Sontley, Wat's Dyke and More 30th October 2014

The river looking towards Felin Puleston.

Face off at the "Cup and Saucer".

Erddig Hall from a path on the West side of the hall.

Not really on the path where we wanted to be!

On part of Wat's Dyke Way.

The hills of Cheshire from the highest point on our walk, soon after lunch.

All times are B.S.T.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.7 miles. Climb: 490'.

Time: 5 hours 52 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Roger, Phil, Nigel and Wendy.

The weather today was rather warm and humid (at least 17 Celsius on the car thermometer when we arrived back at the car). In fact at lunch time the Sun seemed much warmer than that!

 This low level walk on what seemed good paths on the OS map, and the route description, looked like being a stroll in the park! it didn't turn out that way and route finding was quite challenging at times, especially around fields and farms.

 We did see more sections where Wat's Dyke was quite obvious and we did get some unexpected views, particularly towards Beeston Castle that was bathed in bright sunshine.

 The extension along Wat's Dyke will probably not be repeated, as it involved some very smelly muddy sections and the partially eaten remains of a dead calf!

 Phil was very glad that he had his gaiters on as we approached one farm, and thankfully showed us which way not to go.  I think in future we will have to send Wendy in front whenever we approach muddy sections as she does her best to make sure her boots stay clean!

 That wasn't the only dead animal seen, we also saw a dead Badger, lying a few feet away from what was obviously a  recently Badger latrine spot.

 Whilst this may not be everyone's cup of tea as a walk, I did find it quite enjoyable, despite the fact that much of it was across muddy agricultural land, but I'm sure has much potential for being much muddier if done later in the year!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Common buzzard, European robin, Common snipe, Canada goose, Meadow pipit, Black-billed magpie, Eurasian jay, Woodpigeon and Common blackbird.

 We also saw one some live mammals and included:  Grey squirrel, European rabbit anda Brown hare.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford, where Purple Moose, Snowdonia Ale went down well once it had warmed up a little!

 A good walk that perhaps needs to be tweaked a little to avoid certain spots and perhaps should be done after a dry spell in September or even earlier!

Around Vivod, Llantyilio Church and the Llangollen Canal 23rd October 2014

Our first view of the River Dee with Barber Hill above the bridge.

Panorama looking towards the Llantysilio Hills from the road descending towards Vivod.

Autumnal colous starting to show.

Panorama from the Vivod road, looking towards Bryn-newydd farm complex.

The chain bridge - work just about to start.

A new view of the Horseshoe Falls with Moel Morphydd the peak on the skyline to the right.

Too warm for everyone!

Walk stats: Distance: 8.3 miles. Climb: 1189'.

Time: 4 hours 25 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Annie, David S., Celia, Sue and Dave P.

This was another day when the Beeb got the forecast right, it was bright and sunny all the time, and only occasionaly did we experience any breeze to cool us.

 Much of the walk was on minor roads, but no-one seemed to mind and for most of the time the views were superb, particularly as they opened up and we could see the Llantysilo Hills and the Eglwyseg Escarpments.

 The early part of the walk as we headed up to the Glyn Ceriog road was a steady climb that to some of the group seemed never ending!

 Lunch was taken at Llantysilio Green, where we could take advantage of the picnic tables provided and for all of us use the facilities that had been recently upgraded to become more eco-friendly. We later found that they had also put in some new picnic tables that were more accessible to wheel chair users (not that any of the group that sort of access today. As well that workmen were in the process of putting in two new paths that will mean that walkers can approach Llantysilio church without the need to go on the road. It also gave us a new view of the Horseshoe Falls, a better one than the one normally seen from the road. We were also asked to answer a questionnaire by one of the men involved with this new work. One question asked "What could be done to make your experience in this area better", was rather difficult to answer everything about the walk today was just about perfect!

 Even the stroll back along the canal towpath was made easier by the path having been improved to a standard suitable for wheelchairs. It would seem that at least one authority are doing their best to make visitors seem welcome.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Common blackbird, Common starling, Common pheasant, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Black-billed magpie, Grey wagtail (spotted by Sue) and Mallard.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Ponsonby Arms, where Timothy Taylor's "Boltmaker" went down well. Ulverston's "Flying Elephants wasn't bad either. Alas David S couldn't drink all of his giant filter coffee and Celia couldn't find the blue bag of salt in her packet of crisps (thankfully a salt cellar was provided to remedy the problem!)

 Overall a delightful walk.

 I think this car park will be the one we use for all of our future walks staring in Llangollen, unless Llantysilio Green is more appropriate.

Walks and Dates October 2014

Updated 2nd October 2014.

Internet back on 15-30, Monday 29th September 2014.

Thursday 2nd October 2014.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge and More.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1300'.

Start: Moel Famau Car Park and Picnic site (Pay and Display £2-00 on entry). Grid ref: SJ172611.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's Book " More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" He describes it as an excellent walk exploring beautiful valleys and foothills. We usually start at Loggerheads, but we will try a variation on this walk by starting at Moel Famau Car park and Picnic site.

Saturday 4th October 2014.

Anson Engine Museum, Poynton Pits and More.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 200'.
Start: Nelson Pit Visitor Centre. Grid ref: SJ940835.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
The later than usual leaving time is to make sure that we don't have to wait too long for the museum to open at 10-00.
The walk combines a walk from Graham Beech's book " Eas Cheshire Walks " and a walk from East Cheshire's Walks From Nelson Pit. The cost of entry to the museum is £6-75 with a 50p discount for Senior concessions.
The main part of the walk includes sections of the Middlewood Way, Cown Edge Way and the Cheshire Ring Walk.

Thursday 11th October 2014.

Knutsford and Several Peovers.

Distance: 11-12 miles; Climb: 200'.
Start: Long stay car park on Tatton Street, Knutsford. This is a pay and display car park, £4-30 for over 6 hours according to the Knutsford web site. Grid ref: SJ750789.
Leave Chester at 8-45 a.m.
This walk is a little further away than usual, so to ensure that we are walking by 10-00 a.m., I thought it would be better to leave a little earlier than usual.
Annie of course will be able to have a longer than usual lay in this morning!
This walk is taken from Jack Baker and Jack Hanmer's book "Walking in Cheshire". This book was published in 1974 and updated in 1978, so following the directions may prove challenging. They describe the walk as a walk over fairly level, but pleasantly wooded country, although places can be muddy in Winter. This will give Annie another chance to leave home a little later than usual to meet us for a Thursday walk!

Saturday 11th October 2014.

Craig Bron-Banog and Part of Cwm Alwen. 
Postponed until later in the year.
See below for details of the replacement walk for this date.

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 8-30 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.

Aled Isaf and More.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Off road parking just before the dam on Llyn Aled. Grid ref: SH916579.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
This walk was originally planned for the end of last month.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Denbigh Moors" or his slightly newer book "Hidden Heart of North Wales". The walk explores the expansive  tract of moorland and upland pastures around  Llyn Aled and  Aled Isaf. The route in part follows tracks not easily seen and is for experienced walkers only.  At one point the walk follows a delightful upland path via Llys Dymper, before returning South over the moorland top of Foel Lwyd. The extension allows us to explore moorland paths over Moel Bengam and Cefn Du along paths that I have wanted to explore for some time. Has been known to be boggy, but hopefully not too boggy at this time of the year. As an extra challenge we may complete this walk in an anticlockwise direction, the opposite way to the way we normally complete the walk!

Thursday 16th October 2014.

Llannefydd, Mynydd y Gaer and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 9-10 miles;Climb: 1700'.

Start: Car park by the village hall in Llannefydd, opposite the Buck Inn. Grid ref:SH982706.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walking in the Vale of Clwyd and the Denbigh Moors", and is a walk that we really enjoyed the first time that we did it. This is a refreshing walk over Moel y Gaer, the site of an Iron Age hill fort. Again we will extend the walk to include Moelfre Isaf.

Saturday 18th October 2014.

Clip-y-Orsedd, The Druid Circle and Foel Lus.

Distance:11 miles. Climb:2400'.
Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.
Start: Car park behind the bank in Llanfairfechan. Turn right of Village Road. Grid ref:SH682747.
his walk uses two walks Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast." These two walks combine to make one of my favourite walks in this area as they explore the hills behind Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr. Hopefully we will visit the impressive Druids' Stone Circle and contour around the superb high level Panoramic Walk round Foel Lus.

Thursday 23rd October 2014.

Barber Hill, Vivod Estate and the Horseshoe Falls.

Distance:11 miles.

Climb: 2000'
Start: Mill Street, long stay car park (pay and display, £3-50). The car park is on the A542, East of the Station and adjacent to the Ponsonby Arms. Park on the bottom by the river. This is a new car park for us, so hopefully we will all find it.
Grid ref: SJ216421.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley". The most memorable time that we did this combination of walks was in March 2006, when there was snow on the ground. It was a glorious sunny and the sun reflecting on the snow on the trees sparkled like jewels. This was a glorious walk, hopefully to be repeated again this time round, but without the snow!

Saturday 25th October 2014.
No walk.

The Roaches and Lud's Church.
Postponed until 15th November 2014.

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 30th October 2014.

Erddig, Wat's Dyke and Sontley.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 500'.

Start: Felin Puleston Car park, Wrexham. Grid ref: SJ325492. To get to the car park, take the A483 towards Wrexham, turn left onto the A5152 to Rhostyllen and Wrexham. Turn right onto a side road sign-posted Erddig, and almost immediately turn left down a side track sign-posted Felin Puleston Countryside Centre to a parking area by farm buildings.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Rhuabon Mountain, the Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain". They are described as a walk through the Erddig Estate and the attractive farmland of Felin Puleston. It also includes an impressive section of Wat's Dyke.

Clip-y-Orsedd, The Druids Circle and More 18th October 2014

Llanfairfechan from the path near Henar Farm.

Still climbing, but only just sure that we are on the right path!

At the Druids Circle.

Heading back after lunch.

It took 4 attempts to get ALL of these two ponies in the same frame!

Penmaenmawr and Foel Lus framed by a rainbow.

Our last view towards Clip-y-Orsedd.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 1800' (Estimated as it was a wind assisted 3530' on the GPS)

Time: 5 hours 37 minutes. On the move waking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Celia and Mike.

Optimistically we hoped that the Beeb weather forecast would be right and that it would be warm and only the occasional shower. They were right, but we hadn't appreciated just how strong the wind would get. I've always regarded myself to have the physique quite suited to be an anchor man, but attempting Clip-y-Orsedd, I found myself sitting on the ground!

 Nevertheless we still soldiered on, battling to stay upright as we headed for the the stone circle. Our next problem was to find a suitable place to have lunch, protected from the wind if possible. Lunch was taken at the junction of paths between Foel Lus and Craig Hafodwen, where there was a convenient bench for us to sit on. Celia chose to sit on the grass sheltered from the wind by a large stone.

 We had longer than usual for lunch, Mike had finished his apple before we set off (I think I must have been trying to put off the return journey when we would be heading in to the wind.)

 The views today were good, especially towards the coast, but occasionally we had glimpses of the higher Carneddau mountains.
 Overall an enjoyable walk, despite the wind.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, House sparrow, Common blackbird, Raven, Common buzzard, Common kestrel, Stonechat, Common starling and Meadow pipit.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bluebell at Halkyn where the ciders went down well as did Facers' Bluebell bitter (although Mike did say he preferred the Lees bitter!).

Llannefydd, Mynydd-y-Gaer and More 16th October 2014

"Oh no, not another cold!"

On the ramparts of Mynydd-y-Gaer Hillfort, and we still don't knoe where we are!

The Western ramparts of Mynydd-y-Gaer Hillfort.

The Afon Elwy from the bridge near the Caravan Park.

Moefre Isaf - alas,  not visited today.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb: 1164'. 

Time: 4 hours 50 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall average: 1.7 m.p.h.

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

Thankfully the Beeb got the weather forecast right, we it was dry throughout the walk and for 95% of the time we were in lovely warm sunshine. The only rain experienced was as we were in the car on the way home.

 The views today were superb, once we were at any height an especially when we contoured around the ramparts of Mynydd-y-gaer Hillfort.

 We attempted a new approach towards Moelfre Isaf, but were thwarted by failing to locate a footpath that would have lead us to Talgrwn Fach. (This was also with the help of a farmer and his wife and David crossinga very dodgy stile in a vain attempt to find the path!).

 Just after our failure we decide to a have lunch and re-think our options for the route back to the Llannefydd.

 Wedecided that Moelfre Isaf was no longer an option, as a few of us wanted to get home earlier than last week!

 Descending to the afon Elqwy we decide to take a bridleway, heading West from the bridge. Ths proved to be a delightful path, that I'm sure we will use again in the future.

 Birds seen or heard today in cluded: Pied wagtail, House sparrow, Jackdaw, Carion crow, Goldfinch,  Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Common blackbird and Common buzzard.

 David who was in front for most of the walk (making sure we got round in time for him to be home for 5 p.m., managed to see 4 deer (2 on each occasion), species uncertain.

 Overall this proved a delightful walk, and the return route via Henllan than the route from Dolwyddelan was far less stressful for the drivers. Selena done well!

 After walk drinks wer enjoyed at the Blue Bell in Halkyn, where one or two ciders went down well (this is their cider month and there is still another 12 to sample!)

Aled Isaf, Cefn Du, Moel Bengam and More 11th October 2014

Panorama looking across Llyn Aled with Snowdonia on the right.
Taken from the slopes of Cefn Du.

Looking towards the "haunted house" from Cefn Du.

Panorama looking towards Snowdonia from the top of Cefn Du.

Over the top at last, civilisation ahead.

Aled Isaf from our lunch spot.

The Ceunant Valley. North West of Aled Isaf.

Llyn Aled dam and the start point in sight.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 654'.

Time: 5 hours 17 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

 Exploring the paths across Cefn Du and Moel Bengam was a route that I have wanted to do for many years and today was the day we finally accomplished the challenge!

 The weather today was just about perfect for this adventure across this at times pathless area of the Denbigh Moors. We had sun most of the day, with it clouding over for a short period, but thankfully no rain.

 The path must have been used well in the past, with sections being sunken and quite boggy and where it disappeared we did have a little heather hopping and bracken bashing to get to where we wanted to be.

 All moorland successfully negotiated we arrived at Aled Isaf, our lunch spot, still with dry feet and quite pleased that we had manged to follow more or less the path on the map, but we could appreciate why Dave Berry hadn't included this lop in any of his walks!

 The water in Aled Isaf was as low as I have ever seen it, whereas Llyn Aled seemed to be at normal levels.

 After lunch we decided to do a short loop around Nant-y-Merddyn-uchaf and Ceunant, an interesting route, but very boggy and the approach to the farm wasn't easy, especially as we had to negotiate sections of path overgrown with gorse.

 The final part of the walk was a mile and a half trek along the road from Aled Isaf back to Llyn Aled. This was a pleasant stroll in the warm sunshine, and having successfully avoided the sheep droppings on the road, arrived back at the car with clean boots.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Meadow pipit, Carrion crow, Common snipe, Goldfinch. Lesser black-backed gull, Great black-backed gull, Raven, Pied wagtail, Wheatear, Peregrine falcon and proabably a Red kite and 2 Golden plover.
 Mike joined the realms of "Harris Hikers Lamb Busters", successfuly releasing a lamb that had got stuck in a wire fence - not much gratitude, buit at least she ran off shaking her head with one bleat of freedom.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter went down well and the welcome was as warm as ever - the fire was on too!

 Their Christmas Menu looked good too. 

Knutsford and Several Peovers 9th October 2014

The delightful tree lined avenue around Peover Hall (Superior of course!).

Owl sculpture near Peover Hall.

Lunch time

or

"Who's a backward boy then?"

Just for Fran. 

There are some land owners that are happy to see walkers cross their land.

Lower Peover church.

Not race horses near Lower Peover, just a couple of friendly donkeys.

Toft hall seen from the path leading to Knutsford.

Walk stats: Distance: 11.9 miles. Climb: 200'.

Time: 5 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

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

A nice long walk, with only two half hour showers, one just before lunch and one getting back to Knutsford.  Pleasant walking, although we were surprised to see how much surface water was around.

 This was the first time that we had been able to see inside St., Laurence's church near Peover Hall, only open as they were waiting for their fire extinguishers to be tested.

 Much of the walk involved crossing fields, but near Ash Farm we saw about 10 Yellowhammers, always a delight to see these days.

 The church at Lower Peover was also open and the unusual timber structure was something worth looking at.

 Birds seen or heard included: Woodpigeon, Rook, Common blackbird, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Pied wagtail, Commo buzzard, Black-billed magpie and Yellowhammer.
 We arrived back at Annie's, some of us with tired legs and not relishing the idea of walking a mile and back for a drink at our usual hostelry, we decided to head for the Farmer's Arms at Kelsall. Here we enjoyed Bradfield's Farmer's brews and Weetwood Best Bitter.
 At this pount we were earlier than expected, but we didn't know that major accident on the M56 was making the roads gridlocked in all direction. I dropped the last Upton member off just about 17-10, Roger at 18-10 and eventually got home at 18-25!
 Thankfully Annie was at home in Knutsford.  Had we been walking in Wales, I'm sure she would still be in her car at this time (19-30) wondering when she would get home.

The Anson Engine Museum and More th October 2014

The model of the Poynton  Area.

One of the early engines on display.

 One of the Diesel engines on display.

One of the Crossley Engines.

A modern  Bentley engine.

Windows rescued from one of the boardrooms.

Lunch in the Sun on the Middlewood Way.

The Middlewood Way after lunch - the only way to get both of us in the picture!

A Grey heron on the edge of the Macclesfield Canal.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.7 miles (plus whatever we did as we walked around the museum). Climb: 260'.

Time: (walk only) 4 hours 9 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

We started the day by visiting the Anson Engine Museum, a museum run by volunteers and enthusiasts. We started by seeing the scale model of the area showing how it was in the 1930s, and showing where most of the pits were located at an still then working. We then went round the rest of the museum following the suggested route, seeing a good number of old and modern engines, some working and others with sections removed to see the various working parts.

 Interesting DVDs/tapes enabled us to get some of the history behind some of the earlier pioneer engineers.

We saw just one engine actually working, but on the last Saturday of October they will have a lot more working, so that would be a good day to visit. You'd probably need more than the couple of hours we spent there.

 Another good point is that they are gearing up and setting up educational workshops to train young people with the skills need to maintain the engines on display.

 As the first two customers of the day we were privileged to have two of the stalwarts of the museum to set us on our way.

 Recommended visit for anyone that has any likes for engineering or science. You know this place is run by engineering enthusiasts who are continually restoring and servicing the engines when you see "Swarfega" by the sinks in the gents!

  After two hours of our brains taking in as much as they could about engines we set off on our walk along the Middlewood Way. We did try to do a lop that would take us past several areas where coal mining was arrived out, but alas the best we saw was one of the old inclines!

 Half and hour after setting off it started to rain and we decided to put waterproofs on, but by the time we had put them on the rain had stopped!

 We were very fortunate to stop for lunch, sitting on the edge of an old railway platform, not realising that had we gone a little further we would have found a bench! 

 There wasn't a lot to photograph along the old railway line, but some sections were delightful as the Sun's ray filtered through the trees.

 The Cown Edge Way across Marple Golf Course, thankfully was well signed and we had no problems with golfers trying to hit us with drives off the tees.

 The final return section was along the towpath of the Macclesfield Canal, a section where the path is good and firm underfoot.

 Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Rook, Common blackbird, Common buzzard, Mallard, Mute swan, Moorhen, Canada goose, House sparrow, Black-billed magpie and Grey heron.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Netherton Hall at Frodsham, where the Lees bitter tasted really good.

 We'll have to go to the Brit occasionally, just to get an ocasional Lees bitter fix!

The Alyn Gorge and Moel Famau 2nd October 2014

A Winter scene - no just spider work hosting the morning dew.

One of two Buzzards circling near Cilcain.

Heading North to Moel Famau, still hoping to find a lunch spot!

No comment!

Waiting at the crossroads, the final climb ahead.

The final approach to the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau.

The Vale of Clwyd with Snowdonia beyond from the Jubilee tower.

One of the wood sculptures in Moel Famau country Park.

This is how Roger felt in the We Three Loggerheads Inn later on!

Walk stats: Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb; 1465'.

Time: 5 hours 14 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Wendy, David S., Celia and Paul.

As Annie was feeling a little unwell, this was a quickly rearranged walk so that she could join us next week at Knutsford.

 Last week two of the group forgot things, this week it was mine, I forgot to bring the walk descriptions for the rest of the group, but a least I did have mine! This does have advantages, they can't go too far ahead and they can never say to me "your going the wrong way"!

 This was a glorious day for walking, a little warmer than most of us expected, but still good, even at the Jubilee Tower there was only a gentle breeze, probably one of the best weather days I have ever experienced in that location.

 Views today were excellent, although at the summit of Moel Famau we were in glorious sunshine, but Snowdonia was covered in cloud.

 Near the summit a Kestrel entertained as it hunted and at one point tried to catch a Meadow pipit.

 After leaving the summit of Moel Famau we returned on part of the route that had several wood carvings, we spotted the Badger, Bat, Lizard, Dormouse and Buzzard, but we didn't see the Squirrel and the Fox (apparently the best one, according to my primary  school age informants!).

 Birds seen or heard today included: Greater spotted woodpecker, Meadow pipit, Jackdaw, Rook, Raven, Common kestrel, Common buzzard, Wood nuthatch, European robin, Woodpigeon and Black-billed magpie.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the We Three Loggerheads Inn, where Hafod's brews were enjoyed by some, Thwaites brew by another, tea by another, orange squash and even an unpronounceable lager by another.

 Overall a superb walk, especially when you catch the summit of Moel Famau on a really good day like today!