Cwm Conwy, Castle Wood and Moel y Gaer 24th November 2021

 

Cwm Conwy.

Looking back towards Cwm Conwy.

In Castle wood.

Looking towards the Dee estuary.

Distant views of Liverpool's two cathedrals.

The view from my lunch spot i Halkyn's old cemertry.

Autumnal lweaves again.

Happy times in the Autumn.

Two tractors getting together!

On the ramparts of Moel y Gaer.

The Clwydian Hills in profile from Moel y Gaer,

The star of the day!

The resident donkey in the old quarry near Moel y Gaer.

Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 1257'.

Time: 4 hours 50 mnutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walking average: 1.7 m.p.h. (too much time over lunch and waiting for tractors to pass by!).

Temperature: 8.1 Celsius at lunch, but slightly warmer when in the Sun.

Beaufort Wind Firce: 0 - 1. Calm (mainly no wind at all, but occasionally rising to light air).

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

This walk was adapted from the original walk in order to miss out the delights of exploring Halkyn Mountain. It was a little contrived at times with several more ups and downs than you would expect on a walk covering such a small area. 

The weather was almost perfect for walking, my only mistake was putting on my Paramo jacket at the start and not taking off for an hour into the walk. Whenever the opportunity arose, views the views across the Dee estuary and beyond were superb.

Lunch was taken in the old cemetry at Halkyn, where weall found perching spots to our liking, but alas not really in the Sun.

The best views of the day were obtaned as we went round the ramparts of Moel y Gaer hillfort, an excellent spot with 360 degree views.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, European robin, Black billed magpie, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Eurasian curlew, Woodnuthatch, Carrion crow, Mallard, Common coot and Common buzzard.

We arrived back at the car, with everyone saying that they had enjoyed the walk, even Fran who does hide the fact that the Halkyn arwea isn't her favourite place to walk!

No rain at all, except when we left the Brit and headed for home.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Brirannia Inn at Halkyn where the Lees bitter was at its best ( a new barrel had just been put on and yes my take away didn't survive the night!0.

Disley and Lyme Park 23rd November 2021

 

Red deer stag in the Deer Sactury in Lyme Park.

Looking across the reservoir towards The Cage in Lyme Park.

Red deer in the Deer Sactury in Lyme Park.

The Cage in Lyme Park.

The gates to Lyme Hall.

Autumnal colours in Lantern Wood.

A closed road, but still possible to cross on foot.

A much improved path to Disley.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.7 miles. Climb: 1028'.

Time: 3 hours 34 minutes. On te move walking average:2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h. 

Temperature: Min 7.2 Celsius.

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

Group: Martyn and Sue Powell.

A very enjoyable walk including one path (part of the Gritstone Trail) that I hadn't used before. It is always a bonus to explore new paths.

Lyme Park was quite busy, especially with dog walkers.

Birds seen or heard includd: Blue tit, Winter wren, European robin, Jackdaw, Wood nuthatch, Black billed magpie, Meadow pipit, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon, Canada goose, Mallard and Moorhen.

Harris Hikers Dates and Walks November 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.

Remember to let me know that you plan to walk so that I know how many route maps I need to bring and on special occasions how many pieces of fruit cake.

Wednesday 3rd November 2021.

Coed-y-Felin, Moel Ffagnalt and Moel-y-Gaer.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Coed-y-Felin, Hendre. Grid ref: SJ196678.
Leave Chester at 09-00.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's booklet " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain.
It is a few years since we last walked from this from Coed-y-Felin. The main walk explores the varied countryide between the Wheeler Valley and and Halkyn Mountain, whilst the extenions explores Moel Ffagnalt and the area around Rhes-y-cae.Weather pemitting we can expect good views from both Moel Ffagnallt and Moel-y-Gaer.

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

Saturday 6th November 2021

Around Anglezarke Reservoir and More.

Postponed to Spring/Summer 2022.

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, Mike, Elaine and John

Wednesday 10th November 2021.

Berwyn Halt, Horseshoe Falls, Valley Crucis Abbey and Coed Hyrddyn.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Llantysilio Green Car Park. Pay and Display (Free to National Trust Members, so don't forget to display badge or Membership Card).
Grid ref: SJ198433.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
To get to the car park, take the A542 Llangollen to Ruthin road. After about 1.5 miles turn left on to the B5103 towards Corwen and Rhewl. After half a mile keep straight on to find the car park on the left hand side. PC block also present, hopefully they will be open this time.
This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley". At Llantysilio Green the walk heads for Valle Crucis Abbey across Coed Hyrddyn and heads North before returning to Llantysilio Church The second part of the walk starts with a stroll along the canal to Llangollen before by rising from the River Dee and meanders around a wooded spur above the valley, giving superb views over Llangollen. The walk then drops down to Berwyn Halt, over the river

with good views of the Chain Bridge and up the road to the Llantysilio Green Car Park. A scenic walk with excellent views.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Wendy, Sue and Michel, Fran (not able to walk today: David S, Nigel, Roger).

Saturday 13th November 2021.

Ramshaw Rocks and the Roaches. 

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1400’.

Start: Lay-by on West side of Hen Cloud, opposite the track to Windygates. Grid ref: SK006618.

Leave Chester at 08-00.
Ramshaw Rocks were visited for the first time last year and combined with The Roaches it makes a superb walk, worth repeating on a n annual basis.

This walk allows us to explore Ramshaw Rocks seen so many times as we have walked over the Roaches. Ramshaw Rocks from a distance have always looked to be an interesting place in which to walk. This time Ramshaw Rocks will be our main objective with a North to South traverse of the Roaches a bonus towards the end of the walk. If time and legs permit, Hen Cloud may be included as an extension.

 The route heads North and then North west leading to Well Farm. From Well Farm field paths are used to reach the Churnet Way near Naychurch. The Churnet Way is followed North over Ramshaw Rocks and then leaves the Churnet Way and heads North to visit Black Brook Nature Reserve, After a complete circuit of the Reserve the route drops down to the road South of Newstone Farm. The road is then followed North for about a mile before heading west across Goldstich Moss in to the Black Brook Valley. After crossing the brook on a footbridge the path then rises to Roach End. At Roaches End the main path over the Roaches is followed past the trig point and Doxy Pool back to the start.

Boggy area guaranteed!

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike

Wednesday 17th November 2021.

Deborah's Well, Moel Findeg, Nercwys Mountain, Bryn Alyn and Colomendy.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Lay-by on the Cadole to Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627.
After passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a new housing estate), take the next road on the right just before the newsagent. The lay-by is almost immediately on the right by the telephone kiosk.
An alternative parking area is on the left of the main road towards Loggerheads (opposite the Loggerheads Memorial). Grid ref: SJ202626.
This walk uses parts of two walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills". This route starts by visiting the ancient Deborah's well before heading towards Gwernymynydd and on to Moel Findeg. On a good clear day you should see fine views of the Northern Clwydians and across the Cheshire plain to Peckforton and Beeston from the top of Moel Findeg.
The route heads south, eventually going through Tir-ycoedbefore skirting the slopes of Nercwys Mountain and on towards Bryn Alyn.
Heading northward along the path east of Burley Hill Quarry takes us to Maeshafn .
The final part of the walk takes a path on the west of Coed y Fedw, through the grounds of the outdoor activity centre (Colomendy) back to Loggerheads.

Those planning to walk: Martyn Mike, Wendy, Sue and Michel, Fran, Roger, David S.

Saturday 20th November 2021.

 Llangernyw and More.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Llangernyw, Near PC, down the lane by the church. Grid ref: SH876674.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is a figure of eight walk around Llangernyw. part of the walk is based on a walk from Lorna Jenner's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd and in the Denbigh Moors". It is described as being a delightful walk centred on the pretty village of Llangernyw. It includes terraced woodland paths besides a cascading stream through former pleasure gardens of Hafodunos Hall. The extension to the walk, explores the countryside North of the village and follows a section of the Afon Elwy, passes the remains of  a motte and then  explores the area North west of the village on the way back to Llanefydd.

This is a walk on Ed's patch, hopefully he might decide to join us oe meet up to say hello.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike

Wednesday 24th November 2021.

Cwm Conwy, Castle Wood and Moel Y Gaer.

Distance:10 miles. Climb: 1200'.

Start: Rhosesmor. Parking area next to the children's play area. Grid ref:SJ214684.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

This walk is based on a walk  from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain".  The Cwm Conwy walk is one of my favourite walks in the Halkyn area at any time of the year. The extension continues the walk as far as the old cemetry at Halkyn, bu any additional extension would need to include Halkyn Mountain itself - not to everyone taste! 

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Nigel, Fran (not walking this week: David S, Wendy, Mike).

Saturday 27th November 2021.

Cwm Coed Drwg and Moel Morfydd.

Cancelled - weather forecast gives gale force winds.

Please contact me if you want to do a low level walk and we can come to a consensus on a wal that fits the picture.

Distance: 9 miles; Climb: 2000'.
Start:Lay-by close to the Butterfly Man Craft Centre at Glyndyfrdwy. Grid ref:SJ158436.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley". This is another walk that we have done several times before. Dave Berry describes it as an exhilarating walk exploring the Western hills of the Llantysilio Mountains, giving extensive views throughout. The climb through heather clad moorland to the summit of Moel yr Gaer is an extension that we will do, weather permitting. We last did this walk in April 2014.

Those planning to walk: Martyn

Llangernyw and More 20th November 2021

The gatehouse to Hafodunos Hall still undergoing restoration, but Christmas lights showing through the windows.

A waterfall on the stream in the grounds of Hafodunos Hall.

Autumnal colours - fallen leaves on the path through the grounds of Hafodunos Hall.

Autumnal sounds as we walked throgh the leaves on the path in the grounds of Hafodunos Hall.

Not the safest bridge to cross.

Impressive cloud formation in the skies as we approached Pen-y-bryn and the Afon Elwy.

A much safer bridge to cross.

Pont Faen needing support and undergoing repairs.

"Can I come with you?"

At last - the final approach to Llangernwy.

Distance: 10.1 miles. Climb: 1493'.

Time: 6 hours 3 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max 17.2 Celsius. Min14.6 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2. Mainly calm, occasionally increasing bto light air.

A good walk, especially in the morning when it was bright, warm and sunny. We had to re-rout part of the walk when Pont Faen was closed completely as it was undergoing major repairs.

Lunch was taken near Glan-Elwy Cottages, where we were able on sit on an embankment as we basked in sunshine over lunch.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, House sparrow, Herrin gull, Raven, Common buzzard, Wood nuthatch, Common starling, Woodpigeon, Common chaffinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Carrion crow and Jackdaw.

The walk in the after lunch when we tried to follow a path near the Afon Gell, is one I will never repeat, angerous in places and overgrown (I have the scratches on my legs and my arms to testify to it) and we ended up escaping from the valley and taking a much safer path.

We arrived back at the car just as it started to rain, so we definitely had the best of the weather for our walk. After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn after we discovered that the Blue Bell was closed for some reason.

 

Deborah's Well, Moel Findeg, Nercwys Mountain and Bryn Alyn 17th November 2021

The remains of Deborah's Well Monument - information board now missing.

Moel Famau in the distance.

The Clwydian Hills look a long way off.

The approach to Moel Findeg, but not everyone thinks the "leader" is going the right way!

Looking eastward from the top of Moel Findeg.

"How did it go?"

Out of earshot - I wonder what they are talking about.

Which way now?

The final path to Loggerheads.

Distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: 1220’,
Time: 5 hours 16 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: Max 14.2 Celsius. Min 10.2 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 3, Calm / light air and occasionally light breeze.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Roger, Wendy, Mike and David S.
This was a good day for walking, dry throughout, sunny in the morning, but cloudy and cooler after lunch.
The first objective was visit Deborah’s Well, or at least the memorial. The much damaged information board had been removed and the name “Deborah’s Well” had been scratched on the stones of the memorial.
The second objective was Moel Findeg, from which we had good, but not crystal clear distant views.
Lunch was taken in Tir-y-coed, where some used fallen / felled tree trunks to sit on and two of us used the step of the nearby stile.
Sue provide us all with a piece of homemade parkin that we all appreciated. Thank’s Sue.
Our main challenge came in the afternoon, where we had to negotiate a very boggy area
It made a change to descend the slopes of Bryn Alyn to the road near the Burley Quarry.

Todaywas the first time this Autumn that we had walked through fallen leaves dry enough to give that characteristic rustling noise we love to hear at this time of the year
Passing The Miners Arms at Maeshafn I found a wallet with a credit card in it. The Pub was shut, but we went round the back and handed it in. Hopefully the man (with an OBE who dropped it) will return and enquire at the pub to see if it had been handed in.
Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Common pheasant, Common buzzard, Woodpigeon and Long tailed tit.
Overall a very enjoyable walk. We headed to the Royal Oak at Kinnerton, where DS bought everyone a drink (an early celebration of his BIG birthday on Boxing Day).

Ramshaw Rocks and The Roaches 13th November 2021

Our first sighting of The Roaches.

Our first views of Ramshaw Rocks.

On Ramshaw Rocks.

Hen Cloud and The Roaches from Ramshaw Rocks.

Lunch time on the bridleway south of Moss End Farm.

Shining Tor from The Roaches School.

Taking steps to repare the erosion on The Roaches.

More erosion control on The Roaches.

Doxy Pool on The Roaches.Walk stats: 

Distance: 7.5 miles. Climb:1391'.

Time: 4 hours 52 minutes.  On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Max temperature: 15.2 Celsius at lunch. Mintemperature: 11.2 Celsius as we crossed Ramshaw Rocks.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Mainly calm / light air, increasing to a light breeze at times as we crossed Ramshaw Rocks and The Roaches.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

We were unable to take our usual route from Chester to Leek as the road was closed, so thanks to SATNAV we eventually arrived at the foot of The Roaches having used many roads and seen several villages that we had never seen before.

As we approached our usual parking place, cars were parked everywhere and our usual spot was alredy taken. Thankfully we did find spaces further up the road having noted a farm was offering all day parking for £2-00.

I think this is the busiest that I have seen The Roaches, particularly noticeable as we started from Roach End towards the trig point and decended on the path below the climbing rocks. The level of erosion was also a testimony to the popularity of The Roaches for outdoor recreation.

Our first objective on the walk today was the quieter Ramshaw Rocks, although even there we met several walkers, most with dogs.

The views today were superb, but that of Shining Tor bathed in sunchine was probably the best.

In several places the terrain was quite boggy, particularly across the moorland from Lower Stake Gutter to Hazel Barrow and the path adjacent to Black Brook.

We saw and heard very few birds today, but those we did included: Jackdaw, Red grouse, Common pheasant, Stonechat, Winter wren and Raven.

Overall a very enjoyable walk, celebrated with an excellent pint of Whim Ales, Hartington Bitter (my favourite beer of all times) at the Wilkes Head in Leek.

 

Coed Hyrddyn, Valle Crucis and The Horseshoe Falls 10th November 2021

The Eglwyseg Escarpment from the path around Coed Hyrddyn.

The Castell Dinas Bran from the path around Coed Hyrddyn.

Lo

The approach to our lunch spot.

The Eglwyseg Escarpments / World's End from near our lunch spot.

On the path from Pen-y-bryn.

Looking across the valleytowards Valle Crucis.

The start of the descent towards Llidiart Annie,

Some of th Larches showing autumnal colours.

The Llantysilio (Church).

Reflection on the River Dee behind the Horseshoe Falls.

The Horseshoe Falls on the River Dee.

Distance: 6.5 miles. Climb: 1209'.

Time: 4 hours 5 minutes On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Temperature: 17.2 Celsius

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 1 (Calm to light air.)

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Fran, Mike and Wendy.

This turned out to be a superb day, much warmer than the feel like temperature of 11 Celsius on the weather forecasts. All those needing  sunhats had them, and sunglasses would have been appreciated, but alas all of us had left them at home.

The views all round were excellent, particularly towards the Eglwyseg Escarpments and looking southward across the Dee Valley towards the Berwyns.

Lunch was taken near the Afon Eglwyseg, before we took on the steep climb up the road to the Britannia Inn (closed this week) and uphill path across the slopes of the most southerly hill in the Llantysilio Hills.

Although we had planned on an additional 4 miles circuit, it was already 14-15 when we arrived back at Llantysioio Green, so we thought it was prudent to return to the car and head for the Sun at Trevor for a celebration drink, always needed after such a good walk. Most of us enjoyed a brew from the Purple Moose Brewery, Madog's Ale, good, but not as good as our favourit Purple Moose Brew - Snowdonia Ale.

Birds seen or heard today included: Great spotted woodpecker, European robin, Wood nuthatch, Common blackbird, Common pheasant, Common buzzard, Common kestrel and Carrion crow.

Our efforts to avoid the road works on the A483 by returning home via the Mold Road through Cefn-y-bedd failed as there were road works on this road as well!