Connah's Quay Dock to Queensferry and Back via two bridges 29th April 2021

The view from Connah's Quay Dock, looking towards Hawarden Bridge.

Connah's Quay Dock with the Flint Road bridge beyond.

"Minnie Mouse" guarding "our" seat and looking smug.

The Dee bore approaches.

Distance: 4.0 miles. Climb: 46'.
Time: 1 hour 56 minites. On the move waking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Jill.

Bright and sunny at first, but the light north westerly wind made it feel cool at times.Birds seen or heard today included: Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Oystercatcher, Common blackbird, European robin, Chiffchaff, Commo chaffinch, Common pheasant, Carrion crow, Goldfinch and Mallard.

The bonus today was seeing the tidal bore approaching, just as we were arriving at "our" bench where we sat to enjoy our drinks before heading back over Hawarden Bridge.

An enjoyable "Micky Mouse" Walk or should it be "Minnie Mouse" Walk!

Whitegate Way and Weaver Navigation. 28th April2021

Heading for the woods.

Mike looks as though he has spotted something interesting!

Bluebells seen today.

Only the photographer not in the picture as we cross the river.

Part of the Whitegate Way?

Distance: 8 Miles; Climb: 385'.
Time: 3 hrs. and 40 mins. Ovearal walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Walkers: Fran, Wendy, Mike, David S (leader)
Parking was at the Whitegate Station Car Park which was free and spacious and also has toilets and a café in normal times.
The rain forecast yesterday had passed over during the night and so it was dry but cold.
The route across fields to Whitegate was fairly straight forward with navigation being considerably aided by Mike’s Smartphone App. We chose the route in front of Vale Royal Abbey, now housing up market flats and a club house, rather than walking across the fairways of the golf course.Reaching the Weaver Navigation at Vale Royal Locks we crossed over and chatted to two Canal Trust men clearing debris from one of the huge locks. Apparently the most recent pollutant is plastic “nibs” which are the feedstock for injection mouldings. Its source was unknown.
Plenty of wildlife was seen as we walked along the riverside path at the end of which, just at 12 noon, we found the single picnic bench just being vacated by a single walker.
After lunch, we recrossed the river and a half mile road walk brought us to the eastern end of the Whitegate way from where it was about 3 miles on a slight rise back to the carpark.
Surprisingly Mike’s App recorded 385 ft. of ascent for what was apparently a level walk. However, the OS map shows the car park at 71 M AOD and the river bank at 17 M. giving an ascent of about 180 ft for the return journey alone. The remainder was random ups and downs on the outward journey.

Gronant, Coed Bell, Voel Nant and Around Talacre Abbey 28th April 2021

Bluebells in Coed Bell.

Bluebells in Coed Bell.

An unexpected boundary stone spotted on our route today.

The birth of Prestatyn Parish?

Distant views of the last stages of our walk along the beah at Prestahaven Sands.

The rolling sea waves at Presthaen Sands Beach.

Another surprise - evidence of a fire on the dunes at Presthaven Sands Beach, Gronant.

Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1230'.
Time: 4 hours 50 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1,9 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.4 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 1 - 2 Light air to light breeze.
Group: Martyn and Ed.

A new start for me at the Gronant Dunes Car Park Grid Ref: SJ090837 on the road north from A548 to Presthaven Sands / Gronant Dunes.

We started with a steady climb along the road as far as the Gronant Institute, where we picked up a path leading uphill to Coed Bell. From this point this was effectively a walk we did over ten years ago, but in the opposite direction,

Coed Bell had a good display of Blue bells, much further on than Coed Pen-y-gelli that we visited last weekend.

Athough we went through the wooded area, west of Voel Nant, it appears that another option is just to follow the field edge to a stile near the sheep pens. This stile appears to direct you down along the field edge, rather than through the wood.

After following the bridle way through Acre Wood, we decided to explore a path heading for Kelston Farm (currently undergoing major refurbishment) that eventually led to the Llanasa Road, but bwe took it towards Gronant. Our route took us past Home Farm, part of the Talacre Abbey Estate and on throgh a Caravan Park before taking a path down steps, through the wood to the A548.

After exploring Big Pool NR we headed for the beach along the Tyn-y-Morfa Path.

As we walked along the beach towards Prestatyn, both of us were surprrised to hear a Pheasant calling from somewhere beyond the reeds.

Birds sen or heard today included: Song thrush, Black billed magpie, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, Winter wren, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Moorhen, Great tit Blue tit, Sedge warbler, Cetti warbler, Herring gull, Jackdaw, Rook, Collared dove, Meadow pipit, Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Mallard, House sparrow and Barn swallow.

We saw at least ten Barn swallows, so that means it must oficially be Summer!

Lunch was taken, sitting a convenient roadside wall east of Home Farm, but alas not a perching spot with a view.

Overall a very enjoyable walk, and one I will probably put in in future years as one of our Blue bell Wood Walks.

Harris Hikers Socially Distance Walks (Chester Branch) April 2021

Wednesday 7th April 2021.

Exploring The Area Around The Anderton Boat Lift.

Distance: 8 - 11 miles. Climb: 400 - 600'.
Start: The Anderton Boat Lift car Park, Lift Lane, Northwhich. CW9 6FW
The car Park is Pay and Display: £3 for over 2 hours.

We will need to travel independently and keep socially distance during the walk.

Please let Mike know if you wish to walk.We are currently following the rule of six.

If more the six sign up we willoperate a reserve list.

Walking to date: Mike, Nigel, David S. Sue, Michel, Wendy (6 people - places full) .(Reserve list: )

The main walk follows the canal from Anderton, west before taking a path linking with a minor road and the A49.

The return route then joins the North Cheshire Way, following the Weaver Navigation  and the Barnton Cut back to the start.

Those with plenty of energy left may want to continue the walk on 3 mile or so loop to Marbury Country Park.

Wednesday 14th April 2021.

Kelsall and Its Environs

Distance: 7-10 miles Climb: 400 - 500'

Start: Public Car Park next to Morris Dancer,Kelsall, CW6 0RZ. Gid ref: SJ523682,

Kelsall up to Brine’s Brow, then across to Peel Hall , Ashton Hayes and back to Kelsall, a gpx of the route is attached (with  wrong start point). Total distance is 6.7 miles including one 200 foot climb right at the beginning. Not sure about timings so we may end up having lunch back at Kelsall in the park, otherwise at Ashton Hayes

 

Leave Chester at 9:30 with start and end of the walk at the Morris Dancers pub in Kelsall. Despite the signage if after you turn into the car park you then turn almost immediately right towards the park then that section is actually public parking and not for the pub (thanks David for this info).

 Contact Nigel if you decide you want to go.

We still have to obey the rule of 6 and last week’s walk was oversubscribed so book early to avoid disappointment, there will be a reserve list if needed.

 

For those with surplus energy and are prepared for a trip into the unknown (by me at least) there will be a further extension of around 3.5 miles to Boothsdale to the SE of Kelsall and maybe even a pint after if the Morris Dancers is open?

Walking to date: Fran, David S, Mike, Wendy.

Wednesday 21st April 2021.

Leave Chester 0930 . Meet at Gresty’s waste. Walk round Delamere as before .  I think we are just david , Mike and me . Wendy are you in ? Anyone else very welcome . I’m happy to share a car if anyone wants a lift ( masks on perhaps) but if not see you there . 

Walking to date: Fran, David S, Mike, Wendy?, Nigel?.  (3 people - 2 possible, 1 place left) .(Reserve list: )

Wednesday 28th April 2021.

The Whitegate Way and Vale Royal Locks

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 480'.

Start: Park at Whitegate Station SJ615680, Clay Lane,  Marton CW7 2QE

Off A54

Leave Chester in time to make a 10-00 start. Whitegate is about 15 miles away and takes about half an hour to get there.

From the car park it’s about a mile east along the old railway track before heading off left for a clockwise loop.  Two thirds of the route is along the Weaver Navigation and the old railway line so should be level and well surfaced.  What the bit across the fields will be like heaven knows.

The Rule of Six still applies and remember this is a socially distanced wak.

Let me know, David S with copy to Martyn, if you intend to join us.

I haven’t recc’ed this walk and so the route may be subject to flexibility, especially the bit from 2 to 12.  Any help from those of you with GPS would be appreciated.

 

Walkers so far:- David S, Wendy, Fran, Mike. ( 4 already signed up, 2 places available). Contact David if you want to go.

Coed Alt-y-tywod, Coed y Garreg nd Coed Pen-y-gelli In search of Bluebells 24th April 2021

Were these the only Bluebells we would see in Coed Alt y tywod?

No, we did see a few more.

A Lapwing north west of Crown Wood.

Cowslips still in flower.

A Hawthorn hedge in blossom.

Looking towards the Dee Estuary as we approached Carmel.

Distance: 8.9 miles (9.1 miles). Climb: 741' (922').
Time: 4 hours 42 minuteas. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0-2. (at worse just a light breeze)
Max temperature at lunch: 20.2 Celsius.

Group: Martyn and Roger.

I usually think of the first week in May as being the start of the Bluebell season, so the walk today was to see how they were doing and is thee a chance of seeing them on our planned Bluebell Wood Walk on the 12th May.the first wood we went through was Coed Alt y tywod, usually one of the best for Bluebells, but today they were only just starting to show, so thankfully by the 12th May they should be much better.

There were even less Bluebells showing in Coed Pen-y-gelli.

There were plenty of other spring flowers showing, including: Dandelion, Dog violet, Lesser periwinkcle, Stitchwort, Wood anemone, Lesser celandine and Cowslip.

Birds seen or heard today included: Song thrush, Goldfinch, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch, Winter wren, Jackdaw, Raven, European robin, Great tit, Lapwing, Canada goose, Blackcap, Mallard, Woodpigeon and Common buzzard.

Butterflies seen included: Speckled wood, Peacock and Orange tip.

Although the Bluebells were a little disappointing, this turned out to be a really enjoyable walk, pleasantly warm and only a gentle beeze.

We had lunch at the Coed Pen-y-gelli Nature Reserve, shelteed even from any breeze - delightful hot spot!

The short extension today headed to the Pantasaph Friary, across to Carmel and back to the car through Gorsedd.

Harris Hikers Dates and Proposed Socially Distanced Walks April 2021

Good that I can walk anywhere in Wales, but sad that we won't be able to meet as a group until next month.

Welsh Covid Restriction Rules are changing on 26th Apri 2021.

The Welsh Government and the UK Government will allow us to walk as an organised group of upto 30 from 26th April 2021.

I will resume organising group walks in May, with  the first Saturday walk on 1st May and the first Wednesday walk on the 5th May 2021.  

Covid Social distance rules will still be needed to be followed, including travelling independently, e-mailing or texting me no later than the day before the walk, and keeping social distancing on the walk wherever possible.

Don't forget to bring a face covering just in case it is needed.

Huw Tom Walk Wednesday 7th April 2021.

Distance: 11-12 miles Climb: 2700'.
Start: Penmaenmwar Beach Car Park Grid ref: SH7180 7662 or Rowen Roadside Parking Grid ref: SH7611 7196.
Leave Chester 08-30.

We must still travel to the start independently.

The main part of the walk follows the description produced by Conwy Council Countryside Services, although a similar one was produced by BBC Wales after the walk appeared on their series "Weatherman Walking".

The described route is a linear walk of about six miles, but this walk is a circular walk taking it upto about 12 miles.

Most of the walk is familiar to the group, except for the first part of the walk from Penmaenmawr as far as the Jubilee Gateway.

Current Welsh Government Restriction mean the only people fro two households from Wales can walk together.

Upto six from two households otherwise just two people.

Covid social distancing rules on the walk still applies.

Those Walking:  Martyn and Ed.

Huw Tom Walk Wednesday 14th April 2021.

Distance: 9 miles Climb: 2200'.
Start: Penmaenmwar Beach Car Park Grid ref: SH7180 7662 or Dwygyfylchi Roadside Parking Grid ref: SH735773.
Leave Chester 08-30.

We must still travel to the start independently.

The main part of the walk follows the description produced by Conwy Council Countryside Services, although a similar one was produced by BBC Wales after the walk appeared on their series "Weatherman Walking".

The described route is a linear walk of about six miles, but this walk is a circular walk taking it upto about 9 miles.

The described walk takes us from Penmaenmawr as far as the Jubilee Gateway, where we create a circular walk that includes Foel Lus and Alt Wen, before descending into Dwygyfylchi

The return rute takes us along the Wales Coast Path back to Penmaenmawr.

Current Welsh Government Restriction mean the only people fro two households from Wales can walk together.

Upto six from six households otherwise just two people.

Covid social distancing rules on the walk still applies.

Those Walking:  Martyn and Ed.

Saturday 24th Coed Pen-y-Gelli and Part of The Gorsedd Round.

Distance:9-10 miles. Climb:700’.

Start: Roadside parking at Lloc. If approaching from Holywell on the A5026, turn left by the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. Park in left. If approaching on the A5026 from its nearest junction with the A55 (Prestatyn junction), Turn right in front of the public house (now a private house) into St Asaph Road. This is just after the the Pant Y Wacco sign and the road starts to bear left. St Asaph Road is one way and can only be approached from then A5026.

Grid ref:SJ145765.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. This is one of our annual Bluebell Wood walks. It is a figure of eight walk based on Lloc. he walk includes parts of two walks taken from Dave Berry's booklet " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain."

There is plenty of opportunity for walkers to make the walk shorter.

Upto six from six households ann now meet up outdoors, so please contact me 

Those planning to walk: Martyn and Roger

Wednesday 28th April 2021.

Porth-Llwyd Falls, Cwm Port-Llwyd and Moel Eilio.

Distance:10.3  miles; Climb: 2100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Dolgarrog next to the Dam Disaster Memorial. Grid ref:SH767686
Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". One walk he describes as a demanding 3 mile walk ascending the steep wooded slopes above Dolgarrog and includes a waymarked trail commemorating the 1925 dam disaster. The second walk explores remote upland valleys using an old 2' narrow railway track and returns across Moel Eilio ridge. The final part of this walk passes Porth-Llwyd Falls, a popular attraction with Victorian visitors.

Upto six or upto 30 for organised groups

Covid social distancing rules on the walk still applies.

Those Walking:  Martyn and Ed.

A Watkin Path Adventure 21st April 2021

The new path at the start of the Watkin Path.

The new access path section of the Watkin Path

Thwe first waterfalls come into view.

Thankfully Ed didn't make a speach!

One of the many Wheatears seen today.

The view from my lunch spot.

Ed's view from our lunch spot.

The summit clears!

One of the many waterfalls seen from the Watkin Path.

Crossing the bridge with the best views of tw waterfalls.

Another Wheatear turns ts back on us.

Final view of the summit from the Nan Gwynnant Car Park (now Pay and Dislay - £6 for over 4 hours - I got my money worth today!)

Distance: 6.2 miles (7.5 miles). Climb: 1861'. (2264').
Time: 6 hours 11 minutes. On the move walking average: 1. 6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.0 m.p.h.
Temp: 11.6 Celsius (Max). Beafort Wind Force: 2 (Light breeze).
Group: Martyn and Ed.

he big mistake of the day was believing the weather forecast predicting feel like temperatures of -3 Celsius and cold north east winds gusting to 24 m.p.h. i know we didn't make it to the summit, but we ended up cooking in our Winter weather gear. I only felt comfotable after lunch when I changed into my shorts at short sleeve shirt to make the final descent from the top quarry buildings.

We only saw the summit an hour after we decided to return back down the Watkin Path to Nant Gwynnant.

Birds seen or heard today included: Great spotted woodpecker, Black billed magpie, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Wheatear, Raven, Common blackbird, Goldfinch and Herring gull.
Overall an enjoyable walk, dspite our failure (mainly my Tortoise like pace) to reach the top, but at least I didn't break my the statement made over twenty years ago that I don't want to go up the Watkin Path to Snowdon ever again!

A Stroll in Search of Kerr's Field 19th April 2021

A Common whitethroat on Lingham Lane.

A male Stonechat on Lingham Lane.

Linghm Lane amd Leasowe Lighthouse.

Bluebells on the verge on Lingham Lane.

Looking towards New Brighton and Liverpool from near Leasowe Lighthouse.

A Yellow wagtail on Kerr's Field.

A new Coastguard Lookout Station that has appeared since I last visited this area in 2019.

Distance: 4.1 miles. Climb:72'.
Time: 2 hours 6 minutes. On the move wlking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Temperature in mid teens Celsius and hardly any wind.
Group: Martyn.

This was a superb day to stroll around the Leasowe Lighthouse Area and The North Wirral Coastal Park.

The weather was so good tjhat people were having to wait until someone left in order to be able to park their car!

I was hoping to find the location of Kerr's Field known to birders, and thankfully I spoke to two who knew exactly where it was!

Birds seen or heard today included: Goldfinch, Common whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Common kestrel, House sparrow, Moorhen, Long tailed tit, Blue tit, Dunnock, Black billed magpie, Great black backed gull, Lesser black back gull, Common starling, Greenfinch, Herring gull, Canada goose, Little egret, Winter wren, European robin, Raven, Moorhen and the star bird of the day - three Yellow wagtails.

A Walk in the Carneddau 17th April 2021

Carnedd Ddew, Drum, Foel Fras, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Grach, Carnedd LLewlelyn, Foel Grach, Carnedd Gwenllian, Foel Fras, Carnedd Ddew.

Distance: only 14 miles, Climb: Quite a lot!

Taking it easy on Carnedd Ddew.

Snow still apparent on Foel Fras ascent.

Trig point at Foel Fras with Carnedd Llewlelyn in background.

Celebrating getting up Carnedd Gwenllian.

The view looking towards the Glyders and Snowdon from Carnedd LLewlelyn.

Halkyn Mountain, Moel Ffagnallt and Moel y Gaer, but not as we planned it 17th April 2017.

Roger at the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

Hazy Moel Famau from the trig point on Halkyn Mountain.

A Willow warbler, south of Pen yr Henblas Quarry.

Limestone pavement we didn't expect to see!

Lamnb feeding near Moel Ffagnallt.

"Mum, we don't like the look of those two men".

The view from the Millenium Memorial Cairn on Moel Ffagnallt.

The rampart on Moel y Gaer with Halkyn in the distance.

The information board at Halkyn.

Distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: 1105'.
Time: 5 hours 6 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Bearfort Wind Force: 0 - 2 (Mainly calm, but very occasionally usting to a light breeze.)
Temperature: Max about 14.7 Celsius - pleasantly warm throughout the walk.
Group: Martyn and Roger.

Another great day for walking, blue skiesand Sun all day, the only down side was duistant views were very hazy.

We aren't complaining, it was great to have a Saturday walk that involved a little uphill and only gave distant views of any river.

Across Halkyn Mountain were were seranades by Skylarks, Chiffchaffs and Willow warblers, what more could you want.

All was going well until we tried locating paths around Linden Farm. stiles seemed be missing and some headed into overgrown scrub, but a friendly owner at Linden Farm but us right, but unfortunately sents us in totally the wrong direction. Seeing him agafter an hour of going in circles, he eventually pointed out the direction we really wanted to go in!

My advice to any walkers - don't plan to use any paths that go anywhere near Linden Farm, west of Pant-y-Pwll Quarry.

If I remembr correctly, Mike and I had problems trying to locate paths and stiles in this area on earlier ventures.

Thankfully we got back on track and on familiar territory on Halkyn Mountain, east of Pwll Melyn.

It was about 12-25 - time for lunch and found two convenient stones on which to sit and enjoy our lunch.

I presented Roger with a piece of my mature fruit cake and in turn he presented me with some Margaret's Welsh cakes - I think I got the better deal!

Having spent so much time in the "wilderness", we re-routed our walk and headed directly on the road to Moel y Crio and onto Moel y Gaer.

The final stretch of the wealk was along the road from the Rhosesmor Primary School back to the car to the Common Ground opposite the Blue Bell, Halkyn - sadly not allowed to open under current Welsh Covid Regulations.

Birds seen or heard today included: Black billed magpie, Woodpigeon, Common pheasant, Carion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, House sparrow, Dunnock, Chiffchaff, Winter wren, Willow warbler, Meadow pipit, Blue tit and Skylark.

We arrived back at the car, just after 14-30, in time to get home to watch TV at 15-00, that is if we wanted to watch TV then.

Another day when we ended up we clean boots, but the biggest bonus for me was, I still had five of Margaret's Welsh Cakes to eat when I got home!