Chester to Shotton Along the North Walws Coastal Path 29th September 2018

First sight of the Higher Ferry footbridge.

Looking towards Queensferry from a point near the Higher Ferry Footbridge.

Moel Famau above the A380 Barge Terminal.

The Queensferrry Blue Bridge.

Hawarden Bridge in the distance.

Looking towards Queensferry from Hawarden Bridge.

Looking across the railway lines towards Connah's Quay from the Hawarden Bridge  footbridge

Walk stats: Distance: 7.5 miles. Climb: 114'.

Time: 2 hours 51 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h.  Overall walk average: 2.6 m.p.h.

Group: Marty and Jim.

This turned out to be a very pleasant leisurely stroll on the river between the Sealand Road Cop to Shotton. Warm sunshine hardly any wind.This was a walk only marred by the frequency of cyclist, especially hose that failed to give a audible signal as they approached. I think we heard just one bell used by a cyclist out more than fifty that we saw.

 Distant views of the Clwydian Hills were good, and being in Flintshire it was no surprise to see Moel Famau on the Skyline.

 We arrived at the the Central hotel about 12-15, a rather busy time, and it took us some time before were were served and able to enjoy a refreshing pint of The Finishing Line brewed by thev loacal Hafod Brewery at Mold.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Grey Heron, Mallard, Gre4at cormorant, Blue tit, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Lesser blac-bak gull, Black-headed gull, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Common kestrel and Canada goose.

 An enjoyable walk, culminating with a couple of refreshing pints and a meal that went down well too, and finally home again by public transport.

Llandegla, Llanarmon-yn-Ial and Llyn Cyfynwy 26th September 2018

Setting off from Llandegla along what is now an enclosed path.

The way ahead around this stubble field.

Looking towards the Llantysilio Range.

It was the right way, but we couldn't find the path on the other side of Cefn Coed!

First views of Llyn Cyfynwy from its North western dam.

A good view, but what is missing?

Panoram rom our lunchspot at Llyn Cyfynwy and again with something missing!

Preparing to leave our lunchspot on the dam of Llyn Cyfynwy.

Looking North over Llyn Cyfynwy.

Looking South towards Llandegla Moors.

Inside the St. Tegla's Church at Llandegla.

Welcome signs at Llandegla's St. Tegla's Church.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 856'.

Time: 4 hours 31 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. (2.6 m.p.h. on my newest GPS). Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

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

The weather today, turned out to be really good for walking, a pleasant, cool temperature whenever the breeze got up and intermittent sunshine.

 The start of the walk across fields to Pontytyllod is often quit boggy, but today we found the path was dry and had a barbed wire fence constructed to enclose the path lose to the stream.

 We have walked in this area many times on a variety of routes, unfortunately today we tlking too much and ended up on auto, but unfortunately unintentionally took the Llanarmon-yn-Ial Path.

 Once we arrived by the Motte at Llanarmon-yn-Ial, we had to navigate how we would get back on track. We decided that the best option was head for Llyn Cyfynwy and miss out the Graiarhyd part of the planned walk.

 This had the bonus that the Pelissiers stayed with us for the whole walk, rather than head back to the start sooner than the rest of us.

 After encountering a route finding issue at Cefn Coed, we retraced our steps and used the road to take us to the Llyn Cyfynwy Path.

 Arriving at the dam end of Llyn Cyfynwy it was quite breezy, but we found a sheltered spot at the Western end of the dam with convenient places to sit for lunch.

 The views in all directions were superb, but like many places in the countryside, the views were marred by electricity pylons.

 After lunch we only had a couple of miles left to do. By now, the Sun was shining and route signpost were pretty good, except when we came to cross the last stubble field, when one more signpost would have been helpful.

 As we descended to the A5104, we had superb views across the Rifle Range to the moors beyond. Unfortunately arriving at the gate, it was locked, and we couldn't spot a stile.  Thankfully we were still all sprightly enough to be able to climb over it.

 It was still quite early when we arrived back at the cars, so two of us decided to see inside St.Tegla's Church, spurred on the very welcoming notice relating to walking boots being welcome.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common pheasant (lots of them unaware that they were on their last few days of safety), Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Wood nuthatch, Great crested grebe and Black-billed magpie.

 The Pelissiers head off to do grandparent duty, and three of us headed to the Red Lion at Penyffordd for after walk drinks.

 Unfortunately they had run out of real ale, so for the first time on record, we all had non-alcoholic drinks, orange squash and coffee being the order of the day. Nevertheless all the drinks were enjoyed, particularly the coffee, which was a much appreciated good sized full cup!

 Overall a good walk, once again giving us the opportunity to explore some paths that we had never used before.

Lake Views Upland Pastures and Around Cwm Glyn from Llangower 22nd September 2018.

First views of Llyn Tegid and the Arreniga.

Looking across Llyn Tegid towards the Arrenigs.

Pleasant green tracks on the way to Bala.

Llyn Tegid and the Arreniga.

First views of the Arans.

"Are you sure this is the path?"

One of the pleasant paths through the woods.

The summit of Arrenig Fawr finally clear as we descended towards Llangower.

The cascading Afon Glyn North west of Glyn Mawr.

Llangower Station at the end of the walk - train due at 16-40, but it didn't arrive on time, so we headed for home.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.2 miles. Climb: 1943'.

Time: 6 hours 46 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Roger.

We set off quite early from the Llangower Station Car Park and the paths seemed clearly waymarked. Some of the views over Llyn Tegid towards the Arrenigs were superb, but wisps of cloud lingered on the summit of Arrenig Fawr.

 Too early for lunch by the lake, we climbed through Ffridd fach-ddeiliog before having lunch.

 After lunch there was a dampness in the air that encouraged us to put waterproof on.

 Good views of the Arans were seen as we approached Cwm Glyn.

 Route find around Cwm Glyn between Ffridd Bach and cae'r hafotty required plenty of pondering over the map to decide the best way to go, and in places only having the GPS mapping got us out of jail!

 Probably are best view of Arrenig Mawr was seen as we descended on a green track toward Glyn Mawr.

 We reached the road near Cae-glas, and followed the road Northwards to Llangower and the start of our walk.

 We arrived back at the car having had good walk, with legs quite tired from the higher than usual climb and trekking across some quite boggy and challenging terrain.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Great tit, Carrion crow, Raven, Common buzzard, Wood nuthatch, European robin, Winter wren, Woodpigeon and Common buzzard.

Walks and Dates September 2018

Important Update - 28th August 2018.

The Walks originally planned for Wednesday 5th September and Wednesday 12th September will now be on the Thursday 6th September and Thursday 12th September respectively.

Saturday 1st August 2018.

Cnicht.

Distance 6-7 miles. Climb: 2270'.

Start: Near quarry and Nanmor Mountain Centre. Grid ref: SH633485.

Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.

Cnicht is sometimes described as the Welsh Matterhord due to its similar shape. Cnicht lies in an area of quite rugged moorland, that in places can be quite boggy. Around Cnicht, there are no paths marked on the OS map, but thankfully they are more evident on the ground. It is a long time since I have climbed Cnicht, and even longer from the Nant Gwynnant side of the Mountain. a good walk, with some challenges as far as route finding in the offing.

Thursday 6th September 2018.

Moel Fenlli and Cwm Blaenant.
Postponed due to unfavourable weather conditions.
This walk will appear again in October or November.

Distance:6-7 miles.

Climb: 1524'

Start: Bwlch Penbarras car park (Pay and display).

Grid ref:SJ162606.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". It is described as an interesting walk, visiting an impressive iron-age hill-fort. Sections mender along the Offa's Dyke footpath as far as the Clwyd Gate. The return route will take us through little known Western fringes of the Clwydian Hills. It includes attractive woodland paths  and explores a delightful hidden valley. Most of the walk is along clear paths with excellent views throughout.

 The walk is nominally shorter than usual, but the last time we completed this walk it was in August 2017, and we didn't bother with any extension, admittedly the weather wasn't good! However if the group are keen to extend the walk, it will be easy to do so. This is a decision we can leave until we get back to the cars if need be. There are plenty of tracks through the forest at Moel Famau Country Park to create a loop of whatever length we want.

Saturday 8th September 2018.
Visit to Bersham Ironworks followed by an Afternoon Walk.

Bersham Ironworks - Guided Tour (Free).
Start: Bersham Iron Works. Grid ref: SJ306492.

At Junction 4 on the A483, turn left onto the A525 and follow brown signs marked Bersham and Clywedog Trail. Take the first turn on the right, the B5098 (Berse Road). At the T-junction turn right onto the B5099 and take the next right. Look out for brown signs marked Gwaith Haearn Ironworks. For off road parking continue past the Ironworks for 150m and turn off opposite Bersham Church.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.The Guided Tour starts at 10-00 a.m. and lasts for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
After the Tour it is proposed that we head for Minera Lead Mine Centre, have lunch using one of the picnic benches before setting off on the walk.
The Walk - Minera, Nant Mill and Bersham.
Distance: 5-6 miles. Climb: 500'.
Start: Minera Lead Mines Centre Car park. Grid ref: SJ 276509.
Leave Chester at 11-15 a.m. (Walk only)
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Rhuabon Mountain, Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain".  One walk is described as a delightful walk following the waymarked  Clywedog Valley Trail to Nant Mill. The second walk starts at Nant Mill and continues along the Clywedog Valley Trail as far as Bersham Iron Works through an ancient woodland, and returns along the South side of the river. The return from Nant Mill to Minera Lead Mine Centre is on the North side of the river.
If you don't fancy the guided tour of Bersham Ironworks, but want to join us on the walk, meet at the Minera Lead Mine Centre at about 12-00.

Thursday 12th September 2018.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball.

Distance: 9-11 miles. Climb: 950'.

Start: Opposite the Crooked Horn Inn, Brynford (don't park in the Crooked Horn Car Park)
Grid ref: SJ185740

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain"

One walk explores open common land  North of Holywell, and includes the old Holywell Racecourse. The second walk explores the hills above Holywell before returning to the Pen-y-Ball Monument. Rather than complete both walks in their entirety, we will adapt the second one so that the overall walk will be about 9 miles oe even shorter.

Saturday 15th September 2018.

Moel y Garneddd.
Postponed - this walk will appear again later in the year

Distance: 7-8 miles.

Climb: 1200'.

Start: Fronfeuno Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car park Grid ref: SH917351.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". The walk explores the undulating countryside West of Bala. The route follows a a bridleway up to moorland, eventually crossing Moel y Garneddd at a height f 1170'. We can expect to see superb views as we cross the open moorland. The return route goes through attractive woodland. This is a walk for experienced walkers only and should not be attempted in poor visibility. Careful navigation is required.

Wednesday 19th September 2018.

Cwn Dulas, Cefn yr Ogof and Gop Wood.
Cancelled.

Distance: 9.2 miles; Climb:1130'.

Start location. Abergele, Pensarn Beach car park by PC. Grid ref:SH942786.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

The bulk of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast", with an extension to include the small hill Cefn yr Ogof. Always a good walk with several opportunities to have extensive views. We may decide to explore Gop Wood a little more. If we miss out Cefn yr Ogof, the walk will be a mile or so shorter and the climb reduced by about half.

Saturday 22nd September 2018.

Is-afon and Cwm Glyn with Lakeland Views and Upland Pastures.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb:1800'.
Start: Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car Park, Llangower. Grid ref:SH903321.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Y Bala nd Penllyn".  One walk explores the hills above Llangower, giving superb views and scenery. The second walk explores the attractive open hills South of Bala, giving the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the hills surrounding Llyn Tegid. The last time this walk was on the list was in November 2011.

Wednesday 26th September 2018.

Llandegla, Llyn Cyfynwy and Graianrhyd.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb:1250'.
Start: Llandegla village car park opposite the primary school and Post Office adjacent to the bus stop. Grid ref:SJ197525.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
These two walks are taken from Carl Rogers' book "Walking in the Clwydian Hills". One walk is described as an excellent walk which combines the craggy limeston escarpment of Graig with its wide views of the Clwydian Range and the flat moors of Llandegla. The other walk is described as a pleasant walk on parts of Offa's Dyke Footpath and visits Llyn Cyfynnwy with its delightful (my word) views.

Saturday 29th September 2018.

Chester to Shotton via the North Wales Coastal Path.

Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb: 100'.
Start: New Gorse Stacks Bus Station, Chester.
After my Flu jab at 09-00, weather permitting, I intend to walk from Chester to Shotton and have my lunch at Wetherspoons in Shotton.
I will be using the local bus serrvice for the return journey.
from the new bus station Westward up Gorse Stacks, Canal Street, Raymnond Street and South View Road to meet the Coastal Path at The Cop on Seaand Road.
However if anyone wishes to join me, they are welcome to do so, but please let me know and we can arrange to meet up (probably near Stand At the Bus Station just after 09-00).

Exploring Holywell Common, Racecouse and Pen-y-Ball Top 13th September 2018

The start of the walk opposite the Crooked Horn at Brynford.

Old mine workings on Holywell Common/Halkyn Mountain.

On part of the old Holywell Racecorse.

The no go path to Pantasaph from the 

The no go path from the old Holywell Racecorse.o Pantasah.

Part of old Holywell Racecorse undergoing gorse clearance.

The path that I should have taken!

Young bullocks on the Racecourse!

The Frasiscan Monastry at Pantasaph.

Liverpool cathedrals from Pen-y-Ball Top.

Looking towards the Dee Estuary from Pen-y-Ball Top.

Panorama from Pen-y-Ball Top with the trig point in the middle of a crop.

.Tryfan from the Pen-y-Ball Monument.

The Pen-y-Ball Monument.

At my Brynford lunch spot.

S.t Michael's church at Brynford.

Walks stats: distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 600’.

Time: 4 hours 12 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

As I had no other takers for the walk today, I decided to set off early and left home at 08-00.

I arrived at the start point opposite the Crooked Horn at Brynford just after 08-30 and ad was walking across the common well before 09-00.

The weather was just about perfect for walking, intermittent sunshine, warm, but with a gentle cooling breeze.

 The only people I saw were dog walkers and one or two joggers when I hit the road near the racecourse.

 I decided to investigate a path that left the racecourse, heading North towards Pantasaph. Alas it led directly to the A55 without any noticeable provision for crossing the road.

 I decided this wasn’t a good option and returned to the racecourse.

  It was good to see that the farmer had started to clear much of the gorse from the North east section of the racecourse, but there is still much more to do.

 I didn’t recognise the usual stile that we use on this walk as so much gorse cutting and hedge cutting around this part had been done. I ended up following the racecourse all the way back to the Pantasaph road.

  Followed this road over the A55 to Gorsedd, and then followed monastery Road Eastward. It wasn’t long before I spotted the footpath heading South towards the racecourse, but in reality safety means it stops at the A55.

 After passing Pantasaph Farm, I decided to take one of the footpaths leading to Pen-y-Ball  Top where I hoped to take a selphie at the trig point.

 Arriving at Pen-y-Ball Top, a crop surrounded the trig point, so I decided to go around the field on the way to Pen-y-Ball Monument.

 The views from Pen-y-Ball Top and the Monument were pretty good and Moel Siabod and Tryfan could be seen on the skyline.

 Still too early for lunch, I continued on route, but the path along the hedge on the East side of the monument was so overgrown with gorse that it was no longer passable. Thankfully a  new better path on the West side of the monument leads down to the track that leads to a bridge over the A55 on its way to Brynford.

 It was just after mid-day when I arrived at Brynford and was able to take advantage of one of the benches near the sculpture reminding everyone that this was once a mining area.

 After lunch, it was less than two miles back to the car.

 I arrived back at the car just after 13-00, having had a really enjoyable walk, at the same time exploring a couple of paths that I know I will never use, and couple of paths that may be used in the future.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Common starling, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, meadow pipit, lack-headed gull. Herring gull, Common buzzard, Common blackbird, European robin and House sparrow.

Mineral Lead Mines, Nant Mill and Bersham Ironworks 8th September 2018

Entrance to Bersham Ironworks.

Site of the reverberatory  Furnaces at Bersham Ironworlks.

The canon casting sheds.at Bersham Ironworlks.

The overshoot waterwheel inside the "kingsmill" at at Bersham Ironworks.

Water Pipes orderd by "Perrier " to save Paris!

Located at the Bersham Heritage Centre.

Jacob's Sheep in fields adjacent to the Clywedog Trail from the Minera Lead Mines to Nant Mill.

A wood sculpture in Plas Power Wood.

One of the weirs on the Clywedog, built to provide wateer to send along the leete to drive the waterwheel at  Bersham Ironworks.

Another weir on the Clywedog, built to provide wateer to send along the leete to drive the waterwheel at  Bersham Ironworks.

St. Mary's Church opposite the Bersham Ironworks.

Stepping stones across the Clywedog, but we decided not to use them.

The footbridge and ford at Heol Penyfelin but we didn't need to use either.

On the path from  Heol Penyfelin via Pant Tywyll back to the Minera Lead Mine Centre.

Last views of the Afon clywedog.

White Park Cattle in Stryt fields North of the Minera Lead Mine Centre.

 Walk stats: Distance; 5.3 mils. Climb: 644'.

Time: 3 hours 37 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Jim.

The day started with an excellent tour of the Bersham Ironworks Site, led by Brian Gresty. The tour was supposed to last an 90 minutes, but in the end lasted for oer 2 hours - our guide has so much knowledge about Bersham Ironworks and enjoys informing people about the site. Well worth a visit, if you spot when they are happening.

 It was still raining when we arrived at the Minera Lead Mine Centre, so after visiting the centre, we had lunch sitting in the car.

 After lunch we put on waterproof and set off for Nant Mill. It was still raining slightly, but still quite warm and it wasn't long before we were suffering from the "boil in the bag syndrome"

 The Clywedog Trail through Plas Power Wood t Bersham Ironworks is delightful, especially when the Sun's rays penetrated the trees in this ancient woodland.

 It was only when we were approaching Nant Mill on the return journey that we removed our waterproofs and enjoyed the fresh air cooling us.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Eurasian jay, Black-billed magpie, Common blackbird, Grey wagtail, European robin, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Common buzzard,

 We arrived back at the car with the Sun still shining us, having had an interesting tour in the morning, finishing with an enjoyable afternoon stroll.

 after walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford, where Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale and a Hawkshead Porter went down well..

 even better on the way home, we heard that Chester had beaten Bradford Park avenue 5-3!