A Pentrecelyn Round 28th August 2019

Early views of the Vale of Clwyd.

Testing out the umbrella.

Enjoying the walk!

A later view looking west towards Graigfechan.

(Umbrella top left to avoid getting rain drops on the lens).

Skies beginning to clear over the Vale of Clwyd and us!

Stretching out along a delightful section Offa's Dyke Footpath heading North towards Clwyd Gate.

A young Barn swallow having a rest.

looking across the Vale of Clwyd towards the Clocaenog Forest Wind Turbines.

Sea views from our lunch spot south west of Garreg Lwyd.

Rowen trees west of Moel Gyw. displaying bountiful red berries.

Looking North from the Offa's Dyke Footpath.

Heading north along the Offa's Dyke Footpath on the west side of Moel Gwy.

Our route for a mile a more along the access track through Coed Plas-y-nant.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.2 miles. Climb: 1476'.

Time: 4 hours 53 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Nigel and Wendy.

The weather forecast for today was pretty accurate, we set off just after 10-00 in light rain, just enough to see if using an umbrella would be better than putting on full waterproofs. I am not totally convince that following Paul and Ed's example was really the best option.  However shorts dried out quickly once the rain stopped.

 The star of the walk was a steady climb up the minor road, lots of early effort to be rewarded later on.

 Just before reaching the Offa's Dyke Path west of Moel y Plas the rain stopped, and other than a few spots later on, that was the last of the wet stuff. 

 Approaching Garreg Lwyd we found a suitable concrete construction that provide perching spots for lunch. It was a little early (only just after 12-00), but the prospect of better was likely to be limited. At least we we in a sheltered spot with good views, especially towards the coast, where the wind farm off Prestatyn could clearly be seen.

 up to now we had seen few birds, except for lots of Barn swallows hunting for insects around Moel Y Plas and northward o our lunch spot.

 After lunch we continued along another delightful section of the Offa's Dyke Footpath with now excellent views west across the Vale of Clwyd and north towards the coast.

 Leaving the Offa's Dyke Path we followed a much improved track through Coed Plas-y-nant before reaching the minor road past Berthfarn Farm.

 The next section along minor roads as far as Pentre-coch was more of a climb than we expected, but looking closely at the map the road did cross several contour lines.

 The last part of the walk followed a path through Coed Henblas, pleasant enough, except for me getting stuck s I tried to get under a fallen tre. Thankfully Wendy was at hand to release me!

Birds seen or heard today included: Barn swallow, Meadow pipit, Common buzzard, Winter wren, House sparrow, Collard dove, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Wood nuthatch, Blue tit and Carrion crow.

 We arrived back at the car having had a good walk, and ready to celebrate with a refreshing pint of Snowdonia Ale at the Glasfryn. A G and T was another reviver sampled!

Dates and Walks August 2019

Updated on 19th August 2019

Saturday 3rd August 2019.

Cadair Bronwen
Postponed.
See below for new walk.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1800'
Start: Llandrillo Riverside Car Park. Grid ref: SH035372.
Leave Chester at 08030 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley". It is described as a walk for experienced walkers. It includes two ancient upland paths and visits the most northern summit of the Berwyns, Cadair Bronwen at 2558'. Once on the Berwyn ridge, we should get some stunning views of Cadair Idris, Snowdonia and even the Shropshire Hills. Moorland sections and the descent down the Chlochnant Valley have in the past proved somewhat boggy, but hopefully at this time of the year we shouldn't get wet feet!

New Walk

Conwy Harbour, Conwy Mountain and Maen Esgob.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1700'.
Start: Conwy Long Stay Car Park on the Llanrwst Road. Grid refSH781773 . The car park is Pay and Display, (£4-50 for more than 4 hours).
The walk starts by walking along the harbour and around the east side of Bodlondeb Woo, following the North Wales Path. After crossing Conwy Mountain it continues acrross the Sychnant Pass Road and around the north western side of Maen Esgob. On reachig a path junctio, we head East past Llyn y Wrach. At the next path junction the route eads orth west towards Craigyfedwen, eventually picking up the path on the western side of Gwern Engen pack to the Sychnant Pass Road. The final part of the walk is along the track on the southern side of Conwy Mountain to the outskirt of the town and following the roads back to the start.

Wednesday 7th August 2019.

Y Foel. 

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Mill Street (A539), riverside car park, Llangollen. Pay and display car park adjacent to the Ponsonby Arms. Grid ref: SJ216421 (LL20 8RY).
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley.
The walk explores the upland area to the south of Llangollen. The route visits the summit of y Foel and the remains of Biddulph Tower. We should get good views in all directions from this point. The return route inludes using a the North Berwyn Way from Vivod Mountain. This will the first time we have used this section of the North Berwyn Way as it heads north east towards Ffynnon-las Wood.

Saturday 10th August 2019.

Vivod Mountain.
Postponed. 
Lots of rain and 40 m.p.h. gusting winds forecast.

Distance: 9.2 miles 1500'. 
Start; Roadside parking at Glyn Ceiriog. SJ202378. As it is a Saturday, it may be possible to park near the school.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley". This is a new walk for me and explores the the high heather moorland ridge north west of Glyn Ceiriog. The walk follows a path around the western flank of Y Foel before joining the North Berwyn Way to the top of Vivod Mountain. The return route includes paths through the Ceiriog Forest (Nantyr Forest). at the highest point of the walk we should get 360 degree viewsncluding the Shropshire Hills, the Berwyns, Snowdonia and the Clwydian Hills.

Wednesday 14th August 2019.

The Ceiriog Valley - Cefn-Hir-Fynydd 

and 

Bwlch-Adwy-Wynt.
Postponed - couldn't find any takers for a wet walk in the Ceiriog Valley. 

Distance: 8 -10 mles. Climb: 1250'. 
Start: Pontricket Layby. Grid ref: SJ186344.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley. The described walk start at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, but parking there isn't easy, hence extending the walk a little by starting at Pontricket.
The short walk involves descending the quite rocky sunken track back to Pontricket which most of us in the past have found rather unpleasant. The longer route avoids this but means thee is more uphill before descending through the Siambr gerrig valley.
The walk is a very varied walk with extensive views, and at one point follows a delightful section of the Upper Ceiriog Trail across Cefn-Hir-Fynydd t 1509'. Sections of the Ceiriog Valley Way are followed through fields and woodlands.

Saturday 17th August 2019.

Moel y Garneddd.
Postponed, but I will look for an alternative if I can find an area that has a reasonable weather forecast.

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.

Alternative Walk.

Mynydd Marian.

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

Start: Llandulas Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH907786.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book, "Walks on the North Wales Coast". It combines an interesting section of the coast line with the attractive limestone countryside between, Old Colwyn, Llysfaen and Llandulas. This is one of my favourite walks nd at the moment the forecast for Saturday looks promising.

Wednesday 21st August 2019.

Gop Hill and More from Trelawnyd.

Distance: 7-9 miles. Climb: 1300-1500'.
Start: Trelawnyd High Street Car Park: Grid ref: SJ091798.
Leave Chester: 09-00.
This is a walk taken from the Ramblers' Magazine "Walk". This is a variation of the walk we last did around Gwaenysgor. We will probably do a short extension to the trig point on Graig Fawr. We should get good views from Graig Fawr towards Snowdonia and the North Wales Coast.

Saturday 24th August 2019.

Foel Lwyd and Moefre.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1800'.

Start: Nant-y-Coed Nature Reserve, Llanfairfechan. Grid ref: SH698736. However we will meet up at Abergele / Pensarn Beach car park first and take just one car to the start.

Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.
Abergele / Pensarn Car Park: grid ref: SH942786. Meeting up at about 09-00 a.m.

This is a walk that Ed suggested might be worth doing. 

This walk described as a walk for experience walkers as it explores the wild upland pastures, moorland and mountain terrain. The route starts by going through the Nant y Coed Nature Reserve and crosses the river by LARGE stepping stones. The initial route follows paths running paallel to the Afon Ddu a far as Bwlch y Ddeufaen. A path close to the wall leads us all the way to the summit of Foel Lwyd, which i have only visited once before. On reaching the bwlch between Tal-y-Fan, the route heads North towards Moelfre. It will be this section that is the most challenging as the paths/tracks are often hard to find as they meander through the heather and bilberry. We may end up doing a little heather hopping!

 On a good clear day we should get extensive views of the higher Snowdonia peaks as well as towards the coast.

Wednesday 28th August 2019.

A Pentre-celyn Round
(A part of the Clwydian Trio.)

Distance: 9.5 miles; Climb:1900' '.
or
Distance: 6.3 -7.0 miles. Climb: 1430'

Start: Pentre-celyn car park . Grid ref: SJ150534.

The car parking area is on the left adjacent to the sign for Pentre-celyn, just off the B5429.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This is a walk based on a  walk by Debbie Hamilton in the "Walking" magazine. This walk includes the section of Offa's Dyke Path goes near Moel y Plas, Moel Gyw, Moel Llanfair and Boncyn y Waen-grogen. Her walk starts from Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, but we will start at Pentre Celyn about half a mile beyond Graigfechan.
 In recent years we have shortened the walk by missing out the northern section towards Moel Gyw. This reduces the walk by about 2 miles and the climb by about 500'. Although shorter it still makes a very good walk.

Saturday 31st August 2019.

To be announce if there is a demand and I am given sufficient notice.

Foel Lwyd and Moelfre 24th August 2019 Part 1. Photos only

Not a lot of water in the Afon Llanfairfechan today.

A picnic spot at the fishing pool in Nant y Coed Nature reserve.

The stepping stones across the Afon Llanfairfechan leading to the kissing gate.

A better view of the stepping stones across the Afon Llanfairfechan - looks easy!

Following the stone posts.

Looking North down th Llanfairfechan vallewy towards the coast.

Foel Lwyd ahead, but we wouldn't reach the top for anorher 80 minutes.

Pylons everywhere looking south west from the slpes of Foel Lwyd.

Following the wall across Foel Lwyd.

The view North from Foel Lwyd.

Foel Lwyd from our lunch spot.

looking North towards the coast from the path heading toward Moelfre.

The location of the burial site of a dog often marked by a small white cross in the stones.

The dog's owner, a local farmer, replaces the cross each year.

Part 2 of ths walk are on the next post.

Foel Lwyd and Moelfre 24th August 2019 - Part 2.. More photos and walk notes

Ed has found the path at last!

The Druids Circle from the easteern aslopes of Moelfre.

The Bachelor Boy Memorial, west side of Moefre Grid ref: SH71557434.

The Bachelor Boy Memorial.

Wild ponies on the North Wales Path.

Panorama from the North Wales Path from Foel Lwyd, the Carneddau as far as Anglesey.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.3 miles. Climb: 1404'.

Time: 5 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.8 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1. 3 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Ed.

We knew that this was going to be a good day weather wise, but we didn't expect it to quit so warm, especially during the morning climb to the top of Foel Lwyd.

 The walk started in the pleasant shade of the trees in Nant y Coed Nature Reserve.

 Not much water in the Afon Llanfairfechan, but Ed slipped on one of the stepping stones and ending up filling one boot with water.

 The next couple miles of climb was following stone marker stones, helpful as the path on the ground was feint at best.

 On reaching  pylons the slog of the day started as we climb steeply towards the wall leading to the top of Foel Lwyd. Climbing it this the hottest part of the day wasn't easy, but we did appreciate a little breeze as we neared the highest point.

 We decided to have lunch at the  col between Foel Lwyd and Tal y Fan. Thankfully it started to feel a little cooler at this point.

  after lunch we headed North along a path that was reasonably clear at first, but it wasn't long before we were relying on our GPSs to keep us  as near to where the path should be.

 We managed to fond the small wood cross surrounded by stones, just a a walker past by and explained that it  was the resting place of a dog that belonged to a local farmer.

 After visiting the top of Moefre, our next objective was to find the Bachelor's Boy Memorial, which did ind, once more thanks to the walker we had seen earlier and inicated where it was in relation to Moelfre.

  Along the North Wales Path, we met a couple sitting on a stone enjoying the view. It turned out that they had got engaged fifty years ago whilst visiting this area - good news story we didn't expect.  After pointing out the Memorial, they set off to visit it and we headed back to the start.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, jackdaw, Meadow pipit, Stonechat, Wheatear, Winter wren, Goldfinch and Common kestrel.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a far more challenging walk than we had anticipated, with drinks just lasting until the end and happy to take our boots off and let our feet breathe again.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at home, after a cold water wash.

Gop Hill and More from Trelawnyd. 21st August 2019

St, Peter's Church, Telawnyd.

Checking the engineering at Marian Mill.

Just friendly cows blocking the way?

Not what you expect in a field in Flintshire.

Time for elevenses.

A well defined path through a crop of barley.

A good lunch spot on the Offa's Dyke Path above the Prestayn Hillside Nature Reserve.

Coastal views from the Offa's Dyke Path above the Prestayn Hillside Nature Reserve.

The view from the tumulus near St. Elmo's Summer House.

Is he lost? No, just looking for St. Elmo's Summer House.

Golden Grove.

"Conquered The Gop at last!"

Descending from Gop Hill to Trelawnyd.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.7 miles. Climb: 1217'.

Time:  hours 36 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Nigel, David S., Celia and Ed.

This turned out to be almost a perfect day for walking weather wise, although at one point around 11-30, we did think momentarily about putting waterproofs  on. Thankfully the spots of rain didn't last long and had stopped completely.

 The route from Trelawnyd to Marian Mill was new to me, quite pleasant paths although they did have potential for being muddy.

 On one section of the Offa's Dyke Path we did surprise the local postman as he came round the corner rather quickly to be suddenly confronted by a few walkers.  He stopped in time and we passed each other amicably.

 No problem route finding but one field presented a dilemma, the path went through a field that had lots of cows, calves and the mandatory BULL. Three of us chose to cross the field, but went round the edge of the field so that at no time did we get between the calfs and their mothers. The rest of the group decided to retrace their steps and take the road around this particular field.

 Having crossed the field uneventfully, the group sticking to the described route sat down and enjoyed "elevenses" as the waited for the whole group to be reunited.

 At this point we were able, thanks to the landowner, take a new concessionary path taking us off the road, but leading to the Offa's Dyke Path. I addition it led to a barley  field, but the path through the crop was also clearly defined. It would be great if all farmers had the same attitude.

  Arriving at Bryniau, we had a choice of extending the walk to visit the summit of Graig Fawr,or follow the described route. We did the latter.

 Crossing the Offa's Dyke Path above the Prestatyn Hillside Nature Reserve, we did get view towards the coast, but not particularly good, although the Great Orme could just be made out.

 Lunch was taken at Gwaenysgor, using the long bench at the Memorial Garden. Next time I have lunch here, I must make a point of visiting the adjacent St. Mary' Magdalene Church which a notice nearby said was open.

 Fruit cake was proved, as it had been one member of the groups seventieth birthday lasdt Friday, but not all dared to sample it at lunch time and took it home!

 Much of the route after lunch was familiar to us all, and Ed set off in front, but he was on "auto pilot" and missed the road we should have taken and carried on to the path that we usually take, a slight extension, but nothing to moan about!

 The last part of the Clwydian Way to Gop Hill, took us on a road between the New Plantation and Talfryn Wood, another new section to me. 

 As Ed hadn't visited the Gop Hill cairn before, it was a must that on this occasion we didn't bypass it.

 This done, we headed down the clearly marked path from Gop Hill back to Telwanyd and the start.

  Not many birds seen or heard today, but those we did included: carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Lesser black back gull, Barn swallow, Herring gull, Woodpigeon, Wood nuthatch and Goldfinch.

 A good walk enjoyed by all and long enough for most of us.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter went down well and the landlord smiled.

Mynydd Marian 17th August 2019

On the North Wales Coastal Path from Llanddulas o Old Colwyn.

Looking towards the Little Orme from the North Wales Coastal Path.

A Great black-backed gull on the shore west of Llanddulas.

Looking across the bay towards Rhos-on-Sea and the Little Orme.

Walking through the Fairy Glen at Old Colwyn.

Gulls and corvids.

More gulls and corvids in a recently cropped wheat field.

Off shore wind turbines seen from our lunch spot on the east side of Mynydd Marian.

Heading eastward on the North wales Path south east of Mynydd Marian.

Almost a complete Fairy Circle.

A butterfly feeding on thistle nectar, but is it a Painted lady?

Craig y Forwyn and Rhyd-y-foel.

Llanddulas ahead.

A section of the delightful wooded path on the east side of Craig y Forwyn.

Memorial to Lewis E. Valentine at Llanddulas.

What would he think of Plaid Cymru now?

Another memorial to Lewis E. Valentine at Llanddulas.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb: 1136'.

Time: 4 hours 33 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger and Celia.

This is always a good walk, but today it was one of he best as it was completed almost entirely in warm sunshine, accompanied by a refreshing breeze.

 the views from the North Wales Coastal path were excellent, especially looking westward towards Rhos-on-Sea and the Little Orme. 

 As we climbed the path on the east side of the golf course, Roger had a lucky escape as a stray golf ball came over the hedge, hit his walking stick, deflected off his chest and into the hedge never to be seen again.

 We decided to have lunch on Mynydd Marian, past the first two available seat, expecting to find a third seat on the east side of the old signal station. alas it was no longer there!

 Instead, we dropped down to track leading to Llysfaen, and took advantage of the large stones lining the track.

 On this occasion, we stayed on the North Wales Path rather than climb up and over Craig y Forwyn.

 Sections of our route today were lined with Nettles that seemed to spot bare legs and willingly left their mark.

 Bird seen or heard today included: Herring gull, Great black-backed gull, Black-headed gull, great cormorant, House sparrow, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Goldfinch and Winter wren.

 WE arrived back at the car having has a very enjoyable, celebrated with a pint of Lees at the Britannia Inn at  Pentre Halkyn. Other drinks were enjoyed as well.