Around Big Wood, Ram Wood and Gwysaney Hall from the Glasfryn 29th May 2024.

Our first view of Gwysaney Hall from the track heading to Big Wood.

Another view of Gwysaney Hall from the track heading to Big Wood.

On the track heading to Big Wood.

The delightful track as we entered Big Wood.

Was it the joke?

All paying attention now!

Just to prove I was there!

We  debated the location of the church - I think it is Northop.

Hidden Mallards.

Mallards on the pond north west of Gwysaney Hall.

A magnificent tree in the grounds of Gwysaney Hall.

Tree art?

Another view of Gwysaney Hall from the spot where we stopped for a drinks break.

Moel Famau from the spot where we stopped for a drinks break.

Looking across the valley towards Big Wood.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 4.0 miles. Climb: 443’
Time: 2 hours 40 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temperature: 14.7 Celsius as we approached Ram Wood.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 2, just a Light breeze.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Nigel, Elaine and David S.
The weather forecast today was looking good, at list to lunch time when showers were forecast for about 13-00.
This was one of our short walks with the added bonus of a meal (often starting and finishing at a Brunning and Price hostelry). The walk today was no exception and all arrived at the Glasfryn, Mold and ready to walk just after 09-30. We were in danger of completing the walk an hour earlier than the table DS had booked!
It turned out to be largely overcast, but with a temperature approaching 15 Celsius with a cool Light breeze, it was almost perfect conditions for walking.
Although DS had done this walk several times this year, the rest of us hadn’t done the walk in an anticlockwise direction before, so it was like doing a new walk.
The first section through Big Wood is always a pleasant stroll on a wide forest track, but once it turns into a path heading westward, the concentration is needed to negotiate the somewhat boggy terrain. Thankfully everyone arrived at Quarry Farm with our boots still relatively clean.
We intended stopping in Ram Wood for a short break for those wishing to quench their thirst to do so. In fact, we stopped a little further on where we had the opportunity to sit on an embankment and others could enjoy the view of Gwysaney Hall in one direction and Moel Famau in the other direction.
This pleasant stroll gave us superb views of Gwysaney Hall and frequent purple splashes of Rhododendron in flower, a reminder of the fact that this area was part of a large estate when planting this invasive plant was in fashion.
We arrived back at the Glasfryn a little early, but that didn’t prove to be a problem.
Purple Moose’s Cwrw Eryri and Weetwood’s Turncoat the beers enjoyed.
Most of the group made good choices and enjoyed their meals. Alas I didn’t, the Lebanonese beanburger that I chose was probably the worst meal that I have ever eaten at a Brunning and Price Hostelry. To say the only enjoyable bit was a slice of tomato is not an exaggeration! , As you might expect I won’t be choosing the Lebanonese beanburger ever again!
Overall, an enjoyable morning stroll, made even better when it started raining when were safely in the dry enjoying a drink.
Birds seen or heard today: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black billed magpie, European robin, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Winter wren, Song thrush, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Common starling, House sparrow, Common pheasant, Eurasian jay, Mallard, Common buzzard and Blackcap.

Walks and Dates May 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.

Wednesday 1st May 2024.

Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.

Distance: 7-9 miles. Climb: 1380'.
Start: Llangwyfan Forestry car park: SJ138668
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: .

Those not walking: Martyn.

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills". This area of the Clwydians has so much to offer, and Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau are particularly good. On a good day the views from both hill forts are superb.

This a walk most of the group have done many times, so I thought it would be a good one to suggest on a day when I am unable to walk.

Saturday 4th May 2024.

Pendle Hill – the annual search for Dotterel.

Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb:1900’.

Start: Downham Village Car park. Grid ref: SD785442.

Leave Chester:8-30 a.m.

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

Those not walking: .

This is a little shorter than our usual Saturday walks.  The route today is the one in Terry Marsh’s book “Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire”. He describes it as “undoubtedly the finest ascent of Pendle Hill”. Let’s hope for a good day weather-wise, topped up with good views of  Dotterel as we did a few years ago.  Don’t forget to bring binoculars.

The last few times we have done this walk, the weather hasn't been kind.lets hope the weather is better this year.

Wednesday 8th May 2024.

Gronant, Big Pool N.R., Around Talacre Abbey 

and Coed Bell.

Distance: 7-8 miles.
Climb: 1250’
Start: Gronant Dunes Car Park on Shore Road, Lower Gronant. This is off the Coast Road (A548), signposted Presthaven Sand and Gronant Sand Dunes. Grid ref: SJ090837.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Fran, Nigel, Mike, Sue and Michel.
Those not walking:  
When we visited Coed Bell at the end of April 2021 and we were impressed by the display of Bluebells, so naturally it had to be included in our annual Bluebell Wood Walks.
The walk explores the low hills at the northern end of the Clwydian Hills, but starts along the coast before heading past Abbey View Caravan Park. We will probably make a short detour to visit Big Pool Nature reserve, before climbing  above the site of Talacre Abbey and onto to the track past Home Farm. We usually have lunch opposite Home Farm, where we can take advantage of the stone wall as perching spots. 

After lunch we will visit Coed Bell, hopefully with lots of Bluebells, before descending through Gronant and back to the start.

Saturday 11th May 2024.

Pont Rhyd-yr-Hydd.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1600'.

Start: Llandrillo riverside car park. Grid ref: SH035371.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

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

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and Ceiriog Valley". It is described as an exhilarating walk exploring the upper Dee Valley between Llandrillo and Cynwyd. The route follows ancient upland trackways, rising to a height of 1600'. Providing the weather is good, we should get some panoramic views from the higher parts of the route. The return route passes through attractive undulating countryside past the 18th century Hendwr.

Wednesay 15th May 2024.

A Bluebell Wood Walk from Whitford, including Maen Achwyfan and Coed Pen-y-Gelli.

After the stunning Bluebells seen in Coed Bell last week, I have decided to cancel this walk and replace it with a  different walk.

See below for the new walk.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb:1000’.

Start:Roadside parking opposite the church in Whitford. Grid ref:SJ147782.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .
Those not walking: Ed, Nigel, Sue and Michel

The walk starts off by using one of the walks in Dave Berry’s book “ Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain. We have completed this one several times, including visiting the beautifully carved Maen Achwfan.  Lunch will be taken at the quarry next to Coed Pen-y-Gelli. The return route takes us to Lloc and then returns to Whitford via Twll Bach.

Replacement walk.

The Dinorben Arms, Bodfari, Around Moel-y-Gaer, Sodom and More.

Distance: 6 miles.  Climb: 1136'.

Start: Dinorben Arms, Bodfari, Denbighshire. Approximate Postcode LL16 4DA.

Bodfari is on the A541 (Mold to Denbigh road).

Grid ref: SJ092700

Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn (Walk + Meal), Fran (Walk + Meal), Mike (Walk + Meal).

Those not walking: Ed, Nigel, Sue and Michel.

I know this is shorter than our usual walks, but this gives me an opportunity to recce the walk before doing with a group from church.  It also a another possible "Harris Hikers Short Walk and Meal". 

Most of the walk follows the walk provided by the Dinorben Arms. There description of the route can be found on their web site.  There walk is only 3 miles, so I have extended the walk to include part pf the Clwydian Way towards Craig Tremeirchion and rejoining the Offa's Dyke Path through Sodom.  The walk picks up the Dinorben Arms route north east of Moel-y-Gaer. 

Let me know if you are interested in joining me on this recce followed by drinks and maybe a meal at the Dinorben Arms.

Saturday 18th May 2024.

Bluebell Woods Around Parbold. 

Cancelled - a rest day instead!

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: Hunter's Hill Quarry Nature Reserve on Bannister Lane WN6 9QD. Grid ref: SD503123
It is 48 miles from Saltney, so should be a little less from Chester and should take just over an hour to get there.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

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

This walk is a walk that we haven't done for a few years, but each time we have the Bluebell have been superb. This walk is on the East of Parbold, and visits up to ten different woods, After the"beast from the East" the Bluebells are blooming a little later than expected but hopefully they will be still in flower.  The walk also includes part of the Leeds - Liverpool Canal as far as Appley Bridge. This is a walk that we have done a few times now.    Last time the Bluebells and wild garlic in Fairy Glen were quite stunning.  In the past we have seen Brown hares, so hopefully we will today too. Bring binoculars with you just in case. There is no description, just the OS map.

Wednesday 22nd May 2024.

Coed-y-Felin, Moel Ffagnalt and Moel-y-Gaer.

Postponed due to a dire weather forecast of heavy rain all day!

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1400'.

Start: Coed-y-Felin, Hendre. Grid ref: SJ196678.

Leave Chester at 09-00.

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

Those not walking: Mike.

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's booklet " Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain.

It is a few years since we last walked from this from Coed-y-Felin, and this will be the first time we have done so on a Saturday.. The main walk explores the varied countryside between the Wheeler Valley and and Halkyn Mountain, whilst the extensions explores Moel Ffagnalt and the area around Rhes-y-cae.Weather pemitting we can expect good views from both Moel Ffagnallt and Moel-y-Gaer.

Saturday 25th May 2024.

Big Low, Berristall Vale and the Saddle of Kerridge.

Postponed - my look for a nearer alternative if weather is OK.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 2000'
Start: The Adlington Street car park Grid ref: SJ931782.
Leave Chester 8-30 a.m. and meet in the car park.

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 earlier visits.

Wednesday 29th May 2024.

Ram Wood and Big Wood from the Glasfryn.

This is one of our short walks.

Distance: 4-5 miles. Climb: 500'.

Start: Glasfryn (Brunning and Price), Mold. Grid ref: SJ240654

Leave Chester at 09-00.

Those planning to walk: Martyn (Walk + Meal), Fran (Walk + Meal), Elaine and Nigel (Walk and Meal), Sue and Michel (Walk + Meal), David (Walk + Meal).

Those not walking: Mike, Ed?.

This walk is one suggested by DS as a suitable walk for one of our fifth Wednesday in the month short walks.  This will be the second such walk in 2024.

Starting at the Glasfryn means most of us will anticipating having a meal afterwards.

This walks uses quite lanes, as well as going through two woods where we know from past experience some of the tracks can be a little boggy!

 

Acrefair, A Hidden Tunnel and More 25th May 2024 May 2024.

The start of our walk today.

The path leading to the hidden tunnel.

The start of the hidden tunnel.

Looking back into the hidden tunnel.

The entrance to the hidden tunnel with he railway embankment above.

Part of the track leading nor7th from the hidden tunnel.

One of the derelict building next to the track.

At a crossroads checking the route.

The through the Tref-y-nant wood leading to Tower Hill.

One of the fields of buttercups.

The King William 11 Tower (Trevor Tower) near Garth.

The delightful path descending through Tower Wood to Garth.

Horses grazing in fields of buttercups near Garth.

Another tunnel through the railway embankment.

The Pont-Cysyllte Marina.

The female Mandarin with er brood.

Red valarian on the roadside on the way to Newbridge.

Mallard ducklings not like the attention of the male Mallards nearby.

Mandarin ducklings going for a swim.

A blue dragonfly not yet identified.

Heading acoss the Pont-Cysyllte Aqueduct for the second time.

Canoeing across the aqueduct.

A good day for fishing in the River Dee!

A part of the Llangollen can seen by me for the first time.

More of the Llangollen Canal system seen by me for the first time as I approached a birding experience I don't want to be repeated.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 9.3 miles. Climb: 876’
Time: 5 hours 21 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 17.1 Celsius at the start. 22.1 Celsius at lunch. 19.1 Celsius at the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 3, just Light breeze now and as much as an 8 m.p.h. Gentle breeze as we crossed the Pont-Cysyllte aqueduct.
Group: Martyn and Ed.
The weather forecast today was pretty good, not much sunshine, but with only a chance of rain around mid-day.
In fact, the weather was better than expected and we had warm sunshine for most of the day. Although we had forgotten our Factor 50, we did remember to bring our sunhats and whenever possible we took advantage of the shade provided by trees and high hedges.
The main objective was to explore the “secret tunnel” that we had read about that could be accessed by a path on the west side of the Duke of Wellington at Acrefair.
The purpose of the tunnel itself seemed to be to allow a path to continue over a stream under the embankment of the railway line above. A little underwhelming, but well worth seeing.
After the tunnel, we explored the area to the north west of Acrefair, initially along a wooded track that was quite pleasant, despite it being quite muddy.
The most interesting part of the was visiting Trevor Tower. The current owner informed us that it was built by G.H Walley, possibly as a folly or as a Hunting Lodge. G.H Walley was Welshman and also an M.P for Peterborough. It was built in1827 and originally named King William II Tower. G.H Walley died there in 1878.
The fields of buttercups also stood out on this walk in the Garth area as ell as the smell of garlic whenever we went near woodland.
Lunch was taken at the very popular Pont-Cysyllte where we took advantage of one of the many picnic tables. We chose one in the shade. This is the starting point for many people hiring narrow boats or going on day trips along the Llangollen Canal, so there were lots to entertain us as we d lunch, especially if you liked to indulge in a bit of people watching.
The plan in the afternoon was return to Acrefair via the canal, Newbridge, Ty Mawr Country Park and Cefn-mawr.
Alas our plans were to be thwarted, the road at Newbridge was closed and that included pedestrians as well as cars. We had no other choice and ended up having to retrace our steps back to our lunch spot and take a more direct route back to Acrefair. However, it did allow us to explore a short section of the Llangollen Canal system north east of our lunch spot that I hadn’t explored previously.
Alas it was on this section that I was attacked by an unknown bird, a very large bird judging by the amount that decided to deposit on me as I walked next to a tree. Thankfully I had a complete change of gear back at the car. I was very grateful that none of the deposit went in my hair despite it getting on my arm, on my shirt an in my trouser pock and on my GPS and its case. One of my handkerchiefs didn’t come clean even after washing!
It took me nearly half an hour cleaning myself up before I dared sit in Ed’s car or go into the Pant yr Ochain for a refreshing pint of Purple Moose’s Cwrw Eryri (Snowdonia Ale) and Titanic’s Plum Porter.
Overall, an enjoyable walk despite the fact that we had to a there and back after lunch.
Birds seen or heard today: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black billed magpie, European robin, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Winter wren, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Common starling, House sparrow, Common pheasant, Greenfinch, Mallard and Mandarin.

The Dinorben Arms, Bodfari, Around Moel-y-Gaer, Sodom and More 15th May 2024

The start of the walk.

The lychgate leading to St. Stephen's Church, Bodfari

The war memorial in the grounds of St. Stephen's Church.

The grassy path leading to Coed y Lan.

St. Stephen's Church from the Coed-y-Lan Path.

An Early Purple Orchid in Coed y-Lan.

Path through Ramsons in Coed y-Lan.

Heading up the slope rom Coed y Lan to Coed Moel-y-Gaer.

The path heading northward along the edge of Coed Moel-y-Gaer.

Bugle (identified by Fran) at the entrance to Plesyn.

Moel-y-Gaer Hillfort on the horizon.

Welsh Poppies  next to the path.

Look how far they get while you chat to a "Happy Bush"!

Friendly natives coming to check us out.

Moel-y-Parc above the Rapeseed crop.

The road  to Sodom.

A carpet of Bluebells on the verge next to the road to Sodom.

Yr Eryri on the skyline.

A pleasant woodland path heading towards the lane leading to Bodfari.

The Afon Chwiler.

Moel-y-Gaer Hillfort from minor road north of Geinas, Aberchwiler.

St. Stephen's Clock tower ahead.

Nearly there - not long before we have a meal and a refreshing pint!

Walk Stats:
Distance: 5.9 miles. Climb: 1033’
Time: 3 hours 24 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: 17.6 Celsius at the start. 19.4 Celsius at the end of the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: Max 2, just Light breeze now and again.
Group: Martyn, Mike and Fran.
The weather forecast today was pretty good, pleasantly warm and only a slight chance of rain later, hopefully after we had arrived back at the Dinorben Arms.
Alas the clouds didn’t play ball and we had a very light shower between 11-00 and 12-00. Thankfully umbrellas were just right to keep “our hair” from getting wet!
In the main the Sun was shining, so we could enjoy this quite varied walk with good distant views, especially across the Vale of Clwydians ant towards Moel y Parc and even the mountains of Yr Eryri.
This walk was primarily a recce of the walk that I want to do with my church (WEF), and to that end it proved useful. There was only one awkward bit in Coed y Lan, but it did take us a little longer than expected, but we did spot a short cut back to the Dinorben Arms that might prove useful.
Birds seen or heard today: Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Black billed magpie, European robin, Common blackbird, Common chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Winter wren, European robin, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Dunnock, Common starling, House sparrow, Barn swallow, Greenfinch and Common cuckoo.
We all enjoyed our meals at the Dinorben Arms and two of us enjoyed a superbly refreshing pint of Purple Moose’s Cwrw Eryri.