Around Esclusham and Minera Mountains 9th June 2016

Mineral Lead Mining Centre - the start of the walk.

Does this sheep think this is the shepherd ready to protect him?

The start of the large limestone quarry.

At the top of the quarry at the point where the path leaves the quarry edge.

Looking back towards the quarry.

Heading towards Esclusham Mountain.

Looking back across the quarry towards Llandegla and the Clwydians.

At Esclusham Mountain trig point.

Our lunch spot at the old lime kiln on (Fron-deg Flat) Minera Mountain.

Temperatures in the high twenties ans fleeces are still needed!

Descending Minera Mountain on the "reedy" path to Fron-Deg.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.8 miles. Climb:768'.

Time: 4 hours 33 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Annie, Phil and David S.

This was almost a little too warm for walking, particularly as we set off from the Lead Mining Centre towards the old quarries. Bearing this in mind and the chances of it getting even hotter, it was decided to take the path on the South side of the quarry instead of our usual route to the North. This proved a popular decision as it was a new route for us and gave us a totally different perspective of the quarry workings and its overall size.

 It also shortened the walk a little, enabling us to reach the moors a little quicker and experience the pleasantly cooling breeze. 

 Skylarks seemed to be singing everywhere and there were plenty of Meadow pipits too.  However as we had lunch by the old lime kiln, South west of Fron-deg Flat we were entertained by a pair of Hen harriers hunting. Consequently lunch was  much longer than usual and accounts to some extent for our rather low overall walk average speed.

 As we approached Pen-yr-allt mast, four Eurasian curlews zig-zagged around us giving out alarm calls. They obvious didn't like us being there, presumably they must have had a nest near by.

The final part of the walk, only about a mile, was not he best as the path was somewhat overgrown in places and the path to the West of The Wern is one we will probably avoid in the future.

 We arrived back at the car, thankful that on the day it was shorter than originally planned and we had curtailed the amount of time we had had to walk in the heat. It had been a good walk, essentially dry underfoot and boots still clean.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Chaffinch, Pied wagtail, Meadow pipit, Winter wren, Red grouse, Meadow pipit, Skylark, Winter wren, Common kestrel, Eurasian curlew, Common whitethroat and Hen harrier (both male and female).

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford, where Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale went down well as we sat out in the garden, and grateful that we found a table in the shade.