The Llugwy and Lledr 30rth March 2019

The Afon Llugwy at Betws-y-coed.

The Afon Llugwy as we headed towards the Miners Bridge.

The Miners Bridge over the Afon Llugwy.

Looking towards Betws-y-coed from the Miners Bridge.

Road closed (Sarn Helen) - now we know why!

Signs of Spring - a young highland Cattle calf with it mother.

Is that the area on Moel siabod that was on fire yesterday?

Signs of Spring - a young Berwyn lamb with its mother.

The Moelwyns as we descend to the lledr Valley.

The Afon Lledr from Pont-y-Pant.

Wild daffodils in the meadoe on the south side oft the Afon Lledr.

The unexpected Herring gulls perched trees.

A Tufted duckand Great crested grebe on Llyn Elsie.

Llyn Elsi from the Monument.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: 1753'.

Time: hours 43 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Ed.

The weather today, was almost perfect for walking, bright sunny periods with the occasional breeze, but more important - NO RAIN.

 Both the Afon Llugwy and the Afon Lledr were surprisingly low, although evidence of recent flooding was evident as we walked on the riverside path beside the Afon Llugwy towards the Miners Bridge.

 Our only problem encountered today was a large tree that had fallen across Sarn Helen, but one end was low enough for us to climb over it.

  Chiffchaff were singing and even butterflies were flitting about us at the upper end more open swection of Sarn Helen.

 Lunch as taken by the Afon Lledr, at the East end of the meadow used for camping.

  The final climb of the day through the forest north of Pont Gethin seemed better than usual and even the boggy sections were easy skirted round.

 On arriving at Llyn Elsi, we decided to extend the walk slightly by following the path around the west beside of the lake.

 On seeing the lake for the first time we noticed the island in the middle had lots of gulls, but to my surprise some were perched on trees.

 It was only on the section around Llyn Elsie that we encountered good numbers of people, up to then we had seen only four people out walking.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a very enjoyable walk and puts this walk min a much more favourable light than the last time when it rained throughout.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Blue tit, Great tit, Eurasian jay, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff,  Common blackbird, European robin,Tufted duck, Great crested grebe, Wood nuthatch, Jackdaw and Herring gull.

Dates and Walks March 2019.

Saturday 2nd March 2019.

Lyme Park and Poynton Coppice.

Distance:8-10 miles. Climb:1300'.
Start: Nelson Pit Visitor Centre Car Park. Anson Road. Grid ref: SJ945833.
Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.
This walk combines two walks produced by Cheshire Councils in their series "Discover Cheshire".  The main walk visits Lyme Park and the former hunting lodge called "The Cage".  Red deer may be seen on this part of the walk.  The second walk uses part of the Middlewood Way and the Macclesfield Canal towpath as well as visiting Poynton Coppice, a semi-natural wood planted in 1847. 

Wednesday 6th March 2019.

Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.

Postponed - see below or new walk

Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 950' .

Start: Boncyn Foel-bach Forest Car Park Grid ref: SJ055520. This is on the B5105 Ruthin to Clawdd Newydd road.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  We last did this walk in February 2016 and I enjoyed it then. I thought that it would be good to do it again, but in a different season. It is described as being a varied walk through forest, quiet lanes, including one that was used on a pilgrims' route and an attractive riverside path.

 Part of the route, particularly sections of the riverside path have in the past been rather boggy (Remembered from it being on walks starting from Melin-y-Wig). The section through the forest can be boggy too. The final section involves climbing out of the valley up to the car park - not the most ideal way to end a walk, but it isn't that steep.


Fron Hen, Loggerheads and More.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1250'.

Start: Layby on the A494 Mold to Ruthin Road, about 1/2 mile South of Llanferres. Grid ref: SJ187597.





Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

This walk explores the lower slopes of the Clwydians on the way to Loggerheads and eturns to Llanferes along the Western edge of Big Covert.

Saturday 9th March 2019.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 10.4 miles. Climb:1349'.

Start: Pensarn Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH944787. Park near the PC block as we will be heading South towards the centre of Abergele.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.This walk is by Debbie Hamelton and starts in the centre of Abergele, but we will start on the coast. This will extend the walk by about 2 miles. The main walk is described as exploring the beautiful North Wales countyside South of Abergele. The outward route passes a well preserved watch tower. The first time we did this walk in March 2010 we had a superb day weatherwise and excellent views from the top of Moefre Isaf. Hopefully we will be as lucky with the weather this time too.

Wednesday 13th March 2019.

Harris Hikers Annual Meal 

(with an optional short walk).

Walkers Meal 2019.

Date: Wednesday 13th March 2019.

Location: Pant-yr-Ochain, Gresford.

Grid Ref: SJ363553

I went to the Pant-yr-Ochain on 14th February 2019 and have provisionally booked for 20-24.
I said we would be arriving between 12-30 to 13-00, ready to be seated at 13-00.
The meal has been booked under my name.
19 have said that they will be coming to the meal, but booking for upto 24 allows for any last minute additions.
I will give the Pant yr Ochain final numbers on Monday 11th March 2019.
Route to the Pant yr Ochain.
Take the A483 from towards Wrexham from Chester.
Leave the A483 at the Gresford interchange (junction 6 I think), signposted A5156 (Nantwich). Take the first turn on the left  (Old Wrexham Road) signposted The Flash. The Pant yr Ochain is on the right after a few hundred yards.
Replies already received:
Walk and Meal: 
Martyn, Sue and Michel, Celia, Wendy and Ian, Nigel, Annie H.
Meal only: David S and Anne, Jim and Pauline, Fran, Roger and Margaret, Naomi, Sue and Dave P, Mike.

Walk: The Clywedog between Bersham and The Nant.

Distance: 4.0 miles Climb: 142 m /462’.

Start: Layby on Plas Buckley Road, Grid ref: SJ308491, near Bersham Bridge, East of Bersham Ironworks. 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 into Plas Buckley Road. The layby is immediately on the left after passing under the Bersham Road Bridge. There is a rubbish bin in the layby.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. and meet at the start.

The walk starts by following a minor road fo about a mile, and then takes a path through woodland and fields to Plas Power Wood and onto Nant Mill. There are picnic benches to use, if we decide to start for refreshments. Probably better on the way back from The Nant where there is a ford to cross the Afon Clywedog. We will probably use the nearby footbridge. We will then follow the Clywedog Trail back to the start. The section Nant Mill takes us through the delightful ancient woodland called Big Wood.

Saturday 16th March 2019.

Jumbles, Wayoh, Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs.
Cancelled due to a weather forecast of 95% chance of heavy rain and gale force winds all day. 

Distance:10 miles. Climb:1100'.

Start:Waterfold Car Park, off Bradshaw Road (A676), Jumbles Country Park. Grid ref: SD736139

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

This walk is based on a walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". He describes the walk as a pleasant walk on good paths. The extension to Turton and Entwistle Reservoirs includes another section of the Witton Weaver Way and crosses Turton Heights and a hill called Cheetham Cross. A good and varied walk. Has been known to be on the boggy side on the descent from Cheetham Cross! If we misse out Cheetham Cross, it will making the walk just over 9 miles.

Wednesday 20th March 2019.

Chirk - Offa's Dyke, A Canal Tunnel and maybe a Castle.

9.0 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: Chirk Centre Car Park. Grid ref: SJ291377.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyns and The Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk of great variety and explores the attractive undulating countryside around Chirk. At times it follows the Offa's Dyke Footpath. Part of the route follows the Llangollen canal towpath and includes going through a short tunnel We may in fact go through a second tunnel. You may wish to bring a torch, but there is a handrail to guide you. This will be the second time that we have started a walk from Chirk.

Saturday 23rd March 2019.

A Walk Around the Great Orme.

Distance: 8-10 miles, but will be decided on the day.

Climb: 500'-1000', depending on the route we take.

Start at Llandudno West shore. Roadside parking near the boating lake. Grid ref: SH771820.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk is one we do several times each year, particularly if we want to avoid muddy conditions. The exact route wil be decided as we are going round. It will probably involve going around the Great Orme on the panoramic road, have lunch in the Happy Valley before taking the path across the limestone pavement and then taking the steps down to the invalids terrace and back to the shore. Alternatively we could explore the recently opened path from the summit cafe across the farm fields to link with the Monk's path

Wednesday 27th March 2019.

A Walk Around Waen, Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog.
Postponed - Billy No Mates.

Distance : 9 miles. Climb: 600'.

Start: Aberwheeler  is on B5429. Approaching from the Mold road, turn left and after passing the play area and Bro Lleweni. This lane is opposite the chapel and the bus stop turning area. Park carefully in the lane next to the houses. Grid ref: SJ096693.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is a walk taken from R.J.A. Dutton's book "Hidden Highways of North Wales". It explores the  Roman and Medieval Roads between Waen Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog. 

There is a good chance that this walk will be adapted to use quiet lanes if the riverside route looks boggy.

Saturday 30th March 2019.

The Edge to Nether Alderley and the Edge and Hough.
Cancelled - see below for new walk.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: Not a lot (less than 1000' at a guess).

Start: National Trust car Park close to the Wizard Restaurant, Alderley Edge. This is a Pay and Display car park - Free to National Trust Members. Grid ref: SJ860773.

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m. and meet at the car park.



This walk combines two walks from Graham Beech's book " East Cheshire Walks". He describes it as being moderate. The walk will again probably give us views of the communications tower on Croker Hill/Sutton Common. We may also get the opportunity to visit Nether Alderley Mill (National Trust- so bring your N.T cards with you if you are members.)

New walk for Saturday 30th March 2019.



Llugwy and Lledre. 

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 1000'.

Start: Railway station car park in the centre of Betws-y Coed. Grid ref: SH795565. 

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m. (It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes from Saltney)



This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's new book "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley". This walk links the beautiful wooded Llugwy and Lledre Valleys. It takes in Sarn Helen, the former Roman Road, and reaches over 800' before descending in to the Lledre Valley. It involves a steep climb to Llyn Elsi or at least that is what Dave Berry says!

The last couple of times I have done this, the weather has not been kind, but hopefully at with only a 10% chance of rain forecast at the moment, it should be OK.

Saltney Ferry to Chester along the riverside path 27th March 2019

Looking towards Chester from the Higher Ferry footbridge.

Lesser black back gull on the River Dee at Saltney.

The riverside path from Bumpers Lane to Chester.

Oystercatcher on Rver Dee between Saltney and Chester.

A capstan on the former Saltney dockside.

Looking across the river towards the former Saltney Dock.

A Teal on the River Dee between Saltney and Chester.

A Grey heron on the South bank of the River Dee opposte Sealand Road sewage works.

Looking towards Saltney from The Cop, Sealand Road, Chester.

Looking towards Crane Wharf from The Cop, Sealand Road, Chester.

Chester Racecourse from the riverside path.

Volunteers clearing up litter on the riverside path and river bank.
In less than an hour these volunteers had collectd ten sacks of rubbish, mainly cans and plastic and glass bottles.

looking across the weir towards Handbridge from The Groves.

A male Blackbird in Grosvenor Park.

Walk stats: Distance: 5.1 miles. Climb: 100'.

Time: 2 hours 12 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

As no-one else was available to walk today, I set off from home, intending to walk to Shotton on the riverside path from the Higher Ferry footbridge. However arriving at the footbridge I was met with a cool breeze that i would be heading into if I went in the direction of Queensferry, so I changed my mind and headed instead towards Chester with the wind on my back.

 Overall it was a pleasant day for walk, overcast in the main, although a light fleece was needed to make it feel comfortable. It was a pity that the Sun didn't appear in its full glory until after I had arrived home mid-afternoon.

As well as walkers, there was plenty of cyclists using the path, but thankfully most of them knew how to use a bell.

 Spring flowers were starting to show including Red dead nettle and White dead nettle.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Great tit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Grey heron, European robin, Winter wren, Teal, Great cormorant, Oystercatcher, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, Moorhen and Mallard.

 I finished the walk by enjoying a few of the brews on offer in the Wetherspoons Real Ale and Cider Festival at the Square Bottle. The best one sampled today was the Barbourne Cherry Bakewell Cider which I gave a score of 8/10.

 Only a short walk, but still very enjoyable

Around he Great Orme 23rd March 2919

On the path below the cliffs on the West side of the Great Orme.

Conwy Mountain from the cliff side path.

The old monastery site from the start of the Monks Path.

Looking East towards the summit on the Great Orme.

Looking South across the limestone pavement to the summit on the Great Orme.

Looking East towards Marine Drive.

A Fulmar onaa cliff ledge on the North sside of the Grteat Orme.

Grey sels close to the cliff on the North side of the Great Orme.

Llandudno pier and the Little Orme.

The view from our lunch spot in Happy Valley.

Looking North west towards the summit on the Great Orme.

The easy way to descend the Great Orme.

Yjr Great Orme cromlech - Neolthic burial chamber.

On the way to the Invalids Path.

Is this really a Strawberry tree?

Looking over Llanddno towards the Little Orme.

Deganwy Castlefrom the Invalids Path.

Last views of Conwy Mountain and the Carneddau beyond.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.3 miles. Climb: 1172'.

Time: 4 hours 33 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger and Ed.

This was a good day for walking, dry with very little wind and pleasantly warm once the Sun came out.

 Distant views were good, but somewhat hazy towards the high tops.

 The trek around the summit plateau on the Great Orme was delightful. The signage for the path through the Great Orme Country Park was now in place, but unfortunately that was closed until the 1st June.

 The bonus for the day was seeing several Grey seals swimming close to the shore as we walked along the Marine Drive towards Llandudno.

 Lunch was taken in Happy Valley, taking advantage of one of the many benches that overlooked the ski slope.

 After a very leisurely lunch basking in the warm sunshine, we headed across the Great Orme up to Half-way station, an the descended past the Copper Mines to the cromlech.

 The final part of our walk a gentle stroll along the Invalids Path back to the West shore and the start of our walk.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Herring gull, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit, Carrion crow, Greenfinch, Great cormorant, Fulmar, Great black-backed gull, Mallard, Winter wren, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Goldfinch, Red-billed chough and Pied wagtail.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter was the beer sampled.

Around Chirk, Including the Castle and Tunnels 20th March 2019

Emerging from the Chirk Bank Tunnel.

The woodland path on the Llwybr Maelor Way.

Plenty of water in the Afon .Ceiriog.

Chirk Castle on the skyline.

Limekilns on the roadside on the way to Pont Carog.

The Afon Ceiriog from the bridge with the paque commemorating the Battle of Crogen.

A young lamb seeking protection from its mother.

Lunch time is over - ptreparig to leaeave Chirk Castle.

Chirk Castle from the coach park.

Heading North west from Chirk Castle.

Abundant Primroses along the hedgerows.

Wynnstay Hall on the skyline.

A Mistle thrush in fields West of Plas-Offa.

Back on the towpath heading for Chirk.

Lesser celandine on the bank above the canal.

Emerging from the tunnel on the North side of Chirk.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb:710'.

Time: 4 hours 32 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Ed, David S. Wendy, Celia and Fran.

Overall this turned out to be a glorious day for walking, mainly blue skies and warm sunshine all day - Sunhats and shorts recommended.

 On arriving at Chirk, we found that the car park was already foll, so ended up parking on Station Road, probably the start point of choice whenever we do this walk again.

 On this occasion we started the walk along the canal heading South through the longest of the two Chirk tunnels, a good way to start this walk, reducing the overall climb of the walk a little.
 On the higher parts of the walk, distant views were good, Wynnstay Hall stood out prominently on the skyline and the ridge on the North side of the Ceiriog Valley looked superb against the largely blue sky.

 The Afon Ceirog was higher that usual , although at least one Dipper was seen.

 Lunch was taken at Chirk Castle,where conveniently placed tree trunks near the Coach Park provided suitable places to sit. Throughout lunch we were able to bask in the warm sunshine. Lunch was a little longer than usual, it was so pleasant just sitting in the warm sunshine and no-one showed any eagerness to set off. 

 There were plenty of Spring flowers along the hedgerows, requiring plenty of stops a and much debating a we attempted to identify them. Was that one Common bistort or Common broomrape or even Butterbur? It was in fact Butterbur.Other flowers seen included: Primrose, Lesser celandine, Daffodil, lesser periwinkle, Common daisy,Common dandelion, Green field speedwell and Common dog violet. Plenty of garlic smells as we went through woodland, bt still a little early for Ramsons to be in flower.
 Birds seen o heard today included: House sparrow, Blue tit, Great tit, Goldfinch, Rook, wood nuthatch, Common blackbird, Jackdaw, Canada goose, Greylag goose, Dipper, Mallard and Common buzzard.

 The last parrt of the walk was along the canal and involved going through the shorter of the two tunnels.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, culminating in a well earned drink at the Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford on the way home. Titanic Plum porter and Purple Moose Snowdonia Ale went down paticularly well.