Lady Bagot's Drive with St. Christopher's Blessing 26th May 2016

On the Clwydian Way and lady Bagot's Drive through Coed y Nant.

A few Bluebells left on the Northern edge of Coed y Nant.

The Clwydian Hills with Moel Famau still not fully clear of cloud.

Flag Iris with a Common coot on the far side of the pond.

Welsh Mountain sheep / Berwyn sheep with one quite large lamb.

Moel famau from our lunch spot by the Afon Clywedog North west of Rhewl.

Red campion near our lunch spot.

The Clwydian Hills from the banks of the Afon Clwyd  South east of Llanynys.

Clwyd hall fro the banks of the Afon Clwyd North east of Rhewl.

Walk stats: Distance: 11.5miles. Climb:450'.

Time: 5 hours 56 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

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

An overcast day was forecast, but thankfully no rain. It did get somewhat humid towards the end of the walk, just as our legs were beginning to flag. Underfoot was a lot better than we have often experienced on this walk, our only "problem" was the long wet grass and sections of stinging nettles waiting for anyone weary shorts! Finding a dry place to sit for lunch  wasn't easy, two of us sat either side of a stile, while the others sat on the protruding rots of a large tree.

 In Coed y Nant Ramsons were the dominant flower, but several fields had plenty of Daisies and Buttercups, and seeing the Flag iris was a bonus.

 The return route along the banks of the Afon Clwyd seems like a never ending stretch with the church spire seeming not to get any nearer even wghen we knew it must be. We arrived back at the car with Roger declaring his was "dead" and David S declaring he was "worn out". We'll be doing six milers next!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Collared dove, Woodpigeon, Barn swallow, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Pied wagtail, Grey wagtail, Mallard including one tiny duckling, Common starling, Goldfinch, Dipper, Common buzzard, Lapwing, Song thrush, European robin, Blue tit and Common chaffinch.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Ruthin Castle Hotel where Sharp's Doom Bar bitter went down well and we were all glad to take the weight of our feet for a while before the drive home.