Jumbles Country Park and More 29th March 2014

Crossing the railway bridge by Turton Towers or "Where did you get that hat!"

At the trig point on Cheetham Close.

Looking across Turton and Entwistle Reservoir from our lunch spot.

It must be getting warm - one layer removed!

Looking down Wayoh Reservoir.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.3 miles. Climb: 1181'.

Time: 4 hours 52 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike, Celia and Elaine G.

This was another superb day for walking, pleasantly warm and thankfully any wind was much warmer that we had been experiencing earlier in the week. However most of the group still preferred to well clad with several layers and gloves to boot!

 However this was by far the best weather we had ever experienced on Cheetham Close, and to make it even better Skylarks seemed to singing everywhere.  I don't think I've seen so many and heard so many Skylarks in the same area before.  The moorland  that includes Cheetham Close can be quite bleak, but today we saw three other walkers, one of which did this route every week. He described it like smoking, he couldn't give it up!

 Turton and Entwistle Reservoir was also the fullest that I have seen and even the Heron sculpture was standing in water!  This was the location for lunch, where we were able to take advantage of two bench seats, bask in the sunshine at the same time  as we ate our food. It was so pleasant that I forgot the time and we ended having more than half an hour for lunch instead of the usual 20 minutes This does not set a precedent for future walks!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Canada goose, Wood nuthatch, Common blackbird, European robin, Green woodpecker, Skylark, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit, Black-headed gull, Tufted duck, Common coot, Moorhen, Goosander, Winter wren, Eurasian curlew, Blue tit, Great tit and Grey wagtail (seen by Elaine and Celia).

 The nicest surprise of the day, was to find one of the Bolton outpost in the car park waiting for us!

 Overall a superb walk on day almost perfect for walking and the BBC got their forecast spot on!

After walk drinks were enjoyed by some at the Chesterfields. The best brew on offer was Weetwood's Cheshire Cat, not one that would entice me to have a takeaway!

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer 27th March 2014

Is this the face of the Little Orme?

Shepherdess Wendy calling the lost sheep.but two were still missing!

At the trig point on the Little Orme Head.

All together again on Creigiau Rhiwledyn.

A Rock pipit.

Another Rock pipit.

One of the 8 Grey seals seen around Porth Dyniewaid.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.5 miles.Climb: 1444'.

Time: 4 hours 30 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Roger, Sue and Dave P. Wendy, Celia, Tim and David S.

This was another day when we didn't know exactly what sort of weather we would get, Accuweather and the BBC didn't agree! Thankfully BBC won today and we didn't get any rain. In fact at the end of the walk we were in glorious sunshine, and I had to roll down my socks!

During the first part of the walk around the Little Orme Head there was a keen Easterly wind and we didn't linger long!

Distant views from the top of Creigiau Rhiwledyn were good to a point, but we couldn't see the wind farm of Rhos, but they did reappear as we ended the walk!

 The mystery birds as we descended towards the old quarry were Rock pipits, but if you know better let me know!

 We usually have lunch on the Mynydd pant, but on this occasion we decide it was too exposed to the Easterly wind , and found a more sheltered spot below an outcrop of limestone North of Coed Gaer, where we basked in the sunshine as we dined.

 Overall this is a good and varied walk, and as the main hope for the day was to see Grey seals around Porth Dyniewaid, we could go home happy (especially Roger) as we saw about eight (apparently 42 had been seen yesterday!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Wheatear (the first seen on a walk this year), Oystercatcher, Herring gull, Jackdaw, European robin, Winter wren, Blue tit, Great tit, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Raven, Great cormorant, Shag, Fulmar, Eurasian curlew, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon,  House sparrow and Rock pipit.

 It was good to see Spring flowers starting to flower, including Lesser celandine, Common daisy, Dandelion and Violets.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where we were able to enjoy the Lees bitter as we at near the open fire and Celia was able to have her crisps!

Walks and Dates March 2014

Updated on 12th March 2014

Saturday 1st March 2014.

Lymm and Thelwall.

Distance: 9-12 miles. Climb: 500' at a guess.
Start: Spud Wood Car park, Stage Lane, Oughtrington, Lymm. Grid ref: SJ702874.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk combines two walks from Jen Darling's book "Walks in West Cheshire and Wirral". The walks are linked using a section of the Trans Pennine Trail and the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk / the Bridgewater Canal Walk. I'm not sure what to expect on this walk, but it is an area that I have never visited before.

Thursday 6th March 2014.

Moel Famau - Twice!

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Moel Famau Forest Car park (pay on entry. £1 last time we used this car park), just East of the PC block.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines to routes from Dave Berry's Books, one from "Walks in the Clwydian Hills" and one from "Walks in the Clwydian Hills - New Edition." This is a walk that we did in January last year and enjoyed it so much, that it was suggested that we do a similar walk again, but visit the Jubilee Tower three times, two's enough for me!

Saturday 8th March 2014

Porth-Llwyd Falls, Cwm Port-Llwyd and Moel Eilio.

Distance:10.3  miles; Climb: 2100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Dolgarrog in road opposite Dolgarrog Social Club. Grid ref:SH769677.
Leave Chester 8-30 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.

Thursday 13th March 2014.

Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Llangwyfan Forestry car park: SJ138668
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  This area of the Clwydians has so much to offer, and Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau are particularly good.  On a good day the views from both hill forts is superb.

Saturday 15th March 2014.
Moel y Parc and Penycloddiau

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 1800'.

Start: Layby in Aberwheeler on left opposite Bro Lleweni (road). Grid ref: SJ096694.

Leave Chester at 08-45. The last time we did this walk it took us nearly six hours.

This a walk that we have done several times before, and includes two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills". He describes it as a walk exploring attractive and little known valleys along the slopes of Moel y Parc. Expect good views from the summit of Moel y Parc and Penycloddiau as the forecast is good. The route across the top of Penycloddiau is from North to South, another location for panoramic views.

The Anson Engine Museum, Poynton Pits and More.

This walk has been postponed until 4th October 2014, 

as the Museum is only open between 10-00 and 17-00 

from Easter and 26th October.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 200'.
Start: Nelson Pit Visitor Centre Car park. SJ940835.
Leave Chester at 09-00.
This walk combines one walk from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks" and a walk produced by East Cheshire Council. If everyone is agrees, the walk will start with a visit to the Anson Museum (Cost £6-£7).
The main part of the walk includes sections of the Middlewood way and the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk.

Thursday 20th March 2014.

Around Clocaenog Forest and Pincyn Llys.

Distance:11 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Cyffylliog. Grid ref:SJ060578.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m. and meet at the riverside car park, Ruthin. Parking can be difficult in this small village, so I suggest that we meet at the riverside car park in Ruthin (Grid ref:SJ121582) and take as few cars as possible on the Cyffylliog.
In the past this challenging walk has not been regarded as one of favourite walks, but I quite like it, especially on a good day. The walks are taken from his Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes" and explores the undulating upland pastures and forest between Cyffylliog and Clocaenog.

Saturday 22nd March 2014.

No all day walk - Church Spring Cleaning Day in the morning!
Penycloddiau - an afternoon stroll!

Distance: 5 miles. Climb: 600'.

Start: Llangwyfan Forestry Car park. Grid ref: SJ138668.

Leave Chester at 13-00.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  It is a delightful walk that crosses the Hillfort of Penycloddiau and then returns along a high level track contouring the hillside, before heading along a delightful path through the forest (much of it cleared giving better views) back to the car park. This walk gives superb views from Penycloddiau and the high level path.

 Dave Berry describes this as one of his favourite walks, I'm sure we could all agree!

Thursday 27th March 2014.

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer.

Distance:7-10 miles; Climb:1760'.
Start: Roadside parking close to PC on the beach road at Craig y Don.Grid ref: SH799822.
Leave Chester 8-45 a.m.
I last did the Little Orme in February, and we got speaking to a lady that march/April was a good time to see seals, so I decided to include it at the end of March. I don't suppose it will be any better than the 18 we saw on the 22nd February 2014, but perhaps there may be some pups!
Always a good walk. This walk is becoming an annual event, but normally we complete it in May and hope to find orchids in flower.  This is too late for the orchids, but I'm sure that won't detract from this delightful walk. The views across the bay to the Great Orme are stunning. There is always an outside chance of seeing seal, and there should still be plenty of birds about, so bring binoculars with you.
The shorter route is just over 7 miles, so how long the walk eventually ends up depends on what route we take when we get near the college. 

Saturday 29th March 2014.

Jumbles, Wayoh, Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs.

Distance:10-11 miles. Climb:1200'.
Start:Waterfold Car Park, off Bradshaw Road (A676), Jumbles Country Park.
Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.
This walk is based on a walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". He describes the walk as a pleasant walk on good paths. The extension to Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs includes another section of the Witton Weaver Way and crosses Turton Heights and a hill called Cheetham Cross. A good and varied walk. Has been known to be on the boggy side on the descent from Cheetham Cross!

Penycloddiau 22nd March 2014

At the cairn on Penycloddiau.

The Vale of Clwyd with Snowdonia in the distance.

Lamb on the slopes below Penycloddiau.

"I'm watching you!"

Heading back up the higher forest track from Llangwyfan to the car park.

Walk stats: Distance: 5.1 miles. Climb: 1027' (wind assisted GPS reading), probably nearer 700'.

Time: 2 hours 19 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2. m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Dave P., Fran, Wendy and Nigel Taylor (on his first walk this year).

Despite the very iffy forecast, we ended up with two hours of Sunshine and only a strong wind to contend with as we crossed the top of Penycloddiau.

 In fact during the final approach to the car park on the Llangwyfan path, we had to stop to remove some of our outer garments as we were too warm!

 Distant views were good with many of the Snowdonia peaks with more snow than a week ago.

 Birds seen an heard today included: Carrion crow, Raven, Meadow pipit, European robin, Common buzzard, Blue tit, Great tit, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Treecreeper and Mistle thrush.

 Just after leaving the car park on the way to the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, it started to rain. How blessed we were to have had a very pleasant afternoon stroll in this superb section of the Clwydian Hills between showers.

 As ever the Lees bitter at the Britannia Inn went down well.

Pincyn Llys from Bontuchel 20th March 2014

The Clwydian Hills from the Clocaenog road from Bontuchel.

At Pincyn Llys in the Clocaenog Forest.

The Clwydian Hills from Pincyn Llys.

The road from Clocaenog village to the forest.

Primroses - the first seen on our walks in 2014

Walk stats: Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 2187'.

Time: 4 hours 29 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger and Phil.

We set off from the Coed y Fron-wyllt car park near Bontuchel, not knowing how long the pleasant sunny conditions would last, all weather forecasts we would get rain sometime an lots of it!

 Thankfully the weather was good up to lunch time, and we had good views towards the Clwydian Hills, especially from Pincyn Llys.

 The descent South from Pincyn Llys was a little on the steep side, so in future walks in this area, that particular descent will be avoided.

 The route to Clocaenog village was delightful, similarly the road out of Clocaenog was good too. It was along the latter that we saw a few Primroses in flower.

 After lunch we all decided that waterproofs would be the wise choice, as it looked like it was about to start to rain. Twenty minutes after lunch it started to rain gently, only made worse by the strong Southerly wind.

 As we re-entered the forest we decided that we would change the walk slightly and head through the forest along forest tracks across Cefn Du and back to the Bontuchel Road. We encountered several fallen trees across the tracks that had to be negotiated, and one track was particularly boggy, so we headed for the tarmaced road as soon as we could.

 The there and back link road to the car park didn't add much to the walk, particularly on descent in the now very gentle rain.

 Birds seen or heard today were very few, but included: Carrion crow, Blue tit, Great tit, Wood nuthatch, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Winter wren and Chaffinch.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the We Three Loggerheads, where Hafod Classic Bitter went down well.

Moel y Parc and Penycloddiau 15th March 2014

Moel y Parc from Aberwheeler.

Lesser celandine in flower - another sign of Spring.

Fran by the cairn on Moel y Parc.

Panorama from Moel y Parc - from Snowdonia to the Coast.

At the cairn on Penycloddiau.

On the Llangwyfan path.

Mike putting his best foot forward!

Walk stats: Distance: 11.0 miles. Climb: 2357' GPS wind assisted, probably nearer 1500'.

Time: 5 hours 43 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Fran.

Yet another glorious day in the Clwydian Hills. Lots of bright sunshine with a strongish breeze keeping us cool as we crossed the higher ground of Moel y Parc and Penycloddiau.

 Unusual for a Saturday walk, we only set off from the car at 10-15, but it meant that we arrived back at the Britannia Inn just in time to see Wales complete their victory against Scotland. Sylvia had kindly kept us informed of all the International Rugby scores by sending us texts of the scores at regular intervals.

 This is superb rolling countryside, and with the delightful green tracks contouring Vale of Clwyd side of the ridge, this area makes astounding opportunities for circular walks, and this is one of the finest.

 Lunch was taken at the Southern end of Penycloddiau, tucked in behind a small outcrop of rock, so protected from the wind and still in the warm sunshine that Mike persuaded me to extend lunch to just over half an hour - another first for a Saturday walk!

 Distant views today were a little hazy, but we did pick out Snowdonia with some of its peaks still showing patches of snow.

 Birds today were few, but we did get superb views of a Common kestrel hunting and Ravens displaying.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Blue tit, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Pied wagtail, Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, Skylark, Meadow pipit and Raven.

 As usual after walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where the Lees bitter, Ginger beer (non-alcoholic) and crisps all went down well!

Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau 13th March 2014

Penycloddiau from the Northern slopes of Moel Arthur.

At the top of Moel Arthur.

Feeding time is over!

The best I could do with my camera - one Common buzzard out of three!

Tim's furry caterpillar - but what does it grow into?

On the top of Penycloddiau - but you can't even tell I'm wearing shorts!

Moel Arthur from the track in Llangwyfan Forest. 

Walk stats: Distance: 7.9 miles. Climb: 1158'.

Time: 4 hours 38 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

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

Setting off from Chester we were all wondering whether or not we would see anything as we were in fog and temperatures of 3 Celsius. I believed Accuweather's forecast of lots of Sun and temperatures in the mid-teens and put my shorts on, and was starting to think that I'd made the wrong decision!

 Thankfully it turned out to be the right one, and we had a superb walk in almost perfect walking conditions, wall to wall blue sky, Sunshine all day, pleasantly warm temperatures well into double figures and only the occasional gentle breeze. My only regret I forgot to bring my Sunglasses!

 Distant views on the walk today was very limited as the Clwyd Valley below us seemed to be in mist, as did Moel famau in the distance, but everywhere we walked was in glorious sunshine.

 Everyone in he group seemed to agree that this was probably one of the best circular walks in the Clwydian Hills - it's amazing what a bit of warm Spring sunshine does - but I would probably agree whatever the weather conditions.

 Good signs of Spring today included a singing Chiffchaff, my first of 2014 and singing Skylarks on Penycloddiau. We also had could views of a Wood nuthatch and a family of Common buzzards - not enough to be a wake!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Chiffchaff, Chaffinch,Wood nuthatch, Carrion crow, Rook, Raven, Dunnock, Winter wren, Meadow pipit, Blue tit, Black-billed magpie, Common buzzard and Skylark.

 Arriving at the Britannia Inn, the temperature was down to 7 Celsius and the mist/fog was still lingering, and the locals didn't believe that just a few miles away we had been walking in warm sunshine all day. They just thought that I was some form of "nutter" wearing shorts, sandals and no socks (this was apparently a shock to Celia too!). The Lees bitter today tasted superb , but there again it usually does.

Cwm Porth-Llwyd and falls 8th March 2014

The woodland path through Coed Dolgarrog.

Looking across the valley the Carneddau with patches of snow still evident.

Celia battling against the wind on the road to Llyn Eigiau.

Cwm Porth-Llwyd from the dam.

Panorama of the old railway line on the East side of Afon Porth-Llwyd.

Porth-Llwyd Falls.

Walks stats: Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 2000'.

Time: 5 hours 1 minute. On the move walking average: 1.8 m.p.h. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Celia.

We set off from Dolgarrog Memorial Park, expecting the power of the Sun to be increasingly noticeable as the day went on. It did, but we hadn't taken into account the wind that made sure that there was no chance of either of us over heating! In fact at times it was so strong that it was hard making any progress at all!

 We decided that we would have lunch, protected by the remains of the old dam wall, but a sudden gust decided to take a liking to my paclite jacket as it flew fifty feet into the air and was about to disappear over the dam wall never to be seen again or so I was thinking. Thankfully it dropped down on our side of the wall and I was able to race after it and retrieve it before it took off again.

 After the drudgery of the road before lunch we followed the delightful path along the former 2ft gauge railway line back to Coedty Reservoir.  At this point we encountered major construction works relating to renewing the water pipes from the reservoir, and after going through them to the road, we saw a notice advising us to use different footpaths if we could!

 The path down the Western side of the Afon Porth-Llwyd past the waterfalls was a delightful way to finish the walk, and the views of the falls were superb in places.

 The birds seen or heard today were few and far between, but included: Blue tit, Great tit, Raven, Common blackbird, Meadow pipit, Common buzzard, Stonechat, Dunnock, Chaffinch and a party of about 20 Siskins.

 after walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where the Lees bitter was in good nick as usual.

 A good walk, but not to be repeated until at least 2016, when the work on the pipes should be finished.

Moel Famau 6th March 2014

Looking back down the path we had just climbed, 

but alas this was the "E" route, not the "Red" route planned.

The entrance to the magnificent new steps to the top of the Jubilee Tower.

The path contouring the Northern slopes of Moel Famau.

Trying to find a mud-free route along the path leading to Ffrith Mountain.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.2 miles. Climb: 1362'.

Time: 3 hours 38 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

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

We set off from the lower car park, intending to visit the summit of Moel Famau twice, but after visiting the tower the first time we decided to change our plans. The top was in cloud, views none-existent and it was pretty windy as well, and no-one was keen on the idea of revisiting the top in the hope of better views.

 The route through the forest was pleasant enough, but somehow we ended up on a path that took us to the Offa's Dyke path about a mile South of the summit, rather than the Red route path that should have taken us much closer.

 The new set of steps up the Southern side of the tower had been well constructed and blended in well with the rest of the brickwork of the tower, so much so that I didn't notice the concealed entrance as I approached from the North west side.

 Lunch was taken South of Ffrith Mountain, just before the path contoured around the Eastern edge of Coed Cefn-goleu. We were able to take advantage of the stones on an old field boundary wall.  Margaret Smith kindly provided us all with Welsh cakes in celebration of St.,  David's Day, this being the nearest Thursday walk day to the 1st. They we appreciated by all who were fortunate enough to be on the walk and were able to sample them. Thanks Margaret.  I suppose we should thank Roger too as he carried them in his ruck-sac.

 Birds seen or heard today were few and far between but included: Blue tit, Great tit, Coal tit, European robin, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Raven.

 This was my first shorts walk of the year, but it was only the Skylarks singing that reminded me it was Spring!

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the We Three Loggerheads, where Hafod brews were on off. I had to sample the Moel Famau brew that tuned out to be more of a stout than a bitter. Everyone else were on soft drinks, teas or coffees!

 The walk was much shorter than usual, but it meant that we were able get home early to enable Roger to be home for the return of Cinderella and Celia to sort out the over heating in her car problem.

Lymm and Thelwall 1st March 2014

Grantham's Bridge, the start of our walk in tio Spud Wood.

Lymm Church from the West side of Lymm Dam.

Approaching Lymm Village through the Dingle.

Flowers for St. David's Day. On the banks of the Bridgewater canal West of Lymm.

The Old Post Office at Thelwall.

The "Penny Ferry" crossing to Thelwall Eyes.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.6 miles. Climb: 472'.

Time: 6 hours 11 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.3

Group: Martyn and Mike.

What a glorious day for walking, should have been wearing my shorts. I was able to take my jacket off for most of the walk, but alas had to suffer my Paramo trousers, all be it with ventilation, all if the day.

 The first part of the took us in to Spud Wood, an area that is very popular with dog walkers, we were lucky to get a parking space, only  because someone was about to leave. We now know that the only exit from Spud Wood is the one described on the walk description!

 The walk around Lymm Dam was very pleasant, and used paths on the East side of the dam that weren't present on the OS map.

 We ended up having lunch just East of Thelwall Village, having already walked over 7 miles. This wasn't the best of spots, but at least we were able to sit on two fallen tree trunks overlooking open countryside. At Thelwall Old Post office we decided to investigate the detour suggested in the description as being a delightful picnic spot, something we didn't notice until after we had had our lunch.

 After visiting the "Penny Ferry" across the Manchester Ship Canal, we were tempted by a path that pointed back towards Statham and Lymm.  This concessionary path took us along the side of the Manchester Ship Canal and under the infamous Thelwall Viaduct.

 The rest of the walk involved us heading along the Trans Pennine Trail as far as Heatley and then heading back to Spud Wood.

 Overall a very pleasant walk through an area very popular with walkers (with or without dogs) and cyclists.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, European robin, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Great tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Common starling, Common buzzard, Collared dove, Woodpigeon, Great spotted woodpecker, Mallard, Moorhen, Black-headed gull, Grey heron, Great cormorant, Great crested grebe, Wood nuthatch, Mute swan and the star bird of the day the Yellowhammer.

 We attempted to have our after walk drinks at the Ring O' Bells at Frodsham, but we defeated as it was still closed. We ended up at the Netherton Hall, where the Lees bitter was a little on the cold side and the pot of tea went down better!