Walks and Dates April 2025

 Saturday Walks.

I have decided that it has become pointless for me to plan Saturday walks in advance as most weeks I am the only one around.

However Saturday walks can be arranged on request.

One short walk a month could be included on request.

Wednesday 2nd April 2025.

Alderley Edge, Hare Hill and Over Alderley.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb: 1100'

Start: National Trust car park near The Wizard Grid ref:SJ860773

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m. and meet at the car park.

To get to the car park from Chester take the A51 then A54 towards Winsford, Middlewich and Holmes Chapel. From Holmes Chapel take the A535 to Chelford (Aldeley Edge). at Chelford turn right on to the A537 to Monks Heath. At Monks Heath take the A34 to Aldeley Edge. On the outskirts of Alderley Edge take the B5087 (Macclesfield Road). The National trust car park is just after The Wizard (pub). This is a pay and display car park but free to National Trust Members. The Car Park closes at dusk! 

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

Those not walking: .

This walk combines two walks taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks". The first walk heads north-east to Waterfall Wood, Daniel Hill, Alder wood and Hare Hill. Just after Finlow Hill Wood it links in with the second walk that then heads south to St., Catherine's Church with its unusual octagonal tower.

Saturday 5th April 2025.

Wild Moor, Pole Bank and Long Mynd.

Distance:10-11 miles. Climb:2000’.

Start: National Trust Carding Mill Valley Car Park (Pay and display). Grid ref: SO443944.

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Mike.

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Ian R. Jones’s booklet “20 Church Stretton Walks”.  All of the walks around Church Stretton are popular, although this walk does include a few sections that are a little less visited by the throngs.  Another possible Dotterel day, but if we do see any, it will be our first on the Long Mynd.  Even without Dotterels this is a superb area of the country to walk in, especially as you explore the moors around Pole Bank.

Wednesday 9th April 2025.

Above Helsby and Frodsham.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb; 1000'.

Start: Helsby Quarry Woodland Car Park. Grid ref: SJ490750 Post code: WA6 9PT

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Phil Marsland, Mike, Nigel, Fran.

Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from the book "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". Much of it we have done before when following walks on the Sandstone Trail. However part of the walk around Helsby Hill is new to me and it is the first time that we have started from this car park. On a clear day, the views across the estuary is superb. The walk is described as being energetic. As the walk is a little shorter than usual, we may wish to explore the Woodhouse Hill fort a little more.

Saturday 12th April 2025.

No planned walk - see below for a list of possible walks.

Wednesday 16th April 2025.

Fron Hen, Loggerheads and More.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 1250'.

Start: Layby on the A494 Mold to Ruthin Road, about 1/2 mile South of Llanferres. Grid ref: SJ187597.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

This walk explores the lower slopes of the Clwydians on the way to Loggerheads and eturns to Llanferres along the Western edge of Big Covert.

This a walk that Mike and I dide in February this year, but hopefully the weather this time will be a little kinder.

Saturday 19th April 2025.

No planned walk as I am going birdwatching to Pennington Flash

Wednesday 22nd April 2025.

Moel Fferna and Nant-y-Pandy.

Distance: Including Moel Fferna. 9 miles. Climb: 2000’.

Distance: Without Moel Fferna 6.5 -7.5 miles depending on return route taken.

Climb: 1375' - 1600'. depending on return route taken.

Start: Lay-by adjacent to the Butterfly Man Craft Centre on the A5 Llangollen to Corwen road

near Glyndyfrdwy. Grid ref:SJ1586942449.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking:  .

The described part of the walk is taken from Dave Berry’s book “Walks Around Llangollen and

the Dee Valley”. He describes it as a fascinating walk through the wooded.

Nant-y-Pandy with its old slate works. The extension takes us to the summit of Moel Fferna,

in the past most of the group have left out the visit to the summit of Moel Fferna, but the option

is still there for those that do.

Saturday 26th April 2025.

Deganwy Castle with either a Gunsite Extension or The Gunsite and part  of the Great Orme Extension. 

Distance: 6 miles; Climb: 750'.s (Gunsite extension: Distance: 3-4 miles. Climb: 666', with Part of the Great Orme Distance:   included 4 miles. Climb: 954').
Start: Roadside parking near the Public Conveniences on the West shore of Llandudno. Grid ref:SH773819.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

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

The main walk today is the Deganwy Castle walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". Sections of this walk have been known to be muddy in the past.

This walk visit a watch tower and the site of Deganwy Castle, both giving extensive  views

The extension to the walk starts after returning to the car and is weather dependent.

One posibility is to explore the gunsite area north of Llandudno West Shore.

When we did this walk in May last year, the Bluebells around Deganwy Castle were superb, so hopefully they will this year as well.

Wednesday 30th April 2025.

Conwy Mountain and Its Southern Hinterland.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1800' at a guess!

Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. (Pay and Display.£6-70 for more than 4 hours). Grid ref:SH781773.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

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

This walk is taken from Carl Rogers's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley". Much of the routes as far as Conwy is the same as we have done on the last two occasions,. It goes through the harbour, follows riverside before passing the school and then climbing to Conwy Mountain along he North Wales path. The return route goes South towards Henryd. The last time this walk was on the list was in April 2022.

Suggestions for Saturday Walks.

Bollington to Bowstones.

Distance: 9-10 miles.

Climb:1800' at a guess.

Start: Pool Bank Car Park, (B5090) Palmerston Street, Bollington (Opposite the Spinners Arms). Post Code SK10 5PW.

Grid ref: SJ93687789

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: .

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 did it.

Wales.

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.

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,

We may see a Kingfisher at The Spinnies, but that often depends on whether the tide is coming.

Moel y Garneddd.

Distance: 7-8 miles.

Climb: 1200'.

Start: Fronfeuno Snowdonia National Park Lakeside Car park Grid ref: SH917351.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". The walk explores the undulating countryside West of Bala. The route follows a a bridleway up to moorland, eventually crossing Moel y Garneddd at a height of 1170'. We can expect to see superb views as we cross the open moorland. The return route goes through attractive woodland. This is a walk for experienced walkers only and should not be attempted in poor visibility. Careful navigation is required.

Caer, Gai, Cwm Dyfrydwy with an extension over Garth Fawr.

Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Start: Roadside parking in Llanuwchllyn on B4403. Park opposite the PC and chapel. Grid ref: SH875302.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's booklet "Walks Around Y Bala and Penllyn". One walk is described as a fascinating walk featuring a Roman fort and historic houses and the other explores both sides of the Dyfrdwy Valley. The optional extension explores the countryside South of Llanuwchllyn, climbing to open moorland around Garth Fawr at a height of 1079'. It returns along the Western side of the Afon Twrch (Cwm Cynllwyd).

Conwy Mountain and Its Southern Hinterland.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1800' at a guess!

Start: Long stay car park on the B5106 at Conwy. (Pay and Display.£6-70 for more than 4 hours). Grid ref:SH781773.

Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from Carl Rogers's book "Walking in the Conwy Valley". Much of the routes as far as Conwy is the same as we have done on the last two occasions,. It goes through the harbour, follows riverside before passing the school and then climbing to Conwy Mountain along he North Wales path. The return route goes South towards Henryd. The last time this walk was on the list was in April 2022.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1010'.
Start: Lay-by on the Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. Approaching Loggerheads on the A494, Mold to Ruthin Road and after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a smalll new housing estate), 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: 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

(Those not walking: .

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's Book " More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" He describes it as an excellent walk exploring beautiful valleys and foothills. We usually start at Loggerheads, but as it is £5 to park for more than 4 hours we will start up the road in Cadole.

Wild Moor, Pole Bank and the Long Mynd 5th April 2025

The car park in the Carding Mill Valley is pretty full already.

We did get through with care.

Looking back at an earlier challenge.

Where have you been?

In the grounds near Woodnall.

A delightful path contouring around Woodnall.

A bank of Bluebells next to the path contours around Woodnall.

A close up of these early flowering Bluebells.

Looking across to Caer Caradoc from path that contours around Woodnall.

The path leading to the Long Mynd Plateau.

Looking towards Jonathan's Rock.

Looking across the valley towards The Lawley and Caer Caradoc.

Taking a rest on Jonathan's Rock.

Wildmoor Pool.

A pair of Muscovy Ducks next to Wildmoor Pool.

One of the Red Kites seen near Wildmoor Pool.

The start of our trek across Wild Moor.

Descending to our lunch spot near the Catbatch Brook.

The view from our lunch spot.

Following the "Path"  next to Catbatch Brook.

A newly born lamb takes its first steps.

At the Pole Bank trig point.

At the Pole Bank trig point.

The  Jack Myrtton Way / Shropshire Way leading to the Carding Mill Valley.

Looked like a lonely pony, until we saw her foal nearby.

The young foal, resting in the warm sunshine.

Distance: 10.3 miles. Climb: 1975’.

Time: 6 hours 2 minutes.

On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Temperature: Around 17 Celsius throughout the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 4. In the main, just a Light breeze, but it did gust to a 17.1 m.p.h. Moderate breeze as we crossed the Hare Hill.
Group: Martyn and Mike.
The weather forecast today was looking really good and promised sunshine all day with temperatures in the mid-teens, but feeling cooler in the wind.
The forecast was pretty accurate and shorts, sunhats and sun cream were wisely chosen accessories.
We usually park in the centre of Church Stretton, but today decided to switch to Carding Mill Valley Car Park, where we could take advantage of my National Trust Membership. Even better the volunteer on car park duty scanned my card for me and returned with my card and car park ticket.
Near hills were clear enough, but distant views were very hazy, so mountains like Cadair Idris pointed out on the Pole Bank Toposcope could not be identified.
Wild Moor as its name suggest was off the beaten track, and as the description of the route implied when pointing out the “path is very feint and by the courtesy of the sheep!” I would add now ponies as well. On the Wild Moor section, we didn’t see any walers, but once back on the top of the Long Mynd plateau, you were never alone, you could see other walkers in all directions, especially around Pole Bank.
The Long Mynd seems alive with singing Skylarks, but the bird of the day was the four Red kites that we saw. Our closet encounter was on the way home, when one Red kite flew in front of the car, jut a few feet away.
Lunch was taken on the Wild Moor section, sheltered from the wind, close to the point where we joined, he Cabatch Brook “Path”.
After visiting the Pole Bank trig point and Toposcope, we decided to return to the car using the Jack Myrton Way / Shropshire Way thatdecended directly from the Long Mynd into the Carding Mill Valley.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Black-billed magpie, Pied wagtail, Chiffchaff, Blue tit, European robin, Common buzzard, Great tit, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Skylark, Greenfinch, Song thrush, Meadow pipit, Muscovy duck, Winter wren and Red kite.
After walk drinks were enjoyed at the CAMRA award winning Bridge End in Ruabon, where a new brew by Weetwood, called “Turncoat” went down very well, with me and many of the local customers. A hostelry that we will use again, possible by train, so that we can all enjoy a couple of hours in this characterful pub and its four real ales.

Alderley Edge, Hare Hill and Over Alderley 2nd 2025

On the main track from the car park at Alderley Edge.

The approach to Hare Hill.

The start of our walk through the Hare Hill Estate.

The path through Daniel Wood.

On a delightful section of the path through Daniel Wood.

The path over Hare Hill.

The Jodrell Bank telescope from the Finlow Hill path.

One of several bridges and steps on the path from Hocker Lane to Birtles Lane.

The view from our lunch spot bench in the grounds of St. Catherine's Church, Birtle.

Can you spot the transformer?

St. Catherine's Church, Birtle.

Initially I thought this was a Mistle thrush, but looking at the photo, I'm not so sure!

Mandarin ducks on a pond next to Hocker Lane.

An outbuilding with an intriguing initials / date on the gable end.

Tree roots following the rock layer.

An owls sculpture on Artists Lane.

Taking in all the info about Windmill Wood excavations and research.

Striding through Windmill Wood.

Entering the main woodland on Alderley Edge.

Distance: 8.7 miles. Climb: 951'

Time: 4 hours 50 minutes.
On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: Around 17 Celsius throughout the walk.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 3. In the main, just a Light breeze, but it did gust to a 10.1 m.p.h. Gentle breeze as we crossed the Hare Hill.
Group: Martyn, Mike, Nigel and Fran
The weather forecast today was looking really good and turned out to be a warm shorts day where sunglasses and Sunhats were required. I even used sun cream for the first time!
This turned out to be quite a varied walk. Distant views were quite hazy, but we could make out the Peak District and the telescope at Jodrell Bank.
Lunch was taken in the grounds od St., Catherine’s Church Birtles, an interesting church that started life as private chapel, before being gifted to the Church of England.
Towards the end of the walk, we decided to avoid one section of road and take the alternate off-road tracks that took us through Windmill Wood back the main Alderley Edge wood. Nigel persuaded us to take the paths around Engine Vein, an old mine working area on Alderley Edge.
We arrived back at the car, having had an enjoyable walk.
Birds seen or heard today: House sparrow, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Blue tit, European robin, Common buzzard, Great tit, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Skylark, Greenfinch, Song thrush, Mistle thrush, Canada goose, Mallard, Blue tit, Great tit, Moorhen Common pheasant, Wood nuthatch and mandarin duck
Much of the walk was on hard surfaces, tarmac or stony tracks, but it didn’t stop us from enjoying the walk.
After walk drinks were enjoyed by some at the Wealstone in Upton, but too late for me to indulge in a cup of tea (if they offered it), so I went straight home!