Wild Moor and Pole Bank 30th April 2016

Our first Bluebells of the day.

Dog violets too.

Waiting on the road North of Jynle.

Jonathan's Rock in Jonathan's Hollow.

Looking back towards Caer Caradoc and The Lawley from above Jonathan's Rock

This year's foal with dad thinking of something else maybe!

At the trig point on Pole bank.

Caer Caradoc and the Lawley from Yearlet/Ashlet.

The best Bluebells of the day in Rectory Wood.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: 1425'.
Time: 5 hours 21 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Mike, Celia and Roger.
Overall this turned out to be a better day weather-wise than we expected. It was only as we crossed Wild Moor that the wind was on the cool side and we experienced twenty minutes or so of rather unpleasant hail, After that we were in glorious sunshine all the way back to the car.
 As usual this was a popular place to be walking,especially so for those D of E activities. This was a walk than we could happily say we were never alone!
 The views today at times were superb, especially towards Caer Caradoc and the Lawley. Wild Moor seemed to be alive with singing Skylarks and Meadow pipits.
 Lunch was taken at Pole bank Cottage with views of the gliders from the nearby Gliding Club as the took to the air.
 As a variation on the planned route we decided to take the path across the North side of  Yearlet and Ashlet and Hopes Wood, rather than descend down our usual path in Townbrook Valley. This was a route that kept us fairly high for some time and gave us superb views across the valley towards Caer Carodoc and The Lawley and the route we will be doing in a couple of weeks time.
 We arrived back at the car, some of with knees complaining, but having had a good walk and happy to have walked for the last hour or so in warm sunshine.
 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Blue tit, Great tit, Carrion crow, Winter wren, European robin, Common chaffinch, Jackdaw, Barn swallow, Northern wheatear, Raven, Meadow pipit and Skylark.
 This wasn't a Bluebell Wood walk, so the magnificent display in Rectory wood was a bonus.
 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant yr Ochain at Gresford, so busy today that the noise was so loud you could hardly hear the person next to you speak!

A Clwydian Round from Pentrecelyn 28th April 2016

Bluebells in the hedgerow just after setting off from Pentrecelyn.

More spring flowers - this time Stitchwort.

Wood anenome.

A Dog violet.

Rattle.

On Offa's Dyke, a delightful section, but win weather to match!

Who's that hiding behind the tree at our lunch spot?

Ramsons in flower in flower too.

Looking towards the Clwydian Hills from the Welsh Presbytirian Chapel at Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd.

Bluebells in the wood East of Graigfechan (Coed Henblas)

The final climb of the day on the path through Coed Henblas.

Walk stats: 10.1 miles. Climb: 1564'.

Time: 5 hours 17 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

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

With forecast predicting showers all day or rain mid-afternoon, we knew that at some point we would need our waterproofs.

 The climb up the road from Pentrecelyn although quite steep, it was helped by many stops to admire the variety of Spring flowers ignoring the fact that the feel like temperature was only a few degrees above freezing. In fact the section along Offa's Dyke Footpath was bitterly cold and waterproofs were needed more for warmth than for keeping us dry.

 Distant views were somewhat limited as the rain clouds were pretty low most of the day.

 Lunch was taken in a sheltered spot on the East side of Coed Plas-y-nant, and thankfully at this point it wasn't raining either.

 After reaching the Graigfechan road, we decided to cut the walk slightly and followed the road as far as Coed Henblas. Although this walk wasn't meant to be a Bluebell Wood Walk, Coed Henblas proved to have many Bluebells in flower as well as a good number of other Spring flowers.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, House sparrow, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Woodpigeon, Common chaffinch, Great tit, Common buzzard and Song thrush.

 The worst of the rain was kept to last, especially at the car as we took our boots off. I wasn't wet as I arrived at the car, but by the time I managed to get in the car I was soaked, especially my shorts!

 We decided that the best place to enjoy our after walk drinks would be the Glasfryn, where we knew that a roaring fire would be and if we could get near to it we would be able to dry out a little, Brews from the Big End Brewery and Salopian Brewery were enjoyed as we dried out.

Walks and Dates April 2016

Updated on 6th April 2016.

Saturday 2nd April 2016.

Around Bosley Cloud. 

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1020'.

Start: Lay-by on the A523, South of its junction with the A54. Grid ref: SJ917657.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Best Pub Walks in Cheshire", although we won't take her advice on the local hostelries! The walk takes us to the top of Bosley Cloud with its panoramic views over the Cheshire plain.. After visiting the trig point on Bosley Cloud, the walk heads West to meet up with the Macclesfield Canal, which we follow for an easy four mile stretch.

Thursday 7th April 2016.

Barber Hill, Vivod Estate and the Horseshoe Falls.

Distance:10 miles.

Climb: 2000'
Start: Llantysilio Green car park. Grid ref: SJ198433

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley".  This can be a glorious walk, if the weather is good.
 We usually start this walk in the centre of Llangollen, but I thought this would be a good place to start. It's probably a little late, but with a bit of look the Snowdrops in Llantysilio Green churchyard will still be in flower.

Saturday 9th April 2016.

The Pentrefoelas Round, Foel las Motte and Ffridd-y-Foel.

Distance:11 miles; Climb:1800' .
Start: Penrefoelas village car park. In the village turn left over the river. Grid ref:SH874514.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book"walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes" or his last slightly revised version called "Walks in the Hidden Heart of North Wales". The only new bit as far as I can see is the complete circuit of the Alwen Reservoir which we have already done!
He describes one walk as using paths, old coaching roads and drovers routes and quaint lanes and rises to Bryn Prys at just over 1000' and skirts moorland reaching over 1100'. The second walk passes an old earthwork castle - Foel Lass Motte.

Thursday 14th April 2016.

Moel Arthur and Around Moel Plas-yw.
This walk and the start place has changed from that originally posted at the start of the month.

Distance: 8.0 miles; Climb:1250'.
Start: Car park area West of Cilcain. Grid ref: SJ170652.
To get to the parking area, at the crossroads in Cilcain turn right (Eastward), past the White Horse, Church and Village hall, at the end of a few houses on the right turn, left and the parking area is a few hundred yards further on on the right. 
This walk is one we did last year and includes most of  one of the walks from Dave Berry's book ""More Walks on the Clwydian Hills". The Moel Plas-yw walk impressed us last time with its excellent views and delightful woodland valley paths. I suggest a visit to the summit of Moel Arthur could be an extension at the end of the walk for most of us!
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

Saturday 16th April 2016.

Grinllwm and Llyn Gerionydd.

Distance:9 miles; Climb:1400'.

Start:Llanrwst Plas yn Dre car park. Grid ref:SH782630.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is another walk that combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". Whilst many of the group have already done this walk, it is one that I missed out on last time. Hence the repeat. The walk included two waterfalls and the remote ancient Llanrhychwyn church. In the past we have heard Cuckoos calling on this walk.

Thursday 21st April 2016.

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 23rd April 2016.

Barthomley, Englesea-brook, Weston and its Western Fringes.

Distance: 12 mile. Climb: 1100'.

Start: Roadside parking near Barthomley Church or the village Hall car park. Grid ref: SJ767524.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". It describes the walk as one which explores the pleasant and gently undulating countryside, visiting the interesting villages of Barthomley and Englesea-brook. Can be muddy in places and there are over 50 stiles, some requiring reasonable agility!

Thursday 28th April 2016.

A Clwydian Trio.

Distance: 9 miles; Climb:1900' '.

Start: Pentre-celyn car park . Grid ref: SJ150534.

The car parking area is on the left adjacent to the sign for Pentre-celyn, just off the B5429.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This is another walk by Debbie Hamilton and is taken from the "Walking" magazine. This walk includes the section of Offa's Dyke Path goes near Moel y Plas, Moel Gyw, Moel Llanfair and Boncyn y Waen-grogen. Her walk starts from Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, but we will start at Pentre Celyn about half a mile beyond Graigfechan.

Saturday 30th April 2016.

Long Mynd, Wild Moor and Pole Bank.

Distance:10-11 miles. Climb:2100’.

Start: Centre of Church Stretton car park (Pay and display). Grid ref: SO454930.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Ian R. Jones’s booklet “20 Church Stretton Walks”.  All of the walks around Church Stretton are popular, although this walk does include a few sections that are a little less visited by the throngs.  Another possible Dotterel day, but if we do see any, it will be our first on the Long Mynd.  Even without Dotterels this is a superb area of the country to walk in, especially as you explore the moors around Pole Bank.

Barthomley, Englseabrook and Weston 23rd April 2016

The start of the walk at Barthomley.

An usual puff ball, one of many in this field South of Barthomley.

Crossing one of the many fileds of long lush grass.

"I think I'm glad to be out of ear shot!"

Bluebells in Mill Dale.

"There must be an easier way than this!"

Hugh Bourne's memorial at Englsea-brook.

Lunch in Englesea-brook cemetery.

A Common kestrel seen on the way to Weston.

Marsh marigolds in flower.

Celandine in flower.

Sneaking in to a pub again!

The White Lion at Barthomley, with thatch intact once more after the fire of 2012.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.9 miles. Climb: 627'.

Time: 5 hours 58 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Celia and Mike.

This was another excellent day for walking, plenty of sunshine, occasionally accompanied by a cool breeze.

This walk isn't a walk where you would describe the views as being memorable, but it is still a walk to enjoy strolling through this East Cheshire/Staffordshire border farm land, especially as the ground underfoot was dry and hadn't been trample on recently by cattle. 

 Lunch was take sitting in the cemetery at Englesea-brook cemetery where a lady from the nearby Englesea-brook Chapel and Museum invited us to sit in the cafe.

 After enjoying lunch sitting in the Sun, we went into the Chapel, part of the Primitive Methodist Movement. This delightful chapel is well worth a visit and the museum has some interesting artefacts. The chapel and museum are part of the Method Heritage centres. The chapel is still has an active congregation and has an interesting 2016 events programme.

 Another bonus for today was the number of Spring flowers including our first showing of Bluebells. Other flowers included: Marsh marigold, Celandine and Wood anenome.

 We arrived back at the car with legs knowing that they had climbed about 50 stiles, and looking forward to a rest when we sat down!

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Common chaffinch, Barn swallow, Common blackbird, Grey heron, Common kestrel, Blue tit, Great tit, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Rook, Carrion crow, Dunnock, Winter wren and Lapwing.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the White Lion at Barthomley, where Bank's Sunbeam went down well as did the Jennings' Cock O Hoop. This was a very busy historic hostelry, so much so that Roger took off his hearing aids to enjoy the ambiance! The historical decor was such that it would be able to challenge the Wilkes Head in Leek. In fact the room that we sat in had very basic seats and tables. I'm sure the seat I sat on had been made out of an old plank!

Craig Bron-Banog and Part of Cwm Alwen 21st April 2016

The bridge over the Afon Alwen at the Crown Inn at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr.

The bridge over the Afon Alwen at the Crown Inn at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr.

On the forest road, part of the Hiraethog Trail heading for Craig Bron-Banog.

Looking towards Snowdonia from Craig Bron-Banog.

Moel Famau from Craig Bron-Banog.

Distant views of Snowdonia, including the Snowdon Horseshoe and Tryfan.

Tryfan and the Glyders.

Descending to the Alwen Valley.

The Afon Alwen on its way to  Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr.

What every walk should have at the end of a walk, no, not what is in the bag but a picnic bench and seat to use as we take our boots off!

Walk stats: Till lunch time. 

Distance: 3.8 miles. Climb: 789'.

Time: 2 hours 12 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

Overall walk stats: Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Time: 4 hours 46 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue Pelissier, Annie, Phil, Wendy and Celia.

This turned out to be a perfect day for walking, pleasantly warm with hardly any wind and sun hats required by those that are follicly challenged!

 On the outward journey we used one or two forest roads that we had not used before and these proved to be a pleasant easy rout that was on the edge of the forest and consequently was more open.

 We arrived at Craig Bron-Banog a little on the early side, but this was the best place for lunch with a picnic bench that we could use and good views to Snowdonia in one direction and the Clwydian Hills in the other direction, but even this didn't please everyone!

 After lunch we decide to explore a path that last time we did the walk had many large trees obstructing the path. They were still there, so we turned back and took a forest road that ran almost parallel with the path. In future this will be the option followed - no more exploring to see if the path had been cleared.

 As an alternative to the long road back to the car from Tal y Cefn, we decided to a take a path that went down the East side of the Afon Alwen. This was a delightful section as the path started 20' feet or so above the river, giving us a good vantage point to see the fast flowing bubbling river below.

  The final stretch of about a mile was along the country lane back to the car, only marred by several agricultural vehicles choosing this time to deliver their goods and a not so pleasant smell that lingered for a few hundred yards after we passed a particular farm. We didn't know whether the smell came from the farm or one of the agricultural vehicles, but we certainly pleased when we were out of range!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Pied wagtail, Mallard, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Europan robin, Chaffinch, Wood nuthatch, Blue tit, Tufted duck and Raven.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn where Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale refreshed those parts that needed it.

Walks and Dates April 2015

Updated 20th April 2015.
The start pouint car park for the walk on the 23rd has been changed.
Thursday 2nd April 2015.

Beyond the Ro and Moel Ferna

Distance: 9-10 mile. Climb:1500'.
Start: Lay-by next to The Butterfly Man and Craft Centre on the A5. Grid ref: SJ115436.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines one of the walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" with an extension to the summit of Moel Ferna (weather permitting). We will decide the return route on the day. We have visited Moel Ferna in all sorts of conditions, some good, some not so good, hopefully it will be a good one this time.

Saturday 4th April 2015.
No walk.

Thursday 9th April 2015.

Wat's Dyke, Brynford, St., Bueno's Well and St., Winifride's Well and More.

Distance: 8-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Halkyn Street Car Park, Holywell. Grid ref: SJ18957548.

Leave Chester at 09-30 a.m.

This is another figure of eight walk made by combining two walks and maybe three walks from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones's booklet "10 walks Around Holywell".

One walk explores the countryside between Holywell and Brynford. The other walks around the Greenfield Valley, will hopefully lead us to find the location of St., Bueno's Well .

Saturday 11th April 2015.

Moel Findeg, Deborah's Well, Bryn Alyn and Nercwys Mountain (A Tale of Two Mountains).

Distance:11 miles. Climb: 1800'.

Start: Lay-by opposite the Loggerheads Boundary Monument on the A494 Mold to Ruthin road. Grid ref: SJ202626.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  This is another chance to visit the summit of Moel Findeg with its fine views of the Northern Clwydians  and across the Cheshire plain to Pekforton and Beeston.  Hopefully we will make it as far as the ancient Deborah's well this time.

Thursday 16th April 2015.

Moel y Gaer, Moel Fammau and the Western Fringes.

Distance:10 miles. Climb: 2000'.

Start: Car park at Bwlch Penbarras. Pay and display (£1 the last time we were there). Grid ref: SJ162606.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". An opportunity to explore the Western slopes of Moel Fammau before climbing its summit.  The return route uses the main path of Offa's Dyke back to Bwlch Penbarras.  An easy start, a stiff climb in the middle and a stroll back to the car.  Plenty of opportunity for good views in all directions, if it is clear when we get to the Jubilee Tower.

Saturday 18th April 2015.

Around Bosley Cloud.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1100'.

Start: Lay-by on the A523, South of its junction with the A54. Grid ref: SJ917657.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Best Pub Walks in Cheshire", although we won't take her advice on the local hostelries! The walk takes us to the top of Bosley Cloud with its panoramic views over the Cheshire plain.. After visiting the trig point on Bosley Cloud, the walk heads West to meet up with the Macclesfield Canal, which we follow for an easy four mile stretch.

Thursday 23rd April 2015.

Moel Plas-Yw, the Alyn Valley and Coed Ddu.

Distance:11 miles. Climb: 2000'.

Start: Car park area West of Cilcain. Grid ref: SJ170652.
To get to the car park take A541Mold - Denbigh Road. After Hendre take the road signposted Cilcain. In the centre of Cilcain, at a crossroads turn right (West) and continue West past the church. After about 400 yards take the minor road left. The parking area is about 300 yards along this road, on the right after a few houses. In all about 700 yards from the crossroads in Cilcain.
I have changed the start of the walk to avoid having to use the very narrow road that goes on the South side of Moel Arthur, a road that I don't like!

Leave Chester 9-00a.m.

This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks from the Clwydian Hills". The first walk that crosses the slopes of Plas-Yw to the Wheeler Valley is one of my favourite walks in this area.  He describes the second walk as a walk that meanders through the attractive and varied countryside between Hendre and Cilcain.

Saturday 25th April 2015.

Llyn Geirionydd, and the Llanrwst to Trefriw River Walk.

Distance:9 miles. Climb:1100’.
Start: Plas yn Dre Car park, Llanwrst. Grid ref:SH796618.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk combine two walks from Dave Berry’s book “ Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley”.  The walk begins with a pleasant walk along the Afon Conwy to Trefriw, before heading up to Llyn Geirionydd.  The valleys around Geirionydd are known haunts for Cuckoos, so hopefully we might hear one or as in the past been lucky enough to see one.
Although we did this walk last month, it was such a good walk that I tought that I would put it on again. Hopefully we may hear a Cuckoo this time.

Thursday 30th April 2015.

Lady Bagot's Drive with St Christopher's Blessing.

Distance:10-11 miles. Climb: 500'.

Start: Ruthin Riverside Car park (Pay and display). Grid ref: SJ121582.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  We have completed this walk many times before in all sorts of weather conditions. Conditions underfoot have been particularly challenging after lots of rain and the Afon Clwyd is in spate.  Hopefully we will see Kingfishers and can confirm Richard and Michel's sightings from earlier years. 

Llanrwst, Trefriw and Grinllwm 16th April 2016

The footbridge near Llanrwst.

Looking North down the Conwy Valley from East of Trefriw.

A Dipper on the Afon Crafnant below Fairy Falls, Trefriw.

Looking back down the gully ascent of Grinllwm. 

Looking back down the gully ascent of Grinllwm from the stile.

Llanrwst back in sight.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.2 miles. Climb: 991'.

Time: 4 hours 38 minutes. O the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

A later than usual start to accommodate the departure of the Arradon twinning at Upton. However this would help as the forecast rain was expected to clear by 11-00. Well it did, but not before we had put our waterproofs on and then had to remove them. In the warm sunshine it was really pleasant, but at times there was a cool Northerly wind. We had to shelter behind a stone wall on Grinllwm for lunch. It was so pleasant in the warm sun, that we took longer than usual and Mike even had time to eat his apple before we set off.

 We only had one view of snow on the hill tops, but valley views were good. In the Conwy Valley we saw about half a dozen Sand martins hunting over the river, one of our early Summer migrants returning. In addition all round the walk we were accompanied by singing Chiffchaffs and Willow warblers, all signs of Summer on its way.

 Although we had missed out Llyn Geirionydd this time due to our later start, this was a very pleasant walk and well worth repeating if time is short.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Red-brested merganser, Herring gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Chaffinch, European robin, Sand martin, Mallard, Northern dipper, Common kestrel, Carrion crow, Pied wagtail, Chiffchaff and Willow warbler.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn in Halkyn, where a pale ale from the Off Beat Brewery went down well.

Around Plas-yw from Cilcain 14th April 2016

"I'm the king of the castle".

Our first views of the Clwydians.

"Now ponies this size I can cope with!"

"It's not often I'm in front of everyone!"

Bluebells in flower - the first we have seen on a walk this year.

Primroses too still in flower.

Not a good place to be a Mole!

View from our lunch spot.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.6 miles. Climb: 967'.

Time: 4 hours 51 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn. Roger, Annie and Mike.

Not perfect weather today, but at least it didn't rain and I complete the walk in shorts and short sleeved shirt for the first time. As  was wearing shorts I declared that it was Summer, but Annie didn't agree, and neither did the fact that I had already seen more than ten Barn swallows wasn't convincing either!

 Nevertheless it was good to be out and to see yet again the roadside verges decked it magnificently blooming daffodils. We even saw Bluebells, Primroses and Wood anemone in flower and on the way home Cowslips were coming into flower  on the verges along the A55.

 Lots of very young lambs, singing Skylarks, Chiffchaffs and Willow warblers and blossom on trees all make this time of year a great time to be out in the country.

 Views today were not great, much of the near hill tops seemed to be decked in a sort of mist and consequently we decided to miss out the climb to top of Moel Arthur, assuming the views towards Snowdonia would not be that great.

 We were in danger of getting back to the car too earlier and that we might have to miss out on visiting our usual hostelry in Halkyn. However Annie spotted a wallet that had been dropped on the path and we spent ten minutes or more trying to identify the owner of the wallet, phoning one contact number we found that didn't help much and then trying to decide what the best option would be. Taking it to the nearest bank linked with the cards seemed to be the best option.

 I was convinced that it was a dog walker that we had spoken to earlier, and just before we got back to the car, Roger turned round and said is that the dog walker we saw earlier. I said I don't recognise either of the two men, but that's definitely the two dogs.

 We turned back and thankfully we could reunite the wallet with its grateful owner and relieve us of the hassle of knowing what to do with it.

 We arrived back at the car at just about the right time, knowing that the Bluebell Inn at Halkyn would be open and we could enjoy our usual refreshments.