Rhuddlan to Rhyl Along Both Sides of the Afon Clwyd 31st January 2018

Looking across the Afon Clwyd towards St. Mary's Church, Rhuddlan.

The Clwydian Hills from the path on the East side of the Afon Clwyd.

The female goosander on Brickfields Pond.

A Tufed duck with Coots on Brickfield Pond.

Mute swans expecting to be fed on Brickfield Pond.

Looking out to see from Pont y Ddraig at Rhyl Harbour.

Looking to the blue bridge (Foryd Bridge) from Pont y Ddraig at Rhyl Harbour.

Lunch time at the Central Station.

Wigeon, Lapwings and a Black-headed gull on the edge of the Afon Clwyd as the tide ebbs.

Lapwing taking to the air above the fields on the West side of the Afon Clwyd.

Just a few of the Lapwing as they took to the air.

Heading for Rhuddlan along the flood bank on the West side of the Afon Clwyd.

Great black-backed gull on the West bank of the Afon Clwyd.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: (1536' wind assisted GPS reading), true value nearer 120'.

Time: 4 hours 5 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 3.3 m.p.h. 

Group: Martyn, Roger, Sue and Michel, Jim, Mal, Ed and Paul.

 We only just managed to get in the Rhuddlan Nature Reserve Car Park, as it is a popular place for early doors dog walkers. Ed was already waiting there, but had been forced to park near Aldi as the Nature reserve Car park was full when he arrived. 

 We set off in warm sunshine, accompanied by a pretty strong Westerly/South westerly wind making progress challenging as we headed towards Rhyl on the pristine tarmac path on the East side of the river.

 The Afon Clwyd was really high, almost reaching the high flood bank on our side of the river. this had displaced most of the birds that we would expect to see in this location at this time of the year. Most of the Mute swans had settled in in a nearby field, with only two juveniles still on the river.

 As the North Wales path turned away from the river and the wind was no longer in our faces, it suddenly seemed much warmer. Our extension to the Brickfield Pond Nature Rerserve gave us some pleasant respite from the cooling wind.

 A good number of birds were seen on the Brickfield Pond, including a pair of Goosander.

 As we arrived at the Marine Lake, it was a little early for lunch, and headed to the harbour, hoping to find a suitable spot for lunch. Unfortunately we didn't find a place where we wouldn't be exposed to the wind. As we were debating what to do next, the clouds turned most black and a storm threatened. it started to hail, so we took refuge in the Harbour Hub Cafe where most of us enjoyed a cup of coffee or tea while we waited for the storm to pass.

 We needn't have bothered, the storm had passed through before most of had been served with our cups of tea or coffee! Nevertherless we stayed to enjoy our drinks before heading off to find a sheltered spot for lunch. This stopping for tea or coffee before lunch doesn't set a precedence for for future walks, well not just yet anyway!

 A large bench at the Central Station by the Marine Lake was our excellent choice for lunch, a spot we have used several times before. We were out of the wind and some of us were luck enough to be in the warm sunshine too.

 As we finished lunch, the wind picked up a notch or too and as we crossed the blue bridge it brought some of us to a standstill as we tried to make headway against the wind. (Celia would not have enjoyed  it one little bit.) 

 Thankfully it calmed down as we headed along the muddy bank down the West side of the river. 

 The tide had ebbed quite a bit by now, so we started to see a lot more birds, some species in the hundreds.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, House sparrow, Wigeon, Tufted duck, Shelduck, Coot, Lapwing, Mute swan, Great cormorant, Lapwing, great cormorant, Grey heron, Pied wagtail, Black-headed gull, Great black-backed gull, Eurasian curlew, Feral pigeon, Winter wren, Oystercatcher,  Woodpigeon, Canada goose, Red breasted merganser, Common redshank, Meadow pipit and Common starling.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a good walk, with our faces feeling the exposure to to the wind and the Sun, but very thankful that we had had very little of the wet stuff.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Fox and Grapes in Hawarden, where Weetwood's Eastgate was sampled by most of us. 

 At home, I was surprised to see that my boots had no mud on the soles and very little on the uppers, a quick rinse was all they needed!

Walks and Dates January 2018

Happy New Year
Hopefully we will be able to experience many great walks together.
Harris Hikers Annual Meal 2018.
Date: Wednesday 7th February 2018.
I have been to the Red Fox and booked our Annual Meal.
I have booked the meal for 13-00.
Venue: The Red Fox, Thornton Hough. 
The Red Fox is on the B5136, Liverpool Road, heading East from the A540 towards Thoughton Hough. Approximate post code CH64 7TL
This is another Brunning and Price hostelry.
The Red Fox is about 18 miles from Chester and will take about 25 minutes to get there.
The Red Fox publish a 5 mile walk (see their web site for details), which those wishing to walk will complete before the meal. 
If the walkers leave Chester at 09-00, and meet at the Red Fox by about 09-40, we should be able to complete the walk by 12-30.
Those coming just for the meal should aim to arrive at the Red Fox between 12-30 and 12-45.
Hopefully we can then all be in our place by 13-00.
The largest group that the The Red Fox can cater for around one table is 16, so it probably means that we will have have to be split into two smaller table arrangement as 20 people have already signed up and there may be more to come. 
Monday 1st January 2018

A West Kirby Round.

Distance: 5 (Missing out Grange Hill) or 5.6 miles (Including Grange Hill). 
Climb: 100 (Missing out Grange Hill) or 250' (Including Grange Hill).
Start. South Parade, West Kirby. Grid ref: SJ214860. Park near the Life Boat Station and old Baths, towards the Southern end of the Marine Lake.
Leave Chester 09-30 a.m.
I know that we usually have a short walk on New Years Day, but this year this is a Sunday and some of the group have more important commitments on that day! After discussion with many of the group it was decided that the better day for the walk would be the Monday.
 High tide (30.9'/9.4m) at Hilbre is at 11-54, so trip to Hilbre isn't really an option, so I thought walking along the beach to Red Rocks as the tide came in would be the best choice.
 We will start the walk by going around the Marine Lake before heading across the sands to Red Rocks. The route will take us through the Royal Liverpool Golf Course and along the edge of Hoylake Municipal Golf Course before heading uphill to the War Memorial on Grange Hill. The planned route then heads down hill to the main road (A540). After crossing the road we turn right towards West Kirby centre and eventually picking up the Wirral Way through Ashton Park. After going round the lakes in Ashton Park we exit the park on the West side and follow the roads through the houses down to South Parade and back to the car.
 Fortified fruit cake will be provided, so please let me know if you intend to walk so that I know how many pieces to bring.

Wednesday 3rd January 2018

A Frodsham Round

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1100'.
Start: Frodsham car park (turn left by the Helter Skelter on B5152. Grid ref: SJ518778. Park at the far end.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This is the first of our Wednesday walks. Hopefully a few of the group will be able to make it as Phil is hoping to join us.
 Fruit cake will be provided, so it would be helpful, if you let me would let me know that intend to go on the walk.
 This walk is part of the Sandstone Trail walk that we last did in 2012, but that walk was nearly 12 miles, so I have adapted it to include part of a walk that appeared in the Liverpool Daily Post around 1955.
The the walk starts with a climb out of Frodsham to the memorial on Overton Hill which on a clear day gives superb views over Frodsham Marshes towards Liverpool.
 The next section follows a delightful section of the Sandstone Trail towards Woodhouse Hill with some of its ramparts intact. We may wish to explore the hillfort, but that can be decided that on the day when we arrive at the access point to the monument.
 The walk then heads South along the west side of Snidley Moor before turning East along the Ridgeway.
 After a short section of road walking, we will pick up the Eddisbury Way which is followed Northwards past Peel Hall and Hatley Farm to Bradley on the outskirts of Frodsham. Just North of Bradley we will leave the Eddisbury Way on a path that takes us into Frodsham.  The last part of the walk will involve weaving our way through the streets back to the car park.
 The return section from just outside Kingsley goes through a lot of farm land, so I anticipate that at this time of the year it could be muddy - gaiters might be a good option!

Saturday 6th January 2018.

A Llandulas Adventure Revisited.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1200'.

Start Llanddulas Beach Car Park at the end of Station Road/Beach Road. Grid ref: SH906786

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

 The route from Llanddulas is essentially South along the Afon Dulas Valley, heading for Cefn Fran Farm.
The last time we did this walk in July 2015 we encountered difficulties locating the route through the farm and fields heading North. Hopefully by now the farmer will have put up the  posts and footpath signs as he said he would when I saw him at a Farmers Market a couple of weeks later. Remembering that Mike took nearly half an hour with secateurs to cut the vegetation away around the stile so that we could cross the stile onto the road, I will make sure that I take my secateurs with me just in case they are needed again. Hopefully they won't and we can also use footpaths and stiles without hindrance as far as Llysfaen where we can pick up the North Wales Path back to the cars.

Wednesday 10th January 2018.

Rhosesmor, Sychdyn and Northop.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Parking area next to playground, Rhosesmor. Grid ref: SJ214681.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk includes the "Northop - Sychdyn" walk from the booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire". The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk starts from Northop and is only five miles. The car park in Northop is very small, and when I went on a reccy it was full. Starting at Rhosesmor overcomes that problem and extends the walk by four miles.

The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk is described as including a traveller's resting place, grand houses, parkland and woodland. It is also described as a moderate walk with many stiles and some boggy places.

The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk was new us when we did it for the first time last year.

 The link-up paths from Rhosesmor include many of the paths that we have used on Gwystaney walks from the same parking area.

Saturday 13th January 2018.

Pincyn Llys from Bontuchel.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 2187'.
Start Forest Car Park near Bontuchel Grid ref: SJ08165708.
To get to the car park at Ruthin follow the through route and at the rugby club roundabout take the B5105 road towards Llanfwrog. Just after passing the church and the narrow bend in the road, take the right turn signposted to Bontuchel and Cyffylliog. At Bontuchel turn left immediately after crossing the bridge over the river. Follow the road uphill. The Forest car park in about half a mile up the road on the left.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes." However his walk starts at Cyffylliog, but parking there isn't easy. Starting from Bontuchel allows to get round that problem, but does involve walking along a about a mile to link in with the described walk. The walk explores the undulating upland pastures and forest between Cyffylliog and Clocaenog as well as following open side valleys and forest around Pincyn Llys.
 This hasn't always been a favourite walk for the group, but I do like to include it now and again. It is five years since we last did this walk.

Wednesday 17th January 2018.

A Flint, Little London and Pentre Halkyn Round.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Flint Castle Car park adjacent to the Lifeboat Station. Grid ref: SJ247732.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
 This walk is one that has been adapted from a walk published in the Liverpool Daily Post in 1955. Much of the walk is along country roads and quiet lanes, especially around Flint. Much of the walk will be familiar to most of us, but some sections will be new too. At times we will get extensive views across the Dee estuary, especially from the highest part of the walk near Pentre Halkyn.

Saturday 20th January 2018.

Prestatyn, Talacre and The Point of Ayr. 
Postponed due to bad weather.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 200'.

Start at Prestatyn Barkby Beach.. I suggest that you park at Beach Hotel car park, (£2-50 less than the pay and display car park!) on the large parking area by the PC,  Grid ref: SJ068839

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. (Leaving at 08-30 a.m. for Saturday Walk) You will need to go into the hotel to purchase a car park ticket.

This is a walk that is usually done in June, but this time is alos a good time. Hopefully we will be able to walk along the beach as the tide comes in.

High tide is at about 12-45, and is about 9.1 m/29.1',  doing the beach route first may not be possible, although we should be able to walk along the top of the dunes. If not, we an always  go through the Golf Course, Caravan Park and The Warren Nature Reserve on the way to Talacre and the Point of Air, and return along the beach. We will take lunch using one of the picnic tables along the path leading to the Point Of Air. We will decide on the day whether to extend the walk as far as the RSPB observation point. 

Wednesday 24th January 2018.

Leasowe Lighthouse to New Brighton.


Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 200'.



Start: North Wirral Coastal Park car park. Grid ref: SJ257915.



To get to this car park, instead of turning left towards the lighthouse, as the A551 turns right onto Leasowe Road, go straight on (past PC block on right and cafe/snack hut on left). This car park has a good tarmac surface.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.



This is a walk along the beach to Perch Rock Fort, assuming that the water on the incoming tide is low enough. It should be, High tide is at about 11-59, 8.4 m, 27'. This is quite a low tide, so it should be no problem walking along the beach to Perch Fort Rock. From Perch Fort Rock, we will continue onto Vale Royal Park (where we in the past we have had lunch) and onto Wallasey Gardens. Hopefully the weather will be a little less windy than last recent years, but if it is there is always the Wind Shelters by the Marine lake to sit in as we have lunch.



Hopefully there will be plenty of birds to see, so bring binoculars with if you have any.

Saturday 27th January 2018.

Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills
Postponed.
The walk today is the walk posted on the 20th January.See above for details.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1000'.

Start: Abergwyngeryn Free Car Park Grid ref: SH 6527282. PC (opens about 09-30) nearby and a cafe at the outdoor centre that allows walkers to use the toilets (opens earlier than PC.)

This walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast". The Traeth Lafan and it Foothills. This walk is an annual favourite and has in the past given us some wonderful experiences, especially in Winter trampling through soft fluffy knee deep snow, that didn't stick or wet our legs.  You never know we may get some  snow, this time too. It should be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you as we may visit The Spinnies Nature Reserve on the way back to our car.

This walk is described as walk of contrasting coastal and upland scenery with good views from the higher points on the North Wales path.

 This time we may investigate a new path that avoids a path that goes through a farm yard near The Spinnies, a very unpleasant smelly muddy experience even in July when Ed and I last did the walk!

 High tide is at about 19-15 and is about 8.1 m (26.7'), so the coastal birds may be a little far off.

Wednesday 31st January 2018.

Rhuddlan L.N.R ., the Rhuddlan to Rhyl Riverside Walk with possible extensions to the Brickworks Pool N.R. and the Forydd.

Distance: 8 -11 miles. Climb: 200'.

Start: Park at the Rhuddlan L.N.R. car park. Grid ref: SJ020776. 

The car park is on the Western side of Rhuddlan. To get to the car park, from the A55, turn right on to the A525 (St. Asaph Road towards Rhyl and Rhuddlan), at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Station Road (to Rhuddlan centre / Castle). The car park is on the right, opposite a new hotel. If you get to the bridge over the river you've gone too far!

This walk is an annual favourite, at least for those that like to do as little birdwatching as well. It is a good time of the year as there are lots of Winter visitors that frequent coastal areas and river estuaries. Bring binoculars with you.  Last time we had lunch by the Marine Lake, near the Foryd.  We have also had lunch on the beach at the Foryd. Although we didn't see Snow buntings on the Foryd last year, with a bit of luck we may see them this year. 

High tide at the Foryd is at 10-30, 9.6 m / 31.5'.

Last year we didn't do any of the extensions!  Extension, if any will  be taken at each appropriate point in the walk on the day.

Prestatyn, Talacre and Around the Point of Ayr 27th January 2018

The Point of Ayr Lighthouse i the middle of a deserted beach at low tide.

Looking back towards Prestatyn.

"Did you say we should be able o see Blackpool Tower from Here?"

"Yes just to the left of the flag!"

One of the new sculptures depicting the use of pit ponies at the Point of Ayr Colliery (Closed in 1996).

The sculpture was put  place in July 2017.

Th view from our lunch spot at the RSPB Hide at the Point of Ayr.

Panorama from our lunch spot during lunch.

Panorama from our lunch spot just as we were about to leave.

The Warren and Talacre sand dunes.

Gronant sand dunes looking towards the Point of Ayr.

Not far to go now - the Prestatyn Beach Hotel clearly in view.

Walk stats: 10.5 miles (just over 11 miles for Ed). Climb: (1470' GPS wind assisted reading)  nearer 70' in reality.

Time: 4 hours 59 minutes. n the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Ed.

The forecast was for >10% rain in the morning, accompanied by 20 m.p.h. winds, and feeling like about 8 Celsius. As we set off they were probably right, but as we walked along the beach near Presthaven Holiday Park, it began to rain, not much but it was there!

 Only dog walkers seemed to brave the elements today, and there were plenty of them. Distant views this morning were minimal.

 As we went through the dunes at Talacre we heard a few Skylarks singing, the irst that I have heard in 2018. A Skylark singing is a special sound to cheer anyone up!

 As we approached our normal lunch spot at one of the pic-nic tables adjacent to the path to the Point of Ayr Hide, it was still raining. It would have been somewhat unpleasant to use one for lunch today. 

 We decided to head for the RSPB Point of Ayr Hide to see if it could afford us shelter from the wind and the wet stuff.

 We discovered that a new Circular Point of Ayr Cycle Route had been created and the set off along it as it also indicated that the hide was that way too.

 We went as far as the new pit pony sculpture before retracing our steps a little and heading for the hide.

 Although it largely an open structure it did have a roof and sides that gave us the shelter required. Although it was well before mid-day we decide an early lunch was the best option. This was a good choice as it stopped raining and the views started to open up and by the end of lunch Hilbre and the Wirral could clearly be seen.

 The path around the Point of Ayr Gas terminal is now well marked and easily to follow it round to rejoin the circular Cycle route east of the visitor centre.

 On the way to the Warren nature Reserve, we approached it by going down a road called Gamfa Wen, rather than following Station Road to its end.

 The Caravan park was quieter than usual, although Winter structural work was in progress and a few people were working on their vans.

 The last part of the walk was back along the beach from the "Little Tern Observation point". at least we could now see the Great Orme in the distant.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common starling, House sparrow, Jackdaw, Rook, Mallard, Moorhen, Common blackbird, Oystercatcher, Carrion crow, Common snipe, Mute swan, Teal, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Black-billed magpie, Winter wren, European robin, Skylark, Shelduck, Eurasian curlew and Stonechat.

 Overall a really good and enjoyable walk, especially so when at one point I thought the weather forecast suggested I might be going on a bus trip! Even the strong wind in our faces for the last mile or so didn't matter!

 We arrived back at the car at about 14-30, but Ed had a little further to go as he had parked on Marine Road East rather than contributing to the profits of the Beach Hotel.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed when I arrived home an hour later -  another thirst quenching cup of tea with a drop or two whisky added was all that was required to set me up for watching the FA Cup matches on TV at 19-45.

Leasowe to New Brighton and Back 24th January 2018

Setting off along the beach to Fort Perch Rock.

Negotiating one of the many groynes.

Leaving Liverpool on the rising tide.

The lighthouse at Fort Perch Rock.

"What's this all about?"

A mermaid in New Brighton.

The Black Pearl - art getting better each time it is rebuilt.

The Liverpool skyline from the promenade near Vale Park, Wallasey.

One of the many Oystercatchers seen in the shores of the Mersey between Leasowe and New Brighton/Wallasey.

Common redshank on the pontoon in New Brighton Marine Lake.

Spot the Purple sandpiper.

Any excuse for a rest!

Battling against the "sand storm" on the way back to Leasowe.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: Wind assisted GPS reading of 1387', but more like 150'.

Time: 4 hours 4 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Roger, Mal, Jim, Mike, Fran and Sue Pearson.

The weather today turned out to be better than we dared to hope for - all of the morning rain had stopped by the time we had arrived at the start and we had mostly sunny spells for the rest of the walk. However the wind was a little on the strong side and in our face on our return, but at least it wasn't a cold wind.

 We started the walk o the beach, and thankfully were able to make it all the way to Fort Perch Rock and then onto to the Black Pearl built out of flotsam.

 Sue and Dave Pearson initially expected to walk, but Dave ended up on Grandpa duty when one of the grandchildren was unable to go to school. It was only after a mile or so when Sue's heal began to play up and she had to make an early return to her car.

 On our outward journey, we saw several large ships leaving Liverpool on the rising tide, but not everyone was convinced that they could see the Gormley Statues on the beach at Formby even with binoculars.

 Lunch was taken in Vale Park, Wallasey where there were abundant benches for us to choose from - enough for one each, but most of us shared!

 As we set off on our return to Leasowe, the high tide was just about at its highest, so most of the route was on the paths above the beach.

 We arrived back at the cars, having had a good walk with our faces feeling effects of exposure to the Sun and the wind ( with sand at times).

 Birds seen or heard today included: Eurasion curlew, Oystercatcher, Black-headed gull, Common starling, Common redshank, Turnstone, Great cormorant, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Purple sandpiper, Wood nuthatch, Pied wagtail, Herring gull and Feral pigeon.

 After walk drinks wee enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, where Brimstage's Trappers Hat went down well, as did the Titanic Plum Porter.

A Flint and Halkyn Round 17th January 2018

Steps up a tree, but this is far a I'm going!

A tree house or a bird hide in the wood South of April Rise Farm.

Looking back down the path we should have taken and others did!

Snowdrops nearly out adjacent to Wat's Dyke Way.

A path junction on  Wat's Dyke Way - our route is mthe one that descends to the footbridge over Nant-y-Fflint.

Plas-isaf.

On the road bridge over the A55 from Plas-isaf to the Brittania Inn at Halkyn.

The Britannia Inn being refurbished.

Lunch time in the old cemetery at Halkyn.

Lunch time in the old cemetery at Halkyn.

rossing the A55 again, headi9ng for Snwodrop Hill and Halkyn Road.

The Cenotaph in Flint.

Flint Castle in the sunshine as we arrived back at the cars.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.3 miles Climb:  1320' (GPS wind assisted, probably more like 850').

Time: 4 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Jim and David S.

A cold windy day with over 20 m.m.h gusts, temperatures feeling close to zero  and showers in the morning all in the forecast, some of us were doubting the wisdom of even thinking about walking.

 Thankfully we did as it was no where near as bad as the forecast. It felt pretty cold at first as we put our boots on and everyone put on full Winter gear, good gloves being essential.

 We set off in warm sunshine and as we headed through the centre of Flint it felt quite warm as the building shielded us from any cooling caused by the wind.

 After passing Flint Cemetery we headed up the access track to April Rise Farm, but just before getting there, we crossed a stile on the left to take a path through the wood parallel with the access track. I thought that in the past the path went through the middle of the Gorse, so that I headed that way, but I was wrong, I should have followed Michel who had the 1:50000 OS Map on his GPS. I kept to the higher ground, passing a tree that had wooden steps in it trunk. I can only assume that it was the farmer at April Rise farm making it easy for his children to climb it. Yes an indulgent father - we came across what looked like a superb tree house.

 Thanks to mobile phones and the fact that we had signals helped us to soon reunite and be back on track.

 Even the fields on this section weren't a muddy as we had anticipated, and it wasn't long before we were back on the road again heading for Nant-y-Fflint.  A few hundred yards down the road, Michel realised that he had left his Leki behind, so he decided to retrace his steps as we waited. Thankfully it was near the last stile we had cross as we joined the road.

 It wasn't until we were getting near to Wat's Dyke Way and Nant-y-Fflint that it clouded over and we felt our first few drops of rain, but a few drops was all we got.

 Along the path through Nant-y-Fflint there was a bank with abundant Snowdrops just showing through and a few plants were not far from being in full flower. There will be a delightful show of Snowdrops here in a few weeks time.

 After climbing out of the Nant-y-Fflint valley past Plas-isaf to the road, it was a chance for some of the group to cross the "Britannia" bridge over the A55 for the first time.

 As we passed the Britannia Inn, we looked through the widows to see how the renovations were going on - I don't think we will recognise the Brit when it reopens in the middle of February.

 It was still a little breezy, so we took shelter in the old cemetery at Halkyn to have lunch, and as has been the case for the last few walks a European robin decided to check us out.

 Although marked as a road on the OS Map, much of the route to the Halkyn Road was really just a track, very pleasant at times.

 After lunch was largely downhill, and it was except for a little climb on Halkyn Road as we approached Flint. 

 We arrived back at the cars in glorious sunshine, having had a really varied walk without being blown off our feet or ever feeling too cold. Now some of us were looking forward to refreshment at a nearby hostelry.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Oystercatcher, Herring gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, House sparrow, European robin, Blue tit, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Fieldfare, Woodpigeon, Grey wagtail and Bullfinch.

 After wak drinks were enjoyed at the Wetherspoons Central Hotel in Shotton, where locally brewed Hafod's Hopper went down well.

Pincyn Llys from Cyffyliog 13th January 2018

The Afon Clywedog East of Cyffylliog.

The delightful footpath through Coed tre'r-parc.

Escaping from Coed tre'r-parc.

The Clwydian Hills from North east of Tre'r-parc.

The Clwydian Hills from North east of Tre'r-parc.

This way to Pincyn Llys.

At the bagot Monument on Pincyn Llys.

At the trig point on Pincyn Llys with the Clwydian Hills in the backgound.

Heading for Cyffylliog at the start of the final descent.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb: 1400'.

Time: 4 hours 58 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Celia, Mike, Roger and Ed.

Our oriinal intention was to start the walk at the Coed y Fron-wyllt car park near Bontuchel, but arrived to find it full with 4 by 4s with people and dogs looking as though they were heading fo a hunt, although we didn't see any guns. We decided to relocate to Cyffyliog, the start of the walk on the route description.

 We arrived at Cyffylliog to find more of the 4 by 4s, some with trailers, but thankfully we found a place to park and didn't have to abandon the walk all together.

 The weather forecast was pretty accurate, overcast with a cold wind making it feel like bout 4 Celsius - it felt cooler than that at times!

 The walk started with a steady climb along the road to the entrance to Coed tre'r-parc. The first part of the path through the wood was very pleasant, but after crossing a forest road, it became a challenge with many bramble strands crossing the path, making it necessary to concentrate on where you were putting your feet.

 After escaping from Coed tre'r-parc, we hit open fields and the full force of the cold winds, but at least it wasn't in our faces.

 It was near here that we had good views of the Clwydian Hills, but looked pretty misty there. In fact when we arrived at Pincyn Llys you couldn't even see the outline of the Clwydian Hills, they looked as though they were now decked in low cloud.

 After visiting the Bagot Monument on Pincyn Llys we descended Westward along the designated path, and found a suitable spot in the woods to have lunch. We utilised remaining tree stumps as seats, at he same time being protected from the worst of the wind by the remaining trees.

 Roger provided everyone with one of Margaret's delicious mince pies which were much appreciated. 

 Most of the climb had been done in the morning, so we were all looking forward to a gentle stroll back to Cyffyliog, but didn't anticipate that it was along this section that we would encounter the most mud! 

 We arrived back at the car having had a good and varied walk, but all saying, that this walk needs to be repeated on a good clear day when the views would be better.
 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Common pheasant, Herring gull Black-billed magpie, House sparrow, Raven and Common buzzard.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wetherspoon's Castle Hotel in Ruthin, where Ruddles and Gwynt-y-Draig's Black Dragon were enjoyed. I'm not sure that Celia enjoyed her cup of tea as more or having to serve herself!