

Little grebe

Mallard

Mandarin duck

Meadow pipit

Mistle thrush

Mute swan

Nuthatch

Oystercatcher

Pied wagtail

Raven

Red grouse

Red kite

Red-billed chough

Red-breasted merganser

Rock dove

Rook

Shelduck

Skylark

Song thrush

Stonechat

Teal

Treecreeper

Tufted duck

Wheatear

Wigeon

Winter wren

Woodpigeon

Yellowhammer

Total 70