Home to Shotton Along the Origial Riverside Path 25th July 2026.

First views of Moel Famau from Mold Junction Road Bridge.

The original riverside path from Saltney Ferry to Sandycroft.

Moel Famau above the Airbus Factory seen from the riverside path.

The riverside path heading towards Cop House Cottages.

Pipes for taking carbon dioxide to store under the Irish Sea  Morecambe Bay?

Lots of work in progress around W W Farm between Queensferry and Shotton.

Wildflowers still showing well in the Alexandra Street Park.

Distance: 5.7 miles. Climb: 200’. Time: 2 hours 45 minutes. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Forecast temperatures: 18 - 22 Celsius but feel like 17 - 21 Celsius. In fact, it felt very pleasant, although at times I did have to hold on toy Tilley!
Beaufort Wind Force: 2-4. The wind gradually increased on strength throughout the morning, going from Light to Gentle to Moderate towards as I approached Queensferry.
With the cost of petrol continuing to rise, I have decided to limit my solo driving as much as I can, but it does limit the walks that I do starting from home.
Chester races today, so it's another breakfast walk to Shotton. This time, I didn't cross the river, and instead kept to the original riverside path on the south side of the river.
This side of the river has the advantage that it not cycle friendly being very uneven and has several awkward stiles. Consequently, it is dog friendly, so it was mainly dog walkers that I encountered, apart from one solo walker.
There were plenty of white butterflies around, but they didn't settle long enough or close enough for me to tell what species.
The Alexandra Street Playground wildflowers were still showing well, a marked contrast to the ones near Saltney Ferry Footbridge parking area, where they had already gone to seed.
Birds seen: Lesser black back gull, House martin, Carrion crow. Barn swallow,
Herring gull, Jackdaw, Feral pigeon, Woodpigeons, Magpie, Starling, House sparrow, Collared dove Oystercatcher, Goldfinch, Great cormorant, Mallard, Common kestrel, Grey heron, Little egret, Lapwing and Winter wren.
Butterflies seen: Red Admiral, Common blue and Meadow brown.
One Rabbit also seen.
Overall, a very enjoyable gentle stroll, on almost perfect conditions for walking, intermittent sunshine, not to hot, not too cold, with a coolish breeze that was strong enough for it to be welcome.
Breakfast and coffee in the Central Hotel in Shotton before catching the bus home.