Moel Llys-y-coed, Moel Dywyll and Moel Famau
from Cilcain.
The Spider mite's empire.
On the way to Offa's Dyke.
Waiting on the axscent of Moel Llys-y-coed on the way to Moel Famau.
A new sign - hopefully it will bring more trade to this hostelry.
Just to prove we did make it to the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau.
The misty view towards Cilcain from our lunch spot.
The grassy track descent towards Ffrith Mountain
Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb: 1425'.Time: 4 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h,
Group: Martyn, Nigel, Fran, Sue and Michel.
We arrived at the start with the tops still in mist, but if the the forecasts were right, the mist should clear by the time were crossing the the Moels. Alas they were wrong and the mist remained throughout. Distant views were all left to our memories from walks completed in earlier times.
Birds seen or heard today were few and far between, but included: European robin, Rook, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit, Partridge, Grouse and Wheatear.
The first unusual sight was seeing Gorse on the hillside decked in spiders webs highlighted by the early morning dew or persistent mist. The possible culprit could have been the Gorse spider mite.
The misty weather hadn't put other walkers off, but what did surprise us was the number of women only groups that we saw, so much so, that we thought perhaps there might be a special women's event on.
Three of us climbed the final section of Offa's Dyke to reach the Jubilee Tower, and met up with the rest of the group at the junction of bthe Cilcain / Ffrith Mountain Paths where we rested a while for lunch. At lunch we had hazy views of the reservoirs below and Cilcain beyond, but it was good place to stop and enjoy our lunch.
The descent down the path on the west side of Ffrith Mountain was a very pleasant stroll, and seemed much further than the occasions when we had used it inn ascent. It was just good to enjoy the views towards the Alyn Valley.
Delightful as it was descending, we still had the road climb out of Cilcain to come, but doing it with chattering friends makes it much easier.
The final surprise of the day was to find a Welsh Police Car, with engine still running, at the car park next to our cars. Thankfully we were all socially distancing at this point and weren't taken in for questioning. None of dared ask why they were keeping the vehicle engine running.
We arrived back at the cars, with legs knowing they had had a good walk and all that was needed was a decent pint to celebrate.
We headed for the Brit at Halkyn, and thankfully were were able to enjoy the Lees bitter. We sat outside, but to our surprise it was good to see that the place was busy and we wereable to take the last two picnic tables.
Hopefully these new tennants at the Brit will be able to make a go mif it in these difficult covid challenging times.
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