Walks and Dates December 2014

Updated 25th December 2014.

Happy Christmas Everyone.

Thursday 4th December 2014

Burton and Parkgate.

Distance:10 miles. Climb:350'.

Start: Roadside parking on Denhall Lane next to benches overlooking the marshes. Grid ref: SJ301747.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The Burton circuit is taken from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and the Wirral". The extension will involve some road walking through Neston to link up with the Wirral Way and onto Parkgate. The return route will use coastal paths as much as possible and passes Neston Old Quay and Denhall Quay on the way back to Denhall Lane.

Saturday 6th December 2014.

Mynydd Marian.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llandulas Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH907786.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk is one that we often usually do on a Thursday, but I need to get back quite early, so I thought that it would be good one to do.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book, "Walks on the North Wales Coast". It combines an interesting section of the coat line with the attractive limestone countryside between, Old Colwyn, Llysfaen and Llandulas.

Thursday 11th December 2014.

Grindley Brook to Marbury.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 200' at a guess.
Start: Layby on the A41, East of Grindley Brook Locks Cafe and about 400 m before the roundabout / junction with the A49. Grid ref: SJ 524428.
Leave Chester at 09-00.
This walk is one that Phil saw in the Times, planned by Christopher Somerville, so ignoring the preduces of many of the group I decided to give a go! The walk starts at the Horse and Jockey, but we will start in the layby a little East of that particular hostelry.
The walk is described as one which goes through a countryside that is a maze of drumlin hills and kettlehole lakelets. I womder if we will be able to identify these two features of the landscape. He describes the walk as being boggy in places, but he did it in February, hopefully it won't be as bad for us! The walk included parts of Bishop Bennett's Way, the Sandstone Trail, South Cheshire Way and parts of the Shropshire Union Canal.

Saturday 13th December 2014.

Garreg Fawr and Coedydd Aber.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1800 - 2000'.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Start: Forestry Commission car park (pay and display)at Bont Newydd. Grid ref: SH62720.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast" , well all of one walk and part of another!
The Garreg Fawr walk explores the foothills of the Carneddau between Llanfairfechan and Abergwyngeryn, giving us contrasting views of coast and mountains. The second walk visits Aber Falls using paths on each side of the valley. All the recent rain could make the falls spectacularly at their best.

Wednesday December 18th 2014.

Halkyn, Limestone, Lead and Moel Ffagnallt.
(See start point change below)

The walk this week has been changed from the Tursday to the Wednesday, as I anticipate that many in the walking group will want to go to Gordon's funeral.
Distance:10 miles; Climb:1000'.
Start: Britannia Inn, Pentre Halkyn. Grid ref: SJ211711. As the Blue Bell Inn is closed until 17-00, we will start this walk at our usual start point at the Britannia Inn.
Leave Chester at 09-00.
We haven't started a walk from this location for quite some time. I thought that as this is the last walk before Christmas that it was a good time to do so. It combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". This walk combines two of my favourite walks in this fascinating area on our local patch. As this the last walk before Christmas fruit cake will be provided, but has been maturing for more that a year, sample it at your risk!

Saturday 20th December 2014.

Holywell, Bagillt and Flint.
Postponed - Billy no mates again!

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 430'.
Start: Flint Caste Car Park (East of the castle and West of the Lifeboat Station). Grid ref: SJ 246733.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk uses three walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Chester and the River Dee."  This is essentially a linear walk, so we will have to arrange enough cars to have cars at both Flint and Holywell or alternatively use the bus to take us from Flint to Holywell. (Leaves Flint McDonald's on Holywell Road, at 10-14).
The walk starts at the highest point in the walk, so could really be regarded as a gentle stroll down to the coast and back to the coast to Greenfield Docks and back to Flint!
The last time we did this walk was on a Thursday and everyone said that they enjoyed it, so I thought that it would be a good walk to do for those that didn't have to do any last minute Christmas shopping.
At this time of the year thee are plenty of Wintering birds on the coast, so it would be well worth bringing binoculars with you if you have them.

Thursday 25th December 2014.

No walk for obvious reasons!

Saturday 27th December 2014.

Llanfairfechan to Aber Ogwen and Back.
Postponed - Billy no mates again! 

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 200'.
Start: Llanfairfechan Promenade Car Park. Grid ref: SH679754.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
We have done this walk many times, and on occasions have taken advantage of the picnic tables at Aber Ogwen car park or even sheltered for lunch in one of the hides at the Spinnies Nature Reserve.
This is a very pleasant walk at this time of the year, although in the past we have experienced quite bracing winds! Coastal walks are always delightful, especially when you can combine them with a bit of birdwatching! High tides about 14-00. This should make the burds come closer to shor on the return journey.

Halkyn, Limestone, Lead and More 17th December 2014

Panorama from the trig point on Halkyn Mountain - looking towards Moel Famau.

At the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

The working quarry near Rhes-y-Cae.

At the millenium toposcope on Moel Ffagnallt.

Panorama from a point moorland between Windmill and Halkyn - looking towards the West.

The Folly at Halkyn Old Hall.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.3 miles. Climb: 997'.

Time: 4 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Annie, Phil and David S.

With temperatures forecast to be 11 Celsius and maybe even warmer, I decided that it was shorts weather. Thankfully it was and the only time I needed to put my fleece on was as we had lunch on the top of Moel Ffagnallt where it was on the breezy side and we experienced a slight dampness as a cloud passed over us, hardly enough to warrant taking the trouble to put waterproofs on!

  This walk wasn't exactly the route originally planned as we ended going up Moel Ffagnallt the way we normally go down and explored the Halkyn Mountain area behind Halkyn and Windmill.  We did however fail to locate the path that was supposed to go through the grounds of Halkyn Old Hall, presumably it has been diverted to the alternative path just to the East of it.

 Overall this was a very pleasant walk, dare I say delightful, wandering along the many green tracks that criss-cross Halkyn Mountain.

 Not many birds seen or heard today, but they included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Black-billed magpie, Meadow pipit, European robin, House sparrow, Fieldfare and Goldfinch.

 As tradition dictates,  mature fruit cake was provided for those able to come on the last walk before Christmas, and after drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn, where the Lees bitter was in good nick and the real fire ensured that we had a warm welcome!

More Sad News.

Sue Pelissier's father died last weekend. 

His funeral will take place on the 23rd December 2014.

Our thoughts and prayer are with Sue, Michel, Christopher, Danny and the rest of the family.

Sad News - Gordon McNee

Gordon McNee.

I have just been informed that Gordon died last Thursday 4th December 2014.

Gordon's funeral will take place at All Saints Church, Gresford at 14-00 on Thursday 18th December 2014.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family art this sad time.
The address for All Saints Church is: 
The Green 
Gresford
Wrexham
North Wales.
LL12 8RG

Mynydd Marian 13th December 2014

Our view of the Great Orme from the coast just before we headed inland.

The Greatn Orme from the hill behind Old Colwyn Golf Course.

Penny for your thoughts!

Our lunch spot on Mynydd Marian.

View from our lunch spot.

On the path heading for Craig y Forwyn.

The path through the wood below Craig y Forwyn.

The Celtic Cross in the church yard at Llandulas.

Walk stats: 8.3 miles. Climb: 633' (1000').

Time: 4 hours 43 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Roger.

The forecast for today was good, bright and crisp but on the cool side. In fact it was pretty good, but the warm sunshine in the afternoon was such that I could discard my jacket after lunch - no-one else followed suit!

 We set of along the coastal path, not the prettiest section, with temperatures on the cool side, but we were encouraged with superb views ahead along the coast towards the Llandudno and the Great Orme.

  It was good to see that the route through the Old Colwyn Golf Course was now much easier to follow, even if it does seem to be diverted from the path on the OS map.  I assume that there has been a path diversion. (I'm happy for this diversion as I always felt guilty heading in a straight line across across the fairways).

 Notable on this walk was that many of the stiles had been replaced by kissing gates, a bonus as most of us have reached OAP status!

 Mynydd Marian is an excellent spot to stop for lunch, on a good day when the wind isn't approaching from the West, then there are two benches with superb views towards Snowdonia (today with some peaks capped in snow) and as to today we were able to find a seat sheltered from these winds, but giving us superb views towards Rhyl. The best view towards Rhyl I've ever seen!

 This walk took us along several sections of limestone escarpments that gave superb views over the valley to the West before we headed back inland towards Llandulas.

 As a change we went through the Llandulas churchyard where we came across an inpressive Celtic Cross.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Herring gull, Great cormorant, Common buzzard, Oystercatcher, Common blackbird, Dunnock, European robin, Turnstone, Great tit, Blue tit, Redwing, Fieldfare, Mistle thrush, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, House sparrow, Raven and Eurasian jay.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, where the Bass bitter went down well. The cider went down well later!

 Overall a good walk to be repeated many times in the future, it may even come to challenge the many Great Orme's walks that we do!

Grindley Brook and Marbury 11th December 2014

A trig point on top of one of our first sighted "drumlins"?

Looking across the Cheshire Plain.

Between drumlins?

Looking across Marbury Mere towards Marbury Church.

A successful gate man at work!

The Hollyhurst Monument near Marbury.

The final climb alongside the Gridley Brook Locks.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.2 miles. Climb: 633'.

Time: 4 hours 35 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Tim, David S., Phil and Annie.

Weather prospects suggested that it would be quite windy with a 10% chance of rain. Thankfully both were wrong, very little wind and only a few spot of rain as approached lunch at Marbury church.

 This proved quite a varied walk and not as much mud as we have experienced in the past when walking in this area in Winter months.

 We had a "drumlins" master class as we headed along the South Cheshire Way towards Marbury. Kettlewells came into the conversation too!

 Lunch was taken at Marbury Church where two seats under the Lychgate were very welcome. 

If we repeated the walk in the Summer months, then the seats opposite the Swan Inn in Marbury would be another good lunch spot.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, House sparrow, Fieldfae, European robin, Canada goose, Mallard, Black-headed gull, Great crested grebe, Great tit and Goldfinch.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Horse and Jockey at Grindley Brook, where eight different real ales were on offer. An Autumn stout went down well, as did others!

 A good walk, one to be repeated, especially if you aren't the driver!

Harris Hikers Annual walk and Meal 2015

Date for your dairy.

Thursday 5th February 2015.

Our annual "walkers" meal will be at the Wheatsheaf at Raby.
I have said that we will meet at the Wheatsheaf at about 09-30, have a short walk of about 5 miles to be back at the pub for 12-30.
As soon as they have the menus for 2015, they will e-mail me a copy which I will forward to anyone that has walked with the group, past or present, that wants to join us for the walk and the meat, or just for the meal.
As there are likely to be 15 of us for the meal, they have requested that we send them a list of our choices about a week before.

Around Burton and More 4th DEcember 2014

Quaker graves in Burton Wood.

One of the many paths in Burton Wood.

One of the few field paths used today in order to link the Burton Walk and the Wirral Way.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 338'.

Time: 3 hours 47 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Annie, David S. and Phil.

The forecast for today suggested that the temperatures wouldn't get above about 5 Celsius, so we all made sure that we had our warm Winter gear on, including in some cases thermals to keep out the cold. Alas it seemed much warmer than that and after lunch I left my jacket in my rucksack for the rest of the walk.

 We had our usual challenge in Burton Wood trying to find the right paths described in the walk description. at least this time we did get to Mill Lane!

 Lunch was taken in Stanley Park, Neston, where Fran managed to find two park benches for us to have lunch in comfort. Phil kindly provided us with mince pies in celebration of his recent birthday. Thanks Phil, for most of us it was our first mince pie of this festive period.

 It was good to see that the scaffolding holding up the front of the former Mostyn School has been removed and Parkate's front is back to what it should look like.

 As usual the section adjacent to the reedbeds heading towards the Old Quay was muddy, but David S was still able to keep his new gaiters clean!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, European robin, Great tit, House sparrow Common starling, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Mallard, Lapwing, Hen harrier, Pied wagtail, Grey wagtail and Goldfinch.

  After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, whereTrappers Hat and other brews were sampled.

Conwy Mountain and More 29th November 2014

Conwy Castle from the Northern slopes of Conwy Mountain.

"Celia explains it all!"

At Castell Caer Seion - just to prove that it was shorst weather on the last Saturday in November!

Two of the many wild ponies seen around Waen Gyrach.

Reflections in Swern Engen.

Autumnal colours on the South side of Conwy Mountain.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles (not even 10 if you went to the Visitor Centre to spend 20p!)

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, Mike and Celia.

The weather forecast was good, but what we had was much better!

After about 10-30, any clouds lifted and we had blue skies and glorious warm Sunshine all day. my only regret was not bringing my sun hat and sunglasses!

 This was in every sense of the word a delightful walk despite the angle of of the Sun meant that we spent a fair amount of time trying to avoid its glare! However we just had to turn our gaze in any other direction to be rewarded with superb views.

 I must be getting old, I allowed the group to have more that 40 minutes for lunch, but it was a good lunch spot and it was warm and Sunny and had good views!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, European robin, Herring gull, Rook, Carrion crow, Raven, Stonechat, Common blackbird, Meadow pipit, Black-billed magpie and Red-billed chough.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell in Halkyn.

Walks and Dates November 2014

Updated 18th Novemebr 2014.

Saturday 1st November 2014.

Mynydd Eilian and Point Lynas and More.
Postponed.

Distance: 7-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Llaneilian Car Park. Grid ref: SH474929.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Best Walks in North Wales". The walk visits one of Anglesey's high points, and follows a section of the Coastal Path. A good section of the coastal path is on concesssionary paths that are closed on some days, but having checked with Anglesey Council this date isn't one of them. Walking along the coast is always good at any time of the year, especially if you get good weather'. Let's hope we will get good weather on this occasion.
The difference in mileage depends on how much of an extension we add on to the planned walk.

Thursday 6th November 2014.

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 8th November 2014.

Garreg Fawr and Coedydd Aber.
Postponed - I need to sort my rooms out before the decorators arrive!

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1800 - 2000'.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Start: Forestry Commission car park (pay and display)at Bont Newydd. Grid ref: SH62720.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast" , well all of one walk and part of another!
The Garreg Fawr walk explores the foothills of the Carneddau between Llanfairfechan and Abergwyngeryn, giving us contrasting views of coast and mountains. The second walk visits Aber Falls using paths on each side of the valley. All the recent rain could make the falls spectacularly at their best.

Thursday 13th November 2014.

Bersham, Erddig and King's Mill. 

Distance: Up to 10 miles. Climb:500'.
Start: Felin Puleston Car Park. Grid ref:SJ325492.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk is a low level walk, exploring the Clywedog valley around Bersham and  Erddig.  When we did this walk in December 2012, the weather wasn't very nice and it was very waterlogged underfoot. There was so much water in the river,  we couldn't get under the bridge at King's Mill. Hopefully we will have better conditions this time round.  If you ae a member of the National Trust please bring your membership card.

Saturday 15th November 2014.

The Roaches and Lud's Church.

Distance: 9 -10 miles. Climb: 2000'.
Start: Roadside parking below the Roaches North of Upper Hulme. Grid ref: SK004621.
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m. 
This walk is taken from the Pathfinder Guide to the Peak District.  The Roaches has become one of our annual favourite walks, but this route is one that we have only done once before.  It includes the main Roaches ridge, and possibly Hen Cloud. The planned return route will be back along Black Brook. Can be boggy, especially on the lower route back from Lud's Church.

Thursday 20th November 2014.

Newton Mountain Forest, Cae-Llwyd and Ty Mawr Reservoirs.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Lay-by near Bethlehem Chapel, Rhosllanerchrugog. Grid ref: SJ289468.

To get to the lay-by enter Rhos on the B5097 from the North.go past Ysgol y Grango, and just past the Coach and Horses pub turn right along Mountain Street. At the junction by the Sun Inn, turn left along Hall Street to find a lay-by by Llys-y-Mynydd and opposite Bethlehem Chapel.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Ruabon Mountain, the Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain". The walks explore the edges of Rhuabon Mountain and visits two of Rhosllanerchrugog's upland reservoirs.

We last did this walk in November 2012.

Saturday 22nd November 2014.

Around Lyme Park.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: Nelson Pit Visitor Centre, Higher Poynton. Grid ref: SJ945833.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Best Pub Walks in Cheshire", although we will start at the Neslon Pit Visitor Centre car park, and probably won't visit the hostelry that she suggests. The walk includes, a section of the Macclesfield Canal, open moorland, the Bow Stones and passes two reservoirs before going through Lyme Park. On reaching Lyme Park, we will decide whether to continue on the described route or take a more direct route to the car park. The open moor section has been known to be quite boggy on previous visits.

Thursday 27th November 2014.

The Alun Valley, Moel y Waun, Llyn Gweryd and Limestone Pastures.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llandegla Village car park, adjacent to the bus shelter and opposite the Post Office. Grid ref: SJ196523.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". He describes one walk as being delightful and the other as being an easy walk with scenic delights. What more could we want from a walk, and as we know Dave Berry is frequently delighted on his walks! From past experience parts of the route can be muddy underfoot.

Saturday 29th November 2014.

Mynydd Mynyllod, Llyn Maes y Clawdd and Earl's Wood. Postponed - Conw Mountain and Foel Lus Instead.

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.

The Alun Valley,Llyn Gweryd and Limestone Pastures 27th November 2014

Setting off from Llandegla along the banks of the Afon Alun.

Lunch time on the Limestone rocks North of Creigog-isaf.

Looking towards Moel y Waun from the track South West of Llyn Gweryd.

A motte and bailey - Castell y Rhodwydd.

"Who said it as a flat walk?"

One of the many challenging stiles on the walk today.

"Smoking trees".

Walk stats: Distance: 10.1 miles. Climb: 880'.

Time 5 hours 24 minutes. On the move walking average; 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S., Annie, Celia, Phil and Paul.

Having crossed Llandegla Moors in fog / low cloud we weren't very optimistic about seeing any views today. I started off in full Winter gear, but within half an hour I had to remove my jacket and walked for the rest of the day in just a short sleeved shirt.

 The Alun Valley is often quite boggy and today was no exception, but for once no-one was complaining.

 We had a rather early lunch, taking advantage of a little outcrop of Limestone that provided us all with good places to see and quite good views too. David managed to spot a Hare, but it had run away to quickly for anyone else to see.

 Too our surprise, after lunch the Sun came out and we managed to get some good views, especially towards the Vale of Clwyd and beyond as we approached Offa's Dyke and Moel Y Waun.

 We used the access track to Accre Hall, a good alternative to the muddy path leads from Moel y Waun to Accre Hall.

 We also had good views of  Castell y Rhodwydd, one of the best motte and baileys in North Wales.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common pheasant, Grey heron, Common blackbird, European robin, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Common buzzard, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Pied wagtail and Fieldfare.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Red Lion at Penyfordd, although the Timoth Taylor Landlord wasn't quite at its best.

Around Lyme Park 22nd November 2014

Macclesfield Canal looking towards the Addlington Basin.

Panorama from the access road to Lockgate farm, looking towards Park Moor.

Looking over Park Moor towards Lyme Park and the Cage.

At the memorial toposcope on on Park Moor / Lyme Park.

Looking towards the cage from the track leading to Middlescale farm.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.4 miles. Climb: 997'.

Time: 5 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Celia and Mike.

The forecast for today suggested that the temperature would be in double figures, so I decided that Summer walking gear was the best option and short sleeved shirt and shorts were brought out of their hibernation!  In fact it was almost perfect conditions for walking and when the Sun was shining towards the end of the walk it must have been well above the 11 Celsius forecast.

 The views were quite good, although distant views weren't that clear, particularly looking towards Shining Tor.  Part of the walk can be quite boggy, but the section over Park Moor wasn't too bad and the muddiest section was the footpath Ryles Wood towards Middlescale Farm.

 Lunch was taken in a small disused quarry  West of Lantern Wood, where a few stones provided suitable seating.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Mallard, Moorhen, Canada goose, Great tit, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion crow, European robin, Common blackbird, Common starling, Goldfinch and Wood nuthatch.

 Overall an enjoyable walk, and one well worth repeating.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Nertherton Hall in Frodsham, where the Lees bitter went down well.

Newtown Mountain Forest, Cae-Llwyd and ty Mawr Reservoirs 20th November 2014

Newtown Mountain Forest Larches showing Autumnal colours.

Looking at the various family memorials to a local farming community.

The view of Pant-glas Reservoir from our lunch spot.

Our lunch spot - two very welcome benches.

The gorse bush between Phil and Michel has since been cut down to size!

Cae-llwyd Reservoir.

Ty Mawr Reservoir.

Heading through Llwyneinion Wood

Walk stats: Distance: 6.9 miles. Climb: 471'.

Time: 4 hours 0 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overallwalk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Celia, Sue and Michel, Annie an Phil.

The weather today was somewhat overcast and although it never rained there was always a sort of dampness in the air. However it wasn't cold and I found it more comfortable when I wasn't wearing my fleece, the rest of the group declined testing my observations. As expected with low lying cloud clinging to the higher ground our views were somewhat limited until after lunch we had good views across the two main reservoirs.

 Lunch was taken at 12-00 as we came across, not one but two benches on the roadside overlooking Pant-glas Reservoir. As Annie was one year younger earlier in the week, she kindly presented us with chocolate biscuits.

 As the prospect of good views from the moors was very unlikely, we decided to miss out the Fron-deg loop  and headed back to Rhosllanerchrugog via Llwyneinion Wood. This meant we arrived back at the car a little earlie than expected.

 Birds seen or hard today included: House sparrow, Common blackbird, Common starling, Great tit, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common pheasant, Eurasian jay, Black-billed magpie, Red-legged partridge, Carrion crow and Redwing.

  Overall an enjoyable walk, and perhaps one we should attempt again in Summer conditions!

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Trevor Arms, Marford, where Theakston's Bitter and Hogoblin were on offer. The latter was better.

The Roaches and Lud's Church 15th November 2014

Setting off down the road, hoping the weather would improve!

"Is this all you left me?  The core!

The best view from the Roaches.

Yes you can you see Tittesworth Reservoir.

One of the many outcrops of rocks that seemed to take on a different air in the mist.
This one we thought looked like a dog pointing its nose in the air.

At the trig point on the Roaches.

Mike and Celia on the way up the Hen Cloud path.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.0 miles, (8.4 miles). Climb: 1150' (1400').

Time: 5 hours 16 minutes. (5 hours 36 minutes). On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h. (1.5 m.p.h.).

Group: Martyn, Mike and Celia.

We arrived at the car parking area below Hen Cloud with mist/cloud covering both Hen Cloud and the Roaches. We decided to start the walk by taking the road all the way to Roaches End and then follow the path along the ridge and eventually approach Lud's Church from the West.  This would give the Sun chance to work on the mist and give us the best chance of having views from the Roaches. Alas the mist didn't clear from the Roaches all day, so any views were somewhat fleeting!

 The the best conditions for walking as far as I was concerned, my glasses kept on steaming up and 9 hankies was only just enough to cope with the continuous need to wipe them clear!

  We decided to have lunch on a small outcrop of rocks before heading for Lud's Church. At least the rocks  were dry, so we had a relatively comfortable place to sit for lunch. a Grey squirrel took a great deal of interest in us while we ate our lunch, and was "rewarded" with Mike's apple core.

 We managed to get through Lud's Church and the muddy sections of Forest Wood without too much trouble, but as soon as we could be headed back up to the ridge above Back Forest.
 It seemed like along way up the paved section of the Roaches before we finally arrived at the trig point.
 Having spent enough time in mist and rapidly running out of hankies, I decided I didn't want go over Hen Cloud and decided to head for the car by the easier route. Celia and Mike obviously wanted this "misticle" experience to continue and over Hen Cloud.
 I'm sure I made the right decision as I had plenty of time to finish of my soup and fruit tea before they arrived back at the car twenty minutes later.
 Today we didn't see the Roaches at their best, but at least we did manage to stretch our legs  and id didn't rain on us!
 Birds seen or heard today included: Dunnock, European robin, Common blackbirs, Raven, Meadow pipit and Red grouse.
 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wilkes Head in Leek, where the Hartington Bitter was excellent. I even enjoyed the mug of coffee. It's always good to visit this hostelry that has plenty of character and characters too. A delightful bar maid filled by carry keg and then made me a cup of coffee!