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When? Started: 1993 Who? Started with staff and friends from U H S, Chester. Organiser: Martyn Harris We walk every Wednesday and Saturdays, New Years day and May Day. How many walk? Walks take place as long as there are at least 2 wanting to walk on that day. More walk on a Wednesday than on a Saturday. Most ever: 29. Current group size walking: 2-7 in mid-week and 2-4 on Saturday. Where do we walk? Saturday: Anywhere in North and Mid-Wales, Peak District, Shropshire and the Long Mynd and as far North as the Trough of Bowland. Thursday: Anywhere within about 40 miles of Chester. Type of walk: Distance: 6 – 14 miles (but usually under 10 miles). Climb: up to 4000’ (but usually very much less!). People involved on walks in 2024:- Martyn Harris, Fran Murphy, Sue and Michel Pelissier, Mike Dodd, David Savage,, Ed Meads, Nigel and Elaine Taylor, Winston Feather.

Friday, 16 June 2017

Prestatyn to Talacre and Back 15th June 2015

The Little Tern Colony at Gronant.
The Little Tern Colony at Gronant.
"Well it's like this".
Sea holly and orchid in Gronant sand dunes.
Sedge warbler in the coastal marsh off Presthaven Holiday park.
Ring plover on the beach off Presthaven Holiday park.
Ring plover on the beach off Presthaven Holiday park.
Blue skies above Point of Ayr Lighthouse.
What is this in the march grass at Talacre? 
Is it really a giant tortoise?
A Pyramidal orchid in the Warren.
Romance between crows.
Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: Wind assisted 644' but in reality nearer 150'.
Time: 4 hours 22 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. 
Group: Martyn, Roger, David S, Wendy, Sue and Dave P.
Arriving at Prestatyn, the wind was a little stronger than we had expected, so we decided to head along the beach to Talacre so that the wind was behind us to avoid any sand being blown in our faces.
 The sea was well out all day, so we didn't see many wading birds up close, but we did see one Little tern looking for food over a pool quite nearby.
 Heading along the boardwalk we met two rangers from the local authority who gave us an update on future plans to extend the boardwalk to give a better view of the Little tern colony near the volunteer watch hut.
 Skylarks seemed to be everywhere, despite the notice saying that informed us the the Talacre Skylarks were in trouble.
 Just before the Lighthouse came into sight, two of the group deserted, and  headed back to fulfil grandparent duties.
 We saw very few people on the beach until the lighthouse was in sight, but even then there wasn't that many.
Approaching the picnic tables overlooking the marsh West of Point of Ayr, we felt heavy drops of rain, but thankfully they didn't last, so we could enjoy lunch being serenaded by singing Skylarks.
 Th return route through the Warren was uneventful, but as we approached the caravan site, three more disappeared into the distance never to be seen again! Well not until we got back to the cars.
 Wild flowers were in abundance adding to the delights of this gentle walk.
 Birds seen or heard today included: Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Little tern, Meadow pipit, Barn swallow, House martin, Mute swan, Mallard, Coot, Sedge warbler, Carrion crow, Oystercatcher, Reed bunting, House sparrow, Linnet, Little egret, Grasshopper warbler and Common starling.
 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bluebell Inn at Halkyn where the Cheshire Brewery's Squirrel's Jump went down well.

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