Around Minera Mountain 29th June 2022

The Minera Lead Mine Centre.

Heading fpr Minera Quarry.

A Pyrimidal orchid near the path above Minera Quarry.

The most common orchid seen today - the Common spotted orchid.

Ponies grazing in the field south west of Minera Quarry.

The first juvenile Whinchat seen.

An unexpected filming of a Whinchat.

One of the Whinchats seen today.

One of the male Stonechats seen today.

Looking across the valley towards Esclusiam Mountain.

An Oak Eggar caterpillar.

Heading throgh head high (for som) bracken.

The sound of a Skylark at lunchtime.

The remains of an Adder on the road to World' End.

On the path across Fron-deg Flat / Minera Mountain.

A Ringlet butterky near Fron-deg.

This is one turkey that must have enjoyed Christmas 2021.

Walk stats:

Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 1100.

Time: 5 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall wlk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max 21.2 Celsius. Lunch - 19.8 Celsius. Minimum - 16.8 Celsius on the World's End Road.

Beufort Wind Force: 0-3. Mainly a light breeze, reaching a 10 m.p.h gentle breeze on the World's End Road.

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

The weather forecast was pretty accurate today, sunshine and showers. The worst showers came just as we were having lunch and at the end of the walk.

This walk has in the past presented challenges in terms of finding paths that don't seem to seen on the ground. Today was no exception and from Fron-deg onwards a nightmare - never to be repeated. The path through the "turkey" farm disappeared, other paths were overgrown and blocked by fallen trees and very muddy.

Apart from that this was an enjoyable walk!

Around Minera Quarry we saw lots of Common spotted orchids and a few Pyramidal orchids.

Birds see or heard today included: Common chaffinch, Woodpigen, Black billed magpie, Winter wren Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Stonechat and Whinchat.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Pant yr Ochain a Gresford where the beer of choice was Snowdonia Ale from the Purple Moose Brewery.

 

Harris Hikers Walks and Dates June 2022

 All Covid Restrictions in Wales have been lifted,  so it is no longer the law to wear face coverings in any situation, although you may feel more comfortable in some situations to do so.  I will still have y face covering with me, you may wish to do the same.

 Although it is no longer a law, you may also want to use 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 it becomes easier to arrange car sharing. in addition it helps me to know how many route maps I need to bring and on special occasions how many pieces of fruit cake will be needed.

Wednesday 1st June 2022

Chirk Walk 2.

Chirk, Chirk Bank, Bramble Wood, Ddol and the Llangollen Canal

Distance:  7 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: Chirk Free parking) Grid ref: SJ29123782

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

David S has suggested this walk for his return to walking with the group, this walk was initially planned for 30th March 2022, but I don't think anyone actually did it!

This walk is one devised by a friend of DS and explores the area mainly to the north east of Chirk. Most of this walk is new to most of us, particularly the section that follows the Maelor Way through Bramble Wood and the area between Ddol and the Llangollen Canal. Exploring new areas always gives added interest to a walk.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, David S., Nigel, Mike, Ed (if LFT negative) .

(Those not walking: )

Saturday 4th June 2022.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1900'. 

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, Mike, Ed. 

(Those not walking: 

Wednesday 8th June 2022.

Cefn Ddu and Y Graig and East of Tremerchion.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: Roadside parking east of Tremerchion. Grid ref: SJ095740.

Leave Chester 09-00.This is another walk from one of Dave Berry's booklets "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".This is a slight variation of the walk that we usually follow, but it also includes one or two new paths for us to explore. On good clear days we should get views of Snowdonia as well as north towards the coast.

The extension, which we will probably complete at the start, explores the countryside to the east of Tremeirchion, some of which we have only used once before.

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

(Those not walking: David S, ) 

Saturday 11th June 2022.

Clywedog Reservoir and Foel Uchaf.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Cyffylliog. SJ060578.
There is limited roadside parking in Cyffylliog, so if necessary we will meet up at the Ruthin riverside car park and take as few cars as possible to the start point.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "walks in the Vale of Clwyd". It is a sort of figure of eight walk featuring attractive wooded river valleys, open hills, forest and an upland reservoir. At some of the higher points on the walk we should get some superb views.
I understand that a nesting platform has been set up at the Clywedog Reservoir site and a pair of Ospreys have been seen there, so bring binoculars if you can.

The last time I did this walk major work on the Clocaenog Wind Farm was being done, so I had a challenge negotiating ways around it where the paths had been churned up.

Those planning to walk: Martyn,Ed . 

(Those not walking: Mike)

Wednesday 15th June 2022.

Eglwyseg Escarpment and Trevor Rocks.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1200'. Can be made shorter if need be.

Start: Off road parking on the Panorama road just East of the monument. Grid ref: SJ247426.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This must be one of the best walks in the Llangollen area, especially on a sunny day. a walk that makes you feel like you're  on top of the world with superb views in all directions, including the Dee Valley, Dinas Bran, the Llantysilio Mountains and the Berwyns. This is one of our  favourite walks and is always on the list at least once every year.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Nigel. 

(Those not walking: Sue, Michel,, Mike, David S., Wendy)

Saturday 18th June 2022.

Holyhead Breakwater Country Park and South Stack.

Distance:10 miles. Climb:1326'.

Start: Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (Pay and Display). SH225833

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This is another walk that has become an annual favourite. Along the coastal section there should be  good chances of seeing Choughs, Guillemots, Razorbills and even Puffins. Bring binoculars if you can. If time and energy reserves allow we may visit the summit of Holyhead Mountain.

As we start at the Country park, we will again do the walk in a clockwise direction,  finishing the  walk along the Coastal Path.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike . 

(Those not walking: 

Wednesday 22nd June 2022.

A Walk Around Waen Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog.

Distance : 9 miles. Climb: 600'.

Start: Aberwheeler  is on B5429. Approaching from the Mold road, turn left and after passing the play area and Bro Lleweni. This lane is opposite the chapel and the bus stop turning area. Park carefuly in the lane next to the houses. Grid ref: SJ096693.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This is a walk taken from R.J.A. Dutton's book "Hidden Highways of North Wales". It explores the  Roman and Medieval Roads between Waen Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog. 

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Mike, Michel. 

(Those not walking: Nigel, David S, Sue, Fran )

Saturday 25th April 2022.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb:1250'.

Start: Pensarn Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH944787. Park near the PC block as we will be heading South towards the centre of Abergele.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.This walk is by Debbie Hamelton and starts in the centre of Abergele, but we will start on the coast. This will extend the walk by about 2 miles. The main walk is described as exploring the beautiful North Wales countyside South of Abergele. The outward route passes a well preserved watch tower.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed. 

(Those not walking: )

Wednesday 29th June 2022.

Around Minera and Ruabon Mountains. 

Distance: 9 -11 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Minera Lead Mine Centre Car park. grid ref: SJ276509.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Ruabon and Hope Mountain". The walk is described as being quite demanding, especially on the open access moorland. A walk for experienced walkers only. This will be the third time that mot of us have done the walk, so we should be OK . Can be boggy underfoot as we found out in 2013 when we first did the walk,

The last time we did the walk we reduced the mileage to about 8 miles.

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

(Those not walking: David S., Ed) 

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf 25th June 2022

The watch tower on Tower Hill, south of Abergele.

The North Wales coast from Tower Hill.

Moefre Isaf from the lane leading south to Moefre.

Looking south east from the track on the east side of Moefre Isaf.

Distant views of the mountains Snowdonia in cloud.

It must be the Ministry for Silly Walks out for the day!

It's all downill from now.

Lunch time in the qarry.

Ears of barley waving in the wind.

Walk stats:

Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1545' (wind assisted GPS reading) in reality more like 1250'.

Time : 4 hours 41 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall all walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max - 21.2 Celsius in a sheltered spot in the Sun at lunch time. Minimum - 16.2 Celsius o the top of Moelfre Isaf.

Beaufort Wind Force: 2 - 4. Mainly a gentle breeze, reaching a moderate breeze (18 m.p.h.) on the top of Moelfre Isaf.

Group: Maryn, Mike and Ed.

The forecast suggested that the morning would be dry and quite windy with an increase in chance of rain in the afternoon. The forecast strength of the wind indicated that using an umbrella might be problematic.

Both the Met Office and BBC (Meteo) got it right today with rain arriving at about 12-40 just after we headed dowhill after lunch.

The wind was behind us, so we were able to use umbrellas for about half an hour during the worst of the rain.

In the morning distant views were quite good, although the high mountain tops of Snowdonia were in cloud when we saw them from the trig point on Moelfre Isaf.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common whitethroat, Collared dove, Carrion crow, Rook, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Goldfinch Dunnock, Woodpigeon and Skylark.

We also saw Speckled wood and Red admiral butterflies in Coed Abergele.

Overall an enjoyable walk, and for once the paths were largely dry and mud-free.

We arrived back at the start just after 14-15, earlier than we expected, giving us the chance t call in at the Blue Bell in Halkyn for a pint of Lees Bitter on the way home.

 

Around Aberwheeler and Llandyrnog 22nd June 2022

Even the cows want to be in the shade!

A Barn swallow takes a rest.

Setting the pace on the Clwydian Way next to the Afon Clwyd.

We had to go through the middle of that lot!

Glan-y-wern Hall from the Denbigh Road.

Looking back to our lunch spot in the shade.

Ed's Golden ringed Dragonfly.

Ed's Dragonfly again. 

One of many bad stiles seen today near Glan Clwyd Ganol Isa.

Walk stats:

Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 354'.

Time: 4 hours 22 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m..h Overallwalk average: 2. m.p.h.

Temperature: Max - 27.2 Celsius.Lunch - 25.4 Cesius in theshade. End of walk - 25.8 Celsius.

befort Wind Force: 0 - 2. Mainly light air and occasionally a very welcome light breeze, reaching 6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Michel and Ed.

A good day for walking, but at times it did feel a little warmer than we would have liked.

In the morning most of the riverside stiles had been replaced by stiles, alas the stiles after lunch were often in a dire state, especially those near Glan Clwyd Ganol Isa.

We sotted a couple of sheep in the Afon Clwyd, but unfortunately the bank was too steep for any of s to give them any help.

Lunch was taken at Llandyrnog Football Ground, where we were very grateful to find a seat and picnic bench on the veranda under cover.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Common starling, Barn swallow, Chiffchaff, Grey heron Common buzzard, Mallard, Goldfinch, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch, Common swift, Jackdaw, House martin, Rook, Carrion crow, Wodpigeon and Raven, 

We arrived back at the cars with feet looking forward to being released from being trapped in boots and three walkers looking forward to some liquid refreshment at the Dinorben Arms at Bodfari.  Conwy Beacomer and Timothy Taylor Landlord were sampled, but Ed couldn't find a beer dark enough for his liking, so had a cider instead.

I think this may be the last time I do this walk, as I get older I don't like the hassle of reporting so many bad stiles every year and seeing nothing get done!

Holyhead Breakwater Country Park and South Stack 18th June 2022

The Irish Ferry coming into Holyhead.

The Irish Ferry coming into Holyhead.

One of Many Common buzzards seen today.

Penrhosfeilw standing stones.

Canoeist enjoying a day on the sea.

South Stack lighthouse with its light flashing.

Oystercatchers roosting.

Red billed chough in paddocks near Ty Mawr.

South Stack from Ellen's Tower.

Razorbills at South Stack.

Guillemots at South Stack.

Puffins at South Stack.

Puffin at South Stack.

Puffins at South Stack.

Who said "If only all paths were like this?"

Another Irish Ferry heads for Holyhead harbour.

Never miss an opprtunity for a rest!

Our last view of the sea (Port Manarth) before heading away from the coast to the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park car park.

Walk stats: 

Distace: 10.6 miles. Climb: 1403'.

Time: 6 hours 9 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Temperature:Max 17.2 Celsius. Minimum 15.2 Celsius.

Beafort Wind Force: 2 - 3. Generally a light breeze, but occasionally rising to a gentle breeze (max 10 m.p.h) at times as we crossed The Range.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

We set off later than usual as the driver for the day had only arrived from Germany late in the evening.

We arrived at the Holyhead Breakwater Country Park just before 11-00 and our first surprise came to find the cost of parking for over 4 hours had risen to £8-00. We will be looking for a different start point for our South Stak Walk in future.

this was a much better day for walking, not too hot and not too cold, although the north westerly breeze made it feel cool at times.

The walk today was great for birds and flowers, but the only mammal seen was a very large rabbit, so large e thought it might have been a Hare.

Birds seen or herd today included: Mallard, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Common whitethroat, Barn swallow, Winter wren, Common buzzard, Great cormorant, Oystercatcher, Meadow pipit,Skylark, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Stonechat, Guillemot, Razorbill, Black billed magpie, Red billed chough and Puffin.

Flowers seen included: Tormentil, Stonecrop, Red campion, Foxglove, Thrift, Common spotted orchid, Bluebell, Buttercup, Dandelion, Lesser celendine and Sheep's bit.

Unusually we stopped for lunch onlt 4.5 miles into the walk, that meant that afterwards we still had most of the walkto complete. Lunch was taken almost as soon as we arrived on the coast, but the cool breeze meant we had to seek a sheltered spot.

As we walked up the road to South Stack, we had supurb views of Red billed Choug feeding in a field grazed by horses.  We saw nine Red billed choughs, the most we had ever seen on our South Stack walksand this ws after seen them on The Range.

We spent much longer at South Stack than usual encouraged by the sighting of at least four Puffins.

This was a day when four Puffins trumped nine Red billed choghs for the  bird spot of the day.

We arrived back at the cars, having had a great walk, legs and feet looking forward to a rest and all ready to head for the Albion in Conwy for liquid refreshment. Local brews and even locally made crisps (Jones o Gymri) were available. We didn't waste the opportunity to sample a few brews and at least one variety of crisps. All went down well!

The Eglwyseg Escarpments and Trefor Rocks 15th June 2022

Looking down on the Monument from Trefor Rocks.

A bit of "scrammbling" I wasn't expecting!

A new view of Dinas Bran.

Llangollen from Trefor Rocks.

On top of the world above Trefor Rocks.

One of the many Meadow Pipits seen today.

"Why are we waiting - again!"

That's a good idea - staying in the shade.

"Me and my new friends"

or

"At least they are following me."

A view of the Llantysilio Mountains, just in case any of Harris Hikers is missing them!

The view from our lunchspot overlooking the Eglwyseg Valley.

The Eglwyseg Escarpments ahead.

Walk stats: distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: 10041'.

Time: 6 hours 8 minutes. Onthe move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.

Temperature: 22 6 Celsius at lunch. Seemed much more at times with high humidy.

Beafort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Mainly a light breeze and blissful when it occasionally reached as much as a gentle breeze.

Group: Martyn, Ed, Fran and Nigel.

This was a good day weatherwise because we knew we were unlikely to get wet. However at times it did feel somewhat too humid for my liking and we all had to endure sunhats longer than we wanted to.

The overall walk speed was slower than usual, largely because I was stopping to note birds that I had heard and seen or was trying to take a photo of them!

Birds seen or heard today included: Meadow pipit, Skylark, Stonechat, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Common buzzard, Red grouse, Wheatear, Common blackbird, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Winter wren, Wheatear and Cuckcoo (first heard by Ed, but heard several times by everyone as we walked on the escarpment above the Egklwyseg Valley.

This walk is one of the best, with good views in every direction throughout the walk and one that needed to be celebrated with some liquid refreshment at a local hostelry. This wedidat the Sun at Trefor, where two rews by the Big Hand Brewery (Wrexham) were on offer. Serin was the one sampled s it was the lowest (3.7 %) in alcohol and was light and refreshing.