A Three Lakes Walk on Denbigh Moors 30th April 2022

Llyn Aled from  the moors on the its north west side.

A Skylark.

The same Skylark.

Aled Isaf reservoir in the distance.

The approach to Llyn Alwen.

An Osprey nesting plarform, but no sign of an Osprey looking to take up residence.

The open moors north west of the Llyn Alwen access track.

Not perfect distant views of Moel Siabod.

The site of stone rows south of Cefnen Wen.

Highland cattle grazing on Denbigh Moor

I don't think Ed likes his lunch today.

There used to be a stile here, not  good one, but much better than this hazardous replacement.

A change from young lambs,

Llyn alwen from the moors north west of Bwlch y Garnedd.

The Alwen Reservoir as we approached the footbridge.

I could't resist aving just one photo of lambs.

Walk stats: 

Distance: 12.5 miles. Climb: 1572'.

Time: 7 hours 0 minutes. s On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: 11.7 Celsius at the start. Max 17.2 Celsius at lunch. Min 9.8 Celsius at the end of the walk.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Mainly light air, but towards the end it reached 10 m.p.h. - a Gentle breeze.

Group: Martyn and Ed

This was almost a perfect day for walking, not too hot and not too cold and very little wind for most of the day.

Much of the walk was over pathless moorland, heather and tussocky grass is not the easiest terrain to cross. he worst section was after lunch as we followed the line of the old Denbigh to Pentrefoels road to footbridge over the Alwen Reservoir.

One broken stile and two problem gates didn't help.

This was day for seeing and hearing Skylarks and Meadow pipits, but there were other birds as well. The other birds seen or heard today included: Canad goose, Mallard, Common buzzard, Wheatear, Carrion crow, Pied wagtail, Eurasian curlew, European robin, Great cormorant, Barn swallow, Willow warbler, Winter wren,  Lapwing and Red kite.

The final stretch of road to Aled Alwen seems much longer than 1.3 miles.

We arrived back at the cars feeling pretty tired, with legs believng we had walked more than our GPSs had recorded and even more than the 13.5 miles recorded by my phone's step counter!

We were both looking forward to a pint of Purple Moose;s Snowdonia Ale at The Swan in Llanfair Talhaiarn. Alas we had to be satisfied with Bank's Mild  I didn't have a takeaway!

The barman did reassure us that they would be stocking Snodonia Ale again in the near future.

 

Harris Hikers Walks and Dates April 2022

Bluebells in Gorse Covert, Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB on 25h April 2022

Bluebells in Gorse Covert, Burton Mere Wetlands RSPB on 25h April 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 law to wear face coverings in health care situations, so bringing a face covering makes sense.

 Although it is no longer a law, you may also want touse them in places like as Public Conveniences (PCs), shops or on Public transort.

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.

Saturday 2nd April 2022
Another Ceiriog Trail Walk from Pontricket.
Distance 8.5 miles. Climb: 1700'.
Start Pontricket Lay-by on B4500 through the Ceiriog Valley, about 2 miles South of Glyn Ceiriog. Grid ref: SJ1862734360
Leave Chester at 09-00 a,m.
This walk includes much of the walk that we did last time we walked from Ponticket, but this time we will take a route North of Pen y Gwely then follow the Ceiriog Trail around Pen-y-gwely Reservoir.
 We will also follow the Siambre-gerrig valley and in so doing miss out the unpleasant track with its concrete encased drainage pipes that we have used in the past.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed. 
(Those not walking:) 
Wednesday 6th April 2022.
Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Eryrys and Around Moel y Gyw.
Distance:8-9 miles; Climb:1700'.
Start:Pistyll Gwyn Quarry car park. 1 mile north of Llanarmon-yn-Ial. Grid ref:SJ188573.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This walk uses two walks taken from Carl Roger's book "Walking in the Clwydian Hills". We have completed both walks before, but have never tried to link them together before. The Eryrys walk is described as exploring the lesser-known limestone hills separated from the main Clwydian ridge by the Alyn Valley. Views throughout the walk are superb! The second walk involves the ascent of Moel Gyw which also has superb views of the Clwydian Hills to both the north and the south.
The last time we did this walk in November 2015, we had to negotiate a path that was partially flooded in order to get to a footbridge over a river in spate. Hopefully at this time of the year it shouldn't be to bad underfoot.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,Nigel,Fran, Mike. 
(Those not walking:Wendy, Ed, David S .) 
Saturday 9th April 2022
Clip-y-Orsedd and theThe Druid Circle. 
Distance: 9 miles. Climb:2400'.
Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.
Start: Car park behind the bank in Llanfairfechan. Turn right off Village Road. Grid ref:SH682747.
This walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast." These two walks combine to make one of my favourite walks in this area as they explore the hills behind  Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr. We will visit the impressive Druids' Stone Circle, but on this occasion we will miss out Foel Lus.  On a good day we should get good views, especially towards the coast and Tal y Fan. We will only extend the walk as far as the Druids Circle.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed. 
(Those not walking: .) 
Wednesday 13th April 2022.
Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.
Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Llangwyfan Forestry Car Park. Grid ref: SJ139668.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk that we haven't done for several years. After climbing Moel Arthur it takes a path along the west side of Plas-yw, heads over Bryn-ffynnon before following a path past Pen-y-bryn on the east side of Penycloddiau. Penycloddiau is then traversed from North to South back to the start.
This can be quite an exhilarating walk as it explores the foothills east of the main Clwydian Hills. On occasions sections of the path have proved to be somehat boggy, but at ths time of the year it shouldn't be a problem.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel, Fan.(Those not walking: Ed, Mike.)
. Saturday 16th April 2022.
The Three Lakes Walk on Denbigh Moors.
Postponed - wil probably be on 21st May.
Distance:11.6 miles; Climb:1523'.
Start: Park on grass verge just before crossing over the dam (Eastern side of the Llyn Aled). Grid ref:SH916579.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's books "Walks in the Hidden Heart of North Wales" and Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes" whichever you prefer. Same walks, just different covers, and one walk has been extended a little in the former book. Llyn Aled, Llyn Alwen and the Alwen Reservoir are the three "lakes" visited. In the past sections have been quite boggy to say the least, but hopefully it won't be too bad at this time of the year.  This walk is not everyone's cup of tea, but over the years, it has become one of my favourite walks on the Denbigh Moors.
Those planning to walk: Martyn.(Those not walking: Mike,Ed. )
Wednesday 20th April 2022.
Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge.
Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1010'.
Start: Lay-by on the Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. Approaching Loggerheads on the A494, Mold to Ruthin Road and after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a building site), take the next road on the right just before the newsagent. The lay-by is almost immediately on the right by the telephone kiosk.
Leave Chester: 09-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's Book " More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" He describes it as an excellent walk exploring beautiful valleys and foothills. We usually start at Loggerheads, but as it is £5 to park for more than 4 hours we will start up the road in Cadole.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,Ed,Fran,Sue and Michel. (Those not walking: Mike, David S, Wendy)
Saturday 23rd April 2022.
Craig Bron-Banog and Part of Cwm Alwen. 
Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb:1100'.
Start:Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr. Riverside picnic site. Grid ref:SH987496. Take the Ruthin to Cerrigydrudion road. Turn right just after the bridge by the Crown Inn. Continue down the road past the church. The picnic area is on the right just before the school.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
Both walks are taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks In the Hidden Heart North Wales". The Craig Bron-Banog walk is new to us. He describes it as an eight mile figure of eight walk exploring the afforested undulating countryside South-east of Llyn Brenig. The route meanders through Clocaenog Forest, passes a hidden waterfall and an ancient standing stone before reaching the highest point of Craig Bron-Banog with its panoramic views.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike .(Those not walking: Ed)
Wednesday 27th April 2022.
A Pentre-celyn Round
(A part of the Clwydian Trio.)
Cancelled.
A new walk will be offered.
The organiser's absence has allowed others to consider a more adventurous Wednesday Walk.
Please contact Mike or Ed for details (it i likely to involve aleaving Chester at  08-30)  or me and I will forward your request. 
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 9-00 a.m.
This is a walk based on a  walk by Debbie Hamilton in 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.
 In recent years we have shortened the walk by mising out the Norther section towards Moel Gyw. This reduces the walk by about 2 miles and the climb by about 800'. Although shorter it still makes a very good walk.
Those planning to walk: .(Those not walking: Martyn (I have a dental appointment), Wendy.)
Saturday 30th April 2022.
Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.
Postponed. 
See below for replacement walk.
Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied 
walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. 
We will visit Tegg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described 
as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District. 
This is a walk that we have come to like and regularly appears on the list at this time 
of the year. 

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .(Those not walking: )
Replacement Walk.
The Three Lakes Walk on Denbigh Moors.
Distance:11.6 miles; Climb:1523'.
Start: Park on grass verge just before crossing over the dam (Eastern side of the Llyn Aled). Grid ref:SH916579.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's books "Walks in the Hidden Heart of North Wales" and Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes" whichever you prefer. Same walks, just different covers, and one walk has been extended a little in the former book. Llyn Aled, Llyn Alwen and the Alwen Reservoir are the three "lakes" visited. In the past sections have been quite boggy to say the least, but hopefully it won't be too bad at this time of the year.  This walk is not everyone's cup of tea, but over the years, it has become one of my favourite walks on the Denbigh Moors.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,Ed.(Those not walking: Mike,  )

Moel Siabod on a Wednesday 27th April 2022.

 1 Our Destination, just visible through the top of the trees.

2 Snowdonia from Plas Y Brenin.

3 Strolling through Coed Y Brenin.

4 View from coffee stop.

5 Almost there.

6 Views towards Trawsfyndd.

7 We made it!.

8 Lunch time.

9 Llyn Y Foel.

10 On the way down.

11 On the Llynnau Mymbyr bridge.

12 Coach home after meal.

Walk stats, 8 miles, 6 hours, 2389ft climb.

Temperature 15c to 5c at top. Light to moderate breeze.

Group, Mike, Nigel, Ed, Fran, Sue and Michel.

A almost perfect day for a stroll up Siabod.

We wandered through Coed Y Brenin to warm up our legs before the main climb.  We were treated to spectacular views on Snowdonia for most of the way. At the half way  point  we stopped for coffee and fuel. Nearing the summit we diverted right to walk around the plateau to gleen views of Cnicht  and Trawsfynydd. Then it was one last push to the summit, it's trig point and the shelter for lunch. After lunch we continued around the plateau before descending by the same route we came up and decided to extend the walk going back via Coed Y Brenin .

Well earned after walk Purple Moose drinks and a meal were taken at the Tyn Y Coed Hotel.

Birds seen or heard, Wagtail, Wheatear, Skylark, Meadow Pipit,  Common Buzzard, European Robin, Raven.

Burton Point and Decca Pools 27th April 2022

 Moel Famau from Station Road, Burton.

On lamb getting to recognise another lamb."

"Too many lambs - which one belongs to me."

" think it's this one!"

One lamb tries to join its friends.

The lamb tries gain to join its friends.

Third attempt, but fales again.

"Ok, we'll join you!"

Walk stats: 3.0 miles. Climb: 56'.

Time: 2 hours 0 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Temperature: 11 - 14 Celsius. Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 1 Calm to Light air.

Group: Martyn.

With a dental appointment forcing me to miss out on the usual walk with Harris Hikers, the weather looked too good to not to have a walk at all. I did a lot of lamb watching as well!

I decided on a bit of birdwatching between Burton Point and Decca Pools, starting from Station Road, Burton.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common pheasant, Woodpigeon, Common whitethroat, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Common blackbird, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Cetti warbler,Sedge warbler, Reed warbler, Stonechat, Rook, Jackdaw, Blue tit, Pied wagtail, House sparrow, Winter wren, Grey heron, Tufted duck, Common coot, Mallard, Little egret, Black headed gull, Dunnock, House sparrow and Barn swallow.

A very pleasant stroll along the Millenium Way, lots of people (dog walkers, birdwatchers and a few just walking) and as ever too many cyclists for my liking, but at least today they were riding responsibly when passing people on foot. However too many cyclists allowed gates to swing shut making a clanging sound as the metal gate hit the metal post - not one carefully closed the gate!

Craig Bron-banag and Cwm Alwen 23rd April 2022

Not my best shot of a Red kite, but at least you can see it is a red kite.

Our first sgbghting of wind turbines generating power.

Maen Cred Standing Stone - turning point for our walk today.

The clocaenog Forest Wind Farm on the horizon.

The view from our lunch spot.

The view from our lunch spot.

Last time we did this walk, the path was completelyblocked by fallen trees, toay we were pleased to be making our way on the cleared path.

A closer encounter with a wind turbine generating electricity.

Caer Ddunod, south east of Pentre-Llyn Cymmer.

The afon Alen south easr of  Pentre-Llyn Cymmer.

A black lamb looking for it mum?

Walk stats: distance: 11.3 miles. Climb: 1512'.

5 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Beaufort Wind Force: 1 - 3.  Light air, gusting to a gentle breeze (10 m.p.h.)

Temperature: 11.7 Celsius at lunch. 13.7 Celsius at the end of the walk. However at times it did seem much warmer when we were sheltered from the easterly wind.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

We arrived at the river side parking area in llanfihangwek Glyn Myfyr to seeing a Red kite quite close up, nearly over our heads. This was definatley our bird of the day.  

Birds seen r heard today included: red kite, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood nuthatch, Common chaffing, Common blackbird, Blue tit, Great tit, Winter wren, Mallard, Grey heron, Barn swallow, Grouse, Carrion crow, European robin, Meadow pipit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Common pheasant and Pied wagtail.

Weatherwise it turned out better than the forecast, less wind than we expected, no rain and warmer that we expected, especially towards the end of the walk.

Lunch was taken at Craig Bron-banog, where we made use of the picnic table with views towards the Clwydians. This was the only time I put my paclite jacket on as the breeze made it feel quite cool.

After lunch our route took us along a path that we knew would be blocked, if the fallen trees had not been cleared since our last visit in 2016. Thankfully they had been cleared - not an easy task.

We didn't see any other walkers on this walk, and only spoke to two local residents, one who mistakingly thought we were lost and offered his help.

We arrived back at he car, having had a longer than usual walk, and surprsed to check our GPS's to find that without ralising it, Mike had frog marched me round at 2.5 m.p.h and this was without his lekis!

After walk drinks were enjoyed sitting outside at the Druid Inn at Llanferres. The Purple Moose, Snowdonia Ale went down wel as did the Piper crisps.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge 20th April 2022

Lambs ganging up!

"I give in!"

View from my lunch spot south west of Cilcain.

Early Bluebells in the hedgesrow south wesr of Cilcain.

Lesser periwinkle in the hedgesrow south wesr of Cilcain.

St. Mary's Church, Cilcain.

Wood anenome and Lesser celedine in Coed y Felin, Cilcain.

On the Leete 

or

 "I've got somebody to talk to".

The Loggerheads Boundary Stone.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.2 miles. Climb: 1010'.

Time: 5 hours 12 minutes. On the move waking average: Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

 Temperature: 16.4 Celsius ( at lunch. Max - 19.8 Celsius mid afternoon on the Leete in the Sun.

Beaufort Wind Force:0 - occasionally "gusting to 1 (light air).

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

This was a superb day for walking, supported bt the fact that I only used one hankerchief throught the walk!

Lots of birds and flowers adding to make this a realy good Spring walk.

The only disappointment today was hemany lmbs we saw seemed reluctant to "gambol"!

A bonus of the walk today wa a PC at the start at Loggerheads and the even better ones at Cilcain (we were even tempted to have an ice cream at the local vulunteer operated village shop.

The last time we did this walk it rained for most of the walk, so the fantastic weather made the walk today even better.

Flowers seen today included: Garlic Mustard, Lesser periwinkle, Dandelion agg, Bluebell, Common dog violet, Green alkanet, Ramson, wood anenome,  Forget-me-not, Greater stitchwort, Buttercup.

Butterflies seen today included: Brimston, orange tip, Common blue and Peacock.

Birds seen or heard today included: Eurasan jay, Red - leggeed partridge, Song thrush, Common blackbird, Raven, Carrio crow, Rook, Blue tit,Great tit, Wood nuthatch, Chiffchaff, Winter wren, Willow warbler, Common buzzard, Common pheasant, Great tit, Blue tit, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Great spotter woodpecker and House sparrow,

After an almost perfect day and walk we were able to enjoy after walk drinks at the Blue Bell Inn in Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter went down well, although others preferred other drinks that were on offer.

 

Moel Arthur, Moel y Parc and Penycloddiau 13th April 2022

Approaching the ramparts on Moel Arthur.

Penycloddiau from Moel Arthur.

The vibrant colour of Gorse in bloom.

"We are best mates, aren't we?"

Lunch time on the north east slopes of Penycloddiau.

The view north east from my lunch spot,

Snowdn and Tryfan o the skyline seen from the slpes of Moel y Parc.

The lonely unaccessible trig point on Moel y Parc.

One of the Cilcain reservoirs seen from the south eastern slopes of Moel y Parc.

One of many trees in Nant Coed-y-mynydd that have suffered from recent gale force winds.

At the last Moel of the day (Moel Fammau on the skyline left of Fran).

At the main cairn on Penycloddiau.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: 1860'.

Time: 6 hours 14 minutes. On the move wlking average: 20 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Temperature: 15.3 Celsius at lunch.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0-2 Mainly light air to light breeze.

Group: Marty, Fran and Nigel.

This was a really good day for walking, and for once I was wearing the right gear - shorts and a teashirt!

It wasn't too hot, very little wind and only a few spots of rain as we descenderd from Penyclodiau to the Llangwyfan car park at the end of the walk.

I knew i was going to be a good day when I had a phone call at about 08-00 from Fran saying did I want a lift - I didn't hesitate to accept the kind offer.

This iwas a superb varied walk, with only one rather nasty descent to overcome, but some superb distant views, particularly towards Snowdonia on their own made this walk worthwhie.

A bonus today was the number of birds that we saw anfd heard. These included: Chiffchaf, Wilow warbler, Red kite, Common buzzard, Meadow pipit, Common pheasant, Raven, Stonechat, Wheatear, Common chafinch, Commion blackbird, Great spotte woodecker, Goldfinch, Winter wren, Meadow pipit, Red grouse and Skylark.

At lunch we were serenaded by singing Skylark s and Willow warblers, what winderful sounds to hear and make you realise Spring is really here.

we did see good numbers of other walkers, particularly on Moel Arthure when we arrived at the summit at the same time as about 30 from the WWG - Wrexham Walking Group.

Arrving back at the car, we were happy to have had a good walk and at least two f us were loking forward to a pint of Lees bitter at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn. It didn't disappoint!