Graig Fawr and Coed yr Esgob from Barkby Beach 25th August 2021

 

Common terns on Barkby Beach, Prestatyn.

At the northern end of the Offa's Dyke Footpath,

 Fungi near the Prestatyn to Dyserth Way.

At the trig point on Graig Fawr - Earwig spotting!

Lunch time on Graig Fawr.

View from my lunch spot on Graig Fawr.

Looking towards our start pouint from Graig Fawr.

The most important notice seen today.

Knapweed in abundance next to the Offa's Dyke Path south of Prestatyn.

The sea is in at Barkby Beach - why did we forget to bring our swimwear and towel at home?

Walk stats:Distance: 8.1 miles. Climb 700'.

Time: 4 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.  Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: 2.6 Celsius on Graig Fawr and 27.2 Celsius as we descended through Prestatyn.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2. Mainly Calm, briefly light air / light breeze on Graig Fawr at lunch time.

Group: Martyn, Nigel and Fran.

as we set off from Barkby Beach, the tide was well out, but, starting to comein and we heard Sandwich terns calling and some resting on the beach.

After stoppimng and admiring the new Offa's Dyke marker post, we set off following, but soon diverted to take the Prestayn Dyserth Way instead. This was obviously now a specialist dog walkers route, but I did have to compliment one dogh walkjer stopped to pick up something from the grass next to the path.  However this was not a message left by her pet, but a PLASTIC BOTTLE discarded by some other INCONSIDERATE user of this delightful path.

We arrived at the trig point on Graig Fawr, and had the view to ourselves, and decided this was a good point to stop for lunch.

We weren't alone for long as a National Teruck Vehicle joined us and and four people got out to enjoy the the view from the trig point - their lunch spot.

It didn't stop here, a Clwydian Ranger's vehicle arrived and two more joinec the others for lunch. 

Yes, you've guessed four more on foot joined them.  They were all involved in puting up new way markers around Graig Fawr.

There was still another surprise for us as we had lunch, two police officers appeared. They were seaching for a man that had been reortedmissinf a couple of our earlier and were pleased to learn our route back to Prestayn on the Offa's Dyke Path. We set off with instructions on what to do should we see this missing person - we didin't!

We saw the police officers a couple of times afterwards, but not to speak to, so we don' know whether this missing persons was located- we hope he was. 

Arriving back at Barkby Beach, the tide was in, and it was lovely to see children enjoying themselves, paddling in the sea and even one ot two even swimming!

After walk drinks were enjoye at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter was enjoyed by all.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common tern, Common blackbird, House martind, Common swallow, Raven, Commn buzzard Herring gull, and Black headed gull.

The last surprise of the day was only realised when I got home.  Fran and Celia had she been with us I would have expected, but Nigel and myself have no excuse forgetting that England and India were playing a test match today, and moreover England had bowled out India for 78!

Harris Hikers Walks August 2021

August 2021.

Remember Welsh Covid Restrictions still apply in Wales, so it is still important to bring face coverings in case we need to use them such as Public Conveniences (PCs), shops and hostelries.

Although numbers on the walk have recently been six or fewer, it is still important to let me know that you intend to walk in case the numbers exceed six.

The Sandstone Trail in 2 Days.

In September, Mike D is planning to do the Sadstone Trail in 2 Days and would like people to join him.

His plan at the moment is:

Day 1. Park the car on Crib Lane, Tarporley  and return home after walking to Frodsham.

Day 2. Park the car on Crib Lane, Tarporley and walk to Whitchurch.

If anyone is interested please contact Mike for more details. He will be back in Chester around 8th September.

It may be possible that some of us could join him for part of the walk.

Wednesday 4th August 2021.

St. Cwyfan's Trail and More.

Distance: 9-10 miles. The main part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills
Start: Roadside parking in Llandyrnog on the Llangynhafal road (Gladstone Terrace) . Park on the wider part of the road after Nant Glyd. Grid ref: SJ109650.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
The main part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills" and the extension is around the lower slopes of  Penycoddiau along the Clwydian Way.
It is described as a delightful walk in the countryside North of Llandyrnog and visits the smallest church in the Vale of Clwyd.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Sue, Nigel, Fran.

Saturday 7th August 2021.

To be arranged on request.

Wednesday 11th August 2021.

The Alun Valley, Moel y Waun, Llyn Gweryd and Limestone Pastures.

Postponed - no takers!

This walk will be rearranged for a date in September.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: 1000'.
Start: Llandegla Village car park, adjacent to the bus shelter and opposite the Post Office. Grid ref: SJ196523.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". He describes one walk as being delightful and the other as being an easy walk with scenic delights. What more could we want from a walk, and as we know Dave Berry is frequently delighted on his walks! From past experience parts of the route can be muddy underfoot.

Those planning to walk: Martyn

Saturday 14th August 2021.

To be arranged on request.

Wednesday 18th August 2021.

Moel Maenefa and Coed Cwm.

Distance:11 miles; Climb: 1500'. 

(Last time we did this walk in 2016, we took  few short cuts and reduced the distance to 9 miles and the climb to under 1000'. We will probably do the same again this time.)

Start: Off road parking just East of Tremeirchion. Grid ref:SJ095740.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the Clwydian Hills - New Edition". The Moel Maenefa walk is a new one for me and is described as being a walk of great variety, exploring the foothills of the Northern Clwydians and the Vale of Clwyd, offering expansive views. One of the walks also goes around Coed Cwm and explores the attractive countryside between Rhuallt and Cwm. Route finding through Coed Cwm could be intresting, if I remember correctly from our previous visits!

Those planning to walk: Martyn,Sue and Michel, Fran, Nigel.

Saturday 21st August 2021.

To be arranged on request.

Wednesday 25th August 2021.

Graig Fawr, and Coed yr Esgob from Prestatyn.

Distance:9-10 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start: Prestatyn beach car park. Grid ref: SJ068840. There is a large car park by the toilet block, just before the beach car park. The last time we started at Barkby Beach, we used the Beach Hotel Car Park, tickets obtained from rececption. (cheaper than the Pay and Display car park by the toilet block. It is very likely the public car park will be our only option. £3-50 last time I checked.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This is a walk that I have done many times before and always enjoy. The route uses the North Wales Path and Offa's Dyke path to link up with the walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel

Saturday 28th August 2021.

To be arranged on request.

Around Moel Maenefa and Coed Cwm 18th August 2021

 

A felled and cleared wood just outside Tremerchion, with n unusal way of stacking most of the cleared cuttings  at least 12' high on one side of the former wood.

Heads down and we arte on our way and it isn't even 10-00 yet! 

Views towards the coast from the path heading towards St. Buenos.

The talkative "twins"  making their way through a field of almost ripe oats.

Lunch time at Rhuallt - seats and even better under a Victoria Plum tree with fruit ready to eat!

A friendly Shield bug that wanted to share our lunch spot.

Views towards the Snowdonia hills as we descend Offa's Dyke Path towards Rhuallt.

Nigel watching the flow of traffic on the A55.

Looking at the exhibits at Bryntirio Farm

More exhibits at Bryntirio Farm - close the gate Harris Hikers Are here!

Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 1600' (only 1300' on my old GPS, but my legs felt the my new GPS was nearer the mark!).

Time: 5 hours 38 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk aveage: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: 21.1 Celsius at lunch in Rhuallt.

Beaufort wind force: 0 at lunch, Calm but nothing more than a light breeze at any time.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Fran and Nigel.

We set off with waterproof jackets on, knowning that the forecast said it should be dry within an hour. Thankfully both the Met and the BBC got it right and we most of the walk was almost perfect for walking.  

Distant views towards Snowndonia were there, but the real high tops were in cloud, just reminding us we would get superb views on this walk, but you will just have to co me again!

 Lunch was taken early today, not because anyone was whinging, but because no-one could think of a better spot had we continued on the walk.

Fortified fruit cake was provide in celebration of my birthday earlier in the week.

After lunch, we did more road walkling than we would normally like, but at least it was quiet country lane only used by polite motorists!

On one of these quiet roads we passed Bryntirion Farm and its surprising collection models of animals and even people.

At one point I had to stop to change my batteries, while the rest of the group carried. Eventually they noticed and I got a phone call from Nigel, just as I as about to catch up with them.

Birds seen or heard today: Raven, Common buzzard, Goldfinch, Common blackbird.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, where the Lees bitter went down well. Unfortunaly I forgot to take my carry keg with me, so arriving at home I just had to enjoy a dram of Jamesons (one of my birthday presents!

Another bonus arriving at home was to find my boots clean, even the soles.

Any errors in thi posting are entirely due to Jamesons!

 

St. Cwyfan's Trail and Aberwheeler 4th August 2021

 

Stepping out across the field from Llandyrnog.

The sheep have the best idea, chilling out in the shade of a tree.

Moel y Parc and Penycloddiau from the footpath south f Aberwheeler.

One of the challenging stiles encountered before lunch today.

Our lunch spot at Aberwheeler.

Another challenging double stile encountered after lunch.

"I've got my beady eye on you".

A white Peacock at Gelli.

Checking out the grave of the man that lived in three cenuries in St. Cwfan's churchyard.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 820'.

Time: 5 hours 4 minutes. On the move 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Max temperasture: 27.2 Celsius.
Beaufort wind force: 0 - 2 . Mainly calm - light air and briefly the occasional light breeze.
A good day for walking, although at times it did feel rather humid, the promised north westerly wind failed to appear often enough. 

Fran decided to use an umbrella - European style - to keep off the Sun's rays in the hottest part of the day.

Lunch was taken a little earlier than usual, as we found picnic benches at the playground at Aberwheeler.

The main challenge today was the broken stiles on the paths around  Aberwheeler, in contrast to the trail route where most of the stiles had been replaced by superb easy to use gates.

Birds seen or heard today included: House csparrow, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, Wood nuthatch, House martin, Barn swallow, Greenfinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Jackdaw, Carrion crow and Common buzzard.

Overall and enjoyable walk, but we were already for  a refreshing pint of Purple Moose's brews (Snowdonia Ale and Elderflower brews at the Dinorben Arms at Bodfari.