Harris Hikers Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walk 6: A Brisk Stroll to Broughton Shoppibng Park and Back Saturday 31st October 2020

Waiting for the Rain to Arrive before Having a Brisk Stroll to Broughton Shopping Park and Back.

Earlyish morning threatening skies.

Early morning feeding frenzy in the garden.

Rain back and front - just as the Met Office said it would.

Blue skies over Hopes Place and Holly Bush Farm.

A few Feral pigeons foraging on a recently ploughed/prepared field.

A bull stands guard as the cows shelter from the wind behind the hedge.

Distance: 4.3 miles. Climb: 30' (365' wind assisted GPS reading even though it wasinside my rucksack).
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.8 m.p.h.

The morning started dry, with little wind and feeling pretty warm at 15 Celsius, so yes it must be a "shorts" day.

However the sky to the west was an impressive red/pink colour warning of what was to come later.

As usual I had the  early morning feeding frenzy in my garden bird table, and the Sun came out. I wondered why I had believed the Met Office suggesting heavy rain could happen at any time until mid-day.  I kept my faith in the Met Office, planning to walk in the afternoon when sunny spells were offered.

True to their word, the rain came, torrential for about ten minutes just before lunch time,

I received a text from Boots, informing me that my prescription was ready to be picked up, so I decided to walk there and back, just over four miles, but that would take me over thirty miles for thwe week - good enough for me.

I didn't expect to see many birds on this route at this time of the year, but those I did see or hear included: Black billed magpie, Common starling, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Common coot, Moorhen,  Black headed gull, Herring gull and Feral pigeon. 

No inconsiderate lycra lout cyclists to grumble about today, but the A5104 is not the Wales Coast Path between Chester and Queensferry! This time it is motorists breaking the law that annoyed me. The A5104 is currently undergoing resurfacing, which means there is a three way traffic light system, often resulting long queues, particularly when heading west.  Today I witnessed five cars going through on red, and one white van even overtook a car stopped at the red light to race through.

Arriving at Broughton Shopping Park, I was suprised, although I shouldn't have been, to find the parking area almost empty.

Prescription collected, I headed home, arriving home an hour and a half after sertting off, a pleasant walk complete in sunshine.  I suppose I could have then set  off on a proper walk, but decided to stay at home and watch the cricket and other sports as well on the TV.

Harris Hikers Welsh "Stay at Home" Walk 5. A Riverside Wa\lk in Search of a Pink Foot. Friday 30th October 2020

A Riverside Walk in Search of a Pink Foot.

Mallard and Moorhen on Balderton Brook.

Autumnal colours and tree branches without leaves at The Riverside, River Lane, Saltney.

Pink footed geese in a maize stubble field.

Greylag geese with Canada geese in a maize stubble field.

Canada geese in a maize stubble field.

Greylag geese join Canada geese on the river.

A Common kestrel, briefly resting on a branch.

A Great cormorant dries its wings in the breeze.

Socially distance Carrion crows.

But not for long!

Feral pigeons on the roof of the old Mold Junction Engine Shed.

Distance: 6.0 miles. Climb: 117'.

Time: 2 hours 32 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h. Overall walk avrage: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

I had to wait until just before mid-day for the rain/dampness in the air to disappear and enourage me to step out of doors. It was relatively warm today, so I decided to give my shorts a probable last outing.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Moorhen, Pied wagtail, Common chaffinch, Black-billed magpie, European robin, Black headed gull, Common gull, Jackdaw, Feral pigeon, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon,Winter wren, Goldfinch, Meadow pipit, Common starling, Collared dove, Common kestrel, Canada goose, Greylag goose and Pink footed Goose.

The absence of any signicant wind and temperature of about 13 Celsius made this a very enjoyable walk, The hope of see Pink footed geese turned into a reality, only a few in a maize stubble field wth a few Greylag and an impressively large number of Canada geese.  In fact the geese moved onto the river, where they were more easily observed. Although counting them wasn't easy they probably numbered in excess of 1000, with one white goose very noticeable within the flock.. Saying I had distant views of Moel Famau would be a figment of my imagination as the Clwydian hills were shrouded in cloud throughout my walk.

Harris Hikers Chester Branch: An Upton, Guilden Sutton, Christleton Round. Wednesday 28th Octobeer 2020

An Upton, Guilden Sutton, Christleton Round.

The only photo available - I was hoping someone had taken one of Newton Hollows!

Distance: 8.2 miles from Kingsway but as most walked there from homes in Upton, more like 10 miles. Climb 150 feet
Time: 4 hours including lunch.
Despite the forecast the weather was not that bad and the feedback has been good so far. Not sure thought that I could cope with the stress of doing it every week! Hopefully we can soon resume your walks in Wales.
Sue and Michel had colds, and Celia a painful hip so in the end there were only 5 of us started and Sue P only did the initial Greenway section. No drinks afterwards, though we went close to Harkers!

Welsh "Stay a Home" Lockdown Walk 4. A Stroll Along the Wales Coast Path As far as the Border with England. Wednesday 28th October 2020

A Stroll Along the Wales Coast Path As far as the Border with England.

This is one of four sculptures between River Lane and Saltney Ferry.

I think this is the Dandelion, but I may be wrong.

“Each of the sculptures is different and depict cow parsley, horsetail, dandelion and common reed but the beauty is in the detail” said artist Mike Johnson. “Incorporated into each sculpture are items reflecting the industrial and natural heritage of Saltney and the River Dee, from cockles to candles, rivets from boatbuilding and items from the railway.”

"If you won't slow down, I will just have to fly."

Just in case you couldn't identify the individual bird, it really was a pair of Moorhen on the River Dee.

Heading for the border. They didn't come back, so they must have gone across the border.

Any further and I will be breaking Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Laws.

Distance: 4.8 miles. Climb: 82'.

Time: 1 hour 48 minutes. On the walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.7 m.p.h.

Grouip: Martyn.

This morning was the Funeral Service/ service Celebrating the Life of Sheila Owen, one of our WEF church family, so I watched the live streamed service before deciding on whether to walk or not.

Just before mid-day, the Sun came out, so it encorgaed me to set of on a short afternoon stroll. I decided to do one of my shorter walkers along the Wales Coast Path as far as the border with England - this is as far as I can legally go under current Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown laws.

I saw 14 cyclists and 1 jogger, but not one turned round at the border, although I may have missed anyone from England turning back before I got there.

It would seem that few users of the Wales Coast Path are prepared to follow Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown laws. It's no wonder people are grumbling about what Supermarkets should or should not be allowed to as under the guidance of being essential!

Not many birds about today, but those I did see included: Moorhem, Black billed magpie, Great cormorant, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Common gull, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, Feral pigeon, House sparrow, Common starling and Common kestrel.

An enjoyable walk, starting anf finishing in bright sunshine, but with several light showers in between!

Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walk 3: The Riverside, Saltney and the Wales Coastal Path Again Tuesday 27th October 2020

The Riverside, Saltney and the Wales Coastal Path Again.

Moorhen on Balderton Brook.

A female Mallard with a suitor in tow.

On of many Great cormorants seen today.

Looks like the last of the harvesting.

Pin footed geese in flight.

Canada geese foraging on a recently ploughed field.

Greylag geese foraging on a recently ploughed field.

Sheep content to down from the hills for Winter.

Distance: 7.1 miles. Climb: 105' (345' wind assisted GPS reading).

Time: 2 hours 52 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

I set off at about 10-00, believing the Met Office forecast that there would be no more rain for the next few hours. Thankfully they were right, and although there was a dampness in the air at the start, id didn't develop into full blooded rain.  The strong wind assisted me as I was  heading towards Queensferry, but as soon as I turned round, it made the going more difficult.

Birds seen or hear today included: Moorhen, Mallard, Pied wagtail, Black billed magpie, Eurasian jayLong tailed tit, winter wren, Common blackbird, Common starling, House sparrow, Little egret, Great cormorant, Canada goose, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Feral pigeon, Greylag goose, Pink footed goose,  Great black back gull, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Dunnock and Meadow pipit.

Briefly I had the Wales Coastal Path to myself, and throughout I only saw a few cyclist and walker/dog walkers.

Overall a good bracing walk.

I felt my bunion complaining, so I think I will have to start using my walking boots rather than a pair of  sturdy shoes in future.

Ed's "Stay at Home" Welsh Wanders - A Lunchtime walk Around Denbigh Monday 26th October 2020

A Lunchtime Walk Around Denbigh.

Denbigh Castle in sunshine.

A camp fire shelter near the castle.

A rear view of Denbigh Castle.

Views of the Welsh hills from Denbigh Castle.

Distance: 1.5 miles.

Harris Hikers - Chester Branch . Socially Distanced Walks and Dates October 2020

Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is in operation.

Wednesday 7th October 2020.

A Walk on the Sandstone Trail.

Distance: 7 or so miles. Climb: 
Start: Bickerton Poacher Car Park. Wrexham Rd (A534), Bulkeley, Malpas SY14 8BE. Grid Ref: SJ523544
David S will lead a walk

Leave Chester at 09-00.
Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is in operation. However, there is an exemption for “organised sporting activities”. I think we can claim to be within that exemption. Over the past four weeks there have only been 3 or 4 of us walking (without Martyn) so I don’t think that will be an issue. But, I would not like to be having that argument with the Law!

Please contact David S and Martyn if you intend to walk and I will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: David S, Nigel, Fran, Sue and Michel, Wendy.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

Wednesday 14th October 2020.

Upton - Country Lanes around Wervin and Picton.

Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is in operation.

Distance:  6-7 miles. Climb: Very Little. 

Start: Wendy's house on Heath Lane, opposite Headstart Nursery.

There is room to park cars on the grass either side of the drive or Upton residents can make it a little longer by walking to me! 

Meet at Wendy's house at 09-30.

An easy walk exploring our local patch and one that will give everyone confidence including the leader!

A change of plan from the original walk as the towpath on the canal is closed.

Please contact Wendy and Martyn if you intend to walk and I will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: Wendy, Nigel, David S, Fran, Celia.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

 Wednesday 21st October 2020.

An Aldford and Churton Round

Ramblers England advise that organised walking groups of up to 30 are still allowed, but social distancing must be maintained. Updated advice given on 14th October 2020.

Remember the Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is still in operation, even on the walk.

We will need to keep checking  the Ramblers England web site for any updates on their advice for walking groups, especially on the day before the planned walk.

Distance:  7-8 miles. Climb: 250'. 

Start: Church Lane, Alford, Chester. CH3 6JD Grid ref: SJ418593

Roadside parking outside St.John's Church.

Leave Chester at 09-15.

A pleasant walk through the farmland between Aldford and Churton. It includes footpaths along the banks of the River Dee and field paths that can be very muddy after rain.

Gaiters are recommended.

Please contact Sue / Michel and Martyn if you intend to walk and we will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: Sue and Michel, Fran, Celia, David S, Wendy, Nigel.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

Wednesday 28th October 2020.

An Upton, Christleton and Guilden Sutton Round

Ramblers England advise that organised walking groups of up to 30 are still allowed, but social distancing must be maintained. Updated advice given on 31st October 2020.

Remember the Covid 19 restrictions mean that the Rule of Six is still in operation, even on the walk.

 We will need to keep checking  the Ramblers England web site for any updates on their advice for walking groups, especially on the day before the planned walk.

Distance:  8.2 miles (+ about 1.0 mile, if you decide to walk from Upton to the start)). Climb: 150'.  An extra 0.8 miles each way for Celia, an extra 1.3 miles each way for Wendy)

Start: Entrance to Lime Wood Fields, over the road from Kingsway shops in Chester . Grid ref: SJ419681).

Parking: Just opposite the large sign at entrance to the fields

Leave home about 09-30, if walking from Upton. Aim to meet at 10-00 at the entrance to Lime Wood Fields, Note note to Uptonians, don’t forget to factor in the distance from your home to start if walking. In my case it adds another mile.

A walk including the old railway line, footpaths and unadopted country lanes, the Shropshire Union canal and even a Roman Road. Of course there is the inevitable bits of road walking but I have tried to minimise this. All being well we will get to Christleton pond in time for lunch (hence the start time).

A walk similar in distance, difficulty and muddiness to last week’s Aldford walk

Please contact Nigel and Martyn if you intend to walk and we will add your name to those intending to walk.

Those planning to walk: Nigel, Fran, Wendy, David S, Sue P.

We will all need to drive independently and keep to the 2m social distancing on the walk.

Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walk 2: The Riverside, Saltney and the Wales Coastal Path Monday 26th October 2020

The Riverside, Saltney and the Wales Coastal Path.

A Little egret on the banks of the River Dee.

A Great black backed gull keeping an eye on a Great cormorant that was fishing nearby.

A Great cormorant with its catch.

A Great cormorant with its catch about to be swallowed.

A few of the large flock of Canada geese sheltering on the river below the river bank.

Canada geese, Mallard and a Greylag goose.

There was a rainbow in the picture when I took it!.

Two Long tailed tits.

The Beluga XL heading for Airbus and Hawarden Airport.

Apparently No.3 on its first visit to Airbus at Broughton.

A hairy ginger caterpillar - a  Buff ermine caterpillar?

Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 105' (wind assisted GPS reading 345').

Time: 3 hours 15 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.p.h.  Overall walk average: 2.5m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

I set off at about 09-30, hoping that the showers forecast from 10-00 onwards wouldn't materialise. I hoped in vain as a ten minute shower arrived at 11-00 and another shorter but heavier shower at 12-15.

My main mistake was to take an umbrella, the wind was far too strong to even contemplate using it. This time, I decided to head towards Queensferry along the Welsh Coastal Path, intending to go as far ast the road bridge, but decided to turn back when it started to rain at 11-00.

The first surprise of the day was to see a Great cormorant fishing and a Great black backed gull attempt to steal its catch - it didn't succeed.  The second surprise was to see >500 Canada geese on the River Dee between the A380 barge dock and Sandycroft. One Greylag and one white goose accompanied this large flock sheltering from the wind on the water below the river bank. 

Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Mallard, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, European robin, House sparrow, Raven, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion crow, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser balck backed gull, Great black backed gull, Little egret, Great cormorant, Long tailed tit, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Winter wren, Common starling, Feral woodpigeon, Goldfinch and Common blackbird.

Approaching the Higher Ferry / Saltney Ferry Footbridge on my return route, I thought a family on the bridge were plaing "Poo sticks" as they went from one side to the other. They weren't, they were just using the footbridge as a vantage point to see the Beluga XL coming in to land at Hawarden.

Overall a good walk, making the most of the "good" weather!

Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walk 1: A Sunday Afternoon Stroll By the River Dee 25th October 2020

A Sunday Afternoon Stroll By the River Dee.

Looking towards Queensferry from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Looking towards Saltney/Chester from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

There is a Grey heron there somewhere.

This is as far as I can legally go under the latest Welsh "Stay at Home" Covid-19 restrictions.

Moel Famau from the Mold Junction Road Bridge.

Distance: 4.8 miles. Climb: 105'.

Time: 1 hour 48 minutes. On the move waking average: 3.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.7 m.p.h.

This is the first of my Welsh  "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walks that I will do in the seventeen day lockdown period.  It is was my first Sunday afternoon walk since I started atttending Waverton Evangelical Fellowship in the nineteen eighties. after watching the WEF online YouTube Service this morning, I decided to take advantage of the forecast dry afternoon to stretch my legs a little.

At Saltney Riverside, I met a local nature enthusiast, Sam Riley, who identified one or two local patches worth exploring once things are back to normal.

It wouldn't be a solo local walk post, if I didn't complain or grumble about something.  Not today the cyclists, although I didn't see one turn back at the Wales / England Border (this also applied to walkers as well),  but several off-road motor cyclists using the Salney Ferry Footbridge forcibng their way past you and then racing along the Wales Coast Path. Three bikes, one adult (probably the father) with a small child (pillion in front of him) and two very young boys on their smaller bikes. Illegal off-roaders - putting others at risk, on a shared use for walkers and cyclists.

The most amusing thing I saw today was a couple walking their very large dog, it started with it amusing me that Charlie (the dog) seemed to go about fifty yards in front,stop and sit down to wait for its owners. Shortly I saw one of the owners, picking up the message Charlie had left behind, started to wipe the dog's bottom. When I commented "That's above the call of duty", the reply was "I was just removing a slug" that had fixed itself where it wasn't wanted.  I had forgotten how far dog owners will go for their "best friend"!

Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Black billed magpie, Common gull, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Grey heron, Moorhen, Mallard, Long-tailed tit, European robin, Carrion crow, Great cormorant and Pink footed goose.

An enjoyable walk, that no doubt will be repeated over the next two weeks.

Two more Short Walks Before Welsh 17 Day Lockdown Friday 3rd October 2020

Talacre, Point of Ayr and The Warren. 

Tuesday 20th October 2020.

Looking towards Prestatyn - not many tourists today.

Approaching Point of Ayr Lighthouse.

Looking westward towards the Point of Ayr Lighthouse.

Distance: 5.0 miles. Climb: 100'.
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.ph. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

Probably the best day of the week weatherwise, but with cool breeze. The tide was well out, so birdwatching wasn't at it best, although the bitds seen or head today included: House csparrow, Common blackbird, Black headed gull, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Rook, Shelduck, Little egret, Woodpigeon, Pied wagtail. Mallard, European robin, Comon chaffinch, Oystercatcher, Canada goose and Great cormorant.

When I set off just ater 09-00, very few people were around, although after visiting the bird hide at Point of Ayr dog walkers started to appear.

It was noticeably quiet walking through the caravan site, I saw only one person and one car parked by a caravan.

Even the beach was quiet, although a few dog walkers were seen as I approached the lighthouse, and two men were trying to take advantage of the wind on their carts attached to a hang gliding type sail.

Overall an enjoyable walk, but too early to go for a pint.

Flint Castle and Shoreline.

 Friday 23rd October 2020.

Flint Castle from the Flint Marsh Promenade.

Flint Dock - once used to ship out lead from Halkyn Mountain and coal from he Flintmine.

The only boat beached near the entrance to Flint Dock.

Looking west towards Bagillt.

Looking eastward towards Flint Castle from the High Tide Cuastal Path.

Distance: 2.4 miles. Climb: 102'.

Time: 2 hours 15 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 bm.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

The forecast for today wasn't very good, with showers around until about 10-00. In fact the showers turned out to be steady rain until just before 11-00.

As soon as it stopped raining, I siezed the opportinity and headed first towards Flint Marsh along the promenade, a pleasdant there and back before exploring the Flint Shoreline along the Wales Coast Path , west of the castle.

Lots of dog walkers on this section, so I decided to use the high tide route on my return journey.

Birds seen or heard today included: Black headed gull, Common gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Shelduck, Common redshank, Eurasian curlew, Mallard, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch, Jackdaw, Carrion crow. Oystercatcher and a Common buzzard near Halkyn.

An enjoyable walk, all that was left was to head for the Brit for a takeaway.

The Britannia Inn was quite busy, with many of the tables reserved. Thankfully I did get a tablein the conservatory, where I enjoyed my pint of Lees bitter as I took in the superb view of the Dee Estuary, now bathed in sunshine.