Wat's Dyke Way, Holywell Common, Brynford and More 15th February 2022

 

The path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi  - looking north west.

Looking down the steps after successfully climbing up the steps and escaping 

from Coed Llwybr-y-bi into the field onto Wat's Dyke Way.

Snowdrops on the roadside near Pen-yr-hwylfa s Farm.

Looking toward the Dee Estuary from the track on the east side of Bryn Mawr Quarry.

The lime kilns on the south west side of Bryn Mawr quarry.

Brynford's reminder of its mining history.

Our lunch spot in Brynford - sheltering from the wind.

The view towards the Dee Estuary sandthe Wirral as we descended the path on 

the west side of Pen-y-bryn Top.

The Holway Level Mine Entrance.

More Snowdrops as we approach Greenfield Road along the Holway Path.

The Royal Oak car park gateway to the path leading back to the cars.

Walk stats:

Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1286'.

Time: 4 hours 46 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Beaufort Wind Force: Max 4. A moderate breeze reaching over 13 m.p.h at times at the highest point of the walk.

Temperature: Max 13.2 Celsius, but mainly around 8.2 Celsius and feeling cooler!

Group: Martyn and Ed.

I think this was the first Tuesday walk that we have been on as far as I can remember, but without it some of us would not have been out for a walk for over two weeks.

There was only two takers for the walk today and again for the first time we started a free car park on Greenfield Road on the north side of Bryn Celyn.

As usual the path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi was pretty muddy and some of the steps were tricky to negotiate with the ever present hazard of slipping / sliding in a direction you didn't want to go!

The fields were often waterlogged, so we were grateful to escape onto the road leading to Dolphin. At least we had the wind on our backs at this stage of the walk.

The wind was at it strongest as we headed over the crest by the Bryn Mawr Quarry to be greeted by the characteristic smell coming from the chicken / egg farm.

Lunch as taken at Brynford, but declined the offer being entertained by the sheep and rather than using one of the benches around the statues of miners, we were grateful to use one of the benches in the shelter.

As we set off after lunch, th wind had again changed direction and once more seemed to be at our backs helping us on our way.

As a short extnsion we headed through Holywell towards the Frire Station, where took the Holway Path. Much work has been done fencing in the path and making the path firmer but always directing you where you could or couldn't go.

On this occasion we declined the climb to visit St. Bueno's Well and headed vstraight back to the start.

Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Mallard, Woodpigeon, European Robin, Common blackbird, House sparrow, Jackdaw, Mistle thrush, Bullfinch, Teal and Black headed gull.

Overall and enjoyable walk if you can forget about the mud.

Straight home today as I go to the a Church House Group in the evening. However I did get home in time to clean my boots that still needed cleaning even though we tried to clean them by nstanding in a stream!

Exploring the Greenfield Valley 18th December 2021

A Great spotted woodpeck, in trees next to the new extension to the Grenfield Valley Cycle Way.

The same Great spotted woodpecker on video I didn't realise I was taking.

Part of the extension to the Greenfield Valley Cycle Way (not yet completed).

The new extension to the cycleway section crosses the bridge over the main road on its way to the Heritage Park.

The remains of Basingwerk Abbey.

Machinery in the grounds of Meadow Mill.

Water cascading down the overflow from one of the upper pools.

Resting on the Mill Pool Dam.

Distance:3.5 miles. Climb:335'.

Time: 1 hour 35 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Ed.

The forecast had indicated that it was likely to be foggy / misty in the Holywell area, so it wasn't a surprise when it that cool damp feel. There was no chance of us overheating and winter wear coats were appreciated.

Much work has been done on the cycleway / track from Holywell to Greenfield, trees had been felled and several benches had beem installed - not that we took advantage of any of them.

The most impressive section was the extension of the track over the main road, but it wasn't clear how far towards the coast it would go once it was completed.

After a gentle srol past the abbey and the various mill pools we arrived at the Market Place ready to enjoy a pint and some food.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Mallard, Moorhen, Tufted duck, Little grebe, Mute swan and Great spotted woodpecker.

It was good to have Ed walking again, and hopefully it won't be too long before he joins the rest of us on a Wednesday walk.

Holywell. Stokyn, Gwibnant and the Coastal Path 30th October 2019

The Clock Toweropposite Battery Cottages in the upper Greenfield Valley.

Coastal views on the approach to Sokyn Hall.

The Duke of Lancaster can just about be seen.

Getting down on your knees is the only way!

Approaching Mostyn Dock along the Coastal Path.

Looking a cross the fields towards the Duke of Lancaster.

Why is in Christ Church, Gwibnant getting such a close look?

A closer look at the Duke of Lancaster - one that an hour earlier we didn't expect to get!

Par of the Coastal Path from Llannerch-y-mor to Greenfield Dock.

Part of Greenfield Dock.

On the new easy access path leading to the Greenfield Heritage Park from main car park on the Flint Road (A548).

Basingwerk Abbeyfrom the old railway track to Holywell.

Yet another improved section on the old railway track from Greenfield to Holywell.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.2 miles. Climb: 998' (GPS reading, probably a little wind assisted).

Time: 4 hours  51 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Nigel.

This was a good day for walking, largely sunny and on the cool side, but not sufficiently cold to warrant full Winter Paramo gear. Within an hour the jacket was banished to the rucksack and i Had been forced into my first change of shirt!

 As we crossed Bryn Celyn, we had our first views across the Dee estuary, although quite good, they were no match for our walk earlier in the year when we could see Blackpool Tower and the Lake District mountains beyond.

 Our first unexpected problem was as we descended the bridleway from the special school to the Hen Dafarn at Llannerch-y-mor. Our path was blocked by a fallen tree, that meant the only way to make progress was to take off our rucksacks and crawl underneath the barrier.

 We arrived at Llannerch-y-mor quite early,so we decided to start on the extension to take the Coastal Path towards Mostyn Docks and on to Gwibnant before descending back to Llannerch-y-mor.

 This was when we realised that we had another problem. The high tide had risen above the banks and flooded over the paths - our intended route from Llannerch-y-mor to Greenfield Dock seemed to be a none starter!

 We decided the extension to Gwibnant and back to Llannerch-y-mor, and lunch i the grounds of Abakan would give us time to come up with the best alternative options to get round the flooded section.

 We were able to take lunch on one of the many picnic tables at Abakan, shielded from any breeze and basking in the warm sunshine.

 Setting off after lunch, once more, we left Abakan at the north east corner of the car park. To our utter amazement, the tide had receded so much (dropping the water level by at least 3') that the path we wanted to use was now accessible.

 We happily resumed our planned walk.

 Our next surprise cane as we crossed the Greenfield Valley Heritage Car Park on the A548 Flint Road, a new easy access path had been added as had improvements along the old railway track to Holywell.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Black billed magpie, Common blackbird, Winter wren, Woodpigeon, Common buzzard, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Rook, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Rook.

 Overall a good and enjoyable walk and capped with a good pint of Lees Bitter bat the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.

East of Holywell, The Moor and Greenfield Valley 9th October 2019

The Wat's Dyke Way path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi.

On the Wat's Dyke Way path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi.

Fallen trees block the he Wat's Dyke Way path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi.

Fallen trees block the he Wat's Dyke Way path through Coed Llwybr-y-bi, taken from the stile as the path emerges into an open field.

Liverpool Cathedral on the skyline.

Looking a cross the Dee Estuary towards Hilbre Island Wat's Dyke Way near Coeti-Llwyd.

"Why can't we come with you?"

Looking across the Dee Estuary as we descendedTyn y Pistyll.

Unlike the young calves seen earlier, these sheep couldn't get away quick enough!

I was in front at the time, so was it just me that they were trying to get away from or just people?

Looking across the Dee Estuary as we descended from The Moor.

Final views looking north across the Dee Estuary as we descended from The Moor.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.2 miles. Climb: 1025'.

Time: 4 hours 58 minute. On the move walking average:2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

 Group: Martyn, Nigel and David S.

The forecast today was pretty good, although there was always the chance of a shower particularly in the morning.  We did get one heavy shower near Ffordd-y-Dre, but we were able to shelter under the cover of the tree canopies that crossed above the road. I looked at the "Dark Sky" ap on my phone and it suggested the rain would stop in about 8 minutes. It was in fact a little longer, but it was well worth sheltering for an extra couple of minutes or so.

 We set off, knowing that the first challene would be the Wat's Dyke Way through Coed Llwybr-y-bi, oftenvery muddy even in the Summer.

 However the problem today was much worse, with many of the steps badly needing attention and higher up had been blocked completely by several trees that had fallen across the stepped path.

 Reaching the open field was a great relief. Views today were pretty good, but were rather poor after the excellent views that we had last week.

 after our rain delay, we decided to miss out the northern section of the walk mand headed along the road back to Holywell.

 Lunch was taken, as we often do in the Remberance Garden in Holywell.

 After lunch we set off from Holywell, heading across The Moor, once again giving us good views across the Dee Estuary, before descending towards Greenfield Valley.

 David S persuaded us to take a short cut through a cemetery, and was heard to say "I struggled to get out" as he went through the exit kissing gate. A postman over heard him and had visions of someone trying to get out of one of graves in the cemetery!

 The final part of the walk was the steady gentle climb along the former railway track back to Holywell and the start.

 Overall a good and enjoyable walk and all ready for a descent pint at the Britannia Inn at Haly. Unfortunately it was closed and some of ended up having refreshments at the Fox and Grapes in Hawarden. Weetwood's Eastgate Bitter was one that we tried, but Moorhouse's Pendle Pride was in much better nick.

LLwyn Ifor and More 2nd October 2019

First views of the Dee Estuary as we reached The Moor north of Bryn Celyn.

On The Moor, but does anyone know which way to go?

Looking across the Dee Estuary towards Blackpool Tower.

The Duke of Lancaster from Llwyn Ifor.

Liverpool's cathedrals from the path east of Llwyn Ifor Bach.

Mertyn Hall - where my ancestors were in service.

"We are coming to check you out."

Like Barn swallows, walkers gather too at this time of the year.

or

Just a convenient place to stop for lunch next to the playground at Holway west of Holywell.

Tryfan and the Glyders from the ridge south east of Pen-y-Ball top.

Snowdonia on the skyline.

Moel Famau from the ridge south east of Pen-y-Ball top.

Descending through bracken towards our start in Holywell.

Walk stats: Distance: 7.7 miles. Climb: 979'.

Time: 5 hours 25 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, David S., Mike, Wendy, Fran and Nigel.

This turned out to be a glorious day for walking, largely sunny, little wind and warm enough to make wearing a fleece unnecessary,

 The views today were superb, we could see Blackpool tower, the mountains of the Lake District, Snowdonia  as well as our local heroes of Moel Famau and Beeston. Both cathedrals in Liverpool were also clearly seen.

 Birds seen or heard today included: European robin, Rook, Raven, Woodpigeon, Great spotted woodpecker an Common buzzard.

 However the very slow on the move walking average tells another story. Several sections were somewhat over grow, rsukting in those with bare legs getting several scratches and many nettle stings.  Frequent delays were made as we used secateurs and other implements to make our way more easily.

 Lunch was taken, using a wall near the playground at Holway, not with a view, but having recently been challenged when we had to negotiate unpleasant a muddy section enhanced by cow deposits, we were still very grateful.

 After lunch was the time we ended up on a path needing most use of secateurs, only to find we could have missed it all outby going along the edge of the playing field.

 Later on, as we were heading towards Pen-y-Ball  the way to Pantasaph when we cam across a  field of a waist high crop that we should have gone right through the middle. This wasn't an option for most of us, so an alternative route back to the car was taken. 

 The bonus of choosing this new route was that it gave us some super views of the high peaks in Snowdonia and enabled Fran to get home relatively early.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia inn at Halkyn, where the Lees bitter went down well; as did the G and T and the coffee.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk despite the many stiles that were often quite slippery. Thankfully no-one had any mishaps.