Monday 23rd March 2020.
Home, River Lane , Saltney Riverside and Higher Ferry.
Morrison's Saltney Ship Sculpture by Stephen Boradbent, but all of the ceramic tiles are missing.
Morrison's Saltney Ship Sculpture by Stephen Boradbent, but all of the ceramic tiles are missing.
Looking towards Higher Ferry from Saltney Riverside.
Chester skyline from the Riverside Saltney.
Daffodils still in bloom along the riverside path, Saltney.
A Greenfinch in a tree next to the riverside path, Saltney.
Looking towards Queensferry from the Higher Ferry / Saltney Ferry Footbridge.
Distance: 3.5 miles. Climb: 137'.
Time: 1 hour 36 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Another beautiful day for walking, on the cool side at first, but warming up nicely as the Sun's influence began to increase.
Today I decided to head along High Street first, and as I passed Morrisons, Saltney I was disappointed to see that the ceramic tiles depicting the history of Saltney had all disappeared from the Stephen Broadbent Ship Sculpture. Hopefully they will be replaced sometime in the future by making new tiles using the original artwork from students from local primary schools or if necessary new artwork produced by current students at these schools.
The river was still pretty high even though tide was still rising. The views along the river were superb, with the bright sunshine and blue skies at times giving the river a slightly blue tinge.
There didn't seem to be quite so many birds round today, but it was still good to hear a couple of Chiffchaffs calling and get good views of a male Greenfinch.
Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Common blackbird, Oystercatcher, Black billed magpie, Woodpigeon, Dunnock and House sparrow.
Only a short walk, but it is still good to get out and enjoy God's creation.
Tuesday 24th March 2020.
A Saltney Round and Along the River.
Moorhen on Balderton Brook, Saltney.
Moorhen on Balderton Brook, Saltney.
Male Greenfinch by the riverside path, Saltney.
Looking towards Queensferry from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.
Skylark, singing still heard above the wind noise.
Moel Famau on the skyline.
Skylark, siging still heard above the wind noise.
Canada geese on the river.
Chester Cathedral and town hall on the skyline.
Walk stats: distance: 4.7 miles. Climb: 200'.
Time: 2 hours 18 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
The time on the photos suggests that I set off on my walk very early, yes I did but in reality it was an hour later than the photos would imply.
It was another good day for walking, pleasantly warm, but with a cool wind later on.
Still a few walkers, (mainly with dogs), two runners and a few cyclists mainly on their own, although was one group of two.
Birds see orheard today included: Woodpigeon, Goldfich, Common blacbird, Moorhen, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Dunnock, Great cormorant, Black-billed magpie, Blue tit, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Oystercatcher, Carrion crow, Canada goose, Common redshank, Jackdaw, House sparrow, Song thrush, Meadow pipit and Skylark.
Time: 2 hours 8 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Just before setting off I noticed that I usually use on none walk days was about an hour slow, but the watch is kept going by kinetic motion and the last time it was worn was 9 days ago, so it was obvously running out of juice. I decided to where it on my walk today and will try to remember to wear it at times when I at home.
This was probably the best weather this year for walking, pleasantly warm, dare I say even shorts weather, but alas I didn't have enough courage to do so.
Although I didn't wear shorts, I did wear a cap to keep the glare of the Sun out of my eyes.
Not so many birds seen this time, but hearing Chiffchaff and Skylarks singing was a bonus. An unexpected possible sighting of Yellowhammers was also good.
A few less people out walking today, and most were trying to keep 2 m apart, even when passing others. More cyclists today were solo cyclists, thankfully no large clubs out.
I had hoped to see the Dee bore today, but it was so small I almost missed it!
Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Black-billed magpie, Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Mallard, Greenfinch, European robin, Common chaffinch, Winter wren, Oystercatcher, Chiffchaff, Little egret, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Common redshank, Greenfinch, Common blackbird, Yellowhammer and Woodpigeon.
A very enjoyable wal, a blessing to be out enjoying the countryside.
Sue Pearson's caption on this was "3 Herons near the weir - all obeying the social distance rule".
I can't disagree, so far away they aren't even in the picture!
Wednesday 25th March 2020
Another Saltney and Higher Ferry Riverside Walk.
There is one in that bush somewhere because you can hear it singing.
Looking towards Queensferry from the Saltney Ferry / Higher Ferry Footbridge.
A hazy Moel famau above Airbus as seen from the Saltney Ferry / Higher Ferry Footbridge.
A Winter wren at Higher Ferry.
A Little egret in a field north west of Higher Ferry.
Yet more Skylarks singing in competion toother birds and wind noise.
A pair of Mallard on the River Dee.
Distance: 4.0 miles. Climb: 100'.Time: 2 hours 8 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Just before setting off I noticed that I usually use on none walk days was about an hour slow, but the watch is kept going by kinetic motion and the last time it was worn was 9 days ago, so it was obvously running out of juice. I decided to where it on my walk today and will try to remember to wear it at times when I at home.
This was probably the best weather this year for walking, pleasantly warm, dare I say even shorts weather, but alas I didn't have enough courage to do so.
Although I didn't wear shorts, I did wear a cap to keep the glare of the Sun out of my eyes.
Not so many birds seen this time, but hearing Chiffchaff and Skylarks singing was a bonus. An unexpected possible sighting of Yellowhammers was also good.
A few less people out walking today, and most were trying to keep 2 m apart, even when passing others. More cyclists today were solo cyclists, thankfully no large clubs out.
I had hoped to see the Dee bore today, but it was so small I almost missed it!
Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Black-billed magpie, Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Mallard, Greenfinch, European robin, Common chaffinch, Winter wren, Oystercatcher, Chiffchaff, Little egret, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Common redshank, Greenfinch, Common blackbird, Yellowhammer and Woodpigeon.
A very enjoyable wal, a blessing to be out enjoying the countryside.
Others have been out today.
I can't disagree, so far away they aren't even in the picture!
Another Grey heron.
Keeping the best till last.
Thursday 26th March 2020
A Saltney Riverside walk, including a little of the Wles Coast Path.
Another Greeninch.
A Raven on the bank of the River Dee.
Looking toward Saltney from the Saltney Ferry / Higher Ferry Footbridge.
A brief encounter with a Winter wren at Higher Ferry.
Goosander on the River Dee near Bumbers Lane.
The Chester skyline from the Wales Coast Path near Bumpers Lane.
One Grey heron or two?
Grey heron on the exposed mud bank.
Saltney Ferry / Higher Ferry Footbridge.
A Pied wagtail near Mold Junction Railway bridge.
Thursday 26th March 2020
A Saltney Riverside walk, including a little of the Wles Coast Path.
Walk stats: Distance: 3.9 miles. Climb: 60'.
Time: 2 hours 25 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
This wasn't day for rushing, warm and almost windless with lots of birds singing, frequently making me stop and listen and seach to see if I could spot the singer.
The surprise bird of the day was a Raven but the star of the day was spotting a Brown hare running in a field, alas it disappeared before I could get my camera out!
It was very noticeable today that some people were making sure that they were at least the recommended 2 m away from you as they passed you.
It has been really pleasing to see and hear so many Greenfinch and Winter wrens on both sides of the river, in past yearsI have see so few of the former.
Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Goldfinch, European robin, Pied wagtail, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Mallard, dunnock, Common blackbird, Oystercatcher, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Common chaffinch, Blue tit, Common starling, Common redshank and Goosander.
I now mark alocation flag on my GPS for each birds I see, so itmeans the overall walking average gets slower and slower the more birds and wildlife I see.
This was by far the best day weatherwise be doing anything outside, although I did decline to cut the grass when I got home.
Pretty
Bridge.
An Even Shorter Saltney Riverside Walk.
Grey heron in its usual spot on the mud bank of the River dee, west of Bumper's Lane.
Not the clearest photo of a Chiffchaff, hopefully in future I will find one that is more cooperative for long enough for me to focus on it properly.
Not so many walking this morning on the Riverside Path south east of Saltney Ferry Footbridge.
Just two, one walker and one dog walker, obeying the social distancing directive.
A cyclist and a runner obeyinbg social ditancing on the Wales Coast Path south east of Higher Ferry Footbridge.
Moel Famau in the distance, slightly clearer than earlier in the week.
A Dunnock singing from the top of a hedge near Saltney Ferry Primary School.
Friday 27th March 2020.
A Very Short Saltney Riverside Walk.
The start of the Riverside Path, River Lane Saltney.
A Lesser black back gull on the mud bank west of Bumper's Lane, Chester.
A male Common blackbird next to the Riverside Path.
A European robin trying to hide.
I am glad I don't have stay at home on the top floor of one those.
Chester Football Club's ground from the Saltney ferry Riverside Path.
One of two Pied wagtails on the wall of Mold Junction Railway Bridge.
A Rook in a field north of Saltney Ferry Primary School.
Lesser celandine starting to take over at the bottom of my garden.
Walk stats: Distance: 2.4 miles. Climb: 33'.
Time: 1 hour 17 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
This is the fifth day in a row that has been almost perfect for walking. Warm sunshine not much wind and blue skies.
Distant views were still somwhat hazy, perhaps they will get clearer when British Summer Time starts at the weekend.
There didn't seem to be quite as many birds out this morning, but those I did see or hear included: House sparrow, European robin, Winter wren, Chiffchaff, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch, Blue tit, Lesser black back gull, Jackdaw, Black billed magpie, Feral pigeon and Rook.
Nigel's Zoo Bridleway, Shropshire Union canal, cycle way
Are we in the country?
Looking towards the hospital.
From cycleway to Chester Northgate
Distance: 5.6 miles + 1 mile getting to start and end from home. Climb: 100'.
Time: 2¼ hours.
An absolutely perfect Wednesday for doing what I think is the best of the local Upton walks, I know Celia does it too. I started off about 3:00pm hoping that there would be fewer people around and generally this was a sound strategy. I found people were pretty good at social distancing, although along the canal footpath 2m is not always possible easily and can mean thinking ahead as to where you are going to cross over. The cycleway is the busiest section and bikes tend to think they are free to go very fast.
Starting at the end of Flag Lane North I took the bridleway through the zoo but being late in the day did not see the elephants and vultures I normally do. Going down towards the canal I noticed the old MoD site looks as though it has been sold as some work had been done there, maybe the zoo has bought it?
At Pretty Bridge (Caughall Bridge) I was hoping to see kingfishers to boast to Martyn about, but nothing doing. The 3.2 miles along the canal is my favourite bit as you can pretend you really are in the country except for the electricity pylons. You go behind the Dale Camp, past the disused golf course on the opposite bank and behind the hospital before getting to the cycleway.
Back to Upton along the cycleway to end at Newton Bridge. Just then the walk home, all in all a good stretch of the legs without using the car.
Contact Nigel T if you would like a map of the route.
Saturday 28th March 2020.An Even Shorter Saltney Riverside Walk.
Just two, one walker and one dog walker, obeying the social distancing directive.
Walk stats: Distance: 2.3 miles. Climb: 60'.
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
I set off hoping that it would be warm enough to be able to leave my fleece in my rucksack, Alas this wasn't to be, and as I reached the Riverside Path the cool breeze made my mind u and I stopped to put my jacket on.
Nevertheless it was pleasant walking , especially when the Sun's rays were allowed to reach me.
There were noticebly fewer walkers / dog walkers / cyclists /runners than earlier in the week, but everyone was obeying the social distancing direct, even when passing people coming in the opposite direction.
The best moment of the walk was getting good views of a singing Chiffchaff, even if it wasn't very obliging when it came to trying to take its photo. Another good moment was hearing a Skylar singing above a field north of Saltney Ferry.
Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Chiffchaff, Song thrush, Goldfinch, Common blackbired Grey heron, lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Black headed gull, House sparrow, Pied wagtail, Feral pigeon, Common starling, Black billed magpie and Dunnock.,
An enjoyable short walk.
