Swallow Falls, Cyffty Mine and More from Betws-y-coed 29th January 2022

St.Michael's Old Church - the oldest building in Betws-y-coed.

Snowdrops in the grounds of St.Michael's Old Church.

An impressive copse on the golf course seen from the riverside path on out warm up circuit of the golf course.

The Afon Llugwy from Pont-y-Pair bridge in Betws-y-coed - the start of our walk.

Pen-yr-allt cottagea turning point on our walk.

Coed Mawr Cottage - the first time (for me) seen from the front.

Tryfan and the Glyders seen from Coed Mawr Cottage.

Moel Siabod  on the skyline.

Walking along the path next to the leat.

Part of the Cyffty Lead Mine Workings.

The view towards Betws-y-coed from one of the seats Ty'n Llwyn viewpoint, car park, picnic site.

Ty-hyll (Ugly House).

The upper section of the Swallow Falls.

The upper section of the Swallow Falls.

The main section of the Swallow Falls.

The main section of the Swallow Falls - not everyone can remain silent even for 15 seconds!

A friendly Robin joined us at the Swallow Falls.

A new shop at Betws-y-coed Station - I was tempted to go in and buy a few bottles, but my rucksack was too full!

Walk stats: 

Distance: 11.0 miles. Climb: 1398'.

Time: 6 hours 9 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max - 14.2 Celsius. Min - 10.2 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2. Calm to light breeze ( mainly due to that most of our walk we were sheltered from the strong winds experience by many people - even in Chester as Celia informed us.

A different start point for us today, we met Ed by St., Michael's Old Church.

Ed persuaded us to have a warm up circuit of the golf course before linking with the planned walk at Pont-y-Pair Bridgein Betws-y-coed.

The route initially took us through the grounds of St., Michael's Old Church, a bonus, as we came across Snowdrops just starting to wave their delightful heads (a good omen for our walk on Wednesday at Llantysilio Green).

The werathear today was good for walking, especiaally if you had been wearing the right gear - we weren't.  Shorts and short sleeved shirts would have been the best option and a sunhat, rather than warm Winter gear!

Much of the route from Betws-y-coed as far as Pen-yr-allt cottage was new to most of us, but the mairn challenge to route finding was on the way to the Cyffty Mne, where paths we wanted to use according to the OS map weren't on the ground. Even the path next to the disused path wasn't in the right place according to the map. It was on the leat path that we had our best views of Moel Siabod.

Lunch was taken a the site of Cyffty Lead Mines, where we sheltered from the winf by the remains o the wheel house. A lae lunch today, just after 13-00, but no-onr complained.

The Ty'n Llwyn picnic site was superb, not that we could use it today, but one to note for the future.

The footpath signed for the Swallow Falls was delightful, although we did leave it to visit Ty-hyll and join the afoon Llugwy riverside path. 

We visited the two Swallow Falls Viewpoints following the Slate Trail via the site of The Miners' Bridge (in the process of being replaced with a new bridge after the original one was destroyed by a recent storm.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, European robin, Common blackbird, Raven, Jackdaw, Wood nuthach, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Eurasian jay and Great tit.

We arrived back at the cars most of us with tired legs, having had a good walk, most of which will be repeated in the future.

All that was needed now was a pint of Lees Bitter to revive those parts feeling the worse for wear!

Once again this was done at the Blue Bell Inn in Halkyn - the Brit hasn't yet reopened after covid.

The Blue Bell today was very busy, e only just managed to get a seat.

 

 

Wepre Park, Ewloe Castle, Aston Hill, Ewloe Green and Northop Hall 26th January 2022

Strolling through Wepre Woods.

Wepre Brook seen from the path to Ewloe Castle.

One view of Ewloe Castle.

The highest accessible part of Ewloe Castle.

The "new" Flint Bridge over the River Dee seen as we descended the path on the west side of Old aston Hill.

A Song thrush tries to hide from the camera.

Our lunch spot at Northop Hall Memorial, but who is that in the nughty boy corner?

St., Mary's Church at Northop Hall but the clock has stopped.

Looking back at the superbly repaired replacement of an old bridge on the railway track Broadoak Wood.

Interesting place for War Memorial figures o the island in the middle of Rosie Fishing Pond in Wepre Park.

Walks Stats:

Distance: 8.6 miles. Climb: 814'.

Time: 4 hours 22 minutes. On themove waling average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: !1.2 Celsius at lunch.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2. Largely calm (no wind) and occasionally gusting t light air and once briefly treated us to a light breeze!

Group: Martyn, Wendy, David S., Sue and Michel and Ed (this was the first time ever that he was the last to arrive!).

This was a superb day for walking, bright and sunny with temperature soon rising to a very pleasant 10+ Celsius.

We set off wearing our  Winter jackets, expecing the feel like temperature to be around 7 Celsius, but after visiting Ewloe Castle, most of us decided to shed our outer jackets for the rest of the day.

As we contoured around the remains of the Old Aston Hill Quarry, we were informed by a local that it was knwn locally as Morgan's Hill after the company that had used the quarry as a landfill site.

Lunch was taken at the Memorial in Northop Hall, a longer than usual lunch sstop as we enoyed basking in the warm sunshine.

The return journey took us along the edge of a sports field where storm damaged had resulted in a tree / bush blocking the path making us duck under the spectator barrier of the football pitch to get round the obstruction.

In the small wood that followed, I slipped on the mood and had a closer look and feel of the mud's texture than I really wanted. No harm s done, and I got up and was pleased to find no mud on my trousers - pleased as I had only washed them two days before.The strolalong the old dimantled railway track was very pleasant as the sun's rays was able to get through the trees thanks to there beong a lack of foliage on them.

Birds seen or heard today included: Woopigeon, Jackdaw, Common buzzard,Carrion crow, House sparrw, Blue tit, Great tit, Mallard, European robin, Commmon blackbird and Song thrush.

Overall an enjoyable walk, capped off by some with a pint of JHB at The Central (Wetherspoons) in Shotton.

 

Harris Hikers Dates and Walks January 2022

At the moment neither the UK of Welsh Governments have changed their Covid rules / gudelines that would prevent us from walking as a goup. Hopefully this won't change on the next weekly review on the 31st December 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, on Public transort and Medical environments.

The Welsh Government also wants us to wear face coverings in pubs and restaurants at all times except when we are eating or drinking.

They also want us to take a lateral flow test before going out and meeting other people in places that are likely to be busy.

Keeping to 2 m wherever possible and the rule of six in pubs along with one way systems when moving around. Contact deails will also be taken and table service are also back.

Similarly in England masks must be worn in Shops and on Public Transport or in taxis. 

This implies that we should as well, if we share cars.

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.

The Wolf Moon taken at about 06-20 on 18th January 2022

Saturday 1st January 2022.

Cwm Dulas and Gop Wood.

Distance: 8. 0 miles 9-10 miles)including Cefn-yOgof); Climb:1300'.
Start location. Abergele, Pensarn Beach car park by PC. Grid ref:SH942786.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
The bulk of the walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast", with an extension to include the small hill Cefn yr Ogof. Always a good walk with several opportunities to have extensive views. Once again we may decide to explore Gop Wood a little more or even be tempted to paddle in the sea at the end of the walk.

Can be made shorter, if we miss out Cefn yr Ogof.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Roger.
(Those not walking:)

Wednesday 5th January 2022,

Rhuddlan L.N.R ., the Rhuddlan to Rhyl Riverside Walk with possible extensions to the Brickworks Pool N.R. and the Forydd.

Distance: 8 -11 miles. Climb: 200'.

Start: Park at the Rhuddlan L.N.R. car park. Grid ref: SJ020776. 

The car park is on the Western side of Rhuddlan. To get to the car park, from the A55, turn right on to the A525 (St. Asaph Road towards Rhyl and Rhuddlan), at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Station Road (to Rhuddlan centre / Castle). The car park is on the right, opposite a new hotel. If you get to the bridge over the river you've gone too far!

This walk is an annual favourite, at least for those that like to do as little birdwatching as well. It is a good time of the year as there are lots of Winter visitors that frequent coastal areas and river estuaries. Bring binoculars with you.  Last time we had lunch by the Marine Lake, near the Foryd.  We have also had lunch on the beach at the Foryd. 

Although we haven't seen Snow buntings on the Foryd or a few years, with a bit of luck we may see them this year. 

High tide at the Foryd is at about 12-35, 9.7 m / 31.8'.

This means we should get good views of Wintering visiters that come to this river / estuary , especially on the return. 

Last year we didn't do any of the extensions!  Extension, if any will  be taken at each appropriate point in the walk on the day.

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

(Those not walking:)

Saturday 8th January 2022.

Gronant, Prestatyn, Talacre and The Point of Ayr.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 200'.
Start at Gronant Dunes Car Park on Shore Road: Grid Ref: SJ090837 This road off the A548, Moston Road and signposted to Presthaven Sands / Gronant Dunes.This is a new starting point.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk that is always on the list at this time of the year, as it is always a good time to see Little terns, so bring binoculars with you. Hopefully we will see orchids too.
High tide is at about 16-00, and is about 26.5' / 8.1 m. The route starts by heading north down Shore Road to Presthaven Sands where will first head west through the golf course to Prestatyn's Barkby Beach. We will then walk on the beach or follow the path along sthe top of the dunes as far a the Little Tern colony. After visiting the RSPB Viewpoint and Visitor Hut, we will probably continue along the beach towards the Point of Ayr Lighthouse. Hopefuly we will find a suitable place to have lunch on the beach, unless we have walked fast enough to reach the picnic tables next path to the Point of Ayr RSPB hide. If time allows and everyone is willing, we will visit the RSPB Hide, before returning to Presthaven Sands through The Warren Nature Reserve.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed.
(Those not walking:, Roger)

Wednesday 12th January 2022,

Raby and Willaston.

Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: 195'', 
Start: Hadlow Road Station. WillastonGrid ref: SJ 33197733
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Anthony Annakin-Smith's book "Wirral Walks". The two walks are linked along minor minor roads and field paths. The walk passes a former racecourse pretty woodlands, the Wirral's largest windmill and even a Glow-worm site, not that we are likely to see one!
An easy walk, although at this time of the year, paths can be waterlogged!

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

Saturday 15th January 2022.

Mynydd Marian.

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

Start: Llandulas Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH907786.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book, "Walks on the North Wales Coast". It combines an interesting section of the coast line with the attractive limestone countryside between, Old Colwyn, Llysfaen and Llandulas. This is one of my favourite walks, but the walk today wil llowe us to see what work is being done on the sea defences from Old Colwyn to Colwyn Bay.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Mike 
(Those not walking:)

Wednesday 19th January 2022.

Thurstaston Common, The Dungeon, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 600'
Start: Thursaston Visitor Centre Car Park. Grid ref:SJ239835.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is a repeat of the walk that we did on 1st January 2010 and combines two walks from Raymond Roberts' booklet "Wirral Walks - the West Wirral Six". This is a relatively easy walk with good views along the way, especially from Thurstaston Hill. We hope to walk back Thursaston along the beach, so bring binoculars with you. Low tide is at 13-00, so we should have no problems walking along the beach in the afternoon.

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

(Those not walking: Wendy, Roger, Sue and Michel).

Saturday 22nd January 2022.

A Walk Around the Great Orme.

Distance: 8-10 miles, but will be decided on the day.

Climb: 500'-1000', depending on the route we take.

Start at Llandudno West shore. Roadside parking near the boating lake. Grid ref: SH771820.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

We will probably start by heading up Marine Drive and taking the Monks' Path upto the plateau. Following the paths on the north west side of the Great Orme. After visiting the summit trig point we will probably head for Happy Valley for lunch. At lunch we can decide if we want to return to the West shore via the invalids' terrace or return to the summit and drop down the zig-zag steps.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed.
(Those not walking:)

Wednesday 26th January 2022.

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 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.

When I last did this walk in 2021, they were about to repair a bridge over a stream along the dismantled railway track. Hopefully it will have been comleted by now. 

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

Saturday 29th January 2022.

The Swallow Falls, Cyffty Mine and More.

Distance: 8 - 9 miles; Climb:1500'.

Start: Betws-y-coed Station(Long Stay) Car Park (Pay and Display £5-00?) Grid ref: SH792567

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk uses part of a walk from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and The Conwy Valley" with an extension takes us into part of the Gwydir Forest, with the return route following the Afon Llugwy riverside path from the Miners' Bridge (no longer there) back to Betws-y-coed.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed.
(Those not walking:)

Port Penryn, Its Railways and Rivers.

Distance:7-10 miles. Climb: 600'.
Start: Bangor. Car park on the right just before the main road bends left to the centre. Grid ref: SH595728.
Leave Chester 8-00a.m.
This walk is taken from a book by Dave Salter and Dave Worrall called "From Mountain Top to Valley Floor". The described walk explores the hinterland behind Penryn Castle. Last time we explored the grounds of Penryn Castle. It do not intended to do so this time, but just in case we do, bring your National Trust Membership Card with you if you are a member.

The last time we did this wak was in January 2016.

Those planning to walk: Martyn.
(Those not walking:)

Around The Great Orme 22nd January 2022

Looking towards Anglesey from llandudno West Shore.

Fulmars taking up nesting sites on the cliffs south east of Gogarth.

Inspeting one of the repairs to the path south east of Gogarth.

Looking over Golgarth houses to ships heading for Ireland.

Limestone pavements on the Great Orme.

Grey seals on the beach near Pigeon's Cave.

More Fulmars on the ledges above Marine Drive.

A male Eider duck on the sea below Marine Drive.

A female Eider duck on the sea below Marine Drive.

The only goat seen today - on the cliffs above Marine Drive.

Looking over Llandudno Pier twards the Little Orme.

The view from near our lunch spot in Happy Valley.

A distant view of the cromlech / burial chamber.

The Sun is shining on the hills south east of Conwy,

Taking another rest!

"How many more steps!"

At last we are at the bottom of the Igam Ogam.

Walk stats:

Distance: 7.8 miles.Climb: 1572'.

Time: 4 hours 48 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p,h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max 11.2 Celsius (at lunch in Happy Valey). Min 8.2 Celsius as we emerged from Happy Valley on the way to Half Way Station.

Beaufort Wind Force: 1 - 4. Mainly a light breeze, gusting toa moderate breze as we headed south towards the Igam Ogam.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

The weather was largely overcast with a hint of dampness in the air from time to time.

Today was the first time that we had the opportunity to take the path below the cliffs on the way to Gogarth after the landslips / rock falls a couple of years ago. The protective fencing had been reinforced and bridges created over where the whole path had collapsed and fallen away.  A job well done to reinstate the path, enabling us to avoid some of the road on the way to the Monks' Path.

On this occasion we decided to Marine Drive o the road past St. Tudno's Church, hoping to see Grey seals on the sea near Pigeon's Cave.

We were lucky enough see about twenty, mainly on the shingle beach but some were swmming in the sea nearby.

It was good to see good numbers of Fulmars taking up nesting sites on the limestone cliff ledges, but the star birds today was a pair of Eider ducks close to shore as we approached Llandudno.

We were surprised to find that the access paths fro Marine Drive into Happy Valley were both closed and a large section of the park fenced off as work was being done to remove fallen trees.

We took advantage of finding many benches in Happy Valley and were able to choose a couple as suitable lunch time seats. Not much of a view into he valley, but it was a good sheltered spot.

As we emerged onto the Great Orme above the ski slope, we noticed some new footpath marker post and decided to follow them. We initially thought it would lead us to the summit, but in reality it took us to Half Way Station and onto the Copper Mine.

Only Mike visited the trig point on the Great Orme, the rest of us reserved our energy for the descent of the Igam Ogam!

Birds seen or heard today included: Herring gull, Fulmar, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, House sparrow, Common blabird, European robin, Great cormorant and Eider.

A good walk that always feels longer than it really is, but still worth celebrating with a pint of Lees Bitter at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyno the way home.

 

Thurstaston Hill, The Dungeon, Royden Country Park, Caldy and More 19th January 2022

The Wolf Moon that we would have seen had we started early enough!

The path leading into The Dungeon

The cave in The Dungeon.

Looking across the Dee Estuary from the seat next to The Dungeon Path.

St Bartholomew's Church Thurstaston. 

The view towards Hilbre from Thurstaston Hill.

Mike checking the details on Thor's Stone on Thurstaston Common.

Wildfowl on the pond in Royden Country Park.

Sunseekers at lunch in Royden Country Park.

Firm pathway when on previous occasions it was a boggy muddy mess!

More fallen trees to negotiate on the path near the free range chicken farm at Caldy.

Decision time - beach route or Wirral Way Route?

The oldest and "wisest" took this route along the Wirral Way.

Thurstaston shore begins to appear,

"Bouldering!".

"I'm glad I went on the Wirral Way!".

Looking back along the beach towards Caldy.

Failing light over the eaestuary.

Walk stats: 

Distance: 8.4 miles (9.0 miles for the youngsters). Climb: 682' (800' for the youngsters).

Time: 4 hours 8 minutes (4 hours 2n5 minutes rfor the youngsters).

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Mainly calm / light breze and occasionally gusting to a gentle breeze after lunch.

Group: Martyn, David S., Fran, Nigel and Mike.

A good day for walking, feeling cool at first, but warming up until lunch time, where we basked in the warm sunshine using the benches / picnic tables in Royden Country Park. 

Good views from Turstaston Hill, especially towards the Dee Estuary.

In the afternoon, we had to negotiate fallen trees partially blocking the paths near Caldy and in Stapledon Wood.

When we arrived at the shore by CaldY Golf Course, the high tidewas still lapping the sea defense boulders, so two of us decided the safest option was to take the Wirral Way back to the start.

The rest of the group decded to take a "path" above the boulders and eventually dropped down to the beach once the tide receded sufficiently. What route they exactly used to get back to the Thursaston Visitors Centre from the beach remains uncertain as they mised the usual path leading upto Station Road.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Blue tit, Great tit, Woodpigeon, Black headed gull, Mallard, Moorhen, Common coot, Common buzzard,Goldfinch and Oystercatcher (not seen by the Wirral Way two).

Overall a very enjoyable walk, capped with an excellent pint of Brimstage Brewery's Trapper's Hat at the Wheatsheaf at Raby.