Holiday at Burghead and the Moray Firth 23rd October to 27th October 2018

Tuesday 23rd October 2018.

Duffus castle, Lossimouth and Hopeman.

The approach to Duffus Castle.

Lossiemouth.

Looking West towards Burghead (maltings on the horizon to the right.

Wednesday 24th October 2018. Morning

Ben Rinnes (2733').

An easy start to the acent of Ben Rinnes.

Ben Rinnes summit ahead.

In a sheltered spot just below the summit trig point.

Distant views of the Cairngoms from Ben Rinnes.

Wednesday 24th October 2018. Afternoon.

Cullen to Portknockie.

The harbour at Cullen.

Looking West over the harbour at Portknockie.

Looking West along the beach towards Portknockie.

Thursday 25th October 2018 Morning.

Burghead - early morning.

looking towards Hopeman.

Burghead Harbour.

Covesea and Hopeman along the Moray Firth Trail to Burghead. 

On the beach below Covesea lighthouse.

A Rock pipit?

A Common kestrel.

Phil at Tom Wyatt's Findhorn Bay Festival Lookout Structure  #1.

Approaching Hopeman.

Around Findhorn Bay Late afternoon.

Findhorn Bay in the rain.

Whooper swans over Findhorn Bay.

Friday 26th October 2018.

Burghead Bay and Bennet Hill.

Looking back towards Burghead.

Looking along the beach towards Findhorn.

A Hooded crow on Burghead Beach.

Picking up litter (is it flotsam or jetsam?).

Whatever it is it "trumps" picking up the odd can or two!

A notice for all walkers - including Harris Hikers!

Saturday 27th October 2018 - Homeward Bound.

Views from the roadside as I headed South.

A closer view of the nearby "castle".

Looking Westward towards the higher hills.

The snow covered hills to the West of the road.

The snow covered hills to the West of the road.

Overall a great holiday with never a moment to  spare thanks to Phil taking me on walks every day and giving me lots of history and geology associated with all of the places. In all I must have walked over thirty miles and climbed over 3000' and only got wet once!

 Although it was very windy and rather cold at times, walking in winter gear meant we were never too cold. 

 Tuesday ended with an excellent meal cooked by Phil's wife Jean, Wednesday we had good meal at the Crown and Anchor at Findhorn (including a pint of Bitter and Twisted) and Friday finished with Fish and Chips from the Fish and Chip Van that visited Burghead only on Fridays.

 Thanks to Paul (a near neighbour of the Marslands) taking me birdwatching I managed to see a Red throated diver, lots of Gannets and a few Common scoter.

 The surprise bird was seen on the Friday when we saw a Hooded crow on Burghead Beach, a place that the RSPB Book of Birds of Scotland indicated that it shouldn't have been there!

  Thanks to the Marslands this has been a very enjoyable holiday, my first holiday for over 12 years.

The most unusual story of my time at Burghead was getting home to find that there was an unusual silver £1 coin in my loose change. It had a Scottish emblem on it too. Initially I though it must be a special Scottish pound coin. but  on closer inspection, it turned out to be white chocolate in the shape of £1 coin covered in silver paper. It must be the most expensive piece of chocolate that I have ever eaten!

A long drive of over 400 miles each way, but with three stops each way didn't suffer any problems with my knees at all. The eight hour drive was well worth it.

Foel Fenlli and Cwm Blaennant 31st October 2918

Looking towards the Vale of Clwyd from Bwlch Penbarra.

Snow on the the Berwyns.

Approaching the ramparts on Foel Fenlli.

Bryn Alyn Offa's Dyke Path North of Moel Eithinen Farm.

The Vale of Clwyd from the path heading towards Wernog.

Leaving our lunch spot in Coed Rhiwisg.

On the access track from Ca-mawr Farm in Cwn Blaennant.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.6 miles. Climb: 1442'.

Time: 4 hours 24 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. (2,3 on my newest GPS). Overall average: 1.5 m.p.h. (I didn't realise that we spent so much time over lunch!).

Group: Martyn, Roger, Mike, David S and Celia.

This was a glorious day for walking, on the cool side to start and we were all happy wearing plenty of our normal Winter gear but by lunch time we were all feeling a little overdressed and one member of the group decided to make themselves more comfortable by removing their thermal _ _ _ _ ! I just removed my jacket and put it in my rucksack.

 The views as we contoured around the ramparts of Foel Fenlli were superb, with the Berwyns and Arrenigs clearly seen, the former with a covering of snow.

   As we approached the Offa's Dyke path we had good views of Bryn Alyn and the limestone escarpments East of Llanferres.

  As we went past Wernog, much work had been done in terms of building works and path maintenance and adverts concerning classes in green wood carpentry were on offer for specific times in 2019 (hopefully this initiative will prove succsessful).

 After a few grumblings lunch was take in Coed Rhiswig, sitting on the bank alongside the delightful path through the wood.

 Celia and Mike had lucky escapes as on getting up their mats revealed thorns had made significant holes, but sufficient to make their mark on sensitive parts of their anantomy!

 After lunch we had the contor of Cwm Blaenannant, and once more we were thankful that much clearing of the gorse had been done and the path was easy to follow.

 The final part of the walk was along the Ruthin to Bwlch Penbarra road, a steady climb past Half Way House, but today in the the warm sunshine seemed much easier.

 Arriving back at the cars no-one hinted that they wanted an extension to the walk and were happy to head to Llanferres for refreshments.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Raven, Carrion crow, Black-billed magpie, Redwing, Fieldfare, Common kestrel and Common buzzard.

 As we had finished relatively early, we were able to enjoy after walk drinks at the Druids Inn at Llanferres (closes at 15-00) where Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale went down well, despite being £3-80 a pint.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, probably the best that I have experienced when doing this particular walk.

Walks and Dates October 2018

Updated on 15th October 2018.

Wednesday 3rd October 2018.

Around Cwm Clewedog.

Distance: 8-10 miles.
Climb: 900-1200' (depending on which final route is taken).
Start: Coed y Fron Wyllt Forest Car Park, Bontuchel: SJ082571 or Bontuchel Riverside Car park by a notice board. (Just past the bridge over the river the parking area is on the left)Grid ref; SJ084578.
David s knows where the car park is, so I suggest that we meet at the Ruthin riverside car park (Pay and display). Grid ref:SJ121582 and go in convoy to ensure we all end up at the right car park.
Leave Chester  09-00.
This walk combines two walks in Dave Berry's revised booklt "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". One walk explores the attractive mixed woodland of Coed y Fron Wyllt. The other walk follows a delightful green track across the slopes of Moel y Fron. all of the climbs are rewarded with good views.
The walks involve exploring both sides of the Clywedog Valley.
There is a bird hide, in Coed y Fron Wyllt, which we may visit, so it would be useful to bring binoculars with you if you have them.
This is a walk that David S wants to try out before doing it again with his Saturday group.

Saturday 6th October 2018. 

Pont y Pant and Pen y Benar.

Postponed

Distance: 9 miles; Climb:1500'.

Start: Dolwyddelan Station Car Park.. Grid ref:SH738522.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This involves two walks taken from Mike Burnett's book " Walks East of Snowdon. The "Pont y Pant walk takes us on to the low hills bordering the river valley North of the Ledre Valley before descending to the Rhiwgoch Quarry and returns on paths South of the Afon Lledre. The Pen y Benar walk follows Sarn Helen in to the steep sided Penamnen Valley befpre climbing through the forest to reach the summit of Pen y Benar, an excellent vantage point to enjoy the panoramic views. The final part of the walk descends to the Lledre Valley close to Roman Bridges and finishes with a delightful stroll along the valley floor back to Dolwyddelan.

We last did this walk in October 2009.

Wednesday 10th October 2018.

Bersham Ironworks, Nant Mill and Felin Pulseston.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 840'.

Start: Layby (West of Bersham Iron Works. Grid ref: SJ308491.

To  get to the layby take the A483 from Chester to Wrexham. 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. The lay-by is on the left after passing under the A483 road bridge.

This walk combines three walks from Dave Berry's booklet " walks Around Ruabon Mountain, The Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain".

The three walks combine to explore both side of the Clywedog valley between, Minera Lead Mine Centre, Nant Mill and Felin Puleston.

The walk follows the Clywedog trail, and follows some attractive wooded valley paths and passes through several woods, including a delightful track through the ancient woodland of Plas Power.

Saturday 13th October 2018.

Caer, Gai, Cwm Dyfrydwy with an extension over Garth Fawr.

Postponed.
Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Llanuwchllyn on B4403. Park opposite the PC and chapel. Grid ref: SH875302.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". One walk is described as a fascinating walk featuring a Roman fort and historic houses and the other explores both sides of the Dyfrdwy Valley. The optional extension explores the countryside South of Llanuwchllyn, climbing to open moorland around Garth Fawr at a height of 1079'. It returns along the Western side of the Afon Twrch (Cwm Cynllwyd).

Wednesday 17th October 2018.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball Top with an extension to explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb:  650'.

Start: Holywell Common, opposite the Crooked Horn, Brynford. Grid ref: SJ185740.

This is a variation of the walk that we have done many times, when we cross the common to Brynford on he way to the old racecourse.
Major roadworks in Flint where a one way system is in operation until the end of November.

However this time we will explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda, woods that we haven't visited before. In addition we will only follow the Western side of the old racecourse and instead use the road to Pantasaph, before using field paths to get to Pen-y-Ball Top. After visiting Pen-y-Ball Monument take a new path on the west side of the monument to reach the track and the bridge over the A55 to the golf course and our usual route back to the start.

Saturday 20th October 2018. 

Moel y Garneddd.

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 24th October 2018.

No planned walk as I will be in Scotland for a few days. 

Unfortunately David S s longer able to lead a walk.

I'm sure you can arrange one between yourselves!

Saturday 27th October 2018.

No planned walk as I will be in Scotland for a few days.

Wednesday 31st October 2018.

Foel Fenlli and Cwm Blaenant.

This is the walk that we aborted on the 5th September this year due to the very unpleasant weather conditions experienced as we arrived at Bwlch Penbarras,

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.

Holywell Common, Racecourse and Pen-y-Ball Monument 17th October 2018

Heading for the racecourse.

The way across fields o the racecourse.

"Retracing our steps across all those fields!"

(after Ed had finished investigating the supposed paths in Coed Moel-dda)

The statue of Christ at the Pantasaph Friary.

The main church at Pantasaph Friary.

Looking towards the Dee Estuary as we approached Pen-y-Ball Top.

The Pen-y-Ball Top trig point in the middle of a crop of Turnips.

The North side of the Pen-y-Ball Monument.

The South side of the Pen-y-Ball Monument.

Looking towards Moel Famau from the Pen-y-Ball Monument.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 584'.

Time: 4 hours 6 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Celia and Ed.

This was almost perfect weather conditions for walking, cool at first, but pleasantly warm when the Sun broke free from clouds. The only breeze encountered was briefly towards the end of lunch.

 This was Celia's first walk with the group for some time, so she was quite pleased to have survived the challenge without any cause for concern.

 Although we have walked in this area many times, we did use two new paths and investigated a wooded area called Coed Moel-dda and Plymouth Copse.

 Arriving at Coed Moel-dda, it didn't take us long to decide that the path was so overgrown that it would be pointless investigate further - retracing our steps was the only sensible option.

 Crossing theses fields through grass heavy with due ensured that at the end of the walk our boots were clean but still wet and would need to dried and reproofed before the next walk.

 lunch was taken at the Panrasaph Friary, where two new benches had replaced the old wooden pew that we had been grateful to use in the past. It was good to note that toilets were open, even though the cafe was closed (open Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday).

 The highest point of the day was Pen-y-Ball Top, but once again the trig point was inaccessible being surrounded by a crop of Turnips.

 Distant views were somewhat hazy, although we could just about make out Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral.

  Similarly we only had hazy views from the Pen-y-Ball Monument, although the outline of Moel Famau and the Clwydian Hills could just about be made out.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Soarrowhawk, Common blackbird, European robin, Jackdaw, Common gull, Woodpigeon, Collard dove Pied wagtail, Carrion crow and Common buzzard.

 Overall an enjoyable walked capped with an excellent pint of Lees Bitter at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn.

The Clywedog Valley Including Bersham, Felin Puleston, Nant Mill and the Minera Lead Mine Centre 10th October 2018

Example of the Water Pipes produced at Bersham Iron Works for the Mayor of Paris (Perrier).

The first of many footbridges crossed today, several over the Afon Clywedog.

Aquatic insects, byt what are they?

Colourful trees on the Bersham Road.

St. Mary's Church, Bersham.

Stepping stones acros the Clywedog in Plas Power Wood.

Our lunch spot at theMinera Lead Mines Centre picnic site.

The Minera Lead Mine Centre.

A large male Jacob's Sheep.

Jacob's sheep resting in fields South east of Bramble farm.

The walls of Nant Mill and Harlequin ladybirds.

Artwork in Plas Power Wood.

Autumn leaves and the Afon Clywedog in Plas Power Wood.

Wood carvings in Plas Power Wood.

Part of the delightful Clywedog Trail from Nant Mill to Bersham.

One of the man-made waterfalls on the Afon Clywedog.

A surviving section of the leete built to power the water wheel Bersham.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 834'.

Time: 4 hours 51 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel.

This was just about a perfect day for walking. Pleasantly warm in the morning, with very little wind and increasing amounts of bright sunshine.

 As we walked through the ancient woods of Plas Power, the Sun's rays filtered through the canopy, giving an almost t"twinkling" effect. The Autumnal colours were best seen in the fallen leaves hat collected alongside fences and on the paths through the woods.

 Passing through the car park at Nant Mill, it looks as though the Car Park Ticket Machine was at last fully functioning and payment in cash was possible. We didn't try  it, so it is possible it just looked as though it was!

 The first surprise of the day was finding lots of maize cob remains with much evidence that animals probably Grey squirrels had been enjoying a feast. We did eventually see the source of the maize.

 The second surprise of the day was on the return journey, where the front wall of the visitor centre at Nant Mill was covered in hundreds of  Harlequin ladybirds.

 Lunch was taken at the picnic site at the Mineral Lead Mine Centre, two of us enjoying the warm Sunshine on our backs as we had lunch. By now Sun hats were the order of the day and for the rest of the afternoon too. By now we had a wall to wall blue sky.

 Birds seen or heard today were few and far between, but included: European robin, Woodpigeon, Black-billed magpie, Grey wagtail, Wood nuthatch, Eurasian jay, Jackdaw, Raven and Common pheasant.

 We arrived back at the car having enjoyed a really good walk, in weather conditions that would lift anyone's spirits.

 All we needed now was a good pint of Snowdonia Ale (Purple Moose Brewery) at the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford. This we did and it was still pleasant enough for us to sit outside, but as with Nant Mill the investation of Harlequin ladybirds had arrived here too, but only one had to be rescued from drowing in real ale!