A Berwyn, Llangollen and Vivod Mountain Round 30th July 2022

The Llangollen Canal as we walked along the towpath from Berwyn to Llangollen. 

Yes, it's raining!

A female Mallard looking after her ducklings,

The view of the River Dee from the Bridge.

Yes the trains to Carrog are running.

Looking over Llangollen towards Dinas Bran and The Eglwyseg Escarpments.

Using a new kissing gate on the North Berwyn Way.

Bell heather and Ling on the North Berwyn Way.

The view from our lunch spot overlooking Y Fole and the Ceiriog Valley.

Hare bells on the North Berwyn Way.

The view over Barber Hill towards the Eglwyseg Escarpments.

The Chain Bridge - nearly the end of the walk.

Walk stats: 

Distance: 10.8 miles. Climb: 1548'.

TimeL 5 hours 30 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.  Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Temperature: 19.8 Celsius at lunch.

Beaufort Wind Fore: 0 - 3. Mainly calm, but occasionally it increased to a light breeze and best of all it hit 12 m.p.h. (a genle breeze as we approached our lunch spot.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

A last minute decision on Friday meant we opted for a walk from Llantysilio Green in the hope of getting a rain free walk. Alas by this morning, the forecast had changed and 90% chance of rain made Ed decide to stay at home.

We set off from the start with unbrellas up, still far too warm and humid for wearing waterproofs.

Our umbrellas were up and down like yoyos, but thankfully after lunch they were reduntant.

The surprise of the day was finding a new kissing gate on the North Berwyn Way at point on a previous occasion we had found a s sgate locked. I did report it to the Denbighshire Rights of Way Officer to find that I wasn't the fist one to report.  I think this is the first time that I have had the pleasure of knowing that reporting a problem on a path had resulted in a positive outcome.

Lunch was taken at our usual spot but today we had the choice of two fallen trees on which to perch.

As we crossed the Chain Bridge, the hotel was very bussy, so much so that we decided to hed for the Sun at Trevor for refreshments.

Views today were pretty good, considering the low lying clouds.

Birds seen or heard today were few, but included: Mallard, Common blackbird, Stonechat, Rook, Winter wren, Barn swallow, Meadow pipit and Common pheasant.

We arrived back at the car having had  really good walk and with only our umbrellas still on the damp side!

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Sun at Trevor, where the Purple Moos's Madag Ale went down well.

Moel Famau, Around Ffrith Mountain and Clwyd Forest 27th July 2022

Setting off from Bwlch Penbarra along Offas Dyke to Moel Famau,

We all made it to the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau.

The Vale of Clwyd from Offa's Dyke as we descended Moel Famau towards Moel Dywyll.

Who is that gleaning Bilberries?

On the track towards Ffrith Mountain  - rare photo as I waited for everyon else to catch me up!

Good info, but not as good as the "smiley faces / unhappy faces on the track to Llyn Elsi,

We went left, but we had no intention on goin o n the steep bit!

The final climb ahead - but not if Mike gets his way!

Looking south east towards Loggerheads from  a track (new to us in Clwyd Forest).

A view of Moel Famau that I have not seen before!

The final descent to Bwlch Penbarra 

or 

what did they have at lunch time?

Walk stats:

Distance: 7.7 miles 1495'.

time; 4 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.  

Temperature: 19.2  - 21.4 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2. Manly calm, occasionally light air and for about ten minites a light breeze (3.7 mm.p.h) towarsds the end of the walk.

Group: Martyn,Phil, Nogel, Mike, Fran, Ed and David S.

The oridinal planned walk today, for more than one reason ended up being adapted, but as far as I was concerned it proved to be better than the one I first posted.

Today marked the first walk that Phil had been able to join us for some time and DS had decided he liked the idea of going on Offa'S Dyke Path t the Jubille Tower.

This achieved, after having a photo shoot on the Jubilee Tower, we descend the steps to celebrate this happ event by stopping for an elevenses (somewhat early) with a slice of well matured fruit cake that had survived all this recent heat wave!

After DS left us, I decide the best option was not to visit Moel Famau Jubilee twice and take a much gentler route around the northern edge of the forest towards Ffrith Mountain.

Lunch wa taken south west of Brithdir Mawr before starting the climb on forest tracks throuh the Clwyd Forest.

As we descended towards the PC / Lower car park, Mike persuded is to try a route that we hadn't used before.  As soon a I was convince it did not involve a steep climb back up to the Offa's Dyke Path, I was happy to allow him to have his way.  I must asdmit this was a good choice and we had views of Moel Famau that some of us had never seen before.

Overall this was a very enjoyable walk and one that will be on the list again at some point.

Birds seen or heard: Meadow pipit, Winter wren, Carrion crow, Common chaffinch, European robin and Common buzzard, 

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Druids Inn at Llanferres where most of us enjoyed the Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale - 3.7% a refreshing drink after a summer walk.

 

Harris Hikers Walks and Dates July 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 my 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.
Saturday 1st July 2022.
Llugwy and Lledre.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 1000'.

Start: Railway station car park in the centre of Betws-y Coed. Grid ref: SH795565.Leave Chester at 8-30 a.m. (It takes about 1 hour 10 minutes from Saltney)

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed .

(Those not walking: )

This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's new book "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley". This walk links the beautiful wooded Llugwy and Lledre Valleys. It takes in Sarn Helen, the former Roman Road, and reaches over 800' before descending in to the Lledre Valley. It involves a steep climb to Llyn Elsi or at least that is what Dave Berry says!

The last couple of times I have done this, the weather has not been kind, but hopefully at this time of year it should be OK.

This walk gives us the opportunity to cross the new Miners Bridge near Swallow Falls.

Wednesday 6th July 2022.

In Search of St. Cynhafal

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 700',
Start: Roadside parking in Llandyrnog on the Llangynhafal road (Gladstone Terrace) . Park on the wider part of the road after Nant Glyd. Grid ref: SJ109650.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

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

(Those not walking: Sue and Michel)

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd" 
It is described as a delightful walk exploring th attractive countryside between the Afon Clwyd and the lower slopes of the Clwydian Hills

Saturday 6th July 2022.

Around Llyn Brenig.

Distance: 9.8  miles; Climb: 610'.
Start: Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre car park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SH968547' .
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn,  .

(Those not walking: )

This walk is based on a walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Hidden Heart Of North Wales" or "Walks Around the Hiraethrog Moors and Lakes". This is a low level walk and is a gentle stroll around the lake. Apparently there is an Osprey nesting n a platform in the lake, so we should have a good chance of seeing one. Bring your binoculars if you have them.

Wednesday 13th July 2022.

Around Bryn Alyn and Eryrys.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1400'. 
Although the distance will probably be reduced by taking a few short cuts.

Start: Layby on the A494 Mold to Ruthin Road, about 1/2 mile South of Llanferres. Grid ref: SJ187597.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Nigel, Fran, David S, Ed, Sue and Michel .

(Those not walking: )

This walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book More Walks in the Clwydian Hill".  We have combined these walks on several occasions before and the section over Bryn Alyn is always good. It will also give us another opportunity to test our route finding skills through Nercwys Forest again! Admittedly the last couple of times we have had no problems in finding the right path, we've done it so many times over the years that at last the route seems to be etched in to our memories!

This good walk has its challenges and its delights too!

Saturday 16th July 2022.

Beaumaris and Penmon.

Postponed - replaced by a walk arund Moel Famau fro Bwlch Penbarra.

Distance:13 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: The car park on the left just past Beaumaris Castle. Grid ref: SH609762.

Leave Chester 8-00a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed.

Those not walking: 

This walk combines one walk from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 1" with a walk from his book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 2" .  We enjoyed these walk when we last did it in March 2007.  High tide is at 08-30,  and is only 8.3 m (27.7') so hopefully it will be possible to walk along the beach for the first part of the walk.  This is a good and varied walk, passing Penmon Priory and the site of Castell Aberlleiniog.

 We will shorten the walk after reaching Penmon, where we will probably have lunch.

Wednesday 20th July 2022.

Lady Bagot's Drive and More.

Distance: 8 -10 miles. Climb: 600'.

Start: Ruthin Craft Centre Car park (free) on Lon Parcwr (4th turning off the roundabout if approaching from Mold/Chester. It is opposite Tesco). Grid ref: SJ125586

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn,  .

Those not walking:  .

This walk is adapted from two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  We have completed this walk many times before in all sorts of weather conditions. Conditions underfoot have been particularly challenging after lots of rain and the Afon Clwyd is in spate.  In the past we have seen Kingfishers and Salmon jumping the weir, seeing either again would be nice.

The length of the walk depends on which way we decide to return to Rhuthin from Rhewl.

Saturday 23rd July 2022.

Moel Faban, Llefn, Gyrn and Felin Fawr.

Postponed. 

Replaced by a Delamere Forest walk from The Yeld. 

Distance:9-10 miles.

Climb:2200'

Start: Top car Park, Bethesda. Grid ref: SH62356681

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, 

Ed . 

(Those not walking: ) 

This is a walk that Ed found in a book. 

We did most of the walk on 14th May 2022, but ended up missing out part of the Felin Fawr walk.

This time we will start with the walk that explores the area south of Bethesda and includes part of the historic Felin Fawr Works and the Las Ogwen Recreational Trail.

The second part explores the attractive upland landscape north east of Bethesda, and includes upto three outlying hills. We will decideon the day if we make it as far as Gyrn.

Wednesday 27th July 2022.

Moel Famau , Around Ffrith Mountain and Clwyd Forest.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Bwilch Penbarra Car park ( £1-50 last time we used this car park. Cash is better than a credit card), south west of the PC block. This is the top car park that overlooks the Vale of Clwyd.

Grid ref: SJ161605
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking:   
This walk combines to routes from Dave Berry's Books, one from "Walks in the Clwydian Hills" and one from "Walks in the Clwydian Hills - New Edition." This is a walk that we first did in 2015, and every one said that they enjoyed it.  Hence its inclusion again this year. Perhaps at this time of the year we will reach the Jubile Tower on a warm wind free day with superb views in all directions!

Saturday 30th July 2022.

Around Llyn Trawsfynnyd. 

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Trawsfynydd Cafe and Fishing Permit Car Park, just off the A470 down the road to the Power Station. Grid ref: SH696383.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, . 

(Those not walking: ) 

This is another walk that Ed has found. This is a really enjoyable walk

 It is described as a fine 8 mile walk with spectacular views in places. The walk goes round the lake in a clockwise direction, heading South towards the village of Trawsfynnydd. It involves a small section of the A470, but doing the walk this way round gets the road section over quite early in to the walk. Thankfully it is also on a wide footpath. After this the route heads towards the lake and crosses what is described as a unique footbridge. The route on the West side of the lake, looks as though it may be interesting in terms of path finding, whilst the section on the North side is described as going through as a swampy section, so this might be challenging too!

Around Delamere Forest and Manley Common from The Yeld 23rd July 2022

Pale Heights - the start f the walk for one of my GPS's.

Not the best distant views of Wales that we have seen from this location.

Is that the Jodrell Bank telescope in the distance.

A juvenile Great spotted woodpecker in the trees near the path as we descended from Pale Heights towards the Delamere Forest Visitor Centre / Cafe.

Blake Mere from the path on its eastern side.

I can't even keep up with a frog!

The last of three field of wheat that we had to cross.

Walk Stats:

Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 641'.

Time: 4 hours 5 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Temperature: 18.4 Celsius, although with high humidity it seemed much warmer.

Beaufort Wind Force: o - 1/2. Mainly calm, but occasionally a a welcome light / gentle breeze.

Group: Marty, Mike and Ed.

The weather forecast for today wasn't good with lots of rain forecast for most places in North Wales, so it was a last minute switch to Delamere Forest where the weather forecast had only light rain for a couple of hours around mid-day. It waas just enough to make us put our umbrellas up, but all managed to get wet trousers as we went along a path where long grass encroached across the path just before we arrived at Manley Common.

Birds seen or heard today included: Song thrush, Goldfinch, Winter wren, Common buzzard, Carrion crow,  Great spotted woodpecker, Common coot, Mallard, Woodpigeon and Lapwing.

Distant views today were very poor and we had a job to spot distinctive land marks like the Jodrell Bank Telescope.

Lunch was taken at Manley Common, but the grass next to the wall was quite overgrown, so we ended up standing or leaning against the wall, rather than finding a lower enough section to allow us to sit on the wall.

Mike was on autopilot and only checked the map occasionally so that we kept to the planned route.

A double quick walk as we arrived back at the cars before 14-00.  

We were all happy to have had a good brisk walk, much better than staying at home just because it was raining all day in Bethesda!

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Farmers Arms at Kelsall, now open again.  Timothy Taylor's Landlord was the only real on offer. Looks like it is a dog friendly pub - dog biscuits were avalable and the harity box at the bar was for a dog charity.

 

Lady Bagot's Drive and More 20th July 2022

The Clwydian Hills from the path west of Golf Links farm.

The gate leading down to the Afon Clywedog and Lady Bagot's Drive.

The Afon Clywedogas we crosed the footbridge onto Lady Bagot's Drive.

Lady Bagot's Drive and the Clwydian Way heading towards Bontchel.

The delightful path through Coed Nant on the vway to Rhewl.

Wild flowers in the delightful meadow  at Rhewl.

On the path through one of several maze fields, but can you spot Ed?

The Clwydian Hills as we approachedthe Bro Deg Road.

Trig point found  on 12 October 2017!

Clwyd Hall from the banks of the Afon Clwyd.

Walk stats:

Distance: 10.5 miles. Climb: 679'.

Time: 4 hours 45 minutes. On the move wlking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Temperature: 19.8 Celsius at lunch in Rhewl, but throughout the walk it seemed to be just over the 19 Celsius mark.

Beaufort Wind Force: 2 - 3. Mainly a very pleasdant light beeze and even when it gusted to a gentle  breeze as hgh as 9.1 m.p.h., it was still very enjoyable after the heatwave experience over the previous few days.

Group: Martyn, Nigel ad Ed.

This turned oyt to be a perfect for walking, not too hot and with a pleasant refreshing beeze.  We did experience a few drops of rain that we didn't expect, but not enough to make us leap to don our waterproofs or put up an umbrella.

The route in the morning involved all of the climb on the walk, giving us good views of the Clwydian Hills, but Moel Famau was always just in the clouds.

Lady Bagot's Drive by the Afon Clywedog is always very pleasant , but we were disappointed not to get good views of any Dippers, Greys wagtasils was our best spot.

Lunch was taken in Rhewl, where we took advantage of the benches / seats available near the Drover's Arms.

After lunch we decided to take the route that took us past an unusual trig point marked on the roasd near Bro Deg.  On this occasion we didn't locate it, the grass had overgrown it, but we did locate it in October 2017 when we last did this walk.

The last part of our walk was a gentle stroll along the banks of the Afon Clwyd back to Ruthin, an enjoyable walk worthy of refreshments at the Ruthin Castle Hotel.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Barn swallow, Carrion crow, Rook, Common buzzard, Grey wagtail, Wood nuthatch, Winter wren and Lesser black back gull.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Ruthin Castle Hotel (a Wetherspoons) where the best brew on offer was the Conwy Brewery's  "Aderyn" ?

 

Moel Famau, Moel Dywyll, Around Ffrith Mountain and Clwyd Forest 16th July 2022

The Vale of clwyd from the Offa's Dyke Path on our way to the summit of Moel Famau.

The final approah to the Jubilee Tower.

Resting at the Jubilee Tower , Moel Famau.

Everyone note, this is the way to go, if you want to get back to Cilcain!

Hazy distant view over the Vale of Clwyd from the northern slopes of oel Dywyll.

"Garth Reservoir", looking perfect for a dip, but alas it is on private lan.

Our final climb of the day as we descended the track through Clwyd Forest.

It didnt look ver inviting!

Walk stats: 

distance: 10.5 mles. Climb: 1880'.

Time; 5 hours 11 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Temperasture: 17 Celsius as we arrived at Bwlch Penbarra. !9.8 Celsius at the Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau. 23.2 Celsius at lunch around 12-30 and 28.2 Celsius as we descended the track through Clwyd Forest.

Beaifort Winf Force: 0 - 2. Mainly calm to light air and a light breeze, guting very occasionally to a gentle breeze (max 5.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

I had hoped that Mike would be able to drive, but his trusty steed decided it needeed some TLC that will take it off the road for a week or so. Hence I was pressed into driving my rental car (a Renauht Clio) on it first journey of more that six miles.

As temperatures were expected to rise, the others persuded me to climb to the summit of Moel Famay first, effectively reversing our usual route for this walk.

This was a popular choice for many walkers today, but most seemed to descending as we were on the way up.

on the way up we were overttaken by a Ranger, but she was in a van. She was doing her daily check on the the defib machines on Moel Famau.

This was one of the few occasion that we have arrived at the top of Moel Famau when thee has been little or no wind.

We decided to keep on the Offa's Dyke Path over Moel Dywyll before heading down the valley towards "Garth Reservoir". By now we were searching for a a shaded spot for lunch. We found this next to the track heading towards Cilcain, a fine Oak tree provided the shade we craved 

We were able to perch on the bank with views towartds Garth Farm, being seranaded by a Song thrush and the occasional song of a Yellow hammer.

Birds seen or heard today includd: Yellow hammer, Meadow pipit, Raven, Common kestrel, Stonechat, Winter wren, Barn swallow, Song thrush, Wood nuthatch and Goldfinch.

The climb on the forest tracks through Clwyd Forest seemd to go on for ever and our first views of the final climb from the lower vcar park to Bwllch Penbarra seemed quite daunting.

In reality it is never as bad as it loks when yu get to it, but with the temperature now at its highest it wasn't that enjoyable either.

Happy arriving back at the cars, but knowing we had had a superb walk and pleased to think we had done it the right way round!

I think everyone devoured all the water / drinks still left before heading to the Druid's Inn at Llanferres for further refreshments,  

Alsa Purple Moose's Snowdonia had just run out, so Mike had Madog's Ale, Ed had a cider and I had a pint of Coke / Pepsi Cola in protest that Snowdonia Ale was not on twice in the last 4 days!

 

Around Bryn Alyn and Eryrys 13th July 2022

"Anyone know which way we need to go?"

Back on track!

Surprise, surprise - it's Moel Famau on the horizon.

"Why don't they want me to be their friend?"

A bird of prey taking a rest.

The track on the north side of Bryn Alyn leading to Bryn-yr-orsedd.

The limestone cliffs north of Bryn Alyn.

Walk stats: 

Distance: 8.6 miles. Climb: 1286'.

Time: 4 hours 53 minutes. On the move walkng average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall wlk avwerage: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max - 22. 5 Celsius. Lunch - 19.8 Celsius (in the shade).

Beaufort Wind Force: 1 - 2. Mainly light air, but frequently a very pleasant light breeze.

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

This turned out to be a superb day for walking, with a fair bit of the walk in the vshade of the trees.  we were only felt the full heat of the Sun mid-afternoon as we crossed the slopes of Bryn Ayn when the gentle breeze was there to cool us.

Distant views were good, including the Arrenigs, Snowdonia and Moel Famau

Lunch was take in Nercwys Forest where tree stumps were available i a place where we could sit in the shade if we wished - most of us did!  No view at lunch just trees and tree stumps!

At one point, I thought something wass wrong as I waited ten minutes or so for the rest of the group to catch me up - all OK, they weree gleaning ripe Bilberries!

As we approached Erryrys, Ed seemed very reluctant to cross a rather dodgy looking stile, so we ended up following the road, extending the walk by half a mile or so.

Birds seenor heard today included: House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Wood nuthatch, Lon tailed tit, Canada goose, Goldfinch, Grey heron, Barn swallow, Chiffchaff, Winter wren and Comon buzzard.

Overall a very enjoyable walk, popular today with other walkers too.

After vwalk drinks were enjoyed at The Druid Inn at Llanferres where Purple Moose's Cwrw Madog went down very well, some saying it was even better than our usual favourite, Cwrw Eryri!