A Three Lakes Walk from Betws-y-coed 26th February 2022

The Afon Llugwy from Pont-y-Pair, Betws-y-coed.

The pleasant wooodland path s through Coed Aberlyn leading to Llyn y Parc.

The waterfall on the river south of Llyn y Parc.

The cascading river leading to the waterfall south of Llyn y Parc.

On the Llyn y Parc lakeside path.

Llyn y Parc from its northern end.

The Hafna Mines in Gwydir Forest.

The start of the steps throuugh the Hafna Mine complex.

Llyn Glangorse.

The high tops of Snowdonia on te skyline.

The first lake in Cors Bodgynydd Nature Reserve.

The main lake in Cors Bodgynydd Nature Reserve.

The delightful wooded path leading towarsds the Miners Bridge.

The Miners Bridge, in place, but still not ready for the public to use.

The Miners Bridge from the east.

Walk stats:

Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1761'.

Time: 5 hours 42 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.jh.

Beaufort Wind Force: Max 4 - occasionally gusting to a moderate breeze when not in the forest.

Temperature: 11.0 Celsius at lunch. 15.7 Celsius in the Sun near the Miners Bridge.

This proved to a superb day for walking , much warmer than we were expecting, so it wasn't long before outer fleeces / jackets were banished to the rucksacks.

it was good to explore paths and areas of the Gwydir Forest mining history that some of us had not visited before.

Plenty of lakes and reservoirs past on route, but not much bird life, in fact all we saw was six Mallards on the small lake / reservoir in Cors Bodgynydd Nature Reserve.

Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, Great tit, House sparrow, Wood nuthatch, Common blackbird, Linnet and Common buzzard.

The main steel structure of the replacement Miners Bridge was in place, but the wooden cladding and access points were still to be completed, so it looks like another walk from Betws-y-coed will have to be arranged for later in the year.

Overall an enjoyable walk, worth celebrating with a pint of Lees Bitter at the Britania Inn  at Halkyn, open again after its brief closure due to covid amongst the staff.

Caer Drewyn Llangar Church and Pen-y--Pigyn 23rd February 2021

"Corwen Station" with Caer Drewyn in the background.

The River Dee north east of Corwen showing he remains of the old railway bridge.

lots of water and lots of wind!

Climbing on the path next to the northern rampart of Caer Drewyn.

Who's that on the horizon?

At the summit cairn in Caer Drewyn Hillfort.

It's a bit breezy here

 (yes Beaufort Wind Force 5!)

Moel Famau and the Clwydian Hills from Caer Drewyn Hillfort.

The river Dee as we headed towards the A5 road bridge on the south west side of Corwen.

At the bridge over the River Dee on the A5 south west of Corwen.

Evidence that we are following  the line f an old railway.closed in 1964.

Snowdrops next to the path (line of old railway track).

Lunchtime for some in the railway hut.

The rest of the group chose the outdor bench with a view over the river.

Llangar Church.

The wall painting that you see as you enter Llangar Church.

Human life on Earth in a picture - taken in 2010.

The White stag painting inside Llangar Church - taken in 2010.

More evidence of the recent gale force winds around Corwen.

The Pen-y-Pigyn Monument.

Caer Drewyn fron the Pen-y-Pigyn Viewpoint.

The Owain Clyndwr Statue in the centre of Corwen.

Walk stats:

Distance: 6.8 miles. Climb: 1575' / 2025' wind assisted GPS readings) in reality around 1200'.

Time: 3 hours 53 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: Min - 8.2 Celsius. Max 10.2 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: Max 5. A fresh breeze, but it seemed more than that at times!

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

The windy forecast decided our route today. Conquering Caer Drewyn Hillfort was to be tacked first, rather than at the end of the walk.  It was a good decision with the strong winds assisting us as we climbed, but approaching the cairn at the highest pouint in the hillfort was quite a challenge just to stay upright! We didn't linger long at the top.

Although the river was pretty high, the path along the north side of the river was accessible all the way to the A5 bridge.

At the Cynwyd road junctio two of the group decided to abandon ship and headed back to Corwen more directly than the rest of us.

Five f us headed along the old railway track towards Llangar Church. Lunch wa taken at th railwy hut just before Llangar Church, some inside, some outside.

After visiting the church Ed ook on a slightly different route back to Corwen, that reduced he overall climb for the day.

Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Blue tit, Great tit, Treecreeper, Raven, Mallard, Wagtail( probably Pied but could have been Grey), House sparrow, Meadow pipit  Grey heron and Red kite.

Despite the few spots of rain and the challenging wind, it could be described as an exhilarating walk with the only disappotment being the distance covered!

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bridge Inn at Pontblyddyn.

 

Harris Hikers Dates and Walks February 2022

 

Currently the UK of Welsh Governments have changed their Covid rules / gudelines to Zero Level which means there are nor restriction in place as far as outdoor walks.

Remember some 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.

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 2nd February 2022.

A Walk from Llantysilio Green in Search of Snowdrops.

Distance: 8 miles.Climb: 1400'.
Start: Llantysilio Green National Trust Car Park. Grid ref: SJ197433.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
The walk starts by taking the path to St. Tysilio's Church, where hopefully the Snowdrops
will be in full bloom.
The route then takes past the Horseshoe Falls and along the Llangollen Canal towpath as
far as Llangollen.
At Llangollen the route climbs steadily northwards past Tirionia to join the Clwydian Way.
The Clwydian Way is the followed past Valley Crucis Abbey as far as Hendre.
Leaving the Cwydian Way the route descends to the main road which is followed South to
the Britannia Inn. At the Britannia Inn the path heading across Pen-y-bryn is taken until it
meets the Dee Valley Way. The Dee Valley Way is then followed South back to the start.

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

Saturday 5th February 2022.

Conwy Harbour, Conwy Mountain and Maen Esgob.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1700'.

Start: Conwy Long Stay Car Park on the Llanrwst Road. Grid ref: SH781773 . The car park is Pay and Display, (£4-50 for more than 4 hours)

Leave Chester at 08-15 a.m. 

The walk starts by walking along the harbour and around the east side of Bodlondeb Wood, following the North Wales Path. After crossing Conwy Mountain it continues acrross the Sychnant Pass Road and around the north western side of Maen Esgob. On reaching a path junction, we head East past Llyn y Wrach. At the next path junction the route leads north west towards Craigyfedwen, eventually picking up the path on the western side of Gwern Engen pack to the Sychnant Pass Road. The final part of the walk is along the track on the southern side of Conwy Mountain to the outskirt of the town and following the roads back to the start.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Mike, Nigel, Fran 

(Those not walking:)

Wednesday 9th February 2022.

Wat's Dyke, Brynford, St., Bueno's Well and St., Winifride's Well and More.

Postponed - Billy no mates.

Distance: 8-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Bryn Celyn Car Park, Greenfield Road, Holywell (Free parking as far as I know). Grid ref: SJ10769.

The car park is on the right hand side of the road as you go down the hill from the centre of Holywell towards the coast
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is another figure of eight walk made by combining two walks and maybe three walks from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones's booklet "10 walks Around Holywell".
One walk explores the countryside between Holywell and Brynford. The other walks around the Greenfield Valley, will hopefully lead us to find the location of St., Bueno's Well again.

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

Saturday 12th February 2022

Another Walk On Conwy Mountain.

Postponed - due to a bad weather forecast everywhere.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1800' at a guess!
Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. (Pay and Display.£4-50 for more than 4 hours). 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. The last time this walk was on the list was in April 2017.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed.

(Those not walking:)

Tuesday 15th February 2022.

Wat's Dyke, Brynford, St., Bueno's Well and St., Winifride's Well and More.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Bryn Celyn Car Park, Greenfield Road, Holywell (Free parking as far as I know). Grid ref: SJ190769. This is a new starting location.

The car park is on the right hand side of the road as you go down the hill from the centre of Holywell towards the coast
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This is another figure of eight walk made by combining two walks and maybe three walks from Ron Williams and Elfed Jones's booklet "10 walks Around Holywell".
One walk explores the countryside between Holywell and Brynford. The other walks around the Greenfield Valley, will hopefully lead us to find the location of St., Bueno's Well again.

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

Wednesday 16th February 2022.

Postponed until next week.

Tito is being cremated today and most of the walking group will be meeting with the family at midday at Upton Golf Club to remember him and share the many happy times we had with him.

Caer Drewyn, Pen-y-Pigyn and on to Cynwyd.

Distance: 8 miles; Climb:1000'.

Start: Corwen centre car park next to the Public Convenience (Pay and Display). Grid Ref: SJ080435.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk combines to walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" with a there and back extension to Cynwyd. The visit of Caer Drewyn is described as enchanting and the second walk as being a delightful walk through the wooded hillside above Corwen and concludes with lovely walk alongside the River Dee.

Those planning to walk: Martyn David S.Ed
(Those not walking:)

Saturday 19th February 2022.

Port Penryn, Its Railways and Rivers.

Postpone due to bad weather.

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: )

Wednesday 23rd February 2022.

Caer Drewyn, Pen-y-Pigyn and on to Cynwyd.

Distance: 8 miles; Climb:1000'.

Start: Corwen centre car park next to the Public Convenience (Pay and Display). Grid Ref: SJ080435.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk combines to walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley" with a there and back extension to Cynwyd. The visit of Caer Drewyn is described as enchanting and the second walk as being a delightful walk through the wooded hillside above Corwen and concludes with lovely walk alongside the River Dee.

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

Saturday 26th February 2022.

A Three Lakes Walk from Betws-y-coed.

Distance: 9 miles; Climb:1750'.

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 is one devised by Ed and starts St., Michael' Old Church in  Betws-y-coed. The return route following the Afon Llugwy riverside path from the Miners' Bridge (no longer there) back to Betws-y-coed.

The walk starts by heading to northward to Llyn y Park, passing a waterfall on route. From Llyn y Parc, it takes us via the remains of the Hafna Mine.  The next lake on route is Llyn Gors, the Llyn Bychan. The route also includes taking paths through a nature reserve before reaching th Cyffty Mine site. From the Cyffty Mine paths are taken leading to the Miners Bridge over the Afon Llugwy, hopefully fully replaced (assuming restoration plans have gone as planned).

The route back to Betws-y-code wil be the riverside path next to the Afon Llugwy.

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

Wat's Dyke Way, Holywell Common, Brynford and More 15th February 2022

 

The path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi  - looking north west.

Looking down the steps after successfully climbing up the steps and escaping 

from Coed Llwybr-y-bi into the field onto Wat's Dyke Way.

Snowdrops on the roadside near Pen-yr-hwylfa s Farm.

Looking toward the Dee Estuary from the track on the east side of Bryn Mawr Quarry.

The lime kilns on the south west side of Bryn Mawr quarry.

Brynford's reminder of its mining history.

Our lunch spot in Brynford - sheltering from the wind.

The view towards the Dee Estuary sandthe Wirral as we descended the path on 

the west side of Pen-y-bryn Top.

The Holway Level Mine Entrance.

More Snowdrops as we approach Greenfield Road along the Holway Path.

The Royal Oak car park gateway to the path leading back to the cars.

Walk stats:

Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1286'.

Time: 4 hours 46 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Beaufort Wind Force: Max 4. A moderate breeze reaching over 13 m.p.h at times at the highest point of the walk.

Temperature: Max 13.2 Celsius, but mainly around 8.2 Celsius and feeling cooler!

Group: Martyn and Ed.

I think this was the first Tuesday walk that we have been on as far as I can remember, but without it some of us would not have been out for a walk for over two weeks.

There was only two takers for the walk today and again for the first time we started a free car park on Greenfield Road on the north side of Bryn Celyn.

As usual the path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi was pretty muddy and some of the steps were tricky to negotiate with the ever present hazard of slipping / sliding in a direction you didn't want to go!

The fields were often waterlogged, so we were grateful to escape onto the road leading to Dolphin. At least we had the wind on our backs at this stage of the walk.

The wind was at it strongest as we headed over the crest by the Bryn Mawr Quarry to be greeted by the characteristic smell coming from the chicken / egg farm.

Lunch as taken at Brynford, but declined the offer being entertained by the sheep and rather than using one of the benches around the statues of miners, we were grateful to use one of the benches in the shelter.

As we set off after lunch, th wind had again changed direction and once more seemed to be at our backs helping us on our way.

As a short extnsion we headed through Holywell towards the Frire Station, where took the Holway Path. Much work has been done fencing in the path and making the path firmer but always directing you where you could or couldn't go.

On this occasion we declined the climb to visit St. Bueno's Well and headed vstraight back to the start.

Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Mallard, Woodpigeon, European Robin, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Jackdaw, Mistle thrush, Bullfinch, Teal and Black headed gull.

Overall and enjoyable walk if you can forget about the mud.

Straight home today as I go to the a Church House Group in the evening. However I did get home in time to clean my boots that still needed cleaning even though we tried to clean them by nstanding in a stream!

Conwy Mountain and Around Maen Esgob and Craigfedwen 5th February 2022

Strolling along Conwy Harbour at the start of the walk.

Looking across the estuary towards Deganwy.

Conwy Castle.

Approaching Castell Caer Seion on Conwy Mountain.

Martyn on strolling along the "sheltered" side of Conwy Mountain.

Arriving at  Castell Caer Seion.

Escaping from  Castell Caer Seion on Conwy Mountain.

Two of the Carneddau ponies seen today near Maen Esgob.

Snow on the Carneddau.

The view from my lunchspot.

Heading for Craigfedwen

or

Its amazing how far they get while you visit a happy bush!

An unusual castellated building in the middle of the field, but what is its purpose?

This plaque above te door suggests that it is some form of mausoleum, possibly connected to the nearby hall.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.3 miles (nearer 9 if you take into acount the walk to the the Albion and back). Climb: GPS wind assiste readings of 2800; and 4200', but in reality about 1700'.

Temperature: 11.7 Celsius. Beaufort Wind Force: Gusting to 6, very much feeling like a strong breeze!

Group: Martyn, Nigel, Fran, Mike and Ed.

An iffy forecast, but optimistically, we hoped to stay dry, although we set off in gear expecting the worst!

The wind today was the main challenge  and times we found it hard not to be blown over, in fact had we been recorded on video you might have come to the conclusion that we were suffering from enjoying a bevvy or two, despite it only being 11-00 a.m.

Views were pretty good arnd the high tops could be seen showing patches of snow.

Birds seen today were few, but included: European robi, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Herring gull, Common redshank, Eurasian curlew, House sparrow and Jackdaw.

The second challemge of te da\y was finding a spot from lunch that would shelter us from the gusting wind.

We managed to hunker down behind a wall that gave us pretty could protection from the wind, and some of could even see the sea, but it couldn't be ranked as one of my best views at lunch time!

Our third challenge came when we reached a new housing estate, we ignored Fran's advice and ended up exploring the whole estate before reaching the Sychnant Pass Road.

Everyone said they enjoyed the walk, but I can't remember whether they said that before we visited the Albion in Conwy to sample one or two of the Welsh real ales on offer.