A Three Lakes Walk on Denbigh Moors 30th April 2022

Llyn Aled from  the moors on the its north west side.

A Skylark.

The same Skylark.

Aled Isaf reservoir in the distance.

The approach to Llyn Alwen.

An Osprey nesting plarform, but no sign of an Osprey looking to take up residence.

The open moors north west of the Llyn Alwen access track.

Not perfect distant views of Moel Siabod.

The site of stone rows south of Cefnen Wen.

Highland cattle grazing on Denbigh Moor

I don't think Ed likes his lunch today.

There used to be a stile here, not  good one, but much better than this hazardous replacement.

A change from young lambs,

Llyn alwen from the moors north west of Bwlch y Garnedd.

The Alwen Reservoir as we approached the footbridge.

I could't resist aving just one photo of lambs.

Walk stats: 

Distance: 12.5 miles. Climb: 1572'.

Time: 7 hours 0 minutes. s On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Temperature: 11.7 Celsius at the start. Max 17.2 Celsius at lunch. Min 9.8 Celsius at the end of the walk.

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3. Mainly light air, but towards the end it reached 10 m.p.h. - a Gentle breeze.

Group: Martyn and Ed

This was almost a perfect day for walking, not too hot and not too cold and very little wind for most of the day.

Much of the walk was over pathless moorland, heather and tussocky grass is not the easiest terrain to cross. he worst section was after lunch as we followed the line of the old Denbigh to Pentrefoels road to footbridge over the Alwen Reservoir.

One broken stile and two problem gates didn't help.

This was day for seeing and hearing Skylarks and Meadow pipits, but there were other birds as well. The other birds seen or heard today included: Canad goose, Mallard, Common buzzard, Wheatear, Carrion crow, Pied wagtail, Eurasian curlew, European robin, Great cormorant, Barn swallow, Willow warbler, Winter wren,  Lapwing and Red kite.

The final stretch of road to Aled Alwen seems much longer than 1.3 miles.

We arrived back at the cars feeling pretty tired, with legs believng we had walked more than our GPSs had recorded and even more than the 13.5 miles recorded by my phone's step counter!

We were both looking forward to a pint of Purple Moose;s Snowdonia Ale at The Swan in Llanfair Talhaiarn. Alas we had to be satisfied with Bank's Mild  I didn't have a takeaway!

The barman did reassure us that they would be stocking Snodonia Ale again in the near future.

 

Craig Bron-banag and Cwm Alwen 23rd April 2022

Not my best shot of a Red kite, but at least you can see it is a red kite.

Our first sgbghting of wind turbines generating power.

Maen Cred Standing Stone - turning point for our walk today.

The clocaenog Forest Wind Farm on the horizon.

The view from our lunch spot.

The view from our lunch spot.

Last time we did this walk, the path was completelyblocked by fallen trees, toay we were pleased to be making our way on the cleared path.

A closer encounter with a wind turbine generating electricity.

Caer Ddunod, south east of Pentre-Llyn Cymmer.

The afon Alen south easr of  Pentre-Llyn Cymmer.

A black lamb looking for it mum?

Walk stats: distance: 11.3 miles. Climb: 1512'.

5 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Beaufort Wind Force: 1 - 3.  Light air, gusting to a gentle breeze (10 m.p.h.)

Temperature: 11.7 Celsius at lunch. 13.7 Celsius at the end of the walk. However at times it did seem much warmer when we were sheltered from the easterly wind.

Group: Martyn and Mike.

We arrived at the river side parking area in llanfihangwek Glyn Myfyr to seeing a Red kite quite close up, nearly over our heads. This was definatley our bird of the day.  

Birds seen r heard today included: red kite, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood nuthatch, Common chaffing, Common blackbird, Blue tit, Great tit, Winter wren, Mallard, Grey heron, Barn swallow, Grouse, Carrion crow, European robin, Meadow pipit, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Common pheasant and Pied wagtail.

Weatherwise it turned out better than the forecast, less wind than we expected, no rain and warmer that we expected, especially towards the end of the walk.

Lunch was taken at Craig Bron-banog, where we made use of the picnic table with views towards the Clwydians. This was the only time I put my paclite jacket on as the breeze made it feel quite cool.

After lunch our route took us along a path that we knew would be blocked, if the fallen trees had not been cleared since our last visit in 2016. Thankfully they had been cleared - not an easy task.

We didn't see any other walkers on this walk, and only spoke to two local residents, one who mistakingly thought we were lost and offered his help.

We arrived back at he car, having had a longer than usual walk, and surprsed to check our GPS's to find that without ralising it, Mike had frog marched me round at 2.5 m.p.h and this was without his lekis!

After walk drinks were enjoyed sitting outside at the Druid Inn at Llanferres. The Purple Moose, Snowdonia Ale went down wel as did the Piper crisps.

Around Aled Isaf 26th June 2021

The view of Llyn Aled from the start of the walk near the dam.

Is this the summit of Cefn Mawr? 

Probably not as I was standing on it.

One of the many Meadow pipits seen today.

One of the boundry stones seen on the open moorland, west of Moel y Gaseg-wen.

Wind turbines n the distance:

The high peaks in the cloud.

Approaching Aled Isaf Reservoir.

8 of the 20 Canada geese on Aled Isaf.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 951'.
Time: 4 hours 58 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Oveall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.
Beaufort wind force: 0 - 3. Calm - light breeze -the occasioal gentle breeze.
Temperature: 14.1 Celsius on the open moorland , 17.1 Celsius at lunchtime north of Beaver Grove and 20.1 Celsius on the road douth of Aled Isaf.
Group: Martyn and Mike.

The weather forecast for today was quite accurate, giving us an overcast morning and sunny spells and only a gentle beeze. The highest temperature for us today, was a little highe than the 17 Celsius on the forecast, but we weren't complaining.

Although there hasn't been a lot of rain this month, tramping across the open moorland west of Moel y Gaseg-wen was a test of the waterproof properties of our boots.

This was a Meadow pipit and Skylark day, the whole area seemed to be a hotspot for them. I can't remember seeing and hearing so many singing Skylarks on one walk.

Birds seen and heard today included: Meadow pipit, Skylark, Common buzzard, Red kite, Common blackbird, Eurasian curlew, Pied wagtail and Canada goose.

We had good distant views of the mountains of Snowdonia, although their peaks were often in cloud.

Overall a very enjoyable walk and only presents from the local sheep to remove from our boots when we got home.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn where Lees bitter and a brew from the Llyn Brewry went down well.

Around Aled Isaf and More (Maggots) 24th June 2017

Llyn Aled from the North west side of its dam.

Llyn Aled from its Western moor.

"Does the description tell you what it is written on the boundary stone?

A clearer view - Hiraethog Esgynfa Gwgan it is even labelled on the OS map.

 Heading for the sheep pen across the western flanks of Moel y Gaseg-wen.

"Bird watching again at Hafod -gau! I might as well stop and have a rest."

Back on moorland heading for Ty-nant.

On road to Aled Isaf.

Eurasian curlew that accompanied us as we walked on the road on the East side of Aled Isaf.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 842'.

Time: 4 hours 48 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Ed.

We set off from Llyn Aled, expecting to get showers at some time during the day, but with fairly strong winds around we anticipated that any showers would be brief. In fact we were luck enough to complete the whole walk without putting on our waterproofs. We did get a little rain on the last leg of the walk with Llyn Aled is sight and we did think about putting waterproofs on, but it wasn't even enough for Ed to put his umbrella up!

 As ever across this moorland, following the exact line of the "path" wasn't easy and we ended up going through some quite long reedy grass - thankfully skin dries quicker wet trouser legs!

 Distant views weren't very good, with clouds hiding the higher peaks of Snowdonia described in the walk description.

 Throughout the morning Skylarks were singing over the moors. Skylark numbers may be declining, but here on the Denbigh Moors they seemed to be everywhere. There seemed to be plenty of Meadow pipits. We were lucky enough to see a Brow hare at it raced across the moorland.

 Lunch was taken on the track side, just before we took the path leading to Hafod-gau. The Sun came out briefly, but soon disappeared and encouraged us not to linger too long.

 As we crossed Foel Lwyd we heard the call of Eurasian curlew for the first time on the walk and from then on there seemed to lots of them.

 It was well after lunch before we saw anyone, and then it wasn't a walker. In fact it was a farmer checking his sheep for maggots, the very hot weather of last week had made them very vulnerable to attack by certain flies. If not removed and the sheep treated we were informed that the sheep may not survive. We were then treated to  being shown a ewe that had been attacked - not a pretty sight- I'm glad I wasn't having lamb for dinner tonight.

 We arrived back at the car having had a really good walk across relatively wild moorland and still dry!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Skylark, Meadow pipit, Eurasian curlew, Pied wagtail, Carrion crow, Raven, Lesser black back gull, Barn swallow and Common buzzard.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn where one of the ciders went down well.

Craig Bron-Banog and Part of Cwm Alwen 21st April 2016

The bridge over the Afon Alwen at the Crown Inn at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr.

The bridge over the Afon Alwen at the Crown Inn at Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr.

On the forest road, part of the Hiraethog Trail heading for Craig Bron-Banog.

Looking towards Snowdonia from Craig Bron-Banog.

Moel Famau from Craig Bron-Banog.

Distant views of Snowdonia, including the Snowdon Horseshoe and Tryfan.

Tryfan and the Glyders.

Descending to the Alwen Valley.

The Afon Alwen on its way to  Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr.

What every walk should have at the end of a walk, no, not what is in the bag but a picnic bench and seat to use as we take our boots off!

Walk stats: Till lunch time. 

Distance: 3.8 miles. Climb: 789'.

Time: 2 hours 12 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.

Overall walk stats: Distance: 9.1 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Time: 4 hours 46 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue Pelissier, Annie, Phil, Wendy and Celia.

This turned out to be a perfect day for walking, pleasantly warm with hardly any wind and sun hats required by those that are follicly challenged!

 On the outward journey we used one or two forest roads that we had not used before and these proved to be a pleasant easy rout that was on the edge of the forest and consequently was more open.

 We arrived at Craig Bron-Banog a little on the early side, but this was the best place for lunch with a picnic bench that we could use and good views to Snowdonia in one direction and the Clwydian Hills in the other direction, but even this didn't please everyone!

 After lunch we decide to explore a path that last time we did the walk had many large trees obstructing the path. They were still there, so we turned back and took a forest road that ran almost parallel with the path. In future this will be the option followed - no more exploring to see if the path had been cleared.

 As an alternative to the long road back to the car from Tal y Cefn, we decided to a take a path that went down the East side of the Afon Alwen. This was a delightful section as the path started 20' feet or so above the river, giving us a good vantage point to see the fast flowing bubbling river below.

  The final stretch of about a mile was along the country lane back to the car, only marred by several agricultural vehicles choosing this time to deliver their goods and a not so pleasant smell that lingered for a few hundred yards after we passed a particular farm. We didn't know whether the smell came from the farm or one of the agricultural vehicles, but we certainly pleased when we were out of range!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Pied wagtail, Mallard, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Europan robin, Chaffinch, Wood nuthatch, Blue tit, Tufted duck and Raven.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn where Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale refreshed those parts that needed it.