Walks and Dates February 2024

 

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.
There are three such Wednesdays left in 2024. 

.These are:- May 29th, July 31st, and  October 30th.

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 their intentions as soon as you have made your decision.

Saturday 3rd February 2024.

Bollington to Bowstones.

Postponed - looking for a walk with a better weather forecast!

Distance: 9-10 miles.

Climb:1800' at a guess.

Start: Adlington Road, Car Park. Adlinton Road is on the north of Bollington, a left turn just off the B5090.

Grid ref: SJ93087802

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: Mike.

This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks", and is the second walk from this book that we will undertake. He describes this walk as an exhilarating walk to the Bowstones, and is a popular walk. It includes a fair portion of Lyme Park and sections of the Gritstone Trail. He describes the walk as strenuous, but I think we can still cope, even though it is over fifteen years since we last dit it..

Wednesday 7th February 2024.

A Walk from Llantysilio Green in Search of Snowdrops.

Distance: 8 miles.Climb: 1400'.
Start: Llantysilio Green National Trust Car Park. Grid ref: SJ197433.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

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

Those not walking: .

The walk starts by taking the path to St. Tysilio's Church, where hopefully the Snowdrops
will be in full bloom.
The route then takes past the Horseshoe Falls and along the Llangollen Canal towpath as
far as Llangollen.
At Llangollen the route climbs steadily northwards past Tirionia to join the Clwydian Way.
The Clwydian Way is the followed past Valley Crucis Abbey as far as Hendre.
Leaving the Cwydian Way the route descends to the main road which is followed South to
the Britannia Inn. At the Britannia Inn the path heading across Pen-y-bryn is taken until it
meets the Dee Valley Way. The Dee Valley Way is then followed South back to the start.

Saturday 10th February 2024.

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, 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.
Once more we can use the new Miners Bridge to cross the Llugwy and on to Sarn Helen. Sarn Helen is the former Roman Road, and reaches over 800' before descending in to the Lledre Valley.
Later on there the route involves a steep climb to Llyn Elsi or at least that is what Dave Berry says!
If the weather is good, then this is a really good walk. Forest paths in the past have been on the boggy side, but if need be the worst can be avoided by using the forest tracks.

Wednesday 14th Febrary 2024.

Brickfield Pond Nature Reserve and Both Sides of the Afon Clwyd.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb: 200'.

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!

Leave Chester at 09-00. 

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

Those not walking: Sue and Michel .

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 haven't seen Snow buntings on the Foryd or a few years, with a bit of luck we may see them this year. 

High tide at the Foryd is at about 14-00, .9.8 m / 32.1'.  This is ine of the highest tides of the year.

This means we should get good views of Wintering visiters that come to this river / estuary , especially on the return along the west side of the river. 

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 17th February 2024

Big Low, Berristall Vale and the Saddle of Kerridge.

Postponed until later in the year.

See below for the new walk.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 2000'

Adlington Road, Car Park. Adlinton Road is on the north of Bollington, a left turn just off the B5090.

Grid ref: SJ93087802

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

This is another walk that combines two walks from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks". He describes the walks as moderate to strenuous and includes some of the most scenic surroundings around Bollington. We have already strolled along Kerridge Hill and can vouch for that part of the walk.
After walk drinks will be in the Vale Inn, a hostelry that impressed us on the first visit in 2007.

New Walk.

A Walk Around Bickerton, Bulkeley and Peckforton Hills.

Distance: 10 miles.
Climb: 1800’
Start:
National Trust car Park just off (north east) of Coach Road, Duckington.
Grid ref: SJ49415253. Post code: SY14 8LH
Alternative start:
National Trust Car Park on Pool Lane off Goldford Lane, Bickerton, (opposite Pool Farm).
Grid Ref: SJ503530. Post code: SY14 8LN

Leave Chester 08-30. 

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

Those not walking: .

This is a walk devised by Mike, starting close enough to Chester to allow him to get home by about 16-00.

The walk includes Maiden Castle and Raw Head and goes around Bulkley  and Peckforton Hill.

Field paths and country lanes are used to link the hills as well as following some of the best parts of the Sandstone Trail.

Harthill, Fuller's Moor and Brown Knowl are visited on the return section of the walk.

The field paths  used can be muddy at this time of the year, so gaiters are recommended.

Wednesday 21st February 2024.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball Top with an extension to explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda.

Distance: 8-9 miles. Climb:  1300'.

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, Mike Fran and Ed. 

Those not walking: Nigel, Sue and Michel.

We may explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda, woods, but last time we missed it 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 24th February 2024.

The Dolwyddelan to Ty Mawr Round.

Distance:8-9 miles. Climb:1800'.
Start: Dolwyddelan Station Car Park. Grid ref: SH737522. 
Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

Last time we visited Ty Mawr on several occasions and found some of the described routes resulted in us treking through terrain not to our liking.  On looking at the map there seemed to be a more obvious route which follows the Afon Bwlch y Groes, over Bwlch y Groes, through Pigyn Esgob to the Penmachno - Ty mawr road.
The return route will be the normal one that we take, the minor road to just past Ty Cyfyng and the forest tracks and quarry road back to the car park.

Wednesday 28h February 2024.

Thurstaston Common, Stapledon Wood, Caldy and More.

Postponed due to bad weather forecast.

Distance:8-10 miles. Climb:750.

Start: Thurstaston Visitor Centre Car Park. Grid ref:SJ239835. This is a Pay and Display Car Park about £5-00 if my memory is correct.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

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

Those not walking: .

This is a repeat of the walk that we did on 1st January 2012 and combines two walks from Raymond Roberts' booklet "Wirral Walks - the West Wirral Six". This is a relatively easy walk with good views along the way, especially from Thurstaston Hill. We hope to walk back from Caldy to Thurstaston along the beach, so bring binoculars with you.

Ty Mawr Wybrnant from Dolwyddelan 24th February 2024

Moel Siabod above Dolwyddelan.

Another view of Moel Siabod above Dolwyddelan.

Distant views of Dolwyddelan Castle.

Glimpes of snow decked mountains of Eryri.

This was one of the better tracks.

Moel siabod again.

Still on a good track.

Looking back down the track showing signs of it boggy character - but worse was yet to come!

The track at the start of the forest challenge.

Bigger challenges were still to come.

A slightly better section of the forest track.

Approaching Ty Mawr Wybrnant.

Ty Mawr Wybrnant.

The slate notice at Ty Mawr Wybrnant.

The Wybrnant Valley.

Daffodils on the side of the track as we approach the school at Dolwyddelan.

The Snow Moon from home at the end of the day.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1650’.
Time: 6 hours 9 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.
Temperature: 6.6 Celsius at the start. 15.7 Celsius mid walk in bright warm sunshine. 8.0 Celsius at Ty Mawr Wybrnant at lunch time (14-00 hours). 7.3 Celsius at the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: Not enough to measure .
Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.
Surprisingly this turned out to a good day for walking, largely sunny, no wind, although we did have light hail briefly as we approached Ty Mawr Wybrnant.
As we climbed out of Dolwyddelan and looked back over the village we had good views of Moel Siabod and glimpses of snow decked higher mountains of Eryri.
Our main challenge today was on the section after Bwlch y Groes as the track went through the forest via Pigyn Esgob. Large sections of the track were covered by deep water with very peat boggy terrain next to it. Trying to get round these sections wasn’t easy and frequently we had to retreat into the trees. Both Mike and Ed managed to sink into the bog up to their knees. Going was slow, our overall walking average dropped to 1.1 m.p.h.
We were all thankful to hit the tarmac road leading to Ty Mawr Wybrnant where we had lunch using one of the picnic tables.
We anticipated easier going underfoot, but we had one more challenge, another flooded track between the Afon Lledr and the railway.
We arrived back at the cars to be serenaded by a Song thrush perched on top of a tree in the car park.
Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, European robin, Common blackbird, Great tit Common buzzard, Meadow pipit and Raven.
Overall a walk with unexpected challenges, probably never to be repeated!
After walk drinks were enjoyed at The Stables in Betws-y-coed, where three beers from the Conwy Brewery were on offer. The pot of tea I had was excellent.
All the way home we had superb views of the Snow Moon, with an orange glow at first, eventually appearing white as the light faded.

Holywell Common, Racecourse and Pen-y-Ball Top 21st February 2024

" I can't believe I'm walking on Holywell Cpmmpn".

"Neither can I!.

On the Racecourse.

Still on the Racecourse.

Snowdrops blooming, but Daffodils waitin unti the 1st of March!

At our lunch sptot

The most important Station of the Cross at Pantasaph.

The view from Pen-y-Ball tpp rig point.

The view from Pen-y-Ball tpp rig point.

Spring lambs on Peny-Ball Top.

"We need to get away from that lot!"

It's like climbig Everest after lunch!

The terrible two at the trig point on Pen-y-Ball Top.

The Pen-y-Ball Monument.

One of many shaft cap on the edge of Brynford.

Not Moel Famau, but at least we can see Moel-y-Parc.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 961’.
Time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.5 – 14.6 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 5 – Fresh breeze.
Group: Martyn, Ed, Nigel and Mike.
Surprisingly this turned out to a good day for walking, overcast to start, but ending in glorious sunshine.
I did wear my Paclite jacket, but that was related to the wind, not the rain.
On this walk we did have challenges in terms of muddy tracks that we needed to negotiate around sheep/cattle sections around The Racecourse, but at least the extensive Gorse barrier had been removed.
Lunch was taken at Pantasaph friary, where we took advantage of a bench provided as well as the PCs.
After lunch the weather improve, the Sun came out and we were in danger of overheating unless we discarded some of our outer clothing!
Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, European robin, Common blackbird, Blue tit Common kestrel, and Mallard.
Overall an enjoyable walk, arriving back at the car a little earlier than expected would the Blue Bell at Halkyn be open? It was, it now open at 12-00 each day, serving excellent pint of Lees bitter as well as other real ales and ciders.

A Bickerton Hills, Maiden Castle, Raw Head and Bulkeley Hill Round 17th February 2024

The wrong way!

The right way.

At the edge of Miden Castle.

The memorial on Bickerton Hill.

Hazy views from Bickerton Hills / Maiden Castle.

A delightful path on Bickerton Hill.

A magnificent chair created in the Bickerton Chhurch Cemetry.

Another good section of the Sandstone Trail.

The Sandtone layers around Raw Head made clear.

At the trig point on Raw Head.

The Sandstone trail beyond Rawe Head.

Jodrell Bank from Bulkeley Hill.

Beeston Castle?

A deightful path walking on Beech mast on the way to Harthill.

Snowdrops just outside Harthill.

Mike and Nigel's lunch spot at Harthill.

Ed' lunch spot at Harthill.

The old school at Harthill.

A stick insect?

A notice that Jean ad Phil will remember well.

The Methodist church at Brown Knowl.

Descending to the car park at the end of the walk.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 1496’.
Time: 5 hours 3 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.2 – 13.5 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 2-4, mainly a Light to Gentle breeze, but a few times it gusted to a 4
Group: Martyn, Ed, Nigel and Mike.
This was a good day for walking, not too hot and not too cold with the sunny intervals. We just about escaped the rain expected to arrive in the late afternoon.
Surprisingly the muddiest part of the walk was along sections of the Sandstone Trail across the Bickerton Hills and some parts of the trail are in need of attention to remove very awkward / unpleasant parts easier to get round.
Distant views were rather limited due to their misty / hazy nature.
Bickerton Hills and Raw Head were always going to be the best sections of the walk, but a bonus was continuing on the Sandstone Trail over Bulkeley Hill (not on the original planned walk).
Lunch was eventually taken at Harthill, where some of us used seats at the church and others found suitable perching spots opposite the church.
The return route on paths on the west side of Bulkeley Hill and the Bickerton Hills was relatively low level and the only climb involved was as we re-entered the Bickerton Hills area on the way back to the car.
Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Common blackbird, European robin, Woodpigeon, House sparrow, Common buzzard, Common chaffinch, Great tit, Goldfinch, Common pheasant and Raven. Overall an enjoyable walk, arriving back at the car a little earlier than expected, which meant we could all enjoy a drink at the Edgerton Arms at Broxton, Mike still got home in plenty of time before setting off to Liverpool for a concert. Big Hand’s Seren Bitter was the beer of choice.