Mow Cop, Congleton Edge and More 28th January 2023

The Old Man of Mow.

Mow Cop Folly in the clouds.

On the Mow Cop Folly steps.

On the Mow Cop Folly steps.

On The Cheshire Ring Canal towpath.

Time to cross over the canal to our lu nch spot.

Lunch time by the canal.

Something is missing from these post next to the towpath / canal just before we dropped down to the Biddulph Valley Way.

I think that is Mike and Ed on the far side of Congleton Edge.

Walk stats:

Distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: 1050'.

Time: 4 hours 42 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: Minimum - 5.7 Celsius. Maximum - 7.7 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 1. Calm and occasionaly increasing to light air.

Group: Martyn, Ed and Mike.

We arrived at the The Cheshire Close view point just after 10-00, but alas there wasn't a view.

The weather forecast did mention thick cloud, but we didn't expect to be in it!

We started the walk by heading towards The Old Man of Mow and The Mow Cop Folly. We could just about make them out as they looked quite mysterious in their blanket of cloud.

This unfortunate weather didn't put off The National Trust Volunteers (at least four of them) litter picking around the Old Man and Folly.

As we descended towards the Cheshire Ring Canal, it seemed to clear up, but there was always a feeling of dampness in the air.

Usually you get views of the edge from the towpath, but today there was none!

Lunch was taken as we approached the edge of Congleton, where we took advantage of a bench and picnic table while we had lunch. 

After lunch we continued along the towpath before joining The Biddulph Valley Way which was in the process of being resurfaced.

As we climbed towards Congleton Edge, it wasn't long before we were again in the clouds, but thankfully there was enough visability to cross the Edge to Nick i' th  Hill.

It was on the next part of route on The Gritstone Trail between the Nick i' th  Hill and Pot Bank that I tripped on a rock and managed to graze both shins, one knee and bruised one hand.  Thankfully there was very little bleeding and only three plasters were needed to protect the injured parts!

We arrived back at the car to find there was even less of a view than when we had set off, and then discussed the need to have some form of high viz to attach to our rucksacks.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Collared dove, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Blue tit, Wood nuthatch, Mallard Moorhen, Canada goose, Greylag goose, Goldfinch and European robin,

Overall a good walk, but a little disapponting for Ed that it was done in such poor visability.

After walk derinks were enjoyed at the Stamford Bridge, Chester, where Hide's brews were enjoyed by some and I had a good pot of tea (managed to get three cups out of it!)

 

The Red Fox, Thornton Hough and Brimstage 25th January 2023

"Anyone seen a red bobble hat?"

The Smithy at Thornton Hough.

Looking across The Green from The Smithy at Thornton Hough.

St George's United Reform Church, Thornton Hough.

Some of us went "window shopping" at the Brimstage Craft Centre, others looked for the brewery!.

"I would look better in  red bobble hat!"

Looking across The Green towards The Pavilion and the spire of All Saintas Church, Thornton Hough.

Three ? enjoying a sit down after gentle walk.

That coasy feeling by a real fire.

The perfect table for our meal at The Red Fox, Thornton Hough.

Walk stats: 

Distance: 5.3 miles. Climb: 180'.

Time: 2 hours 32 minutes.  On th move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Temperature: Max - 10.2 Celsius. Minimu,m 9.7 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 1. Never anything more than light air!

Walking Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, David S, Fran, Nigel and Elaine.

Joining us at The Red Fox for the meal, Celi and Anne S.

Not exactly an exciting walk, but you hve to be impressed by the picturesque village of Thornton Hough with its village green pavilion,and sports ground, although I wouoln't fancy facing any bowler on the cricket pitch we walked past!

Between road side walking we had plenty of field paths to enjoy, but thankfully they weren't as  muddy as the last time I did thi walk. In fact it only took twenty minutes for me to clean my boots in the garden when I got home.

The bonus today wasalong the field path from Brimstage to Thornton Hoigh, I shouted "Stop , listen what can you hear?

Fran wasd first to reply " A Skylark". She was right of course, but I think it was an "auto response!

As we approached the The Red Fox at the end o the walk, there was a hin that it might be about to rain, theweather forecasters had warned us!

We just about had enough tie to changw out of our walking gear and head into The Red Fox.

Brirds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Feral pigeon, House sarrow, Blue tit, Great tit, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Skylark.

We arrived at The Red Fox a little early, but we were asked to enjoy a drink at the bar while we waited. This we did enjoying liquid refreshments sata rounfd a real fire until we were called.

Everyone said that they had enjoyed their meals, some even had desserts, but  enjoyed another sample of liquid nectar!

The bonus for me, was after everyone had paid their part of the food/drinks meal and it came to my turn to pay and all that was left was the cost of the meal that I had earten!

A very enjoyable meal for all 9 of us, enhanced by the pleasant attitude of the staff that dealt wityh nus, even thosde that I sent to the cellar to get a pint of real cider that I had chosen.

Harris Hikers Walks and Dates January 2023

  The Monthy Shorter Walk will still be on the last Wednesday of the month.

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

Suggestions for other Wednesday Walks are also welcome.

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 or treats will be needed.

1st January2023.

Happy Birthday to Ed - "84" today! (74 last year)

Wednesday 4th January 2023.

Rhuddlan L.N.R ., the Rhuddlan to Rhyl Riverside Walk with possible extensions to the Brickworks Pool N.R. and the Forydd.

Distance: 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 120'.

Start: Park at the Rhuddlan L.N.R. car park. Grid ref: SJ020776. 

The car park is on the Western side of Rhuddlan. To get to the car park, from the A55, turn right on to the A525 (St. Asaph Road towards Rhyl and Rhuddlan), at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Station Road (to Rhuddlan centre / Castle). The car park is on the right, opposite a new hotel. If you get to the bridge over the river you've gone too far!

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Sue and Michel, Nigel, Fran, Wendy.

(Those not walking: Mike, David S)

This walk is an annual favourite, at least for those that like to do as little birdwatching as well. It is a good time of the year as there are lots of Winter visitors that frequent coastal areas and river estuaries. Bring binoculars with you.  Last time we had lunch by the Marine Lake, near the Foryd.  We have also had lunch on the beach at the Foryd. Although we didn't see Snow buntings on the Foryd last year, with a bit of luck we may see them this year. High tide at the Foryd is at 09-09, 8.3 m / 27,2'.Last year we didn't do any of the extensions!  Extension, if any will  be taken at each appropriate point in the walk on the day.

Saturday 7th January 2023.
Pincyn Llys from Bontuchel.
Walk stats: Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 2187'.
Start Forest Car Park near Bontuchel Grid ref: SJ08165708.
To get to the car park at Ruthin follow the through route and at the rugby club roundabout take the B5105 road towards Llanfwrog. Just after passing the church and the narrow bend in the road, take the right turn signposted to Bontuchel and Cyffylliog. At Bontuchel turn left immediately after crossing the bridge over the river. Follow the road uphill. The Forest car park in about half a mile up the road on the left.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
 Meet at 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.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed.
(Those not walking: Mike)
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes." However his walk starts at Cyffylliog, but parking there isn't easy. Starting from Bontuchel allows to get round that problem, but does involve walking along a about a mile to link in with the described walk. The walk explores the undulating upland pastures and forest between Cyffylliog and Clocaenog as well as following open side valleys and forest around Pincyn Llys.
 This hasn't always been a favourite walk for the group, but I do like to include it now and again,
Wednesday 11th January 2023
A Frodsham Round
Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1100'.
Start: Frodsham car park (turn left by the Helter Skelter on B5152. Grid ref: SJ518778. Park at the far end.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This is the first of our Wednesday walks. 
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed, Sue and Michel .
(Those not walking: David S)
 This walk is part of the Sandstone Trail walk that we last did in 2012, but that walk was nearly 12 miles, so I have adapted it to include part of a walk that appeared in the Liverpool Daily Post around 1955.
The the walk starts with a climb out of Frodsham to the memorial on Overton Hill which on a clear day gives superb views over Frodsham Marshes towards Liverpool.
 The next section follows a delightful section of the Sandstone Trail towards Woodhouse Hill with some of its ramparts intact. We may wish to explore the hillfort, but that can be decided that on the day when we arrive at the access point to the monument.
 The walk then heads South along the west side of Snidley Moor before turning East along the Ridgeway.
 After a short section of road walking, we will pick up the Eddisbury Way which is followed Northwards past Peel Hall and Hatley Farm to Bradley on the outskirts of Frodsham. Just North of Bradley we will leave the Eddisbury Way on a path that takes us into Frodsham.  The last part of the walk will involve weaving our way through the streets back to the car park.
 The return section from just outside Kingsley goes through a lot of farm land, so I anticipate that at this time of the year it could be muddy - gaiters might be a good option!
Saturday 14th January 2023.
Llanarmon-yn-Ial, Eryrys and Moel y Gyw.
Postponed - weather forecast too wet and too windy!
Distance:8-10 miles; Climb:1500'.
Start:Pistyll Gwyn Quarry car park. 1 mile north of Llanarmon-yn-Ial. Grid ref: SJ189574.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike, Ed.
(Those not walking: )
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. Last time out we reduced the walk to about 8 miles, so there is a good chance we will do the same today.
Wednesday 18th January 2023.
Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball Top with an extension to explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda.
Postponed- weather forecasts too much risk of icy conditions on untreated roads.
This is likely to apply to the minor roads around Brynford.
Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb:  600'.
Start: Holywell Common, opposite the Crooked Horn, Brynford. Grid ref: SJ185740.
This is a variation of the walk that we have done many times, when we cross the common to Brynford on he way to the old racecourse.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
(Those not walking: Wendy, Nigel, David S, Mike, Fran, Sue and Michel )
We may explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda, woods, but last time we missedit out In addition we will only follow the Western side of the old racecourse and instead use the road to Pantasaph, before using field paths to get to Pen-y-Ball Top. After visiting Pen-y-Ball Monument take a new path on the west side of the monument to reach the track and the bridge over the A55 to the golf course and our usual route back to the start.
Saturday 21st January 2023.
Gloddaeth Hall and Bryn Pydew.
Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Marl Hall Wood Car Park on the outskirts of Llandudno. Grid ref: SH 799787.
Directions to get to the car park. Leave the A55 at Junction 19 and follow the A470 towards Llandudno. At a roundabout turn right signposted to Esgryn / Pydew. Go past Esgryn Road to find a small car park on the right.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
(Those not walking: )
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llandudno".  These walks explore the area around St. David's College that we normally visit on our Little Orme walks.  In addition, we will take a short there and back extension to visit the obelisk that we see clearly as we travel along the A55.
Wednesday 25th January 2023.
Thornton Hough and Brimstage from the Red Fox.
Table booked for 12-45.
Distance: 5 miles. Climb: 150'.
Start: The Red Fox, Thornton Hough. Grid ref: SJ298800
   The Red Fox is on the B5136, Liverpool Road, heading East from the A540 towards Thoughton   Hough. Approximate post code CH64 7TL.
 The Red Fox is about 18 miles from Chester and takes about 25 minutes to get there.
Leave Chester 09-00.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, David S, Fran, Nigel, Elaine, Sue and Michel. 
(Meal only :- Celia and Anne S.)
(Those not walking: Wendy, Mike)
If you plan to stop for lunch, please let me know by Monday evening and I will book a table.
The walk is the one that the Red Fox has produced and is available to download if you have the footpath app.
 The walk explores the countryside between Thornton Hough and Brimstage and follows sections of pavement, woodland paths and field paths (can be muddy after rain!). There are nine stiles and several kissing gates to negotiate. The route is described as passing several historic halls, manor houses and pretty cottages. 
Some of us may decide to have lunch at The Red Fox after the vwalk, so make sure hat everyone travelling in the same car are like minded.
Saturday 28th January 2023.
Mow Cop, Congleton Edge and More. 
Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1100'.
Start: New start Point. Cheshire's Close lay-by on Congleton Road, Mow Cop. Grid ref: SJ8673058565
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
(Those not walking: )
This walk combines a walk from Carl Rogers's book "Circular Walks Along The Gritstone Trail" and part of a walk taken from the "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". This walk is a little shorter than the one that we did in 2008. Good views from the ridges.
We have often done this walk in the Winter and have found it to be quite muddy in places.  If snow and icwe are forecast for this area, we may have to postpone this walk and find a more suitable alternative.

Gloddaeth Hall, Bryn Pydew Coed Brongarth and More 21st January 2023

The view of the snow covered mountains from the Marl Woods Car Park.

Bodysgallen Hall.

The Carneddau from the ryn Pydew Monument ? Obelsk.

A closer look at the snow covered Carneddau.

A closer look at the snow covered Carneddau.

A closer look at the snow covered Carneddau.

At the Bryn Pydew Monument / Obelisk.

Distant views of the obelisk from the field near Gloddaeth Hall / St., David's College.

Looking towards Conwy Castle and the Carneddau fro the limestone esvcarpment  above the Marl Wood Car Park.

Looking towards Puffin Island and Anglesey from the limestone escarpment.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.0 miles. Climbe: 1322'.

Time: 4 hours 12 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Temperasture: Minimum - 5.7 Celsius at lunch, but it felt much warmer than that in the sunshine.

Beaufort Wind Force:  2. At most no more than light breeze.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

This was a shorter walk than we had originally planned, and the superb views of the snow covered Carneddau mountains resulted in frequent stops and debates as to which peaks we were actually looking at.

Lunch was taken on the outskirts of Glanwydden, where we took advantage of a low concrete topped wall on which to sit.

Birds seen or heard today included: Blue tit, European robin, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, Collared dove, House sparrow and Common buzzard.

We arrived back at the cars, having had an enjoyable walk, but very surprised to find we had only done seven miles and walked so slowly!

Nevertheless it was still worth two of visiting the Blue Bell at Halkyn to celebrate with a good pint of Leese Bitter, even if I had to wait until I got home to taste it!

A Frodsham Round 11th January 2023

St.Laurence Parish Church, Frodsham

At the Memorial on Frodsham Hill.

"Anyone for"Leki"?"

Not exacly the clearest view across Frodsham Marshes towards the Mersey.

Across the Mersey to Liverpool Cathedral from Frodsham Hill.

On the Sandstone Trail across Frodsham Hill.

Our lunch spot south of Smedley Moor Wood.

Crossing the fields, east of Ravenslodge Farm.

Peel Hall, one of several impressive farms passed on the walk today.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: 1412'.

time: 5 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.  Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: 9.8 Celsius to 11.2 Celsius.Beaufort Wind Force: 2 -3. Light breeze to gentle breeze, feeling cool at times, but never uncomfortable.

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

Unexpectedly Michel's back started to play up, Wendy set off on a different adventure, but we had the better deal - after walk drinks at the Helter Skelter in Frodsham!

A later start than usual, but we were all at the Frodsham car park by 10-00. The car park was now a pay car park, but at £1-50 for over 6 hours you can't claim.  

Overall a good walk, quite varied with the paths around Frodsham Hill quite challenging as we walked through the mulch of oak leaves to the muddier sections of path south of medley Moor Wood and the path near Hob Hey Wood (not named on our OS maps).

On Frodsham Hill we did get good views across towards Liverpool, although they weren't exactly crystal clear.

Descending on the Sandstone Trail passed Smedley Moor Wood, it started to rain and some of the group decided that it was time they put full waterproofs on. Thankfully it amount to much, although I did use my bath hat to protect my valued equipent!

Lunch was taken soon after when a few fallen trees offered suitable perching spots in sheltered spot.

After lunch the route required a good deal of map reading, mainly successful, but we did fail to find one path nd ened up walking aong a main road for about half a mile or so, However we did witness several drivers slowing down considerably so that driving through flooded parts of the road wouldn't send the water spraying all over us!

Weetwood, Shropshire and Invonation Brewery (chocholate stout) were enjoyed by the group, while two of the group supped their tea and looked forward to their visit next week when they weren't driving and made the trip on the bus!

The last part of the walk along the Eddisbuy Way took us through Hob Hey Wood, now managed by the Woodland Trust and volunteers. The name of this wood wasn't known to any of the group, even those that had walked through it before.

The last part of the walk through te streets on the north east side of Frodsham went without any problems and we arrived back at the cars, having had a good walk and looking forward to refreshments at the Helter Skelter in Frodsham.

Birds seen or heard today include European robin, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Carrion crow, Raven, Blue tit and Commom buzzard.

At the Helter Skelter, renovated since our la visit (pre - covid), Weetwood, Shropshire and Invonation Brewery (chocholate stout) beers were enjoyed by the group, while two of the group supped their tea and looked forward to their visit next week when they weren't driving and made the trip on the bus!

 

Pincyn Llys from Bontuchel 7th January 2023

Moel Famau from the Bontuchel to Hiraethog Road / Clwydian Way.

The Clwydian Hills from the Bontuchel to Hiraethog Road / Clwydian Way.

Part of the new path to Pincyn Llys from the car park north on the Bontuchel to Hiraethog Road / Clwydian Way.

The Clwydian Hills from the trig point on Llysy Frenhines.

Time for a rest at Pincyn Llys, but alas too early for lunch.

View southward from our lunch spot.

Rainbw over Cyffylliog.

One of the chapels in Cyffylliog.

Lots of water coming over the weir on the Aon Clywedog west of Bontuchel

Walk stats:

Distance: 10.1 miles. Climb: 1532'.

Time: 5 hours 2 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: 7.8 Celsius to 10.1 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Force: 1 - 3. Mainly light breeze , gusting to a gentle breeze (12.1 m.p.h.).

Group: Martyn and Ed.

We set of from the Bontuchel forest car park, in bright sunshine, but anticipating we would get rain at some point on the walk.

Much of the walk today was on minor roads, in fact the only part not on firm surfaces was the track to Pincyn Llys. The descent from Pincyn Llys southward to the forest track through the forest was not very nice - steep with many fallen trees  needing to be negotiated. A note has been made - "never try descending southward from Pincyn Llys ever again!"

After lunch it started to rain quite heavily and I had to make use of my bathing hat and umbrella once more.  After about an hour the worst of the rain stopped and afterwards it was just very light rain on and off.

Thankfully it totally stopped as we got back to the car.

Birds seen or heard today included: Great tit, Common blackbird, Blue tit, House sparrow, Winter wren, Carrion crow, Mallard, Common pheasant and Common buzzard,

Despite the amount of road wa;lking involved, we dit get lots of good views of the hills in all directions and we did hae the bonus of seeing a rainbow as well.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at Wetherspoons Castle Hotel in Ruthin, where Ed enjoyed some Lancaster Red and I had a couple of coffees!

 

Rhuddlan to Rhyl Riverside Walk and Brickfield Pool 4th January 2023

The Afon Clwyd from the Rhuddlan road bridge.

A posing Grey wagtail.

Wigeom and Teal on the Afon Clwyd.

Great cormorants on the banks of theAfon Clwyd.

Lapwing and Dunlin feeding on the mud exposed as the tide goes out.

Lapwing and Eurasian curlew.

Tufted duck on Brickfield Pool.

Pont y Ddraig, Rhyl Harbour.

THe beach at the Foryd, Rhyl.

Enjoying lunch!

A penny for their thoughts after lunch.

Lapwing in the air.

"I think it's Moel Famau!".

Walk stats:

Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 702' wind assisted GPS reading, realistically about 150'.

Time: 4 hours 26 minutes. On the move walking average: 2,5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: 12.2 - 13-4 Celsius.

Beaufort Wind Forcece: 2 - 5. Light breeze, mainly a gentle breeze/moderate breeze, occasionally gusting to  rough breeze (18.2 m.p.h.).

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

I know this walk is one I put on because I know we have a good chance of seeing lots of birds, butI thnk most of those on the walk today appreciated that and some even brought teir own binoculars.

Despite the wind, the temperature throught the walk was around 13 Celsius, so we never felt cold.

The highlight of the walk was when Michel shouted "Kingfisher" and every one in the group turned round and were able to see this wonderful bird as it flew quite near us.

Lunch was taken by Rhyl Marina, where we took advantage of the many seats that sheltered us (more than some)  from the breeze.

At lunch some us saw a superb disply of Lapwings taking to the air.  Tose that ddn't weren't to be disappointed as they wentinto the ar over the Afon Clwyd as we returned along he riverside path.

Birds seen or heard today included: Kingfisher, Pied wagtail, Stonechat, Common starling, Herring gull, Great black backed gull, Great cormorant, Teal, Wigeon, Black headed gull, Eurasian curlew, Oystercatcher,  Dunlin, Lapwing, Shelduck, Canada goose, Collared dove,  Feral pigeon, Common coot, Moorhen, Little egret, Grey heron,  Mute swan, Goosander, House sparrow, Tufted duck, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Common blackbird.

Overall a great and enjoyable wal; that would have been even better had we seen the Snow bunting and Black redstart seen on te Foryd yesterday.

Nevertheless most of us were able to njoy a superb pint of Lees bitter at the Blue Bell at Halkyn. The Tatton Brewer Gold was also enjoyed.