Tegg's Nose, Macclesfield Forest and More 29th May 2019

Boys toys at Tegg's Nose Country Park.

Macclesfield Forest and Shining Tor from Tegg's Nose.

A Mandarin duck with some of her ducklings on Teggsnose Reservoir.

One of the two female Mandarin ducks on the Teggsnose Reservoir.

Rabbits on the hillside opposite Teggsnose Reservoir.

Walking through Macclesfield Forest with Bluebells still showing on the slopes next to the path.

An unusual insect at my lunch spot.
I think it is a Froghopper(a bug)  - Cercopis vulerata.

Lunch time comfort for some.

Marchin towards the Buxton Road (Shuttlingsloe) on the skyline).

Is this really the right way to Vale Royal and Walker Barn?

A small Methodist chapel on Buxton Old Road.

One of the Buttercup meadows near Tegg's Nose Country Park.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.5 miles (8.2 miles on my newest GPS). Climb: 1703'.

On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. (2.6 m.p.h. on my newest GPS). Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Nigel, David S and Wendy.

As we set, we were unsure about what sort of weather we would get, but we were optimistic that it wouldn't rain before 14-00. Forecasts varied from feel like temperatures of about 9 Celsius down to a feel like temperature of only 3 Celsius.

 We set off by going on the Gritstone Trail through the quarried sections of Tegg's Nose Country Park and descending the steep path over Ward's Knob down to Teggsnose Reservoir.

 I was surprised to see a female Mandarin duck with her ducklings.The second surprise of the day was still seeing Bluebells, most past their best, but some still looking good.

 As we were walking through sections of Macclesfield Forest, we became exposed to the North westerly wind that added a significant chill factor.

 Lunch was taken on the edge of Macclesfield Forest as the path emerged onto Charity Lane. One bench was available, but the nearby stone wall provide good places to sit as well.

 As I was sitting having my lunch, an orange and black insect landed on my boot and a few more similar insects were nearby.  I thinik I have now identified it as a Froghopper ( Cercopis vulerata) found in wooded area.

 After lunch we descended Charity Lane to Forest Chapel, before heading across fields and valleys to Greenways Farm. Thankfully today conditions underfoot were good.

 it was just before two, when we started to feel a little dampness in the air, and the majority of the group decided that we should opt to shorten the walk a little b heading for Vale Royal and Walker Barn. It was on this section that we all stopped o make sure we had waterproof jackets on and gloves as well. Yes it did now feel like the 3 Celsius suggested by the Met Office.

 Many flowers were seen, including: Bluebells, Herb robert, Stitchwort, Wood anemone, Daisy, Dandelion, Red clover and masses of Buttercups.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Common chaffinch, Goldfinch, Pied wagtail, Canada goose, Mandarin duck, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Black-billed magpie, Meadow pipit, Skylark, European robin, Winter wren and Eurasian curlew.

 We arrived back at the cars, a little damp, but agreed that we had made the right decision to shorten the walk, especially at it rained all the way to the Morris Dancer at Kelsall where we all enjoyed our respective drinks including two brews from Weetwood, the Brunning and Price Bitter and even a G and T.

 Overall a very good walk with a lot more climb involved than some expected or even wanted!

Cemlyn Bay, Cemaes and More 25th May 2019

Looking across the Cemlyn Lagoon towards the Wylfa Power Station.

Sea kale in Cemlyn Bay.

Nesting terns on the island in the Cemlyn Lagoon.

More nesting terns on the island in the Cemlyn Lagoon.

Terns bathing in Cemlyn Lagoon.

More nesting terns on thesmaller island in the Cemlyn Lagoon.

The view from our lunch spot overlooking Cemaes Bay.

St Patrick's Bell on the beach at Cemaes Bay, but I don't think it will be ringing today.

Panoram from Cemaes to Wylfa.

Inside Ty'n-llan.

Ty'n-llan.

On the Wales Coastal Path North of Ty'n-llan.

A Linnet on Gorse adjacent to the coast path.

Looking back towards the chimney and industrial buildings at Porth Llalleiana.

Leading the way on one of his shortcuts.

Walk stats: Distance 12.9 miles. Climb: 1267'.

Time: 6 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average 2,5 m.p.h. (2.8 m.p.h on my newest GPS). Overall walk average: 2.o m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Ed and Evelyn.

Unable to muster vany troups for the Congleton Edge walk, I was thankfully able to join Ed and Evelyn on the Anglesy walk.

 This turned out to be a good day for walking, pleasantly warm all day, although muggy at times, being on the coast meant that we were often experience a cooling breeze. We did have a brief spot of rain, just enough to make you stop and put on waterproofs, only to find that it was a complete waste of time doing so.

 This was a day for birds and flowers.

 Throughout the day evidence of Bluebell were there, most past their best. Other flowers included: Red campion, Foxglove, Sea campion, Thrift, Sea kale, Buttercup, Daisy, Dandelion, Red clover, Common dog violet, Self heal, Primrose, Slverweed, Tormentil and many more that I haven't been able to identify.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Raven, Common whitethroat, Sedge warbler, Winter wren, Carrion crow, Rook, Arctic tern, Common tern, Sandwhich tern, Mallard, Mute swan, Red breasted merganser, Oystercatcher, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black backed gull, Stonehat, House sparrow, House martin, Barn swallow, Common chaffinch, Common blackbird, Linnet, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Meadow pipit, Fulmar and Red billed chough.

 Walking along coastal paths is always special, especially at this time of the year when there is so much to see and enjoy as nature springs back into life, a bonus to the stunning views encountered along the coast (ignoring the Wylfa Power station site.

 It was almost unvbeleivable to see how much more land that the proposed new power station would swallow up if it goes ahead.

  Approaching Cemaes we came across several benches overlooking the bay, and decided to take lunch. Throughout we were entertained by a pair of terns fishing in the bay, and House martins flying around us.

 Cemaes was busy, and from then on we were never out of sight of people enjoying a day out on the coast.

The church at Ty'n-llan was open, so we decided to look inside, entering through a chains blocking the way to birds, bats and other wildlife trying to take refuse.

 The return route from  Porth Llalleiana was more direct and used minor lanes, although at times we did wonder where Ed was leading us as we went around the back streets of Cemaes.

 Overall a good walk, arriving back at the car, still smiling, but with tired legs, happy to be sitting down in the car and heading home for suitable refreshments.

Dates and Walks May 2019

Updated on 20th May 2019.
Change of start. The car park at Trelawnyd is very small, and often full, so I have decided to move the start.
New start location for 22nd May 2019 is Llanasa.
Car Park opposite the pub. Grid ref: SJ106815

Wednesday 1st May 2019.

A Walk Around Waen, Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog.






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.
 On Tuesday I will be in Burnley for most of the day, so if you want to contact me 
during the day please do so on my mobile number. I will be at home in the evening.

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. 

Some of the stiles on this route have in the past proved to be rather awkward to negotiate. If we use the riverside route there is a chance to see Kingfisher(if we are lucky) and Sand martins nesting in vertical river bank.

This walk will be adapted to use quiet lanes if the riverside route looks boggy.







Saturday 4th May 2019.

Gwydir Forest from Llanwrst.
Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Start: Llanrwst Riverside car Park. GRid ref: SH795617.
The walk is taken from Carl Roger's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley. It is described as a
moderately strenuous route exploring the Eastern sectrions of the forest with its many lakes.
It follows mainly good forest tracks and paths.




Wednesday 8th May 2019.

The Clywedog Valley including Bersham, Felin Pullston, Nant Mill and the Minera Lead Mines.



Cancelled - no mates willing to brave the elements!

Distance: 8.8 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.

Hopefully the section of path closed during the lambing season will have reopened, if not we will have to improvise a diversion.


Saturday 11th May 2019.


Pendle Hill – the annual search for Dotterel.


Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb:1900’.

Start: Downham Village Car park. Grid ref: SD785442.

Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

This is a little shorter than our usual Saturday walks.  The route today is the one in Terry Marsh’s book “Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire”. He describes it as “undoubtedly the finest ascent of Pendle Hill”. Let’s hope for a good day weather-wise, topped up with good views of  Dotterel as we did a few years ago.  Don’t forget to bring binoculars.

The last few times we have done this walk, the weather hasn't been kind.lets hope the weather is better this year.



Wednesday 15th May 2019.

Denbigh Castle, Goblin Fields and St Dyfnog's Well.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 670'

Start: Roadside parking by the weir, West of Brookhouse Mill and Pottery. Take the A525 from Denbigh. Just before the Brookhouse Mill Tavern on the A525, at a signpost for "Pottery", turn right (West), go past the marked parking bays for the pottery   and park on the left side of the road by the weir. Grid ref: SJ069656.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

These two walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". One walk explores the attractive and varied countryside between Llanrhaeadr and Brookhouse and gives us the opportunity to see again the famous Tree of Jesse medieval stained glass window (1533) and Ann Parry's gravestone with its inscription"God kept His word".  The walk also includes two mile of riverside  alongside the Afon Ystrad and Afon Clwyd

The second walk is described as interesting and takes a "green"approach to a little known castle in Wales.

Saturday 18th May 2019.

Garth Wood, Felin Blwm Wood and Maen Achwyfan.

Postponed. 

New walk: Prestatyn to Talacre 

See below for details.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: 1264'.


Start: Whitford village. Roadside parking opposite the church. Grid ref: SJ147782.


Leave Chester 8-30 a.m. 



This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". It is quite some time since I have done the first walk. Unfortunately it is only 4.5 miles and the only other walk that links in well with it is Maen Achwyfan, a walk that we have done many times before.






Prestatyn, Talacre and The Point of Ayr.




Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 200'.



Start at Prestatyn Barkby Beach.. I suggest that you park at Beach Hotel car park, (£2-00, £2-50 less than the pay and display car park next to the PC,  Grid ref: SJ068839.



Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. You will need to go into the hotel to purchase a car park ticket.



This is a walk that is always on the list at this time of the year, as it is always a good time to see Little terns, so bring binoculars with you. Hopefully we will see orchids too.



High tide is at about 11-15, and is about 30.9. The route to Presthaven Sands wll probably follow the path along sthe top of the dunes as far a the Little Tern colony. After visiting the RSPB Viewpoint and Visitor Hut, we will probably go through the Caravan Park and The Warren Nature Reserve on the way to Talacre and the Point of Air. 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. 

Our return route will be along the beach, if it is accessible, if not we will retrace our steps and go through the golf course back to Prestatyn. 




Wednesday 22nd May 2019.




Gop Hill, Golden Grove and Sea Views.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1300'.

Start:  New start location. 

Llanasa opposite the pub and church. Grid ref SJ106815




Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.





This walk combines one walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" with a walk from Bob Harris's book "Walks in Ancient Wales". One walk is described as an exhilarating walk with breathtaking contrasting views and the other visits the ancient sites, including the cairn on Gop Hill. 

Saturday 25th May 2019.

Mow Cop, Congleton Edge and More. 

Postponed - Saturday walkers are getting harder to find!


Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1100'.


Start: New start Point. Cheshire's Close lay-by on Congleton Road, Mow Cop. Grid ref: SJ8673058565

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.




This walk combines a walk from Carl Rogers's book "Circular Walks Along The Gritstone Trail" and part of a walk taken from the "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". This walk is a little shorter than the one that we did in 2008. Good views from the ridges.

We have often done this walk in the Winter, so I thought that it was about time that we repeated the walk in Spring/Summer conditions.

Now joining Ed on a walk from Cemlyn Bay, Anglesey.

Leaving Chester at 07-30 a.m.

Wednesday 29th May 2019.





Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest. 
Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1913'.

Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.

This is the first time that this walk has been included on the mid-week list, but it only takes 
about an hour to get there.

This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list at this time of the year. Wintering birds sometime visit the many reservoirs we walk around, so it is useful to bring binoculars just in case.

Gop Hill, Golden Grove and Sea Views from Llanasa 22nd May 2019

The church at Llanasa.

A delightful hidden wooded valley South of Llanasa.

Debating the orientation of the toposcope on a hill East of Trelawnyd.

The toposcope with the Irish Sea behind the camera.

The Clwydian Hills from The Gop.

Limestone caves below The Gop.

Even a few Bluebells on Offa's Dyke Footpath on Prestatyn Hillside.

Panorama looking over Prestatyn from Clwydian Way South east of Prestatyn.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.6 miles.Climb: 987'.

Time: 4 hours 55 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Nigel and David S.

This was a good day for walking, dry and pleasantly warm and the occasional gentle breeze merely a bonus.

 This walk is a bit of  roller coaster, but the ups invariably brought with them superb views in all directions.

 Much work had been done, with many of the stiles replaced by kissing gates an several stiles being repaired and made easier to cross.

 The greatest bonus today was the number of flowers including: Bluebells, Herb robert, Greater periwinkle, Flag/Yellow Iris, Common dog violet, Cowslip, Red campion, Forget-me-not, Rock rose, and a superb hillside below The Gop a beautiful mass of Buttercups and Daisies.

 David S persisted in taking us North of Gop Hill along a path through the farm at Carn-y-chain, effectively a short cut, but at east it did get us to our planned lunch spot at an appropriate time.

 Our lunch was taken at Gwaenysgor, where the long bench seat in the Memorial Garden was must appreciated. We were entertained by a pair of Jackdaws entering and leaving a chimney on one the nearby cottages. A classic sports car also put in a brief appearance.

 After a very leisurely lunch we returned to Llanasa using sections of the Clwydian Way and the Offa's Dyke Footpath. The latter gave us superb views towards the North Wales Coast,

 Birds seen or heard tday included: House sparrow, Chaffinch, Winter wren, Common blackbird, Common buzzard, Barn swallow, Rook, Jackdaw, Willow warbler, Black-billed magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff and Woodpigeon.

 Overall an enjoyable walk, shorter than originally planned, but far enough for most of us.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Ha;kyn, were the Lees Bitter was on top form.

Prestatyn to Talacre and Back 18th May 2019

The path through the dunes South of  Barkby Beach.

Continuation of the path through th dunes.

Birds song in the dunes.

There still seems a long way to go before escaping from the dunes.

Sea holly in the dunes.

A rather shy dune resident.

New developments at the Gronant Dunes viewpoint.

The Little tern colony, but no-one is at home!

The sounds of Little terns around the Gronant Little tern Colony.

More Skylarks singing in the area behind the Little tern visitor centre.

An orchid behinf Presthaven Sands.

A singing Reed bunting - Presthaven Sands.

Excalibur sails the Irish Sea.

Pount of Ayr lighthouse at high tide.

Three of the nineteen Little egrets on the marsh at Talacre.

A Mallard duckling going round in circles in the Prestayn Gutter.

And now there are three Mallard ducklings.

Walk stats: Distance 9. miles. Climb: 279'.

Time; 5 hours 34 minutes. on the move wealking average; 2.5 m.p.h. overall walk average; 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

Being on my own, I was able to make and earlier than usual start and had set off from Barkby Beach just before 09-00 a.m. It was rather overcast, but pleasantly warm with hardly any breeze. It was only as I approached the Point of Ayr lighthouse that I felt that I needed to put on my sunhat, but too lazy to stop and take it out of my rucksack.

 Although it was a fairly high tide, I was still able to walk along the coast from Presthaven past the lighthouse to the Talacre.

 One or two jellyfish were stranded on the shore.

 Skylarks and Meadow pipits seemed to be everywhere and the Skylarks singing accompanied me all the way from Prestatyn to Presthaven Sands.

  I spent about twenty minutes at the visitor hut at the Gronant Little tern colony, chatting to the volunteers on duty. The Little terns seemed to be everywhere (>300 counted so far this year so far), but none close enough to be photographed with my limited camera. Ringed plover were also seen in the protected area (protected by battery powered electric fences that are are also being charged by solar panels.

 The surprise of the day was to find that the access to the Gronant Dunes Viewpoint was now accessible by wheelchair and a new shelter had been added at the end of the boardwalk across the marsh between the sand dunes.

 I didn't quite make it to the Point of Ayr hide by lunch time, but stopped to have lunch on the first available picnic table by the path that heads towards the hide from Talacre.

 As I was having my lunch i heard the characterisic bubbling  noise made by Little egrets at their nesting sites coming from the trees nearby, then looked out towards the sea to see nineteen more Little egrets on the marsh.

 The return route through the Warren proved many more chance to see flowers now in bloom, including : Orchids, Bird's foot trefoil, Sea campion, Red campion, Red clover, Common vetch, Rapeseed, Flag iris and Red Valerian, Buttercup and Daisy

 Birds seen or heard today included: Little tern, Ringed plover, Great cormorant, Starling, Herring gull (including one nesting on the top of a caravan in Presthaven Sands), Lesser black-back gull, House sparrow, Skylark, Meadow pipit, Mallard, Blackbird, Stonehat, Sedge warbler, Reed bunting, Shelduck, Mute swan, Linnet, Black-billed magpie, Mallard, tufted duck, Common pheasant (m), Wheateae, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Rook, Barn swallow and Common whitethroat.

Some butterflies and moths were seen too, including: Peacock, Common blue, Small whites and a couple of moths.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, even if I couldn't identify all the flowers that I photographed.

St. Dyfnog's Well and Llwyn Wood from Brookhouse 15th May 2019

What a nice footbridge, but not one for public use.

The Afon Ystrad East of Brookhouse, Denbigh.

Two Greylag geese trying to hide.

Walking on t6he Afon Clywedog embankmant.

Following our leader.

I didn't think we were so popular with the bovine community.

Heading to the fingert post hrough a crop, but are we in a straight line?

Ann Parry's gravestone with the inscription in Welsh that translates as "God kept His word". 

Just before she died God promised her that her body would remain as incorruptible as her soul. 43 years when her son was to be buried in the same grave her coffin fell open to reveal that her body was perfectly preserved, hence the reason for the inscription on the gravestone.

St. Dyfnog's Well at Llanrhaeadr.

Locals on their patch - Blue face  / Taxal cross?

Early purple orchid in Llwyn Wood.

Buttercups and Daises as we approach Ystrad Farm.

The Clwydian Hills on the horizon.

Not far to go now, two fields and we are back to the start at Brookhouse.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.5 miles. Climb: 572'.

Time: 4 hours 55 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn,Roger, Sue and Michel, Fran and David S.

This was a glorious day for walking, dry, blue skies all day, pleasantly warm and very occasionally a cooling breeze.

 This wasn't a particularly challenging walk, although we had to cross several fields of lunch grass, cross through the middle of a crop, friendly cows and a route description that took us to a gap in a wall through which padlocked gate not barred our way.

 That taken into account this was a very enjoyable walk. Plenty of flowers to see including Bluebells and Early purple orchids and even a family of Greylag geese on the Afon Clywedog.

 When we arrived at the church at Llanrhaeadr, the church was open, and we were invited to see the famous "Jesse window and the grave of Ann Parry, the history of which was enthusiastically described to us.

 Lunch wa taken in the woodland between Llanrhaeadr church and Dyfnog's Well. The Pelissier's indulged us by proving everyone with a piece of a French a very rich buttery , high calorie bakers delight. No-one resisted the temptation to enjoy the offer - Brexit didn't come in to the consideration!

 A mile or so into the walk, a realise that I was carrying a dead platypus in my rucksack as my back was wetter that I would expect through sweat!

 i surprise of the day and delight too, was to see so many flowers, including Bluebells and Early purple orchids. Other flowers included: Buttercup, Daises, Stitchwort, Field forget me nots, dandelions, Herb robert, Common dog violet and Himalayan balsam,

 Birds seen or heard today icluded: house sparrow, Pied wagtail.Barn swallow, Mallard, House martin, Pied wagtail, Chiffchaff, rook, Carrion crow, Eurasian curlew an  Greylag goose.

 Butterflies were about as well, including Orange tip and Small white.

 In warm weather we don't that quick, so it was decided unanimously not to extend the walk to visist Denbigh Castle, and instead head back to the cars and onto liqiod refreshement at the Dinorben Arms , where Snowonia Ale ad Brunning and Price's own brew went down well.

 An enjoyable walk ending with realtive clean boots, nless you happened to step onto the presents that sheep leave behind ( still preperable to what ant dog leaves behind)!