The Little Orme, Bryn Euryn and More 30th October 2021

 

Eurasian curlew on the fields opposite the Life Boat Station in Craig-y-Don.

Rhos-on-Sea from the North Wales Path on the east side of the Little Orme.

On top of the world - no just the Little Orme.

The Great Orme from the Little Orme.

Lots of people looking into Porth Dyniewaid - the seals must be back.

Grey seals beached in Porth Dyniewaid.

Grey seals beached in Porth Dyniewaid.

Grey seals beached in Porth Dyniewaid.

The Conwy valley from the trig point on Bryn Euryn.

The delightful woodland path used on the way down from Bryn Euryn.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.9 miles (10 + for Mike). Climb: 1595' (2000' for Mike).
Time: 4 hours 56 minutes (5 hours 20 minutes for Mike).
On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Mike.

Temperature: Max 17.2 Celsius. 12.2  Celsius on descent of Bryn Euryn.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 -3. Light air to a gentle breeze, although it felt stronger than that.

The weather was much better than we expected, bright and sunny in the main, no more than a few drops of rain at lunch time withe Sun still shining!

Birds seen or heard today included: Eurasian curlew, Oysteratcher, Herring gull, Rook, Jackdaw, Raven, Red billed chough, European robin, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Common blackbird and House sparrow. 

Perhaps the best spot today was a Common shrew running around our feet as we stood on the path near Llys Euryn.

Overall an enjoyable walk. I arrived back at the car before Mike, but was able to sit on a bench overlooking the sea and finish of my hot drink while waited for Mike to complete his extra explorations.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell in Halkyn where the Lees bitter went down well.

Harris Hikers Dates and Walks October 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 Medical environments.

Saturday 2nd October 2021.

Another Walk On Conwy Mountain.

I will decide on Friday morning, but will probably switch to a more local walk if the petrol situation hasn't improved. 

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1800' at a guess!
Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. Pay and Display. Grid ref:SH781773.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Carl Rogers's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley". Much of the routes as far as Conwy is the same as we have done on the last two occasions,. It goes through the harbour, follows riverside before passing the school and then climbing to Conwy Mountain along he North Wales path. The return route goes South towards Henryd. It is similar to a route we used many years ago, but appears to miss out much of the road walking. we shall see!

Those planning to walk: Martyn

Wednesday 6th October 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 09-00. 

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. Some fields paths involved, so expect a few stiles and possibly mud after the recent downpours.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Roger, Mike, David S, Nigel, Fran, Wendy

Saturday 9th October 2021.

Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1000'.

Start: Aber Ogwen Coastal Car Park. Grid ref:SH616724. 
Alternative start: Abergwyngeryn Free Car Park Grid ref: SH 6562 7282. PC (opens about 09-30) nearby and a cafe at the outdoor centre that allows walkers to use the toilets (opens earlier than PC.)

Lave Chester at 08-30.

This walk uses taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast". The Traeth Lafan and it Foothills walk is an annual favourite and has in the past given us some wonderful experiences, especially in Winter trampling through soft fluffy knee deep snow that didn't stick or wet our legs. Unfortunately at this time of the year we shouldn't get any snow, but with a bit of luck the fields as we approach the farm near the Spinnies shouldn't be waterlogged either. It should be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you as we may visit the Spinnies Nature Reserve on the way back to our car.

We could decide to extend the walk slightly to avoid the muddy section along the farm track. 

This walk is described as walk of contrasting coastal and upland scenery with good views from the higher points on the North Wales path.r

 High tide is at about 13-15 and is about 9.7 m (31.9), so the coastal birds may be better seen as we walk alomg the coast back towards Abergwyngregyn.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Roger

Wednesday 13th October 2021.

Llansannan and Mynydd Tryfan.

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

Saturday 16th October 2021.

Around Bosley Cloud. 

Postponed - I am going for my flu jab at 10-21.

After my jab, I will probably walk from Chester to Shotton along the Green Way and catch a bus back.

Let me know if you want to join me on this gentle stroll.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1020'.

Start: Lay-by on the A523, South of its junction with the A54. Grid ref: SJ917657.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

This walk is taken from Jen Darling's book "Best Pub Walks in Cheshire", although we won't take her advice on the local hostelries! The walk takes us to the top of Bosley Cloud with its panoramic views over the Cheshire plain.. After visiting the trig point on Bosley Cloud, the walk heads West to meet up with the Macclesfield Canal, which we follow for an easy four mile stretch.

Those planning to walk: Martyn

Wednesday 20th October 2021.

Moore Nature Reserve and Appleton Reservoir.

Distance: 10 miles; Climb:400'
Start:car park at Moore Nature Reserve, Lapwing Lane, Moore. Grid ref:SJ577855.

It is quite some time since we did this walk, so I thought it was about time to do it again. On one occasion wee were lucky enough to see several Brown hares, let's hope we will again this time.
After exploring the Moore Nature Reserve we will head South and explore to make explore the Appleton reservoir and Hillcliffe areas before returning along the canal to Moore. The overall walk will be about 10 miles.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, David S, Mike, Roger,Fran

Saturday 23rd October 2021.

Around Anglezarke Reservoir and More.

Postponed until 6th November 2021.

Distance: 8-11 miles. Climb: 800!

Start:Car park and picnic site, Rivington Park Lower Barn. Grid ref: SD628138.

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

This walk is based on a walk from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". His part of the walk is described as being on generally good paths and tracks, but can be muddy! The extensions will result in the whole walk going past 5 reservoirs. It will probably be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you.
The route includes White Coppice and Healey Nab..

Hopefully our friends from Bolton will be able to join us as well.

Those planning to walk: Martyn

New Walk for 3rd October 2021.

The Edge to Nether Alderley and the Edge and Hough.

Postponed.

If there is any interest, it will be replaced by a walk on the North Wales Coast.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: Not a lot (less than 1000' at a guess).

Start: National Trust car Park close to the Wizard Restaurant, Alderley Edge. This is a Pay and Display car park - Free to National Trust Members. Grid ref: SJ860773.

Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m. and meet at the car park.

This walk combines two walks from Graham Beech's book " East Cheshire Walks". He describes it as being moderate. The walk will again probably give us views of the communications tower on Croker Hill/Sutton Common. We may also get the opportunity to visit Nether Alderley Mill (National Trust- so bring your N.T cards with you if you are members.)

Wednesday 27th October 2021.

Gadlys, Nant-y-Flint and More.

Postponed - billy no mates again!

I will just have to go birdwatching instead.

Distance: 7 - 9 miles; Climb:1100'.

Start: Public car park adjacent to the Stag Inn at Bagillt. Grid ref:SJ219753.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

This walks is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain" and is nominally 7 miles. The walk explores the attractive undulating rural hinterland between Bagillt and Flint.

When we did this walk in 2010 it was over 10 miles, but since then our desire for walks over 10 miles has waned a little, so I have of reduced the walk by missing out most of the east of Holywell walk that we did then. This means that walk will be between 7 and 9 miles, depending on whether we decide to extend the walk a little from the described walk. there are two possible short extension, one to the West and one to the East. We can decide on the day if we want to do both, one or none of them!
 Some of the field paths have been known to be somewhat muddy on past visits and we have had to wade through longish grass - gaiters recommended!

Those planning to walk: Martyn

Saturday 30th October 2021.

The Little Orme and Bryn Euryn. 

Distance: 8 miles Climb: 800'.
Roadside parking
Leave Chester at 08-30. Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno. Grid ref: SH799821.
It may be a little early, but there is a chance that we will be able to see seals i Porth Dyniewaid.
After the Little Orme we head along the coast. High tide is at about 13-45, so we will probably be able to walk alog the beach towards Rhos-on-Sea. After climbing out of Rhos-on-Sea to Bryn Euryn. On a clear day we should get good views from the top of Bryn Euryn to compliment those we get from the Little Orme. The return route to the start is largely along quiet lanes.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike.

Lower Gronant, Barkby Beach and Talacre 23rd October 2021

A Redwing on Prestatyn Golf Course - the first that I have seen this Winter.

Heading east along the dunes towards Gronant.

First sightings of the Point of Ayr lighthouse.

It doesn't look so good over the Great Orme.

A Rave on the fence post next to Prestatyn Golf Course.

Evening primrose in The Warren.

The view from our lunch spot at Talacre.

On of the Little egrets seen on the marsh near our lunch spot.

Sounds of the seaside as the tide comes in.

The sea surrounds the Point of Ayr lighthouse.

A few Great cormorants on the shore north of Presthaven Sands.

Eurasian curlew on the shore north of Presthaven Sands.

Walks stats: Distance: 9.3 miles. Climb: 198'.

Time: 4 hours 35 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: 10 - 12 Celsius (feeling warmer when the Sun honoured us with an appearance).

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2 9 Calm to a light breeze.).

Group: Martyn and Roger.

A good day for walking, on the cool side as we set off, with a hint of dampness in the air, bt it wasn't long before we were discarding our outer layers. 
Our figure of eight walk starte along the path through Prestatyn Golf Course where we saw our first sighting of a Redwing this Winter.
The route from Barkby Beach used the Wales Coast Path across the dunes, giving us good views of the busy golf course to the south and the beach to the north. 
Prestahaven Sands was busy with plenty of holiday people on the beach.
Lunch was taken using one of the picnic benches next to the path leading to the RSPB viewing screen at Point of Ayr.
Our return route finally took us along the beach, with the incoming tide almost lapping our feet. It was a delight to hear the evoative sound of the incoming waves as they rolled onto the beach.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Pied wagtail, Mallard, Redwing, Eurasian curlew, Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Rook, Raven, Jackdaw, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Oystercatcher, Great cormorant, Shelduck, Moorhen, Common kestrel, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie and Little egret. 
We arrived back at he car just after 14-00, giving us plenty of time to get home and watch England v West Indies in the Cricket T20 World Cup. A glass or two of Felinfoel Double Dragon went down well as England gained an easy win.
Overall an enjoyable walk and one that can be repeated at any time of the year.

Moore Nature Reserve amd Appleton Reservoir 20th October 2021

At the Lapwing Pool viewing screen, Moore Nature Reserve.

Yes it was raining as we set off through Moore Nature Reserve.

Birchwod Pool, Moore Nature Reserve.

A Great crested grebe on Birchwood Pool.

The Mancheser Ship Canal at Lower Walton.

Lunch on the wall next to the Appleton Reservoir path.

Appleton Reservoir from our lunch spot.

A Great crested grebe on Appleton Reservoir.

The Bridgewater Canal and the towpath leading back to Moore.

Striding away as I stopped to "feed the baby"!

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

Grey heron take off taken by Fran.

A Grey heron trying to decide what to do next.

It's take off time.

Eurasian curlews foraging.

The only gosling we saw today.

A close encounter with an adult Mute swan.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 307'.

Time: 4 hours 33 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: 17.8 Celsius and 13.2 Celsius during the 14-00 downpour.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 4 . More than a gentle breeze, especially as we had our umbrella up during the heaviest rain period towards the end o the walk.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Gadwall, Wigeon, Great crested grebe, Tufted duck, Little grebe, Black headed gull, Common buzzard, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch, Wood nuthatch, Mute swan, Canada goose, Black billed mapie, Eurasian jay, Eurasian curlew and Grey heron.

The weather wasn't as bad as the Met Office and BBC suggested it would be on their forecasts. Light rain at the start, mainly dry before and after lunch, sunny as we walked along the canal towpath and one very heavy shower towards the end of the walk.

Lunch was taken at the southern end of Appleton Reservoir, where we were able to take advantage of a stone wall next to the path.

Some of the group were lucky enough to see a large fish jump out of the water and come down with a splash. A local fisherman said it was probably a Carp.

We arrived back at the car, just as the heavy rain stopped and ready to set off in search of a suitable hostery for refreshment.

This was Netherton Hall just outside Frodsham, where unfortunately the Lees Bitter wasn't available and we ended up drinking Lees MPA, liked by some, but not by me!

Chester to Shotton Along the River 16th October 2021

The start of the riverside walk.

The Dee Coastsl Path.

Moel Famau in the distance - taken from the Dee Coastal Path.

About to cross the border.

Approaching Higher Ferry.

Canada geese, Mallard and Great cormorant at the Airbus barge dock.

Approaching Queensferry.

Someone's missing from our seat.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 80'.

Time: 3 hours 20 minutes. Overall walking average: 3.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn (no-one else fancied a gentle riverside walk on the flat).

I set off from Northgate Street just before 10-00, having had my flu jaba little earlier than expected.

It still felt quite cool, but thankfully little wind abd no rain.

At first it was pretty quiet on the Dee Coastal Path and at times had the path to myself.

After passing Higher Ferry, the Wales Coastal Path became busier with more and more cyclists, but today they were all on their best behaviour!.

By the time I reached Queensferry the temperature had warmed up and a shirt change was needed before gong for my lunch s at The Central Hotel at Shotton.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Moorhen, Commo blackbird, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Great cormorant, Grey heron, Canada goose, Rook, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Long tailed tit.

An enjoyable walk, although I did end up with a blister on my heal!

 

Llansannan and Its Eastern Environs 13th Octobwer 2021

"Where are the loos in Llansannan?"

"The're behind you!"

The track on the outskirts of Llansannan that leads to our first encounter with the Afon Aled.

One of the easier stiles

In the words of the photographer "a dodgy bit of the walk."

The inviting ridge of Mynydd Tryfan, but not part of our walk today.

Fran's chosen lunch spot.

Crossing the footbridge over the Afon Aled.

That's one way of getting past a fallen tree!

This is how others did it.

The monument in Llansannan, erected in 1899 to commemorate five writers born in the area.

Distance: 8.6 miles. Climb: 1046.

Time: 4 hours 52 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, Sue and Michel, Wendy, David S., Fran, Nigel and Mike.

The weather forecast suggested that it would be overcast, but only a 10% chance of rain. Thankfully this turned out to be true, although Fran did at one point put her umbrella up to keeper hair dry - no one else bothered to rush for waterproof.

This was a good and varied walk, providing us with some path finding challenges, a few climbes to set out hearts racing, particularly just after lunch and a good number of stiles that weren't in the best of condition!  The worst bit, described by Nigel and others as "a dodgy bit of the walk", came when we had to walk in a stream to cross it and then climb steeply up the bank on the other side, One only erson slipped over, but others needed to use both hand and sticks to steady themselves. I decide that use of my third limb wa\s safer and sat down on the bank to drop down to the stream.  Muttering from then on will probably mean that this footpath will never be used again by Harris Hikers!

Lunch was taken sitting on the barriers near Tan-y-fron, probably the best we could find today.

After lunch started with a steep climb up a grassy slope to Crinlle before we anticipated a downhill stroll back to Llansannan, at least that' what it looked like on the map. However we still had had one more tricky descent down to a footbridge made difficult because it quite steep and slippery becuse the made was wet.

Eventually we arrived back at Llansannan all feeling that they had been on a good strenous walk and looking foward to a good pint of Lees bitter at the Brtannia Inn at Halkyn.

The landlady gave a welcoming smile as she saw our car passing the front window on the way to the car park. The bitter did not disappoint.

Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Grey Heron, Wood nuthatch, Common blackbird, Rook, Common pheasant, Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Red kite (bird of the day).

Traeth Lefan and Foothillsfrom Abergwyngregyn 9th October 2021

The path from Abergwyngregyn leading to the foothills of the Carneddau.

The coastal section of our walk seen from the pth leading to the Carnedday Foothills.

"I'm too hot, time to take off a layer".

Easy going on thes North Wales Path.

A few of the forty plus Mute swans on the sea north of The Spinnies N.R..

A Grey heron with Little egret south of Coed Gyfynys.

A male Stonechat, east of Coed Gyfynys.

A lone Mute swan - hopefully soon to link up with the forty plus seen earlier.

Ring plover on the shore, east of Coed Gyfynys.

A female Wheatear, east of Coed Gyfynys.

A few of the hundred or so Mallard on the sea, north of Cwrtiau.

Walk stats:
Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 850'.
Time: 4 hours 42 minutes. O the move walking average: 2,3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Max temperature: 20.2 Celsius. Beaufort Wind Fore: 0 -2 (calm to light breeze).

Group: Martyn, Mike and Roger.

The forecast for today, seemed to be forever changing, but they did get it right in suggesting that it would be larely overcast with the possibilty of rain after lunch.

Distant views were never clear, but a\t least we could still see Anglesy and Puffin Island.

Lunch was taken at the Aber Ogwen coastal car park, where we took advantage of one of the picnic tables.

The initial climb out of Abergwyngregyn was quite tough for some of us, but it wasn't log before we reached the height tha gave us panoramic views of the coast.

It was half way through lunch when we first felt rain drops,that then continued until the end of the walk, never heavy, but you could always feel it in the air.

The tide was pretty  well in as we had lunch, but there we didn't see that many birds on the sea.

Brds seen or hears today included: European robin, Raven, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Common snipe, Mistle hrush, Mute swan, Wigeon, Stonechat, Common starling, Grey heron, Little egret, Shelduck, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Great black back gull, Woodpigeon, Great spotted woodpecker, Eurasian jay, Goldfinch, Meadow pipit (even Mike sptted one of these before I pointed it out) Oystercatcher, Wheatear, Mallard, Common redshank and Ring plover.

Overall an enjoyable walk with some good birds spots.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell in Halkyn, wherethe Lees bitte was excellen. However Roger's orange squash was a little on the weak side!