Walk Statistics for 2012.

Total number of walks: 96.

Total Distance walked : 960.5 miles.

Average distance per walk : 10.0 miles

Total Climb: 126,772'.

Average climb per walk : 1322'.

Areas Walked.

Flintshire and Denbighshire - 38 walks.

Snowdonia, the Conwy Valley and Llandudno - 21 walks.

Cheshire and the Wirral - 17 walks.

Anglesey - 6 walks.

Lancashire - 5 walks

Peak District: 5 walks.

Shropshire - 2 walks.

Yorkshire : 1 walk.

Members of the group: Martyn Harris, Dave and Sylvia Jenkins, Fran and Tito Ravazzolo, Sue and Michel Pelissier, Roger Smith, Annie Hammond, Sue and Dave Pearson, Carol and Tim Dwyer, Wendy Peers, Phil Marsland, Paul Collinson, Mike Dodd, Celia de Mengle, Gordon McNee, Catherine Murphy, Sue Powell, David Savage and Carol Herbstrick.

Birds seen or heard on walks in 2012.

                                                     

Barn swallow

Barnacle goose

Bar-tailed godwit

Black headed gull

Black-billed magpie

Blackcap

Black-headed gull

Blue tit,

Brent goose

Bullfinch

Canada goose

Carrion crow

Chaffinch

Chiffchaff

Coal tit

Collared dove

Common blackbird

Common buzzard

Common coot

Common crossbill

Common crow

Common gull

Common kestrel

Common pheasant

Common redshank

Common snipe

Common starling

Common swift

Common teal

Common tern

Common whitethroat

Cuckoo

Dipper

Dunlin

Dunnock

Eider duck,  Eurasian curlew

Eurasian jay European robin Feral pigeon Fieldfare Fulmar Gadwall Gannet Garden warbler Goldcrest Golden plover Goldeneye Goldfinch  Goosander Great black-backed gull Great cormorant Great crested grebe Great spotted woodpecker Great tit Greater black-backed gull Green woodpecker Greenfinch  Greenland Wheatear Greenshank Grey heron Grey partridge Grey plover Grey wagtail Greylag goose Guillemot Hen harrier. Herring gull  House martin House sparrow  Jackdaw Kittiwake Knot Lapwing  Lesser black-backed gull Linnet Little egret Little gull Little owl Little tern Long-tailed tit Mallard Mandarin duck Meadow pipit Mistle thrush  Moorhen Mute swan Osprey Oystercatcher Peregrine falcon Pied flycatcher Pied wagtail Pintail Purple sandpiper Raven Red grouse Red kite Red-billed chough  Red-breasted merganser Red-legged partridge  Redstart Redwing Reed bunting Ring ouzel Ringed plover  Rock dove Rook Sand martin Sanderling Sandwich tern Sedge warbler Shag Shelduck Siskin Skylark Song thrush Sparrowhawk Stonechat Teal Tree sparrow Treecreeper Tufted duck Turnstone Wheatear Whinchat White wagtail Whitethroat Whooper swan Wigeon Willow warbler Winter wren  Wood nuthatch Woodpigeon Yellowhammer

 Total -135.

Walks and Dates December 2012

Saturday 1st December 2012

Butterton Moor, Onecote and Grindon.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.Car park in Grindon. Grid ref: SK985545.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
The walk is based on a walk from Mark Richards's book "White Peak Walks - Southern Dales". He describes it an easy going excursion on Staffordshire moorland  with great  a panorama on breasting Butterton Moor. The extension from Grindon is via Hoo Brook and returns via Grindon Moor gate.
Walk change.

Thursday 6th December 2012.

Bersham, Erddig and King's Mill. 

Distance: Up to 10 miles. Climb:500'.
Start: Felin Puleston Car Pak. Grid ref:SJ325492.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk is a low level walk, exploring the Clywedog valley around Bersham and  Erddig. I thought that this would be a better option than the Minera walk as the weather forecast isn't good. If you ae a member of the National Trust please bring your membership card.

Thursday 6th December 2012.

This walk has been postponed - Around Minera Mountain.

Distance: 9-11 miles. Climb:1000'.
Start: Minera Lead Mine Centre: Grid ref: SJ276509.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berrry's book "Walks Around Ruabon Mountain, the Clywedog Vallay and Hope Mountain". The walk includes an extension to the Exclusham Mountain and mines. The main walk explores the open moorland East of Worlds End and can be quite demanding.  I rather suspect that it will be pretty wet underfoot as well.  The walk is described as a walk of great variety, for experienced walkers!

Saturday 8th November 2012.

Garreg Fawr and Coedydd Aber.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1800 -2000'.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
Start: Forestry Commission car park (pay and display)at Bont Newydd. Grid ref: SH62720.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast" , well all of one walk and part of another!
The Garreg Fawr walk explores the foothills of the Carneddau between Llanfairfechan and Abergwyngeryn, giving us contrasting views of coast and mountains. The second walk visits Aber Falls using paths on each side of the valley. All the recent rain could make the falls spectacularly at their best.

Thursday 13th December 2012.

Holywell, Bagillt and Flint.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb:1000' at a guess.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk uses three walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Chester and the River Dee."  This is essentially a linear walk, so we will have to arrange enough cars to have cars at both Flint and Holywell or use the bus to take us from Flint to Holywell. (Leaves Flint McDonald's on Holywell Road, at 10-14) .

Saturday 15th December 2012.

Mam Tor, Blue John Mine and Winnats Pass.

Postponed until a later date.
Distance: 9 - 10 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
These walks are taken from Mark Richards' Book "White Peak Walks - Northern Dales."  It is quite some time since we walked in this area. The views from Mam Tor are superb, and have been described as some of the best in the Peak District.  The other walk passes through Cave dale and goes close to Pevril Castle.

Thursday 20th December 2012.

Brown Knowl and the Sandstone Trail.

Distance: About 6 miles. Climb: About 1000'.

Start: Sherrington Lane, Brown Knowl. Grid ref : SJ496536. Roadside parking. Park near Fieldway, but remember large farm vehicles use this road, so choose your parking place carefully.
Both Phil and myself have to be at Christleton in the early evening, so we have decided to have a shortened walk, starting at Phil's home. The walk will take us Bickerton Hill and the Sandstone Trail.

Saturday 22nd December 2012.

To be announced later, if there is any demand.

Thursday 27th December 2012.

To be announced later, if there is any demand.
Saturday 29th December 2012.
To be announced later, if there is any demand.

Around Garreg Fawr And Aber Falls 8th December 2012

The Afon Aber from Bont Newydd.

The first view of the sea.

Looking towards Ynys Mon.

Garreg Fawr ahead.

"A penny for them, Mike!

Celia at lunch.

A distant view of Aber Falls.

A close up view of Aber falls.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 1913'.
Time : 5 hours 21 minutes. On the move walking average : 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average :1.6 m.p.h.
Group : Martyn, Mike and Celia.
We started the walk in glorious sunshine, with blue skies and the Menai Straits looking blue. The views South towards the Cardeddau had snow on the tops, but thankfully we weren't going that high.
As we approached higher ground near Garreg Fawr, we felt the cold North west wind forced us to shelter behind a wall for lunch.
Just before lunch we met a young man with his 15 month old daughter taking her first steps on the Carneddau.
The final part of the walk was a there and back visit to see Aber Falls, always impresive at tthis time of the year. However by this time, the very fine rain had set in and wedidn't know whether it was spray from the fallsor the rain that was wetting our glasses!
By the time that we arrived at the car, we were glad to change into dry clothes and head for the Britannia.
Birds seen or heard today included : European robin, Pied wagtail, Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Raven, Black-billed magpie Chaffinch, and Meadow pipit.
As usual, we received a warm welcome at the Brit and the Lees bitter was at its best.

Walks and Dates November 2012

Updated 28th November 2012 at 18-15.

Thursday 1st November 2012.

Newton Mountain Forest, Cae-Llwyd and Ty Mawr Reservoirs.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Lay-by near Bethlehem Chapel, Rhosllanerchrugog. Grid ref: SJ289468.
To get to the lay-by enter Rhos on the B5097 from the North.go past Ysgol y Grango, and just past the Coach and Horses pub turn right along Mountain Street. At the junction by the Sun Inn, turn left along Hall Street to find a lay-by by Llys-y-Mynydd and opposite Bethlehem Chapel.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Ruabon Mountain, the Clyweog Valley and Hope Mountain". The walks explore the edges of Rhuabon Mountain and visits two of Rhosllanerchrugog's upland reservoirs.

Saturday 3rd November 2012.

A Walk in the "Last of the Summer Wine" Territory.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Crown Bottom Car Park on Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth. Grid ref: SE14250837.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from "Great Walks In Great Britain - The Peak District". This walk is described as being moderately strenuous exploring the Holmfirth Valley. Talking to a walking group from Holmfirth when they were staying in the Mill in Chester, they described their home patch as being a superb area in which to walk. That couple with the fact that I like the series based there, made me decide to put this walk on, even though it is a little further than we normally travel. It looks as though I'll be driving!

Thursday 8th November 2012.

Bersham Iron Works and Ty Mawr Reservoir.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Strat: Nant Mill Visitor Centre. Grid ref: SJ289501.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Ruabon Mountain and the Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain".  This walk explores the Clywedog Valley Trail, and includes Offa's Dyke and the area South of the Clywedog. This walk will include repeating some sections twice, unless we decide that a shorter walk is what everyone wants!

Saturday 10th November 2012

Around Alltwen, Cwm Gyrach, Foel Lus and the Druids Circle.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1600'.
Start: Top of the Sychnant Pass. Grid ref: SH750770.
Leave Chester at 08-00a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast."  We have completed these two walks several times before, but as far as I can remember, never together. One walk explores the scenic hills and valleys around the Sychnat Pass, and the second walk visits the Bronze Age Stone Circle.  On a good day we can look foreward to exhilarating panoramic views as we go around Foel Lus on the Jubilee path.

Thursday 15th November 2012.

Around Saughall and Shotwick.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: Not a lot!
Start: Roadside parking in Church Way, Saughall (Between All Saints Church and the Junior School).
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines three walks from Dave Berry's Book "Walks Around Chester and the Dee Estuary".  Much of this walk will be familiar to many of us, and includes visiting the historic Shotwich village and Shotwick Castle. It also explore the countryside around Saughall.

Saturday 17th November 2012.

Weets Hill.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 900'
Start: Saltersforth Wharfe near Barnoldswick. Grid ref: SD887545.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Terry Marsh's book "50 Classic Walks in Lancashire" . He describes it as a fairly easy walk , combining farm paths, moorland paths and canal towpaths. Weet Hill offers some of the best views in the South Pennines.
Thursday 22nd November 2012.

Around the Nant.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb:1000'.
Start: Northern end of Bwlchgwyn on the A525, by the Memorial. Grid ref: SJ263536.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Ruabon Mountain and the Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain".  This will involve walking along Nant-y-Frith, once in each direction. The walk explores the undulating ccountryside between Bwlchgwyn and Llanfynydd and visits the Roman settlement of Ffrith.

Saturday 24th November 2012.

Garreg Fawr and Coedydd Aber.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1800 -2000'.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
Start: Forestry Commission car park (pay and display)at Bont Newydd. Grid ref: SH62720.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast"  , well all of one walk and part of another!
The Garreg Fawr walk explores the foothills of the Carneddau between Llanfairfechan and Abergwyngeryn, giving us contrasting views of coast and mountains. The second walk visits Aber Falls using paths on each side of the valley.

Thursday 29th November 2012.

Both Sides of the River Dee Between Connah's Quay and Higher Ferry.

Distance: 12 miles. Climb: Minimal!
Start: Off road parking on the B5129 on the bend near to the footbridge over the River Dee at Saltney ferry. Grid ref: SJ368657 or alternatively just West of this bend near a pumping station on left of the road. Grid ref: SJ367657. Ideally contact me if you intend to come on the walk.

Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Chester and the Dee Estuary".  A little longer than usual, but this is essentially a flat walk.Mostly on good paths, but the path between Higher Ferry and Queensferry on the South side of the river isn't as good as the cycle path on the Northern side of the river, which is now part of the Wales Coastal Path.

Walks and Dates October 2012

Thursday 4th October 2012.

Moel y Gaer, Moel Fammau and the Western Fringes.

Distance:10-11 miles. Climb: 2000'.

Start: Car park at Bwlch Penbarras. Pay and display (£1 the last time we were there). Grid ref: SJ162606.

Leave Chester 9-00a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Clwydian Hills". An opportunity to explore the Western slopes of Moel Fammau before climbing its summit. The return route uses the main path of Offa's Dyke back to Bwlch Penbarras.  An easy start, a stiff climb in the middle and a stroll back to the car. Plenty of opportunity for good views in all directions, if it is clear when we get to the Jubilee Tower.

Saturday 6th October 2012.

Dunsop Head and Whitendale.
Postponed until 2013.
It looks like being another day to finish painting the fences and garden shed!

Distance:12 miles; Climb:1684'.

Start:Dunsop Bridge Car park. Grid ref:SD661501.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". He describes it as a long and demanding walk across isolated moorlands, not recommended in poor visibility! Can we meet the challenge? Eagle owls ar known to live in the area, but will we see one? Let's hope for a good day.

Thursday 11th October 2012.

Erddig, Wat's Dyke and Sontley.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Felin Puleston Car park, Wrexham. Grid ref: SJ325492. To get to the car park, take the A483 towards Wrexham, turn left onto the A5152 to Rhostyllen and Wrexham. Turn right onto a side road sign-posted Erddig, and almost immediately turn left down a side track sign-posted Felin Puleston Countryside Centre to a parking area by farm buildings.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Rhuabon Mountain, the Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain". They are described as a walk through the Erddig Estate and the attractive farmland of Felin Puleston. It also includes an impressive section of Wat's Dyke.

Saturday 13th October 2012.

Mynydd Eilian and Point Lynas.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Llaneilian Car Park. Grid ref: SH474929.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Best Walks in North Wales". The walk visits one of Anglesey's high points, and follows a section of the Coastal Path. A good section of the coastal path is on concesssionary paths that are closed on some days, but having checked with Anglesey Council this date isn't one of them. Walking along the coast is always good at any time of the year, especially if you get good weather' Let's hope we do.

Thursday 18th October 2012.

A Tale of Two Mountains, Limestone and Lead.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: Maeshafn. Roadside parking near the phone box. Grid ref: SJ202610.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book " More Walkd in the Clwydian Hills". The mountains visited are Moel Findeg and Nercwys Mountain. The walk also crosses the limestone country between Eryrys and Graianrhyd, and is described as the best section of hill covered limestone walking in the area.

Saturday 20th October 2012.

A Four Rivers Walk.

Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 500'.

Start: Hornby car park by the bridge over the river. Grid ref: SD585683.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Terry Marsh's bok "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". After meetin a couple on the Ward's Stone Walk, who said that walking in the Hornby area was superb, I thought that it would be good to check it out with this walk. This walk follows parts of the rivers Greta, Lune, Wenning and Hindburn. There is minimal climb, so this should be a stroll in what is described as an area of historical interest and includes a "castle"!

Thursday 25th October 2012.
Walk cancelled.

Newton Mountain Forest, Cae-Llwyd and Ty Mawr Reservoirs.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Lay-by near Bethlehem Chapel, Rhosllanerchrugog. Grid ref: SJ289468.

To get to the lay-by enter Rhos on the B5097 from the North.go past Ysgol y Grango, and just past the Coach and Horses pub turn right along Mountain Street. At the junction by the Sun Inn, turn left along Hall Street to find a lay-by by Llys-y-Mynydd and opposite Bethlehem Chapel.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Rhuabon Mountain, the Clyweog Valley and Hope Mountain". The walks explore the edges of Rhuabon Mountain and visits two of Rhosllanerchrugog's upland reservoirs.

Saturday 27th October 2012.

Weets Hill.

Walk cancelled.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 900'

Start: Saltersforth Wharfe near Barnoldswick. Grid ref: SD887545.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Terry Marsh's book "50 Classic Walks in Lancashire" . He describes it as a fairly easy walk , combining farm paths, moorland paths and canal towpaths. Weet Hill offers some of the best views in the South Pennines.

I have cancelled the last two walks in October, as I have a bad cough and am constantly having to blow my nose to avoid having to breathe through my mouth.

Hopefully if I stay in for a few days, I will recover in time to walk next Thursday.

Both walks will appear later in the year.

Walks and Dates September 2012

Updated on 26th September 2012.

Monday 3rd September 2012. 
Congratulations
to
Catrin and Adrian
on the birth of their son Gruffydd Owain, born in the early this morning. 
Mother and baby (8 lb 11 onz) both doing well.
Congratulations to Margaret and Roger on becoming grandparents for the third time.
Bereavement. 
Thursday 30th August 2012
Mike Dodd's mother died peacefully in her sleep at 09-30am this morning.  
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike, Becky, Rachael and the rest of the Dodd family at this sad time.
The funeral wil take place on Thursday 6th September 2012.

Saturday 1st September 2012.
A Four Rivers Walk.

This walk was postponed and will be included later in the year.

Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 500'.

Start: Hornby car park by the bridge over the river. Grid ref: SD585683.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Terry Marsh's bok "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire".  After meetin a couple on the Ward's Stone Walk, who said that walking in the Hornby area was superb, I thought that it would be good to check it out with this walk. This walk follows parts of the rivers Greta, Lune, Wenning and Hindburn. There is minimal climb, so this should be a stroll in what is described as an area of historical interest and includes a "castle"!

Thursday 6th September 2012.

Mynydd Marian.

Distance:8-9 miles; Climb:1300'.
Start: Llandulas shoreline car park. Grid ref:SH907786. Leave A55 at the Llandulas junction, turn left towards Llandulas, and take the next turning left down Station Road. After going under the bridge (A55) the car parking area is straight ahead.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m..
This is another one of my favourite coastal walks and again visits the summit of Mynydd Marian with its fine views back towards the coast.

Saturday 8th September 2012.

Maenan and More.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1000' at a guess.
Start: Maenan National Trust Car park. Grid ref: SH795665.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
Only 3 miles of this walk are on a described walk, taken from Carl Rogers' book "walking in the Conwy Valley". This is described as an easy walk on the Eastern side of the valley and visits the Cadair Ifas Viewpoint. The rest of the walk folows the Eastern bank of the Afon Conwy, before returning to the start along field paths and minor roads.

Thursday 13th September 2012.

Wat's Dyke, Caergwrle and Waun-y-Llyn Country Park.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1000' at a guess.
Start: Waun-y-Llyn Country Park Car Park. Grid ref: SJ2866577.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Rhuabon Mountain, Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain". It is described as walks exploring the attractive countryside between Caergwrle and Hope.  We will also extend the walk to include Waun-y-Llyn Country Park.

Saturday 15th September 2012.

Weets Hill.

This walk was postponed and will appear later in the year - no-one around, so ende up painting the garden fences!

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 900'

Start: Saltersforth Wharfe near Barnoldswick. Grid ref: SD887545.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Terry Marsh's book "50 Classic Walks in Lancashire" . He describes it as a fairly easy walk , combining farm paths, moorland paths and canal towpaths. Weet Hill offers some of the best views in the South Pennines.

Thursday 20th September 2012.

Around Gwysaney and More.

Distance: 6.0 miles, 8.5 miles or 9.5 miles or 10.5 miles (decided on the day, as and when we have to make a decision!).

Climb: 1500', but depends on the actual route we decide to take after lunch! 

Start. Parking area near the children's play ground in Rhosesmore. Grid ref: SJ214684.

The walk uses two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Holywell Mountain and Halkyn Mountain. Our usual route usually includes Cwm Conwy, but I suspect that today's walk won't! The Gwystaney walk is described as a walk through the undulating countryside between Rhosesmor and Sychdyn, exploring the lush wooded Gwysaney Estate. The second walk at least includes visiting Moel Y Gaer hill-fort and how much mire depends on us!

Wilmslow to Mottram and More.

This walk is postponed and will appear at a future datw.
Start. Car Park near St Bartholomew's Church, Wilmslow. Grid ref: SJ847816.
Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.
This is effectively the same walk as we did last month, but starts nearer to Wilmslow, and we will complete the Mottram part of the walk first, and then extend the walk to Twinnies Bridge later.

Saturday 22nd September 2012.

Yr Wyddfa.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 2700'.
Start Rhyd Ddu Station Car Park (Pay and Display). SH571525.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
This is the usual walk from Rhydd Ddu. Ascent via the quarries at Bwlch Cwm Llan and the steady climb up the South ridge nd Bwlch Maen and descent via the Rhyd Ddu path. I always like to climb Snowdon at least once a year, and the Bwlch Maen ascent is one of my favourite routes.

Thursday 27th September 2012.

Around Minera and Nant Mill.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1500' at a guess.
Start: Minera Lead Mines Centre Car park. Grid ref: SJ 276509.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Rhuabon Mountain, Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain".  This id described as  walk exploring the attractive countryside and history around Minera and the Clywedog Valley. We will complete some parts of the route twice, but not in the same direction.

Saturday 29th September 2012.

Wild Moor

Distance:11 miles.Climb: 2120''.
Start: Church Stretton. Grid ref:SO453936.
It's quite some time since we had a walk in Shropshire. It is a relatively low level walk on the Long Mynd. The walk is taken from Ian R Jones's booklet "20 Church Stretton Walks". We have done the walk several times before, and will be familiar to most of the group. It's also the time of the year that Dotterel migrate, so there is an outside chance that we may see one!
Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

Walks and Dates August 2012

Thursday 2nd August 2012.

Cyrn-y-Brain and Coed Llandegla.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Car parking area opposite the Ponderosa Cafe. Grid ref: SJ192480.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Ruabon Mountain, the Clywedog Valley  and Hope Mountain." He describes it as a walk exploring open access moorland with panoramic views and contrasting forest paths.

Saturday 4th August 2012.

Weets Hill.
This walk has been postponed until later in the year.
We will take a coastal walk from Llanfairfechan to Tal-y-bont instead.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 900'
Start: Saltersforth Wharfe near Barnoldswick. Grid ref: SD887545.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Terry Marsh's book "50 Classic Walks in Lancashire" . He describes it as a fairly easy walk , combining farm paths, moorland paths and canal towpaths. Weet Hill offers some of the best views in the South Pennines.

Thursday 9th August 2012.

A Walk Around Disley.

Distance: 9-10 mile. Climb: 1200'.
Start: Disley Station Car Park. Grid ref: SJ972845. (If the car park is full, we will go to Lyme Park and park there, so if you are a National Trust member, bring your membership card with you.)
Leave Chester at 08-45 a.m.
This walk combine a walk from Jen Darling's book "More Pub Walks in Cheshire and the Wirral", with a walk from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire".
The latter route takes us along the Gritstone Trail through Lyme Park and up to the Bowstones, where on a good day you get good views of Shutlingsloe and the Cheshire Plain.  The other walk on the East side of Disley, climbs Black Hill and gives good views towards Kinder.

Saturday 11th August 2012.

Creigiau Gleison, Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb:2000'.
Start: Pay and Display Car park near Llyn Crafnant. Grid ref: SH756618.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m
This walk combines two walks from Carl Rogers book "Walks in the Conwy Valley". One walk is described as being quite strennuous and requires good route finding, particularly on the featureless approach to Creigiau Gleison. This little ridge is one that I have wanted to visit for some time, so let's hope for a good day weatherwise.

Thursday 16th August 2012.

World's End from the Ponderosa.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1600'.
Start: Car parking area opposite the Ponderosa Cafe. Grid ref: SJ192480.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Ruabon Mountain, the Clywedog Valley  and Hope Mountain."  This is described as an exhilarating walk of great variety, on good upland paths and tracks with panoramic viewscapes.

Saturday 18th August 2012.

Tegg's Nose and Macclesfield Forest.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Tegg's Nose Country Park Car park. Pay and Display. Grid ref: SJ950732.
Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.
This walk is taken from the "Pathfinders Guide to Cheshire". It is described as a varied walk with good views from Tegg's Nose. We will visit Teg's Nose first, rather than at the end of the walk. The walk is also described as an undulating walk exploring the countryside on the edge of the Peak District.

Thursday 23rd August 2012.

The Three Lakes Walk.

Distance:11.6 miles; Climb:1523'.
Start: Park on grass verge just before crossing over the dam (Eastern side of the Llyn Aled). Grid ref:SH916579.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's books "Walks in the Hidden Heart of North Wales" and Walks Around Hiraethog Moors and Lakes" whichever you prefer. Same walks, just different covers, and one walk has been extended a little in the former book. Llyn Aled, Llyn Alwen and the Alwen Reservoir are the three "lakes" visited. In the past sections have been quite boggy to say the least, but hopefully it won't be too bad at this time of the year.  This walk is not everyone's cup of tea, but over the years, it has become one of my favourite walks on the Denbigh Moors.

Saturday 25th August 2012.
A Walk in the "Last of the Summer Wine" Territory.

This walk has been postponed and will be put on the list later in the year.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Crown Bottom Car Park on Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth. Grid ref: SE14250837.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from "Great Walks In Great Britain - The Peak District". This walk is described as being moderately strenuous exploring the Holmfirth Valley. Talking to a walking group from Holmfirth when they were staying in the Mill in Chester, they described their home patch as being a superb area in which to walk. That couple with the fact that I like the series based there, made me decide to put this walk on, even though it is a little further than we normally travel. It looks as though I'll be driving!

Thursday 30th August 2012.

Eglwyseg and Rhuabon Mountain.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: World's End Car park. SJ232483.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Ruabon Mountain, the Clywedog Valley  and Hope Mountain."   This is described as a challenging walk, featuring contrasting Limestone escarpments and Heather Moorlands.  This is a walk for experienced walkers - do we count!

Walks and Dates July 2012

Uptdated  4th July 2012

Thursday 5th July 2012.

Rhos-on-Sea, Bryn Euryn and Coed Pwllcrochan.

Distance: 12 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Roadside parking on Marine Drive in Rhos-on-Sea, near to St., Trillo's Church. Grid ref: SH841811. It may may be better to park in Trillo Avenue, opposite the church.
Leave Chester at 09-00.
This walk combines three walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llandudno and Prestatyn".
One is described as a varied walk exploring the hinterland behind Rhos-on-Sea and includes the hillfort in Bryn Euryn Nature Reserve. The other walk offers panoramic views as it meanders through the undulating countryside bordering on Mochdre, Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea.

Saturday 7th July 2012.

Llanddona and Pentraeth Forest.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb:1500'.
Start: Llanddona beach car park, North west of Llanddona. Grid ref: SH566807.
This walk uses one walk from Carl Rogers's Book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey Volume 1" and one walk from Carl Rogers's Book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey Volume 2"
One walk explores Pentraeth Forest with the chance of seeing Red squirrels, and the coatel area between Red Wharf Bay and Landdona, and includes an interestin part of the coastal path that uses the top of a stone wall.  The second walk includes a visit to Bwrdd Arthur Fort on the hill at the Eastern end of Red. Wharf Bay.
Leave Chester 08-00.

Thursday 12th July 2012.

Hope Mountain, Waun-y-llyn and Wood Pitt.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start: Coed Talon Car Park by the old chapel. Grid ref: SJ268588. To get to the car park, approach Coed Talon from Pontybodkin on the A5104. At the Railway Inn, just past the speed camera) turn left along Tir y Ffron lane, signposted "Country Park". The small car park is in the right.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Ruabon Mountain, The Clywedog Valley and Hope Mountain". He describes the walks as exploring the attractive countryside between Coed Talon, Llanfynydd, Herob and Ffrith.

Saturday 14th July 2012.

Another Walk Around the Great Orme.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb:1300' at the most.

Start: Roadside parking at Llandudno West Shore (close to the play area). Grid ref:SJ772818.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

The route is intended to follow the toll road as far as the Happy Valley, climb through the Happy valley as far as the summit of the Great Orme, following an anticlockwise route around the limestone plateau before droping down the zig-zag path back to the West Shore.

Sea birds like Fulmar and Kittewake should be neesting on the cliffs, so don't forget to bring your binoculars with you. We might see terns and Guillemots too.

Creigiau Gleison, Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd

This walk has been postponed and will now be on the August list.
Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb:2000'.
Start: Pay and Display Car park near Llyn Crafnant. Grid ref: SH756618.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m
This walk combines two walks from Carl Rogers book "Walks in the Conwy Valley". One walk is
described as being quite strennuous and requires good route finding, particularly on the featureless approach to Creigiau Gleison. This little ridge is one that I have wanted to visit for some time, so let's hope for a good day weatherwise.

Thursday 19th July 2012.

The Fringes of the Morwynion and Owain Glyndwr's Mount and Nant Friddisel.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 2000'.
Start: Roadside parking at Pont Carrog. Grid ref: SJ115437.
Leave Chester at 09-00.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book " Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley.
We have done both of the see walks before, but not recently. Dave Berry descibes the first walk as an excellent walk exploring the little known lower western hills of the Llantysilio Mountains, whilst the other is described as exploring the beautiful and varied countryside South of Carrog. This walk has been known to be quite muddy around some of the farms.

Saturday 21st July 2012.

The Ward's Stone.

Distance: 11-12 miles. Climb: 1600'.
Start: the Jubilee Car Park, South of the Ward's Stone. Grid ref: SD542573.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
This walk is another walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire".  This is an energetic walk (don't I know it!) . he describes it as being a superb walk in good weather, I agree, but not if it's too hot. This walk in fact goes in an anti-clockwise direction, unlike the walk that we did last time that went clockwise.

Thursday 26th July 2012.

A walk around the Bollin and Wilmslow to Mottram Bridge.

Distance: 10-11 miles; Climb: 500'+.
Start: Twinnies Bridge car park, Wilmslow. Grid ref: SJ839822. The car park is on the B5166 Wilmslow to Styal Road.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks", linking the two with paths across The Carrs and along the River Bollin. Some of the walk we have done when we completed the walk from Quarry Bank Mill, but in the main the paths will be new to us.
After walk drinks at a suitable location in Knutsford, probably the Lord Eldon on Tatton Street.

Saturday 28th July 2012.

Yr Wyddfa.

This walk has been cancelled, and will probably be in the September Walk List.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 2700'.

Start Rhyd Ddu Station Car Park (Pay and Display). SH571525.
Leave Chester at 08-00.
This is the usual walk from Rhydd Ddu. Ascent via the quarries at Bwlch Cwm Llan  and the steady climb up the South ridge nd Bwlch Maen and descent via the Rhyd Ddu path. I always like to climb Snowdon at least once a year, and the Bwlch Maen ascent is one of my favourite routes.

Walks and Dates June 2012

Updated 25th June 2012.

Saturday 2nd June 2012.

Around Holy Island.

Distance:12-13 miles. Climb:1326'.
Start: Roadside parking opposite PC by the Old Harbour in Holyhead. Just before the turning to South Stack. SH245831.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is another walk that has become an annual favourite. Much of the walk is along the Coastal path, but we will probably make a detour to visit the summit of Holyhead Mountain. A good chance of seeing Choughs, Guillimots, Razorbills and even Puffins. Bring binoculars if you can.

Thursday 7th June 2012.

Gloddaeth Hall and Bryn Pydew.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Marl Hall Wood Car Park on the outskirts of Llandudno. Grid ref: SH 799787.
Directions to get to the car park. Leave the A55 at Junction 19 and follow the A470 towards Llandudno. At a roundabout turn right signposted to Esgryn / Pydew. Go past Esgryn Road to find a small car park on the right.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llandudno".  These walks explore the area around St. David's College that we normally visit on our Little Orme walks.  In addition, we will take a short there and back extension to visit the obelisk that we see clearly as we travel along the A55.

Saturday 9th June 2012.

Red Wharf Bay and Llanddona.

Distance: 11-12 miles. Climb: 1200'.
Start: Pay and display car park at Benllech. Grid ref: SH523824.
Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Carl Rogers' books on coastal walks in Anglesey. We may also include a detour to visit Arthur's Table. This is a n undulating walk including some little frequented sections of the coast. Another walk to bring binoculars.

Thursday 14th June 2012.

The Old Horseshoe Pass, Eglywseg Rocks and Glen.

Distance:10.3 miles; Climb:2205'.
Start:Car park opposite the Ponderosa Cafe on the Horseshoe Pass. Grid ref:SJ193481.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walking Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley". These are two delightful walks, especially when the weather is good. An easy start heading down hill, a superb middle section with a challenging climb up the old Horseshoe Pass road at the end!

Saturday 16th June 2012.

Lathkill Dale and More.

Distance:11-12 miles; Climb:900'.

Start: Moor Lane car park just outside Youlegrave. Grid ref:SK192643.
Leave Chester:8-00 a.m.
This combines two walks from Mark Richard's book "White Peak Walks Northern Dales". This walk should be mid-season the flower "Jacob's Ladder", so we should be able to spot some in flower. Lathkill Dale is renown for its wild flowers, so this should be a good time visit the dale.

Thursday 21st June 2012.

Moel Maenefa and Coed Cwm.

Distance:11 miles; Climb: 1500+'.
Start: Off road parking just East of Tremeirchion. Grid ref:SJ095740.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the Clwydian Hills - New Edition". The Moel Maenefa walk is a new one for me and is described as being a walk of great variety, exploring the foothills of the Northern Clwydians and the Vale of Clwyd, offering expansive views. One of the walks also goes around Coed Cwm and explores the attractive countryside between Rhuallt and Cwm. Route finding through Coed Cwm could be intresting, if I remember correctly from our previous visits!

Saturday 23rd June 2012.
Walk cancelled.

Creigiau Gleison, Llyn Crafnant and Llyn Geirionydd

This walk will now be in July or August.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb:2000'.

Start: Pay and Display Car park near Llyn Crafnant. Grid ref: SH756618.

Leave Chester at 08-00 a.m

This walk combines two walks from Carl Rogers book "Walks in the Conwy Valley". One walk is

described as being quite strennuous and requires good route finding, particularly on the featureless approach to Creigiau Gleison. This little ridge is one that I have wanted to visit for some time, so let's hope for a good day weatherwise.

Thursday 28th June 2012.
Coed Pen-y- Garth and Nant-y-Pandy.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: Layby near Butterfly Man Craft Centre on the A5 East of Glyndyfrdwy. Grid ref: SJ158424.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley". The walk around Coed Pen-y-Pant is a new addition to the routes, but Nant-y- Pandy we have completed many times. This is probably the first time that we have visited Nat-y-Pandy in the Summer, so it will be good to see how the valley's character changes when it's in it Summer clothes.

Saturday 30th June 2012.

Moel Hebog.

Distance:9 miles; Climb:2360'.
Start: Car park at Llyn Cwmystradlyn. Grid ref:SH557441
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is a walk that I have been interested in attempting for some time and approaches Moel Hebog from the opposite side to our normal approach. This walk is taken from Bryan Lynas's book "Snowdonia Rocky Rambles - Geology Beneath Your Feet". This book is written specifically to explore the geology of an area and should enable us to explore this area in a different light. Following the route description amidst the in depth geological notes could be quite a challenge, as much of the route does not follow good paths!  We've manged it once before, so it should be a little easier this time.  Hopefully we won't lose Celia this time!