LLwyn Ifor and More 2nd October 2019

First views of the Dee Estuary as we reached The Moor north of Bryn Celyn.

On The Moor, but does anyone know which way to go?

Looking across the Dee Estuary towards Blackpool Tower.

The Duke of Lancaster from Llwyn Ifor.

Liverpool's cathedrals from the path east of Llwyn Ifor Bach.

Mertyn Hall - where my ancestors were in service.

"We are coming to check you out."

Like Barn swallows, walkers gather too at this time of the year.

or

Just a convenient place to stop for lunch next to the playground at Holway west of Holywell.

Tryfan and the Glyders from the ridge south east of Pen-y-Ball top.

Snowdonia on the skyline.

Moel Famau from the ridge south east of Pen-y-Ball top.

Descending through bracken towards our start in Holywell.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.7 miles. Climb: 979'.

Time: 5 hours 25 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, David S., Mike, Wendy, Fran and Nigel.

This turned out to be a glorious day for walking, largely sunny, little wind and warm enough to make wearing a fleece unnecessary,

 The views today were superb, we could see Blackpool tower, the mountains of the Lake District, Snowdonia  as well as our local heroes of Moel Famau and Beeston. Both cathedrals in Liverpool were also clearly seen.

 Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Rook, Raven, Woodpigeon, Great spotted woodpecker an Common buzzard.

 However the very slow on the move walking average tells another story. Several sections were somewhat over grow, rsukting in those with bare legs getting several scratches and many nettle stings.  Frequent delays were made as we used secateurs and other implements to make our way more easily.

 Lunch was taken, using a wall near the playground at Holway, not with a view, but having recently been challenged when we had to negotiate unpleasant a muddy section enhanced by cow deposits, we were still very grateful.

 After lunch was the time we ended up on a path needing most use of secateurs, only to find we could have missed it all outby going along the edge of the playing field.

 Later on, as we were heading towards Pen-y-Ball  the way to Pantasaph when we cam across a  field of a waist high crop that we should have gone right through the middle. This wasn't an option for most of us, so an alternative route back to the car was taken. 

 The bonus of choosing this new route was that it gave us some super views of the high peaks in Snowdonia and enabled Fran to get home relatively early.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia inn at Halkyn, where the Lees bitter went down well; as did the G and T and the coffee.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk despite the many stiles that were often quite slippery. Thankfully no-one had any mishaps.