Saltney to Shotton Along the River 11th April 2026.

The Beluga XL takes off.

I wasn't going to take any photos today, but spotting the Beluga XL on the runway tempted me.

The noise / sound is testimony to the strength of the wind as well as the Beluga XL  engines as it takes off.

Time: 2 hours 45 minutes.
Distance: 6.4 miles. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.

Temperature: 11 Celsius, but the wind made it feel much colder. Gloves were needed!

Beaufort Wind Force: 4-5.a Moderate to Fresh south westerly breeze.

Largely blue skies and bright sunshine, but at times battling the breeze was a challenge.

Not many walkers braved the elements today, and those that did had a dog in tow.

There wre more cyclists out, and some found it challenging to keep a straight line against the sidewind.

Birds seen or heard:
Saltney Riverside Park: 2 x Great tit, Dunnock, Winter wren, Robin.
Riverside Park to Saltney Ferry Footbridge: 10+ Wood pigeon, 2 x Black billed magpie, Grey heron, Cartoon crow.
Saltney Ferry Footbridge to Barge dock: 5 x Oystercatcher, 4m x Mallard, 5 x Lesser black backed gull, 4 x Herring gull, 2 x Lapwing.
Barge dock to Queensferry Road bridge: Eurasian jay, Great cormorant, 3 drake x Mallard, 4 x Lapwing.
On Bridge over 50 Feral pigeons.
Between Road bridge and Queensferry blue bridge: Great cormorant.
Blue bridge to Hawarden Bridge: Pied wagtail.
Path to Shotton Station: Common chiffchaff, Blue tit, Robin.
Alexandra Street, Shotton: 1 x f Common blackbird, Several Goldfinch in park.
Balderton Brook, Morrisons, Saltney: 1 x Moorhen.

Not that many flowers today, but dandelions were pretty dominant, Selfheal was common and White dead nettle was flowering in Saltney Riverside Park.

Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable walk, caapped with a curry and a pint or two at the Central Hotel in Shotton, before catching the bus home.