Llandegla, The alun Valley and Limestone Pastures 29th September 2021

 

Crossing the afon Alun near Llandegla.

Crossing the field north west of Cheleirog.

Inspecting an unusual union of trees.

Blue skies on the horizon taken from the path west of Nurse Cae-glas.

Getting ready to leave after lunch, and I still haven't had chanch to have a drink of my fruit tea!

A Red admiral butterfly on the path south west of Alyn Bank, Llanarmon-yn-Ial.

One of the limestone pasture crossed.

A steap escape from the limestone pasture.

Llandegla ahead - not far to go now.

Walk stats:

Distamce: 10.0 miles (11.5 milles for those needing to expend a little more energy).

Climb: 1211'.

Time: 5 hours 23 minute (a little more for the younger members of the group).

Temperature: At the start - 11.2 Celsius. At Lunch - 12.2 Celsius, At the end - 13.4 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Calm to gentle breeze.

Group; Martyn,  Sue and Michel, Mike, David S, Nigel and Wendy.

We were getting our boots on t llandgla, when one o the locals came across to inform us that today was the first day that the church ad been open to walkers to use the facilities and make tea or coffee - what a wonderful welcome.

The weather was a little unpredictable, although initially feeling on the cool side, we never had more than a few spots of rain. I made the mistake of believing the feel like 7 Celsius on one of the forecasts and put on my Paramo gear - shorts would have been better!

We all found path finding challenging in certain places, esp[ecially those opting for thr full extension to the planned route.

Lunch was taken a little earlier than usual so that we could take advantage of rocks and fallen trees o whic to sit. It was only four miles into the walk and meant meant that after lunch we had at least six more to do,

After lunch it was much sunnier that earlier and at about 14-00, I decided to stop for afternoon tea, but no-one else joined in. After a changing into my third shirt and putting my Paramo jacket in my rucksack and a quick drink,  I ws a few hundred yatrds behind the rest of the group, but thankfully the waited for me at the point where the extension became a possibility.

The majority set off down the road on the way to the limestone pasture ( the main focus of the walk for at least one member of the group), 

Birds seen or heard today included, Winter wren, Common pheasant, Woodpigeon, European robin, Carrion crow, Common buzzard and Black billed magpie.

A good walk celebrated with Wheetwood bitter at the Bridge Inn at Pontblyddyn. An enjoyable beer, even it wwas a little coder than the ideal 14 Celsius!

Harris Hikers Walks September 2021

September 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.

The Sandstone Trail in 2 Days.

Wednesday 22nd September and Thursday 23rd September 2021.

Sandstone Trailers Day 1: Mike, Nigel, Fran.

Sandstone Trailers Day 2: Mike, Nigel.

Wednesday 1st September 2021.

Llandegla, Llyn Cyfynwy and Graianrhyd.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb:1250'.
Start: Llandegla village car park opposite the primary school and Post Office adjacent to the bus stop. Grid ref:SJ197525.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
These two walks are taken from Carl Rogers' book "Walking in the Clwydian Hills". One walk is described as an excellent walk which combines the craggy limestone escarpment of Graig with its wide views of the Clwydian Range and the flat moors of Llandegla. The other walk is described as a pleasant walk on parts of Offa's Dyke Footpath and visits Llyn Cyfynnwy with its delightful (my word) views.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel, Fran, David S.

Saturday 4th September 2021.

Wepre Park, Aston Hill and Northop Hall. 

Postponed

Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: 860'.

Start: Wepre Park, South of Wepre Drive, Connah's Quay. Grid ref: SJ295684.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk includes the four mile "Wepre" walk from the booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire", but has been extended to explore the area around Northop Hall. The Wepre walk is described as a moderate walk and includes a wooded river valley and a ruined castle.
The extension heads for Ewloe Green via Aston Hill on the way to Northop Hall. After exploring the countryside North of Northop Hall, it eventually rejoins the dismantled railway track shown on the original route that will leads us back to Wepre.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, 

Wednesday 8th September 2021.

Rhosesmor, Sychdyn and Northop.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Parking area next to playground, Rhosesmor. Grid ref: SJ214681.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk includes the "Northop - Sychdyn" walk from the booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire". The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk starts from Northop and is only five miles. The car park in Northop is very small, and when I went on a reccy it was full. Starting at Rhosesmor overcomes that problem and extends the walk by four miles.

The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk is described as including a traveller's resting place, grand houses, parkland and woodland. It is also described as a moderate walk with many stiles and some boggy places.

The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk was completed fo the fist time in 2016.

 The link-up paths from Rhosesmor include many of the paths that we have used on Gwystaney walks from the same parking area.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Fran and David S

Saturday 11th September 2021.

A Clwydian Trio.

A new early start.

Distance: 9 miles; Climb:1900' '.

Start: Pentre-celyn car park . Grid ref: SJ150534.

The car parking area is on the left adjacent to the sign for Pentre-celyn, just off the B5429.

Leave Chester 08-00 a.m.

This is another walk by Debbie Hamilton and is taken from the "Walking" magazine. This walk includes the section of Offa's Dyke Path goes near Moel y Plas, Moel Gyw, Moel Llanfair and Boncyn y Waen-grogen. Her walk starts from Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd, but we will start at Pentre Celyn about half a mile beyond Graigfechan.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel, Mike

Wednesday 15th September 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.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

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.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Roger, Wendy, Mike

Saturday 18th September 2021.

Mow Cop, Congleton Edge and More. 

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Start: New start Point. Cheshire's Close lay-by on Congleton Road, Mow Cop. Grid ref: SJ8673058565

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This walk combines a walk from Carl Rogers's book "Circular Walks Along The Gritstone Trail" and part of a walk taken from the "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". This walk is a little shorter than the one that we did in 2008. Good views from the ridges.

We have often done this walk in the Winter, so I thought that it was about time that we repeated the walk in Spring/Summer conditions.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Roger, Nigel, Mike.

Wednesday 22nd September 2021.

Llansannan and Mynydd Tryfan.

Postponed- this walk will be included later in the year.

See below for the new walk that hopefully will enable  us to link in with those on  the first day of MD's Sandstone Trail challenge.

Distance: 8-10 miles; Climb:1500'. Last time it was 8.8 miles and 1000'.

Start:Car park behind PC opposite the Post Office in Llansannan. Grid ref:SH933658.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walk is mainly a walk taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walking in the Vale of Clwyd". This is a varied walk along the Afon Aled and its tributaries, through rolling pastures edge with thick hedges and pockets of woodland, with a backdrop of mountains. However we will include an extension to include Mynydd Tryfan. The last time we did this walk we had a little difficulty finding some of the paths, must do better this time!

Those planning to walk: Martyn.

New Walk for Wednesday 22nd September 2021.

Pale Heights, the Sandstone Trail, Primrose Hill, Black Firs and Primrose Wood.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb:1200'. 

Start: Gresty's Waste Car Park on Primrose Hill. Grid ref: SJ539686.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Mike plans to start the Sandstone Trail at about 08-00 in Frodsham, and if all goes well we hope to meet up at Eddisbury Lodge or along the Sandstone Trail south of the lodge.

We will also stop for lunch together, before departing company when the Sandstone Trail heads south off the road, east of Rock Farm.

Our route starts by heading north along the Sandstone Trail from Gresty's Waste, visiting Pale Heights before descending northward to the track that leads us to Eddisbury Lodge and the Sandstone Trail.

We will follow the Sandstone Trail south for 3-4 miles and stop for lunch in a suitable spot in either Primrose Hill / Urchins Kitchen or Black Firs.

We will continue south on the Sandstone Trail, but after leaving the Sandstone Trailers we will head towards The Willingtons and start the return north via Tirley Garth, Tirley Farm and Tirley Hollow. The last leg of the wal will be through Primrose Wood and retrace our steps over Primrose Hill back to the start.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Roger, Wendy, David S, (Sandstone Trailers: Mike, Nigel and Fran).

Saturday 25th August 2021.

Wepre Park, Aston Hill and Northop Hall. 

Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: 860'.

Start: Wepre Park, South of Wepre Drive, Connah's Quay. Grid ref: SJ295684.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk includes the four mile "Wepre" walk from the booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire", but has been extended to explore the area around Northop Hall. The Wepre walk is described as a moderate walk and includes a wooded river valley and a ruined castle.
The extension heads for Ewloe Green via Aston Hill on the way to Northop Hall. After visiting Northop Hall, our route takes us on the path on the west side of the village church and leads to a minor road which is followed east a short distance to the dismantled railway track shown on the original route that will ake us back to the start.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Roger

Wednesday 29th September.

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

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, Wendy, Mike, Nigel, David S., Sue and Michel.

The Sandstone Trail In Two Days

The Sandstone Trail In Two Days.

Wednesday 28 / Thursday 29 September 2021
Walk stats: Distance: 36.0 miles, Climb 5,145 feet (includes extra 1.5 mile “deviation”) 

Walkers: Mike, Nigel and Fran (day-1 only) 

Nigel’s ratings: Frodsham to Maiden Castle 5 stars. 

After Maiden Castle to Whitchurch 2 stars. 

Getting ready for the off at Frodsham Wed 8:00 a.m. 

Just to prove that three of us did start.

Let’s hope we don’t feel as bad as this chap at the end of the trail! Wed 8:10 a.m. 

Near Urchin’s Kitchen Wed 12:39 a.m. 

Brief encounters with the rest of Harris Hikers Wednesday Group.

What a view for the start of day-2 Thursday 8:00 a.m.

Crossing the Shropshire Union near Beeston Castle Thu 8:29 a.m.

Knotweed near Burwardsley - Thu 9:36 a.m. 

On the Sandstone Ridge - Bulkely Hill? – Thursday 10:08 a.m. 

Lambs at Hampton Green – Thursday 1:34 p.m. 

We made it to Whitchurch! Next stop the Black Bear pub! Thursday 4:28 p.m. 

Wepre Park, Ewloe Castle, Ewloe Green and Northop Hall 25th September 2021

Wepre Brook, north of Ewloe Castle.

Ewloe Castle.

Ewloe Castle.

Looking north over Connah's Quay towards the Dee Estuary.

Our lunch spot at the Northop Hall Memorial Garden.

Part of the delightful path through Broadoak Wood.

The Rosie, a fishing lake in the grounds of Wepre Park.

Walk Stats: 

Distance: 8.3 milles. Climb: 722'.

Time: 4 hour 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Min temperature -  20.2 Celsius as we walked through Wepre Park.

Temperature at lunch - 4.4 Celsius.

Max temperature - 25.2 Celsius at the end of the walk in bright sunshine.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 1. Mainly calm and the briefly just after lunch light air when we were hoping it would turn into a light breeze.

Group: Martyn and Roger.

We arrived sat Wepre Park, surprised to find the car park pretty full, but we later found out there was a "Park Run" already in play and a football match due to start around 10-00.

It felt pretty humid throughout the walk, and even when it tried to rain as we left Ewloe Castle, it didn't feel any better.

The worst section of the walk was around Aston Hill Farm, where we managed to get round a floode sectio of the path, but then had to negotiate an overgrown section as the path went through waiste high grass and nettles (that left their mark on any bare skin on legs and arms that they managed to touch.

Another surprise toay was to ind the Boars Head at Ewloe was no more and in its place a brand new modern block of apartments.

After leaving Ewloe Green, we were expecting a stroll along a quitet country lane, but not to be as Green Lane and Magazine Lane were used by club runners and cyclists.

We arrived at our lunch spot just after 12-00 and had an enjoyable half an hour sitting on the benches provided as we had lunch.

As we entered Coed Pentre Mochyn and set of the path through Broadoak Wood, we were warned about a footbridge that had collapsed in a storm earlier in the year and was about to be replaced.

Thankfully were able to get round the problem spot and continue on our route as planned.

We arrived back a the car, probably at the hottest part of the day, but it was good to see so many young people and young families taking advantage of the wonderful facilityies that Wepre Park offers.

Birds seen or heard today included: Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Wood nuthatch, House sparrow, Black billed magpie, Eurasian jay, Moorhen and Mallard.

Overall an enjoyable walk, needing to be celebrated with a refreshing pint at the Bridge Inn at Sandycroft.  Alas the Bridge Inn didn't open until 15-00 and it was still only 14-15!

another day whe I would have to enjoy a glass of Merlot as I update the blog!

 

Pale Heights, The Sandstone Trail, Primrose Hill and Woods 22nd September 2021

 

The Sandstone Trailers at the start of their walk in Frodsham.

At Pale Heights.

The racing stables and grounds at Kelsall, from Primrose Hill.

Smoke signals on the horizon - is it the Sandstone Trailers telling us they are lost?

(not my comment!).

Two at our chosen lunch spot in Black Firs wood. Can' see the other one!

Lunch time at in Black Firs wood.

Not a garden gnome, just waiting for the Sandstone Trailers.

Our wait has been rewarded - the Sandstone Trailers have arrived!

Some mgnificent fungi - probably feeding on the roots of a Beech tree.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.7 miles. Climb: 1248'.

Time: 5 hours 21 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h. (lower than it should be as we had to wait about half an hour fo the Sandstone Tralers to catch up with us).

Max temperature 22.1 Celsius. 20.1 Celsius at the end of the walk.

Beaufort wind force: 0 - 1 ( Calm to light air(occasionally and very welcome).

The main objective of the walk today was to link up with three of our regular walkers that setting off from Frodsham on their first stage of completing the Sandstone Trail. We reached our first hopeful link up point, then the second and even the third and still cercumstance meant they were still some way off.  At the last point where our two path overlapped, there was a notice that the Sandstone Path ahead was closed. After phoing them and warning them of a possible problem ahead, we ended waiting about half an hour for them, but eventually they did arrive - all looking as you might expect anyone having done 17 km (10.1 mile) and knowing they still had a few more to do!

Having congratulated the Sandstone Trailers for catching up with us, I handed over a piece of well matured and fortified fruit cake and set them off on their final leg of the first day on the trail.

The four of us a normal Wednesday Walk, had a good morning section, with good views from Pale Heights, but without trying we were walking faster than usual - not very helpful for our attempting to link up with the Sandstone Trailers.

Lunch as taken in Black Firs where we all mangwd tofind suitable places to si as we enjoyded our lunches.

After lunch our only challenge was to negotiate the best way through Primrose Wood  we didn't do well and had to return to the main forestrey track back to the Sandstone Trai and back to Gresty's Waste Car Park.

Overall a enjoyable walk enhanced by the challenge to meet up with the Sandstone Trailers.

Birds seen ot heard today included: Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Goldfinch, Great tit, European robin, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon and Eurasian jay.after walk drins were anejoyed at home, although the Sandstone Trailers fared better at the Rising Sun in Tarporley.

Mow Cop and Congleton Edge 18th September 2021

The Old Man of Mow.

Mow Cop from the east side.

Descending the steps on the south side of Mow Cop.

Jodrell Bank telescope just starting to appear through the haze as we descend from the Old Man of Mow on the South Cheshire Way.

The start of our trek along the towpath of the Cheshire Ring Canal to Congleton.

Easy walking on the Bidulph Valley Way.

About to start along the path over Congleton Edge. 

Crossing the path along one of the more exposed sections of Congleton Edge.

Mike going where he ddidn't really want to go - a consequence of not following instructons to the letter!

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: 958'.

Time: 5 hours 15 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.  verall walking average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature at lunch (in the shade) - 20.1 Celsius. 

Beaufort Winf Force: 0 - 1 (calm to ligh air  it never made it even to a light breeze!).

Group: Martyn, Roger, Mike and Nigel. (a record for a Saturday walk in recent times).

We arrived at the start at the view point on Mow Lane just after 09-30 wth distant views being somewhat misty. In fact we could even make out the Jodrell Ban Telescope. 

It was a ittle on the cool side and some of the group decided to put on an extra layer for the first half an hour or so.

Our first objective was to visit the Old Man of Mow followed b the folly of Mow Cop Castle.

We had a vry pleasant descent along the South Cheshire Way through a delightful section of woodland.

We eventually arrived at the Cheshire Ring Canal, east of Ackers Crossing, but the trudge along the towpath was helped by the several narrow boats heading south west from Congleton, waving to us as they sailed by. We also saw a few more walkers /dog walkers as we approached our lunch spot near the Canal Road aquaduct.

Two of us had lunch using a picnic table and the other two made use of new seat recently installed in memory of a much loved grandad.

After leaving the Cheshire Ring Canal towpath we had a short gentle stroll along the old railway track (Bidulph Valey Way) before the steady climb from Congleton Road, Mossleyto Congleton Edge and the highlight of the walk.

At Pot Bank, I suggested that thetwo Sandstone Trailers should return to the car using a power walk along the road, while Roger and I  took the more direct route. They set ff in the right direction, but decided to take the parallel footpath rather than stay on the road as suggested. Unfortunately they encountered an overgrownpath and ended the walk with bare legs baring the scars as evidence of their mistake in not listening to the instructions given.

Overall a very enjoyable walk, celebtrate with a refreshing pint of beer at the Morris Dancer at Kelsall (now very busy with their kitchen back to worrking order).  As on Wednesday we were able to sit outside in a table that gave us soe shieldin from the Sun.

Birds sen or heard today included: Common starling, Common crow, Jackdaw, Common blakbird, Woodpigen, NMallard, Moorhen, Canada goose and Grey heron.

 

A walk From The Anderton Boat Lift 15th September 2021

The Anderton Boat Lift at the start of the walk.

A Grey heron fishing in the Trent and Mersey Canal, but not the bird of the day!

Wood sculptures next to the Trent and Mersey Canal.

A Kingfisher next to the Trent and Mersey Canal, but the one we can add to the birds seen or heard list for the walk.,

Mike, making sure the back markers know where to leave the towpath.

The bridge over the Weaver Navigation / River Weaver near the Leigh Arms.

On the footbridge over the River Weaver west od Saltersford Locks.

A few Great cormorants on the Weaver Navigation at Saltersford Locks.

Our lunch spot at Saltersford Locks.

Saltersford Locks from our lunch spot.

The Winnington Swing Bridge, our exit point from the path on the north side of the Weaver Navigation.

Walk stats:

Distance: .6 miles. Climb: 223'.

Time: 3 hours 58 minites. On the move waking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max 27.2 Celsius. Min 24.9 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind force: 0 - 1. Calm to light air.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Wendy and Mike.

This was a much better day weatherwise than any of the weather forecasts, although the BBC did get closer than the Met Office on this occasion. 

It was pretty well sunny all day and opportunities to remove sunhats were rare, but my head appreciated it on those few occasions.

A walk to celebrate the return of three of the Wednesday walking group regulars after their enforced absence for a variety of legitimate reasons!

This was a repeat of the walk done by the "Chester Branch" during lockdown when I was unable to cross the Wales - England Border, but in fact it was undertaken in the opposite direction.

The first surprise of the day was seeing a pair of Mute swans on the Trent and Mersey Canal with six large juveniles, were they all related?

We followed the Trent and Mersey Canal, all the way to the Leigh Arms footpath and onto s the return route on the path adjacent to the Weaver Navigation.

Along the towpath we encounterted a few men fishing but only witnesed one catching a fish - small Roach.

The path by the Weaver Navigation, was good at times, but  occasionally deviated slightly from the river through fields.  Thankfully this was all behind us once we had reached the Saltersford Locks.

Today we had two of the group vying for bird spotter of the day.  Roger after his cateract operation seeing a Common buzzad about a mile away that I could only identify with my binoculars and Wendy being the first to spot a Kingfisher on the Trent and Mersey Canal.

I think Wendy just about won, as she spotted two more Kingfishers as we were having lunch at the Saltersford Locks.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mute swan, Black headed gull, Moorhen, Mallard, Grey heron, Kingfisher, Common chafinch, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Common blackbird, Great cormorant and Common buzzard.

Overall a very enjoyable walk and no-one opted for an extension to Marbury Country Park and felt that a refreshing pint at the Morris Dancer at Kelsall was a much better option!

Surprisingly, the Morris Dance was almost empty, with their kitchen out of action, but we all enjoyed our drinks sitting in the shadwe in the seating area below the grape vines.