Holywell. Stokyn, Gwibnant and the Coastal Path 30th October 2019

The Clock Toweropposite Battery Cottages in the upper Greenfield Valley.

Coastal views on the approach to Sokyn Hall.

The Duke of Lancaster can just about be seen.

Getting down on your knees is the only way!

Approaching Mostyn Dock along the Coastal Path.

Looking a cross the fields towards the Duke of Lancaster.

Why is in Christ Church, Gwibnant getting such a close look?

A closer look at the Duke of Lancaster - one that an hour earlier we didn't expect to get!

Par of the Coastal Path from Llannerch-y-mor to Greenfield Dock.

Part of Greenfield Dock.

On the new easy access path leading to the Greenfield Heritage Park from main car park on the Flint Road (A548).

Basingwerk Abbeyfrom the old railway track to Holywell.

Yet another improved section on the old railway track from Greenfield to Holywell.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.2 miles. Climb: 998' (GPS reading, probably a little wind assisted).

Time: 4 hours  51 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Nigel.

This was a good day for walking, largely sunny and on the cool side, but not sufficiently cold to warrant full Winter Paramo gear. Within an hour the jacket was banished to the rucksack and i Had been forced into my first change of shirt!

 As we crossed Bryn Celyn, we had our first views across the Dee estuary, although quite good, they were no match for our walk earlier in the year when we could see Blackpool Tower and the Lake District mountains beyond.

 Our first unexpected problem was as we descended the bridleway from the special school to the Hen Dafarn at Llannerch-y-mor. Our path was blocked by a fallen tree, that meant the only way to make progress was to take off our rucksacks and crawl underneath the barrier.

 We arrived at Llannerch-y-mor quite early,so we decided to start on the extension to take the Coastal Path towards Mostyn Docks and on to Gwibnant before descending back to Llannerch-y-mor.

 This was when we realised that we had another problem. The high tide had risen above the banks and flooded over the paths - our intended route from Llannerch-y-mor to Greenfield Dock seemed to be a none starter!

 We decided the extension to Gwibnant and back to Llannerch-y-mor, and lunch i the grounds of Abakan would give us time to come up with the best alternative options to get round the flooded section.

 We were able to take lunch on one of the many picnic tables at Abakan, shielded from any breeze and basking in the warm sunshine.

 Setting off after lunch, once more, we left Abakan at the north east corner of the car park. To our utter amazement, the tide had receded so much (dropping the water level by at least 3') that the path we wanted to use was now accessible.

 We happily resumed our planned walk.

 Our next surprise cane as we crossed the Greenfield Valley Heritage Car Park on the A548 Flint Road, a new easy access path had been added as had improvements along the old railway track to Holywell.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Black billed magpie, Common blackbird, Winter wren, Woodpigeon, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Rook, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Rook.

 Overall a good and enjoyable walk and capped with a good pint of Lees Bitter bat the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

Dates and Walks October 2019

Updated on 25th October 2019

Wednesday 2nd October 2019.

Grange, Pantasaph and Llwyn Ifor.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb 1100'.

Start: Holywell, Halkyn Street Car Park (pay and display - £1 on our last visit). Grid ref: SJ18957548.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is another figure of eight walks from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones's book " 10 Walks Around Holywell".

 Again the walks take us along many paths that we know well, but there are a few new ones for us to explore too. Good views, especially towards the coast once we get on higher ground above Holywell.

Saturday 5th October 2019.

Beaumaris and Penmon. 
Postponed until 19th October 2019.
There are major road works on the A55, so I will switch this walk to one that doesn't involve using the A55 around the Abergele area.
Replacement Walk.
Llugwy and Lledr,

See below.

This walk combines one walk from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 1" with a walk from his book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 2" .  We enjoyed these walk when we last did it in March 2011.  High tide is at 15-08, so it should be possible to walk along the beach for the first part of the walk.  This is a good and varied walk, passing Penmon Priory and the site of Castell Aberlleiniog.
However I am sure a few short cuts will be made to reduce the distance to around 10 miles.

The Llugwy and Lledre Valley. 

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 1500'.

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

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m.

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!

Wednesday 9th October 2019.

East of Holywell,The Moor and Greenfield Valley.

Distance: 9  - 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: Halkyn Sreet car park Holywell. (opposite the hospital). Grid ref: SJ18957548.

This is a figure of eight walk, combing one walk from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones' booklet " 10 Walks Around Holywell" and one walk from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". The first walk explores the moor and valley to the North of Holywell and the other walk explores the undulating countryside between Holywell and Bagillt.

Saturday 12th October 2019.

Moel-y-Gaer and Halkyn Moutain from the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn.
Postponed as it looks as though I will be Billy No Mates again.

Distance: 8-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Common ground opposite the Blue Bell Inn, Halkyn. Grid ref: SJ209702.

Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m. (A bonus time to start for some!)

This walk attempts to combine two walks from the Blue Bell Inn's web site, but it isn't that easy to extend the walk beyond the 6 miles in the described routes! The route includes many of the paths that we have used on our regular walks in this region, but many are in the opposite direction to the usual way that we go. We will probably extend the route by visiting the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

Wednesday 16th October 2019.

Around Gwysaney and More.

Distance: 6.0 miles, 8.5 miles or 9.5 miles or 10.5 miles (decided on the day, as and when we have to make a decision!).

Climb: 1500', but depends on the actual route we decide to take after lunch! 

Start. Parking area near the children's play ground in Rhosesmore. Grid ref: SJ214684.

The walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Holywell Mountain and Halkyn Mountain. Our usual route normally includes Cwm Conwy, but I suspect that today's walk won't! The Gwystaney walk is described as a walk through the undulating countryside between Rhosesmor and Sychdyn, exploring the lush wooded Gwysaney Estate. The second walk at least includes visiting Moel Y Gaer hill-fort and how much more depends on us!.

Saturday 19th October 2019.

Beaumaris and Penmon. 
Postponed - weather forecast suggests it will rain al day.
Replacement walk will be more local.
Moel Famau via Coed Clwyd, Moel Ffrith and possibly Moel Dywyll
An 8 -10 mile walk  with a climb of either 1700' or 2000'
from 
 Bwlch Penbarras car park (pay and display). Grid ref: SJ161605.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

or
as a last resort

Halkyn Mountain from the Common Ground opposite the Blue Bell. Grid ref: SJ209702.

Distance:13 miles. Climb: 1300'.

Start: The car park on the left just past Beaumaris Castle. Grid ref: SH609762.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk combines one walk from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 1" with a walk from his book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 2" .  We enjoyed these walk when we last did it in March 2011.  High tide is at 13-28, so it should be possible to walk along the beach for the first part of the walk.  This is a good and varied walk, passing Penmon Priory and the site of Castell Aberlleiniog.
However I am sure a few short cuts will be made to reduce the distance to around 10 miles.

Wednesday 23rd October 2019.

Fron Hen and Bryn Alyn.

Distance: 10 -11 miles. Climb: 1800'. 
Although the distance will probably be reduced by taking a few short cuts.

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 uses two walks from Dave Berry's book More Walks in the Clwydian Hill".  We have combined these walks on several occasions before and the section over Bryn Alyn is always good. It will also give us another opportunity to test our route finding skills through Nercwys Forest again! Admittedly the last couple of times we have had no problems in finding the right path, we've done it so many times over the years that at last the route seems to be etched in to our memories!

This good walk has its challenges and its delights too!

Saturday 26th October 2019.

Monsal Head And More.
Postponed - heavy rain forecast all day.

Distance 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: Monsal Head Car Park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SK184714.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
It is a long time since we started a walk from the Monsal Head. This walk is a rather contrived walk, but it will enable us to walk along the Monsal Trail, including going through a three tunnels, Litton, Cressbrook and Headstone tunnels. There are lights in the tunnels, but taking a torch is recommended just in case they fail for some reason.
The walk sfollows Water-cum-Jolly Dale,Miller's Dale before joining the Monsal Trail just beyond Litton Mill. The trail is followed as far as Longstone Lane which is followed south before linking up wth field paths back to the start.

Wednesday 30th October 2019.

Stokyn, The Coastal Path and More.

Distance: 8.0 miles Climb: 800'.
Start: Holywell Halkyn Street Car Park. Grid ref: SJ18957548.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones' booklet "10 Walks Around Holywell".  Much of the walk is familiar to all of us. As this walk is nominally shorter than our usual walk, it will probably give us time to explore the grounds of Basingwork Abbey, or maybe extending the walk after perusing the map at lunch time. Last time we did this walk, we ended up doing 10.3 miles.

Around Bryn Alyn and Eryrys 23rd October 2019

Glimpses of Burley Hill Quarry.

Burley Hill Quarry.

On the path in Big Covert on the west side of Burley Hill Quarry.

Moel Famau from west of Bryn Alyn.

The way to Nercwys Mountain and Forest.

Distant views toward Clocaenog Wind Farm.

Limestone pavements on Bryn Alyn.

The panorama as we descended fro Bryn Alyn towards Plymog.

The Druid's Inn at Llanferres.

Walk stats: 8.0 miles. Climb: 1390'.

Time: 4 hours 53 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S and Mike.

This was a great day for walking weather wise, cool at first but it wasn't long before it was bright and sunny and with very little wind it was quite warm.

 walking through Big Covert was particularly delightful as the sun's rays broke through the trees now that much of their foliage had been shed.

 Much of the climbing was done in the morning, first on the way to Maeshafn through Big Covert and then from near Burley Quarry up the north eastern slopes of Bryn Alyn.

 On the way to Nercwys Forest we once again we encountered a field containing cows with calves and of course the mandatory bull. Thankfully the bull paid little attention to us as we took a wide track round them.

 Lunch was taken part way through Nercwys Forest at point where many of the trees had been felled, leaving suitable stumps on which to sit and enjoy having lunch basking in the warm sunshine.

 After lunch, much to our surprise, it wasn't long before we started to climb again, but before long we were starting to descend towards Eryrys. It was probably at this point that we had our best distant views when we could see as far a the Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm. 

 As we approached Eryrys we encountered our second field of cows, calves and a bull and these headed straight towards where we wanted to go. Thankfully once more we could avoid them by choosing a different path to the Eryrys Road.

 We didn't see that many birds today, but one road in Eryrys seemed be be a hot spot for House sparrows.

 Our final climb through limestone pastures and onto Bryn Alyn gave us our best views of the day. This was over the Bryn Alyn limestone pavements and towards the Clwydian Hills and of course, Moel Famau.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House spoarrow, Common blackbird, European robin, Winter wren, Stonechat, Pied wagtail, Woodpigeon, Rook, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook and Common buzzard.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, shorter than usual, but it did mean we were just in time to enjoy a refreshing pint of Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale before the Druid's Inn closed at 15-00.

Moel Famau, Around Ffrith Mountain and Moel Dywyll 19th October 2019

The path from Bwlch Penbarrasheading north east towards the picnic site / PC car park.

"I couldn't possibly comment."

Looking across the rservoir towards our route to join the Offa's Dyke Path.

On the path heading for the Offa's Dyke Path to Mel Famau.

.

At the Moel Dywyll Cairn.

Resting by the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau.

Looking back towards the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau.

The Vale o Clwyd from the Bwlch Penbarras Car Park at the end of the walk.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.9 miles. Climb: 1581'.

Time; 5 hours 18 minutes. O the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

Overall this was a good day weather wise for walking, mainly dry and at times pleasantly warm i the warm morning sunshine. I did stop once to put on my waterproof jacket, but as son as I had done so, the rain stopped!

 Alderhey Hospital had a sponsor event involving Moel Famau, but our paths didn't overlap, except for seeing some organisers picking up route direction way markers as we descended to Bwlch Penbarras at the end of the walk.

 Distant views were somewhat limited due to the overcast nature that was predominant for most of the day.

 We settled for lunch, perching on the remains of a stone wall north east of Moel Dywyll, only disturbed by the sound of gunshot o the opposite side of the valley.

 The climb over Moel Dywyll to Moel Famau is always a bit of a slog, but at least it was dry and not windy and the views over the Vale of Clwyd were pretty good.

 Unusually arriving at the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau there was hardly any wind and a pair of Ravens entertained US nearby.

Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, European robin, Common blackbird, Eurasian jay, Common magpie, Winter wren, Meadow pipit, Common pheasant, House sparrow, Raven, Carrion crow, Jay and Meadow pipit.

Overall a very enjoyable walk, capped by refreshing drinks at the Cholomendy Ams at Cadole - all five of their real ales on offer were sampled! None were disappointing!

Around Gwysaney and More 16th October 2019

Looking North west towards Rhosesmor and Moel y Gaer.

Looking North towards Tyddyn-bach and the Dee Estuary.

Strolling in the mid-morning sunshine.

Negotiating the boggy section in Big Wood.

Looking west across the valley towards Gwysaney Hall.

A local resident trying to escape.

Not something we expected to see on the way to Gwysaney Hall.

Looking eastward towards Gwysaney Hall.

Moel Famau from the path on the west side of Gwysaney Hall.

Blue skies and a buzzard.

Liverpool from Moel y Gaer, Rhosesmor.

Looking towards the Dee Estuary from the ramparts if Moel y Gaer.

The Clwydian Hills from the ramparts if Moel y Gaer.

St. Paul's Church at Rhosesmor.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 838'.

Time: 4 hours 37 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S and Nigel.

This was almost a perfect day for walking weather wise, plenty of warm sunshine, very little wind of any significance and only a few spots of rain towards the end of the walk as we climbed up Moel y Gaer.

 Once more the views today were quite extensive, but perhaps didn't quite match up to those seen last week. Nevertheless we did see as far as Liverpool and Fiddlers Ferry in one direction, the Cheshire plain and Beeston Hill in another direction and the Clwydian Hill in another.

 Lunch was taken on the west side of Ram Wood, where we took advantage of a low section in the wall on which to perch.

 After lunch it wasn't long before we were faced with the challenge of the marshy area as we headed towards Sarn Galed from Quarry Farm. This done, all still with dry feet, every was plain sailing. Just beyond Sarn Galed farm, we had some superb close up views of a Common buzzard circling above us.

 Perhaps the best views of the day were obtained once we had climb to the top of Moel y Gaer hill fort at Rhosesmor. The views from this vantage point extended to a full 360 degrees, well worth the effort to climb to the top at the end of the walk.

 In addition, we decided to look inside St. Paul's Church at Rhosesmor, the first time that we had so. In the past we had ignored the welcoming notices on the gate outside, perhaps next time we will spend a little more time in the church, preferably at the start of the walk when our boots are still clean.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, European robin, Common pheasant, Black billed magpie and Common buzzard.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, once more under new management but the Lees Bitter was just as good. The coffee was good too.

East of Holywell, The Moor and Greenfield Valley 9th October 2019

The Wat's Dyke Way path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi.

On the Wat's Dyke Way path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi.

Fallen trees block the he Wat's Dyke Way path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi.

Fallen trees block the he Wat's Dyke Way path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi, taken from the stile as the path emerges into an open field.

Liverpool Cathedral on the skyline.

Looking a cross the Dee Estuary towards Hilbre Island Wat's Dyke Way near Coeti-Llwyd.

"Why can't we come with you?"

Looking across the Dee Estuary as we descendedTyn y Pistyll.

Unlike the young calves seen earlier, these sheep couldn't get away quick enough!

I was in front at the time, so was it just me that they were trying to get away from or just people?

Looking across the Dee Estuary as we descended from The Moor.

Final views looking north across the Dee Estuary as we descended from The Moor.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 1025'.

Time: 4 hours 58 minute. On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

 Group: Martyn, Nigel and David S.

The forecast today was pretty good, although there was always the chance of a shower particularly in the morning.  We did get one heavy shower near Ffordd-y-Dre, but we were able to shelter under the cover of the tree canopies that crossed above the road. I looked at the "Dark Sky" ap on my phone and it suggested the rain would stop in about 8 minutes. It was in fact a little longer, but it was well worth sheltering for an extra couple of minutes or so.

 We set off, knowing that the first challene would be the Wat's Dyke Way through Coed Llwybr-y-bi, oftenvery muddy even in the Summer.

 However the problem today was much worse, with many of the steps badly needing attention and higher up had been blocked completely by several trees that had fallen across the stepped path.

 Reaching the open field was a great relief. Views today were pretty good, but were rather poor after the excellent views that we had last week.

 after our rain delay, we decided to miss out the northern section of the walk mand headed along the road back to Holywell.

 Lunch was taken, as we often do in the Remberance Garden in Holywell.

 After lunch we set off from Holywell, heading across The Moor, once again giving us good views across the Dee Estuary, before descending towards Greenfield Valley.

 David S persuaded us to take a short cut through a cemetery, and was heard to say "I struggled to get out" as he went through the exit kissing gate. A postman over heard him and had visions of someone trying to get out of one of graves in the cemetery!

 The final part of the walk was the steady gentle climb along the former railway track back to Holywell and the start.

 Overall a good and enjoyable walk and all ready for a descent pint at the Britannia Inn at Haly. Unfortunately it was closed and some of ended up having refreshments at the Fox and Grapes in Hawarden. Weetwood's Eastgate Bitter was one that we tried, but Moorhouse's Pendle Pride was in much better nick.