A Pontricket, Pandy, Bryn Awel and Ty'n-y-mynydd roumd 29th October 2022

 

The Afon Ceiriog (looking towards Pont-y-Meibon) from Pem-y-bont,Pontricket.

Not the most encouraging view along the Ceiriog valley on the way to Pont-y-Meibon.

Artistic glass depicting the Pandy heritage.

Not a lot to see at the highest point (Brun Awel) before lunch.

Our lunch spot, looking north eastwards Bryn Awel.

On the way to the highet point of the walk (472m / 1532').

Back on track to Tregeiriog.

Nearly there, the start point is sjust in sight!

Walk stats:

Distance: 8.6 miles. Climb: 1378'.

Time: 4 hours 54 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Temperatur: Max - 17.8 Celsius. Lunch - 14.2 Celsius. Minimum - 13.8 Celsius at the highest point of the walk on the way to Ty'n-y-mynydd.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 -  4. Before lunch , hardly any wind at all, reaching no more than a light breeze around Bryn Awel.

Max at the highest point of the walk when it gusted to a moderate breeze of about 14 m,p,h.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

This was a walk that Mike found linked to his OS app. Much of it I had done before, but there after lunch part of he route was new to me (always a bonus!),

We arrived at Pontricket start point just as it stopped raining - no excuse to delay setting off.

The weather forecast was so bad that we both set off with full set "Paclite" of watwerproofs on, and it wasn't long before my umbrella was up as well!

It was light rain, on and off, never feeling cool and fairly well sheltered all the way asfar as Bryn Awel.  The views from this point was very limited as we had almost reached the cloud level, but at least now we were heading downhill,
Near Ty-du, a local stopped in his car and asked us where we were going, and pointed out where each track woud takeus, Advice taken and after thanking him, we headed up the track he said would lead to Pandy. Just after this we stopped to have lunch, th rain had stopped and we found a couple of stones on which to sit and a relativey dry spot to put our rucksacks on the ground. 

After lunch was new territory for me, at least I think it was, as I didn't recognise it,  The track initially wasn't easy as it seemed more like a stream rushing down, so it was  good once we reached the open moorland.

Evetually we arrive at Tregeirog where we optedto take a known route that avoided the "main" road back to Pontricket.

Birds seen or heard today were few and far between, but included, uriopean ronin, Wood nutatch, Carrion crow Rook, Jackdaw, Raven, Meadow pipit, Pied wagtail, Common kkestrel and Common buzzard.

Overall a good walk that made us feel ood as the afternoon was totally dry and the rain started on our way back when we were in th car.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at The Swan inn at Pontadog, the first pint Cymbria Gold wasn't at its best but the Wye Valley, Buttty Bach was!

In time to clean my boots outside, sit down to watch the matchs on TV,  the Everton match first. Liverpool next.

A Short walk From The Morris Dancer at Kelsall 26th October 2022

St Phillip's Church, Kelsall not far from the start of our walk.

The site of Kelsbarrow Castle.

Kelsbarrow Castle informaton board.

A distant rainbow, seen from one of Home Farm's fields.

Glad to be walking on grass!

A well defined path across the field.

Oak tree, obviously planted with a plan in mind!.

Distant views of a Clwydian Hill.

The same picture enhanced with a little more contrasts

It is of course Moel Famau.

Walk stats:

Distance: 5.6 miles. Climb: 472'.

Time: 2 hours 43 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max - 17.8 Celsius.  Min - 13.2 Celsius. Mainly around 14 Celsius.

Beufort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Mainly no more than a litght breeze, and occasionally gusting to a 11.7 m.p.h  gentle breeze, feeling more like a moderate breeze.

Group: Martyn, David S, Fran and Wendy.

This was a short walk devised by DS and proved to be a good walk with good stiles and mainly metal kissing gates.

We set of in warm sunshine with no hint of rain and none on the forecast. However half way through the walk e did get an indication that rain was getting nearer when we could see a rainbow over Kelsall.

The only issue on this was a track that had been used frequently by cattle heading to and from the fields to Home Farm. In fact the farmer was using a tractor to push the slurry away from the yard. Alas in my hurry to get clear of it, I stepped to quickly in the slurry, managing to splash iy half way up my calf muscles.  Once past the offending track, I found a puddle that enabled me to remove the offending stuff!

Just before crossing the golf course on the edge of Wilington Fruit Farm, we stopped for a quick drink. 

We arrived back at the start just as it started to rain, making us quick to change our boots and any other item of clothing that would make us more presentable to enter the Morris Dancer.

We all emjoyed our lunch and liquid refreshments before heading homeward. Appropriately I sampled Weetwood Jester IPA which went down very nicely.

I even managed to get home in time to clean my walking boots outside in the warm sunshine and by the time I finsh this post they will be dry.

Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Woodpigeon, Rook, Jackdaw, Black headd gull and Eurasian jay.

 

A Clwydian Trio or Part of It 22nd October 2022

 

Distant views o f the Clwydian Hills including Moel y Parc.

The view towards Graig-fechan with Moel y Gelli on the right.

On Offa's Dyke path heading towards Mole y Plas.

Autumnal colours as the bracken dies back.

Another false summit!

Mike at the top of Moel y Plas.

Ravens displaying around Moel Llanfair.

The path leading to the summit of Moel Gyw.

Mike at the trig point a advice slate on Moel Gyw.

Ed made it to the top of Moel Gyw as well.

The view from Moe Gyw towards Moel Llanfair.

The state of the grass makes it look pretty breezy!

Looking northward towards the Clwyd Gate from the Offa's Dyke Path.

Seen from my lunch spot near Pen-yr-allt.

On the pleasant track through Coed Plas-y-nant.

Walking through fallen leaves east of Coed Henblas.

Autumnal sounds and colours.

Walk stats: 

Distance Martyn  10.0 miles. Climb: 1693'.

Distance Ed: 10.6 miles. Climb: 1930'.

Distance: 11.0 miles. Climb: 2012'.

Time: 5 hours 0 minutes. n the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h. (Martyn), 2.1 m.p.h. (Ed and 2.2 m..h. (Mike).

Temperature: Max - 178 Celsius. Miiumum - 13.2 Celsius. Lunch - 14.2 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 4. Mainly  light air / light breeze / gentle breeze,  but did gust to  moderat breeze of 14,2 m.p.h. as we approached Moel Gyw.

We set off from Pentrecelyn at about 09-40 with a steady climb to the Offa's Dyke Path , joining it south east of Moel y Gelli.

This section of th Offa's Dyke Path heading to the Clwyd Gate is one of the best, with good views across the Vale of Clwyd and giving those that wish to do so two small peaks to clmb as a bonus with their views towards Llanarmon yn Ial.

Lunch was taken, sitting on the bank along the access track through Coed Plas-y-nant with views over Clwyd Gate towards Foel Fenlli.

The return route involved a fair amount of road work  as far a Pentre-coch where we picked up another woodland path as far as Graigfechan.

Always an en enjoyable walk, especially when it is done in good weather as it was today sunny periods, no rain and even the moderate breeze wasn't that bad!

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Common blackbird, Meadow pipit, Carrion crow, Rok, Jackdaw, Common pheasant, Common buzzard, Raven, Long tailed tit, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie and even a Red kite seen by Mike and Ed.

After walk drinks were enjoyedat the Three Pigeons Inn at Craig-fechan, although I didn't appreciate the landlord commenting that a 10% head is allowed when I asked for my pint to be topped up. He reluctantly did so it up, but not as much as it should have been.   I don't think I will be visiting there any time soon!

Harris Hikers Walks and Dates October 2022

 A Shorter Walk each month.

Some of group's regular walkers have suggested that it would be a good idea to include one walk each month that is shorter (5 - 6 miles) that might tempt anyone put off by a 10 mile walk, to joins us. 

These walks will be on the last Wednesday each month.

I am happy to receive suggestions for suitable short walks, particularly if they free from stiles.

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.

When car sharing you may also want to continue to wear face coverings.

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 2nd October 2022.
Conwy Mountain and Around Maen Esgob and Craigfedwen
Distance: 8 miles. Climb:1447'.
Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. Pay and Display. Grid ref:SH781773. Post code: LL32 8LS
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will need a lift) , Mike, Ed .
(Those not walking: )
The walk starts by heading through the castle walls and on the North Wales Coastal Path along the harbour as far as the secondary school. The North Wales Path is the followed over Conwy Mountain through Castell Caer Seion and onto the Sychnant Pass.
 The views from the Conwy Mountain Ridge can be superb, with the Great Orme in one direction and Tal y fan in the other, as well as good views towards Conwy castle and the Conwy Valley.
 After crossing the Sychnant Pass Road, the North Wales Path is once more folowed. At the point where there is a definite fork, it is possible to make a short there and back extension to visit the site of a monument. Returning to the North Wales Path, it is then followed along the East side of Maen Esgob as far as the head of the Fairy Glen. A path heading eastward then takes us past Llyn y wrach.
 Once the West side of Maen Esgob is reached, the main track is followed parallel to the stone wall towards Craigfedwen, where the footpath goes South of Waeny-fedwen and onto the minor road near Llechwedd. The route goes Northward on the road ad then takes the first path on the right which leads around Bryn-mawr to a minor access road. It is along this road that several large and/or interesting properties can be seen. at the T-junction, the route goes right and in a very short distance a broken kissing gate leads the way to a field path leading  to the Sychnant Pas Road at Mount Pleasant on the outskirts of Conwy. The Sychnant Pass Road  is then followed back to Conwy.

Wednesday 5th October 2022.
Fron Hen, Loggerheads and More.
Postponed -  forecast rain all day and too windy!
Dstance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1250' Start: Layby (Plymog) on the A494 Mold to Ruthin Road, about 1/2 mile South of Llanferres. Grid ref: SJ187597.  . Post Code: CH7 5ST
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn,  (I will need a lift) .
(Those not walking: Nigel, Sue and Michel)
This walk explores the lower slopes of the Clwydians on the way to Loggerheads and eturns to Llanferes along the Western edge of Big Covert.
Saturday 8th October 2022.
Vivod Mountain.
Postponed until later in the month.
Replaced by a walk from Flint Castle.
Distance: 9.2 miles. Climb;1250' .
Start: Roadside parking at Glyn Ceiriog. SJ202378. As it is a Saturday, it may be possible to park near the school. Grid ref: SJ202378.  . Post Code: LL20 7ER
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn ((I will need a lift), Ed. 
(Those not walking: Mike)This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley". 
This explores the the high heather moorland ridge north west of Glyn Ceiriog. The walk follows a path around the western flank of Y Foel before joining the North Berwyn Way to the top of Vivod Mountain. The return route includes paths through the Ceiriog Forest (Nantyr Forest). at the highest point of the walk we should get 360 degree viewsi ncluding the Shropshire Hills, the Berwyns, Snowdonia and the Clwydian Hills.
Replacement Walk.
Exploring the Flint Castle Hinterland. 
Distance: 9 – 10 miles. Climb: 900 – 1000’. 
Start: Flint Castle Car Park near the IRB Inshore Rescue Boat) Station. 
Grid Ref: SJ 2472 7322.
Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will be catching the 08-50 bus that arrives in Flint about 1 hour later), Ed. 
(Those not walking: Mike)
The route heads eastward towards Oakenholt before heading south 
via Pentre Fferndan, Waen y Balls and Mynydd y Fflint as far as the Welsh College of 
Horticulture.
The return route northward follows the Afon Conwy and part of Wat’s Dyke Way along 
Halkyn Road. A field path above Maes-gwyn-mawr farm is followed to a path that leads across
 Cornist Park Golf Course back to Flint.
Wednesday 12th October 2022.
The Moel Hebog Ridge.
By request! 
May take place on Monday 11th.
Distance:  7 - 8 miles. Climb: 3200'
Start:  Car park in Beddgelert. Grid ref:SH589482, Post Code: LL55 4YE
 To get to the car park, take the A498 from Capel Curig to Beddgelert. In Beddgelert turn left with the A498 over the bridge and the car park is on the right about 200 yards past the ice cream shop. If you get as far as the Royal Goat Hotel you have gone too far. 
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m. (May be earlier). Sunset: 18-23.
Those planning to walk:  Ed Nigel, Mike, Fran .
(Those not walking: Martyn, David S, Sue and Michel)
This route is one we have done several times before and is one described by Terry Marsh in his book "The Mountains of Wales". This is a good walk, especially on the ridge. Routes through the forest are not so easy, at least they weren't the last time we did it. It is quite interesting to note that the Nuttalls recommend a larger than usual scale orienteering map for use in the forest as most of the paths aren't on the normal OS map! Now that the Carenarfon, Rhyd Ddu to Beddgelert railway is fully up and running, after crossing it we will need to follow a new path (The Slate Trail) back to Beddgelert. Views of the Nantlle Ridge and Snowdon Group can not be bettered.
Saturday 15th October 2022.
The Ceiriog Valley - Cefn-Hir-Fynydd 
and 
Bwlch-Adwy-Wynt.
Postponed.
Three of us, Mike, Ed and myself are going to Leek for three days of walking.
Distance: 8 -10 miles. Climb; 1250'.
Start: The Pontricket Layby on the B4500 , about 3 miles South of Glyn Ceiriog. 
Grid ref: SJ186343. Post Code: LL20 7HT,
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will need a lift)  , 
(Those not walking: )
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley. The described walk start at Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, but parking there isn't easy, hence extending the walk a little by starting at Pontricket.
The short walk involves descending the quite rocky sunken track back to Pontricket which most of us in the past have found rather unpleasant. The longer route avoids this but means thee is more uphill before descending through the Siambr gerrig valley.
The walk is a very varied walk with extensive views, and at one point follows a delightful section of the Upper Ceiriog Trail across Cefn-Hir-Fynydd at 1509'. Sections of the Ceiriog Valley Way are followed through fields and woodlands.
Wednesday 19th October 2022.
Into the Wood and Border Views
Distance: 8 miles. Climb; 600'.
Start: Hawarden Road (Roadside parking on a No through route section of the road), Penymynydd, Grid ref: SJ30316241. Post code:  CH4 0LZ . To get to the start, take the A5104 Pen-y-ffordd / Corwen Road and take the first left (Hawarden Road) at the Penyfordd sign and almost immediately turn left into the no through route road where we will park.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will need a lift) ,Ed, Mike, Fran, Wendy, David S, Fran.
(Those not walking: Sue and Michel)
This is a walk that I did as one of my solo walks during the covid stay in Wales restrictions. It combines two of the Pen-y-ffordd Circular Waks.
The Walk "Into The Woods" is described as a gentle 5 mile walk through Penymynydd and Dobs Hill villages, experience nature in the semi-ancient woodland of Prices Hill Wood, wander ancient lanes and bridle paths and take in the beauiful scenery of the borderlands.
The other walk "Border Views" is described as a gentle 4 mile circular walk on countrylanes, farmer's field and bridle paths. You will be able to enjoy beautiful views towards Hope Mountain and across Cheshire to the Beeston Hills.
This walk is effectively a figure of eight walk eight walk,
Saturday 22nd October 2022.
A Clwydian Trio - or part of it!
Distance: 9 miles. Climb;1900' .
Start: Pentre-celyn car park .. Grid ref: SJ150534. Post Code: LL15 2HE
The car parking area is on the left adjacent to the sign for Pentre-celyn, just off the B5429.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will need a lift) Mike, Ed , 
(Those not walking: )
This is another walk by Debbie Hamilton and is taken from 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.
The last time we did this walk, we shortened it to about 8 miles and 1300', so we may do the same today.
Wednesday 26th October 2022.
This month's short walk.
A Kelsall Round from the Morris Dancer.
Distance:  5.2 miles. Climb; 400.
Start: Public car park next to the playing field by the Morris Dancer. Grid ref: SJ52266815. Post code: CW6 0RZ
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will need a lift), DS will pick me up bus stop opposite Chester Railway Station at about 0930.) David S, Wendy, Fran . 
(Those not walking: Sue and Michel, Nigel, Ed, Mike)
This walk was suggested by DS. Initially it explores part of Kelsall village,  taking the path souhward on the west side of Castle Hill and on past Kelsall Barrow Castle, alongside Birch Hill stowards Willington.
The return route uses lots of field paths via Weetwood Common and Hallowgate.
We will all be indulging in a meal at the Morris Dancer after the walk, anyone interested is welcome to join us for the meal, even if they can't make the walk. We anticipate finishing the walk at about 12-30.
Saturday 29th October 2022.
Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills
This walk will probably change as there are still major roadworks around Abergwyngregyn.
Distance:7-8 miles. Climb:1000'.
Start: Abergwyngeryn Free Car Park Grid ref: SH0652728. Post code: LL33 0LF
PC (opens about 09-30) nearby and a cafe at the outdoor centre that allows walkers to use the toilets (opens earlier than PC.)
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn (I will need a lift)  , 
(Those not walking: Ed)
This walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast". The Traeth Lafan and it Foothills. This walk is an annual favourite and has in the past given us some wonderful experiences, especially in Winter trampling through soft fluffy knee deep snow, that didn't stick or wet our legs.  You never know we may get some  snow, this time too. It should be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you as we may visit The Spinnies Nature Reserve on the way back to our car.
This walk is described as walk of contrasting coastal and upland scenery with good views from the higher points on the North Wales path.
 This time we will use the road to The Spinnies, and avoid the unpleasant smelly muddy experience of taking nthe path through the farm yard,
 High tide is at about 13-40 and is about 9.2 m (30.2'), so the coastal birds may still be a little fairly close around the time we get there mid afternoon. Hopefully the tide won't be too far in by the time we get close to Traeth Lefan where we need to drop down onto the beach.

Into the Woods and Border Views From Pen-y-Ffordd 19th October 2022

St John the Baptist Church, Penymynydd.

The first of the "Into the Woods" paths.

Still "Into the Woods".

How can we keep our boots clean getting rouind this field?

On the march to Serenity Lane.

Strolling down Bannel Lane.

Padeswood Cement Works fro Bannel Lane.

The biggest challenge today!

The clock tower in Pen-y-Fford - the end of Walk Two.

An attempt to catch the sound of feet walking over Acorns failed completely!

Heading towards Bramley Lane with its views over the Cheshire Pain and Beeston Castle and Peckforton Hill.

Cries of "when are we stopping for lunch" were heard in the air!
Not long now was the reply!

Enjoying lunch at the play area / outdoor gym area in Pen-y-Ffordd,

Distance: 7.3 m.p.h. Climb: 502'.

Time: 3 hours 36 minutes. On the move waling average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max - 15.7 Celsius. Min - 13.2 Celsius. Lunch / end of the walk - 14.4 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3.  Mainlylight air, occasionaly leaching a light breeze of 10.1 m.p.h as we reached the highest point of he walk heading towards Bramley Lane.

Group: Martyn, Mike, Fran, Wendy, David S and Ed.

Arriving at the start of the walk it seemed on the cool sid, despite the temperature recording it was around 15 Celsius.  Consequently all of us set off wearig fleeces, but some were disgarded after about half an hour.

The first part of the route was better th I las did the walk in "Covid walk in your own county times" when it was wet and very muddy.

We arrived back at Pen-y-Ffordd much earlier than I had expected, this swas where I expected us to stop for lunch. it was much too early for lunch, and no-one requesred a drinks break!

We continueed on the second loop of the walk (Pen-y-Ffordd Circulat Walk 1) hopingbg we vwould find an appropriate splace to stop for lunch. We didn't find one, and ended up back in Pen-y-Ffordd where wae took advantage of a couple pic-nic benches in the community play / exercise area.

the second part of our walk took us through several fields and did t one point give us good view across the Cheshire Plain and beyond.

Birds seen and heard today included: Common starling, House sparrow, Rook, Jackdaw, European robin and Woodpigeon.

Overall a very pleasant stroll, with few grumbles after an enjoybable lunch spot in the warm sunshine.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Royal Oak, where Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Doombar, a fruit cide and a pot of tea went down well as we sat in one of their outside pods.