Rhuddlan to Rhyl and the Clwyd Estuary 8th January 2015

The Afon Clwyd from its East bank.

"We've always been a close walking group!"

A Red-breasted merganser on the Marine Lake at Rhyl.

An early lunch was declared!

Our last vies of the sea, looking towards the Great Orme.

Not easy to see, but there is a pair of Gossander as well as Wigeon on the Afon Clwyd.

One shot of the hundreds of Lapwing that took the skies above the river.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.7 miles. Climb: 100'.

Time: 3 hours 55 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h (even with a nearly 30 minute stop for lunch!)

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

We set off in warm sunshine, hoping that it would the rain forecast for around mid-day wouldn't materialise and the wind wouldn't get too strong or cold! We did get a few spots as we were having  lunch, but no more. At times the wind was a little on the cold side, especially on the coast and the return leg, but at least it was on our back pushing us along! Whenever the wind dropped it almost felt too warm for the gear we were wearing!

 The only disappointment of the day was not seeing the sections of Pont Draig being raised, but we did at least see them in the upright position and slowly descending, all be it from a distant.

 Although we didn't see any Snow buntings we did see a good number of birds. These included: Blackbird, House sparrow, Carrion crow, Raven, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Great black-backed gull, Common gull, Mute swan, Jackdaw, Common coot, Moorhen, Tufted duck, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Kestrel, Goosander, Red-breasted merganser, Common redsahank, Great cormorant, Oystercatcher, Common teal, Eurasian curlew, Chaffinch, Feral pigeon, Woodpigeon, Collared dove, Grey heron, Black-billed magpie and Lapwing. I'm almost sure I saw a Chiffchaff, but it is a little early really!

 This is always a pleasant walk when it doesn't rain or you don't have to battle the elements.

 Afterwalk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where the Lees bitter went well and they lit the second fire for us as we went in.