On the Edge of Delamere Forest, Pale Heights and Eddidbury Castle 29th November 203

On the Sandstone Trail.

"

"I think it's this way."

"This way looks OK."

Fran explains all!

"I think it's this way."

A Raven rests on the Pale Heights microwave mast.

A closer look at the Raven.

At Pale Heights - is it social distancing again!.

The Clwydian Hills from Pale Heights.

Just to remind Ed what he missed today!

Just beore leavig Pale Heights.

Starting on the Eddisbury Castle bypass.

The panorama looking north eastward from Eddisbury Castle.

This is the the less muddy of the paths!

Nearly back on the Sandstone Trall.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 5.4 miles. Climb: 643’.
Time: 2 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Temperature: 0.0 Celsius at the start on the Sandstone Trail. 3.0 Celsius Pale Heights and the rest of the walk.
Beaufort Wind force: 0. Calm throughout the walk, no measurable wind at all!
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Fran, Elaine and Nigel, Mike and David S (the leader)
The weather forecast today was pretty good, although expected to be cold at 3 Celsius maximum feeling like 1 Celsius.
The icy walk for his daily paper by the leader (around 07-00), resulted in the decision to move the start from The Yeld to Gresty’s Waste at Primrose Hill, Kelsall. Lots of others must have decided the same as the car park was pretty full, we only just arrived in time to get a parking spot.
The weather turned out to be good for walking and never felt as cold as the measured temperature. I am sure No wind and bright sunshine helped!
DS decided that he wanted to investigate a couple of paths that he had seen on the OS map but had never previously used. I don’t think anyone else in the group had either. It’s always a bonus to explore such paths as it gives us more options when we walk in this area again.
We arrived at Pale Heights in glorious sunshine and lingered there awhile taking in the 360 degree panorama and most of us had warm refreshing drinks s well.
We had walked at a reasonable pace, so DS decided that we had enough time to take in the Eddisbury Castle option and still get back to the Morris Dance in time for 13-00, the time the table had been booked.
Birds seen or heard today included: European robin Wood nuthatch, Common starling, Jackdaw, Raven Rook, Goldfinch, Common blackbird and Carrion crow.
Overall an enjoyable walk, ending with boots that weren’t very muddy and only took ten minutes to clean after standing a while in water.
A bonus for me is that it will be my last Delamere Forest walk for 2023!
We arrived at the Morris Dancer in perfect timing, ten minutes before we were due. Everyone enjoyed their meals, despite the vegetables being cooler than we would have liked. It was good to see that several real ales under 4% were on offer, several being sampled and enjoyed.

A Clwydian Hills Round from Pentre-celyn 25th November 2023

Not much wind, but just enough to make the wind turbines roatate.

Autumnal colours still on some trees.

A lot of dog activity over Moel y Waun.

More dog activity over Moel y Waun.

Nearly don to the crowds.

Not my most favourite section of the Offa's Dyke Footpath.

Arenig Fawr on the skyline.

Moel Famau on the skyline.

Time for a rest with Moel Gyw on the skyline.

The designated path through Coed Plas-y-nant.

Fungi next to the path through Coed Henblas.

The remains of an industrial building in Coed Henblas.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 10.3 miles. Climb: 1700’.
Time: 5 hours 27 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Temperature: 6.4 Celsius at the start. 3.4 Celsius as we joined the Offa’s Dyke Footpath east of Moel y Gelli. 8.0 Celsius at lunch south of Pen-yr-allt. 6.4 Celsius as we joined the road north of the cattle Breeding Station. 7.5 Celsius at the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind force: 0-1. Calm to Light air, but in reality we hardly felt noticed any measurable wind all day.
Group: Martyn and Ed.
The weather forecast today was pretty good, and for once it was pretty accurate. It was on the cool side with very little wind, some sunny intervals (very few) and no rain.
However at one point Moel Famau was covered in cloud, so it was good to realise that we were in a better place today!
The surprise of the day was hearing the sound of Hunting Horn and seeing a good number of dogs running across the hillside. It looked like a training exercise s the dogs didn’t seem to be running in any particular direction and needed lots of encouraging to go where they should.
Once on the Offa’s Dyke Footpath, we had lots of good distant views particularly northward along the Clwydian Hills and westward towards the Arenigs and Clocaenog Wind Farm.
Birds seen or heard today included: Black billed magpie, Great tit, Stonechat, Winter wren, Common blackbird, Collared dove, Redwing, Fieldfare, Common buzzard, Eurasian jay, Jackdaw, Raven and Carrion crow.
Even taking the mile or two of road walking in to account, this turned out to be a very enjoyable walk. The only downside was not getting home early enough to clean my muddy boots outside before sunset!

Walks and Dates November 2023

Happy Birthday Fran.

Enjoy celebrating your special day with your family.

 Latest Information About Harris Hikers from 23rd March 2023.

After much discussion between group members, those present decided to follow DS’s suggestion that “Short walks with an option of a meal at a nearby venue” should take place on the fifth Wednesday in a month, and members of the group would take it in turns to plan the walk and venue.
The last such Wednesdays for 2023 is this month, November 29th*.

It was also agreed that Wednesday Walks should in the main be walks of around 8 miles with no more than about 1200’ of climb. If proposed walks exceed these suggestions routes should have obvious short cuts to reduce distance and / or climb involved.
It was also agreed that each month a different member of the group should plan the walk.
This walk should be for the Wednesday in the month and that would include the “Short Walk and Meal Option” on the fifth Wednesday.
In order to include that walk in the monthly “Dates and Walks Post", details of the walk need to be sent to me by 15th of the previous month.
Wherever possible I would like people to let me know of their intention to walk or not to walk by Monday afternoon/early evening prior to the walk on Wednesday. There isn’t an issue with last minute cancellations for any reason. This happens anyway when adverse weather is forecast at the last minute.
Where the “Short Walk and Meal” is concerned, the person planning the walk and meal should be contacted directly and informed of theirr intentions as soon as you have made your decision.

Wednesday 1st November 2023.

Lady Bagot's Drive and More.

Distance: 8 -9  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, Mike, Ed, Nigel .

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.

On one occasion we did see Salmon leaping at the weir on the Afon Clwyd. The salm run occurs October/November each year, hence the reason for putting the walk on this month.

Saturday 4th November 2023.

No planned walk as I am going birdwatching to Pennington Flash.

However Ed and Mike will organise a walk for today.

Contact them if you decide you want to join them.

Wednesday 8th November 2023.

Hilbre Island and More on request.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 100' at a guess!

Start: South Parade, West Kirby Marine Lake. Park between the old baths and the Sailing Club at the Southern end of the lake Grid ref: SJ214860.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

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

Those not walking: Fran .

High Tide is at 07-28 and is 24.3 m / 7.4 m and Low Tide is at 14-10,  so it looks like being a good option today. We should be able to cross the sands following the tide as it goes out.

Bring binoculars, their should be plenty of Wintering birds to see and hopefully seals too.

Yesterday I saw a Great northern diver, Common scoter and Shag on West Kirby Marine Lake as well as 12 Goosanders.

If desired the walk is easily extended to include Grange Hill and Caldy Hill (see 2nd October 2021 walk).

Saturday 11th November 2023.

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, . 

Those not walking:  

Wednesday 15th November 2023.

Moel Famau , Around Ffrith Mountain and Clwyd Forest.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Bwilch Penbarra Car park ( £5-00 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 8th November 2023.

Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills.

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, Mike, Ed.

(Those not walking: )

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 the path through the farm yard,

High Tide is at about 13-35  and is 8.7 m / 28.5', so hopefully we will arrive at The Spinnies at a time when we might have a better chance of seeing a Kingfisher.

Wednesday 22nd November 202023.

Deborah's Well, Moel Findeg and Big Covert

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb: 1300'.

Start: Lay-by on the  Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. 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 9-00 a.m.

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

(Those not walking: Fran)

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  This is another chance to visit the summit of Moel Findeg with its fine views of the Northern Clwydians  and across the Cheshire plain to Peckforton and Beeston.  Hopefully we will make it as far as the ancient Deborah's well this time. We may even do it first this time, if we park in the Cadole lay-by.

Saturday 25th November 2023.

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 . 

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 29th November 2023*.

A Stamford Bridge, Plemstall, Little Barrow and Great Barrow Round.

Postponed due to the fact that the Gowy Meadows are likely to be flooded.

This walk is now planned for 31st July 2024 when hopefully the ground will be dryer.

See below for the replacement walk and new start point.

Distance: 5.5 miles or 6.5 miles or 7.4 miles. Climb; 270' .

Start: Stamford Bridge Country Inn, Tarvin Road, Chester, , CH3 7HN.  Grid ref: SJ466674.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, David S, Mike, Niigel and Elaine?, Sue and Michel, Fran. It looks like we will all be stopping for a meal after the walk.

Those not walking: Ed.

The Stamford Bridge Country Inn provides three walks one at 2.5 miles, one at 5.5 miles and one at 6.5 miles. the 7.4 miles suggested above combines all three of the described walks.

If you want more details of the walks, go to the Stamford Bridge country Inn web site.

It was suggested that some of the group might want to have a meal after the walk.

i did put this walk on in August, but there were no takers!

DS is leading, so we will be doing the shorter walk.

it will be the one as described on the Stamford Bridge web site.

An Eddidbury, Pale Heights and Delamere Forest Round.

Distance: 4-5 miles Climb: 700'.

The Yeld Car Park, Kelsall. Grid ref: SJ532602

Leave Chester at 09-30. 

DS informs me that the car park at The Yeld doesn't officially open until 10-00, so we don't want to get there too soon.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, David S, Mike, Niigel and Elaine?, Sue and Michel, Fran.

 It looks like we will all be stopping for a meal after the walk.

Those not walking: Ed.

D.S. has chosen a route that should be reasonably good underfoot and includes Pale Heights and Eddisbury.

if all goes well it is anticipated that we will be able to head for the Morris Dancer fo 13-00.

 Michel, Fran. It looks like we will all be stopping for a meal after the walk.

Deborah's Well, Moel Fineg and Big Wood 22nd November 2023

Deborah's Well, but the inscription isn't very clear.

Even magnfied it isn't much clearer!

There is always at least one view of Moel Famau on any wak in the Clwydians.

Who's that on Moel Findeg?

Leaving Moel Findeg.

Head count at Maeshafn lunch spot.

Autumnal colours south of Maeshafn.

On the path next to the east side of Burley Hill Quarry.

The now disused Burley Hill Quarry.

Autumnal colours in the leaves on the path through Big Wood.

 On the path through Big Wood.

A reminder of what Liverpool evacuees saw when they were at Cholomendy.

A reminder of what Liverpool evacuees saw when they were at Cholomendy.

Walk Stats:

Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 1200’.

Time: 4 hours 55 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: 11.2 Celsius at the start. 11.8 Celsius at lunch. 11.0 Celsius at the end.

Beaufort Wind force: 2-3. Ranging from a Light Breeze to a Gentle Breeze, but never feeling that cold.

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

The weather forecast today gave a 10% chance of rain, but thankfully it remained dry throughout the walk.

However at one point Moel Famau was covered in cloud, so it was good to realise that we were in a better place today!

This is quite a roller coaster of a walk, with many ups and downs with most of the hard work done before lunch.

The best views came from the top of Moel Findeg, where Beeston Castle and Peckforton Hill were easily identified beyond the Padeswood Cement Works.

Lunch was taken at Maeshafn, where we were able to take advantage of picnic benches and a covered seating area next to the playground.

After lunch we headed southward from Maehafn, passing the Miners Arms (currently closed and undergoing major refurbishment) along the path adjacent to the east side of Burley Hill Quarry,

Today we were able to see better autumnal colours in the leaves still left on the trees and those already fallen and lying on the woodland tracks.

Birds seen or heard today included: Black billed magpie, Common chaffinch, Common blackbird, Wood nuthatch, Redwing, Mistle thrush, Common buzzard, Eurasian jay and Carrion crow.

Overall it was a very enjoyable walk, worthy of going to the Glasfryn for liquid refreshments.

Traeth Lafan, Abergyngregyn, Crymlyn and The spinnes 18th November 2023

 

Looking down on Abergwyngregyn.

On the lower level path.

This is the right way to go around Glyn.

At lest now it is clearly waymarked!

On the path above Glyn.

Our clearest view of Penrhyn Castle as we approched Taly-bont.

Lichen on the roads and pasvements - much better than seeing chewig gum!

This is what we hoped to see at The Spinnies, 

On the feeders at The Spinnies.

Little egret and Grey heron at The Spinnies.

A Little egret looking for prey.

Little egrets from the Kingfisher Hie at The Spinnies.

Entertainment on the sea!

"I'm gad we chose te lower level path".

Oystercatchers and Greylag geese i the fiels east of The Spinnies.

A lonley Wigeon on the sea.

The infornation board a the start and finish of our walk today!

Walk Stats:

Distance: 8.6 miles. Climb: 768’.

Time: 4 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Overll walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Temperature: 15.1 Celsius at the start. 13.9 Celsius at he highest point of the walk and 15.7 Celsius at In The Kingfisher Hide at The Spinnies.

Beaufort Wind force: 4-5. Ranging from a Moderate Breeze to a Fresh Breeze in the less sheltered places, along the North Wales coastal Path.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

The weather forecast today gave a 10% chance of rain and 20+ m.p.h. winds, that was what we got. Never enough really enough to wet us , but enough to make us hope it would get better”. It did, just for the last mile or so along the Coastal Path to the car.

Lunch today was taken at The Spinnies, first at the main hide where we stayed for about lf an hour in the hope that we would see the Kingfisher. Too long for Ed to wait for lunch, so any crackling noise on the video is down to “Walkers Crisps”!

Birds seen or heard today included: Mute swan, Eurasian curlew, blue tit, Coal tit, Great tit, Black billed magpie, Little egret, Mallard, Grey heron, Little grebe Mallard, Moorhen, Great crested grebe, Oystercatcher, Teal, Widgeon, Pied wagtail, Common chaffinch, Winter wren, House sparrow, Common blackbird, Coal tit, Great tit Wood nuthatch and Meadow pipit. Overall it was a very enjoyable walk where we took advantage of the weather conditions despite distant views never being at their best! After walk drinks were enjoyed at the The Albion In Conwy, where the Conwy Brewery’s Telford Porter was excellent and Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale went down well tto!