Another Saltney Ferry - Old Dee Bridge Round 1st February 2021

Another Saltney Ferry - Old Dee Bridge Round.

A Moorhen preening after bathing in Balderton Brook.

A Song thrush near the Riverside Path, north west of River Lane, Saltney.

A Raven returning to its nest in Scots pines near Higher Ferry.

Carrion crows in a field south east of Bumper's Lane, Chester - still in Wales.

Great cormorants share the mud bank with Moorhens and Herring gulls.

The second Song thrush seen today.

A Teal shows itself as it heads into open water.

Distance: 9.9 miles. Climb: 105'.
Time: 4 hours 20 mnutes. On the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn.

This was another superb day for walking, warm and sunny and very little wind. I have just purchased a hand held anemometer and it also records the temperature. The max wind speed recorded was 4.2 m.p.h. and temperature was 11.7 Celsius. This seemed a little high, but when I took the temperature a second time a couple of hours later it was 9.7 Celsius, so perhaps the first one was right as well.

No Beluga's today, but a couple of RAF training jets flew in and out of Hawarden Airfield making just as much noise as the Beluga XL taking off.

The highlight of the day s birdwise was probably a pir of Ravens carrying nesting material to their mest in Scots Pines near Higher Ferry. Song thrushes singing was good as well and European robins were snging everywhere.

Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Mallard, Teal, House sparrow, Greenfinch, Pied wagtail, Black billed magpie, Blue tit, Common blackbird (mainly female birds) Goldfinch, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Raven, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Collared dove, Woodpigeon, Common pheasant, Common buzzard, Common gull and Great cormorant.

An enjoyable walk, and back in time to be able to clean my boots outside with the Su still shining - always a bonus.

Harris Hikers Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walks. Hopefully the Last One - Saturday 7th November2020.

Saltney Riverside, Riverside Paths, the Thornleigh Gutter Path, Deeside Lane, Sealand, Sandycroft and More.

A Greater spotted woodpecter near the RiversidePath, north west of River Lane, Saltney.

A Little egret on Thornleigh Gutter.

Looking towards Wood Cottages on Deeside Lane, Sealand.

Pink footed geese in maize stubble fields, north of Deeside House, Sealand.

The muddy section heading towards the Shooting School.

Looking towards the Blue Bridge at Quuensferry fro the track north west of the Shooting School.

A Raven? - not a bird I expected to see on the field north west of the Shooting School.

Probably not, just a large Carrion crow.

Autumnal colours, decaying Sycamore leaves on the path south wst of the Queensferry road bridge.

A Shelduck on the bank of the River Dee, north west of Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

A Shelduck on the bank of the River Dee, north west of Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Distance: 10.5 miles. Climb: 166'.
Time: 4 hours 15 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h. Oveall walk average: 2.5 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

As this was what I hoped would be my last Welsh "Stay at Home" walk for some time, I decided to be a little more adventurous and explore footpaths that would release me from the hazards of avoiding the Lycra clad cyclists on the racetrack otherwise known as the Wales Coast Path between Higher Ferry and Queensferry.

I set off just after 08-30, with the clouds overcast and a gentle cool breeze that remained throughout the walk. The warming Sun only emerged occasionally, and never long enough to tempt me to take off my lightweight fleece.

This route via Deeside Lane, heading towards Foxes Lane, Sealand was pretty good, except for one section from Deeside House towards the Shooting School where I was grateful to be able to follow the footprints of boots that had stepped this way before.

On my return route I decided to explore another path that led to Factory Road that followed all the way through the Sandycroft Industrial Estate before returning to the riverside path north of Station Road.

I was surprised to see how much industry was taking place on both sides of the river in area most people have never visited.

Blackbirds were everywhere, I must have seen between twenty and thirty, sometimes four or more males gathering on the same tree/bush - it must mean the Russian visitors have arrived.

I have often described walks as being a "Dipper Day" or a "Kingfisher Day", but today was a "Greater spotted woodpecker Day", having seen three and able to photograph one.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, European robin, Greater spotted woodpecker, Moorhen, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Great cormorant, Little egret, Common redshank, Fieldfare, Redwing, Canada goose, Pink footed goose, Blue tit, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Eurasian curlew, Shelduck, Woodpigeon, Feral pigeon, Carrion crow, Common buzzard, Raven, Common starling, House sparrow, Moorhen, Pied wagtail and Dunnock.

Overall a very enjoyable walk that will be repeated again, if forced to do so by future Welsh Government Covid Restrictions that demand that I walk from home!

The only disapointment was arriving home to learn that a Liverpool team in blue had lost to a Manchester team in red!

Harris Hikers Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walk 9: Both Sides of the River Between Saltney and Queensferry. Thursday 5th November 2020.

Both Sides of the River Between Saltney and Queensferry.

Another migrant Winter visitor - the Fieldfare.

The Arenig Fawr - the tug for the A380 wing barge, now on land.

It was also the cause of me having a "Last of the Summer Wine" experience, like Foggy I didn't look where I as putting my feet when I moved into position totake the photo. Yes, you've guessed - I put my foot in a cow pat!

A Redwing and Fieldfare on the same tree.

Not what I expected - the profile of what looks like a yellow pigeon pinned to the remains of a landing stage.

Common sandpiper near the Blue Bridge.

A Common kestrel on power lines next to the Wales Coast Path.

A Common buzzard, seen south west of Thornleigh Park.

Distance: 9.8 miles. Climb: 82'.
Time: 4 hours 10 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn.

Grey and overcast with little wind, but a feel like temperature of 8 Celsius persuaded me to use my lightweight fleece, but by 11-00 even this was too much and I felt much more comfortable with my fleece back in my rucksack.

Back wearing my walking boots and no longer fearing mud or wet grass, I decided to follow the path on the south side of the river. this proved to be a good decision as it gave me good views of fieldfare to match the Redwings that I saw yesterday.

It was a good vday for raptors with several sightings of Common kestrels, a Sparrowhawk and a Common buzzard, but perhaps the best spot was a Common sandpiper seen on the bank of the river from the Blue Bridge at Queensferry/Garden City.

I saw only four people on my outward route to the Blue Bridge, a few dog walkers and a youngster that informed me that the path under the Queensferry Road Bridge was flooded the last time his friend had tried to use to go to the shops. "what will you do if it is flooded" he asked. He seemed happy when I said I would just have to go back the way I had come.

Thankfully the river was still very low and I could continue on my planned circular route.

On the return route along the Wales Coastal Path, I saw lots of cyclists, but none were trying to break any speed records and most gave appropriate warning of their approach. A few dog walkers and couple of joggers were also using the Wales Coast Path, but the surprise of the day was being overtaken by motorised vehicle -  a lady on a mobility scooter. On her return, she stopped and I ended up chatting to her for about ten minutes.  Thankfully my walks are never a race!

Birds seen or heard today included: Pied wagtail, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Common gull, Black billed magpie, Blue tit, Great tit, European robin, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Carrion crow, Common chaffinch, Redwing, Fieldfare, Mallard, Common pheasant Great cormorant, House sparrow, Common starling, Sparrowhawk, Common kestrel, Common buzzard, Dunnock, Canada goose  and Common sandpiper.

This was my longest walk since the start of the Welsh "Stay at Home" lockdown and an enjoyable stroll on what has become my very familar patch!

Harris Hikers Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walk 8: Wednesday 4th November 2020. Another Riverside, Saltney and the Wales Coast Path.

Another Riverside, Saltney and the Wales Coast Path.

Rainbow over Blacon.

Redwing at Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

An unintentially taken video of the Redwing.

The Beluga coming into land, although I was reliably informed the Beluga XL was also expected this morning.

Pied wagtail on the rocks by the River Dee.

Slug on the Wales Coast Path.

Swirls and eddies in the River Dee.

Worm on the Wales Coast Path.

Distance: 7.0 miles. Climb: 62'.

Time: 2 hours 44 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.8 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn.

Having had my fill of the news saturated with what is happening across the pond and what Trump will or will not do, I set off earlier than usual.

It was bright and sunny when I set off, but it was still cool enough for me to put a fleece on. Showers were on the forecast, so with only light wind around, I went armed with an umbrella rather than full wateproofs.

Approaching Saltney Ferry Footbridge, there was a rainbow in the sky towards Blacon. A promise of better things to come, well it did, a few minutes later I had my best views this year of the Winter migrant bird, the Redwing. I even unintentionally took a video of one of them!

I was surprised to see how high and how fast the river was flowing, considering high tide was just after mid-night and the next one was four hours away.

The continually moving swirls and eddies reminded me of visits by the local policeman to my Primary School to warn us of the dangers of swimming in the River Dee at Saltney Ferry.  He also warned of moving quicksands - in all enough to make sure we did as we were told.

This was more than the cyclists, walkers and joggers did on the Wales Coast Path - all but one crossed the Wales-England Border even though it is currently not allowed except for specific exeptional reasons. I couldn't envisage any of these reasons applying to those crossing the border.

Lots of slugs on the Wales Coast Path, all looking quite streamline compared with the fat slugs I get at home - they must have a better lifestyle!

Not many birds were seen today, alhough I did see five Blackbirds around Morrisons Car Park in Saltney, and of course the great views of Redwing.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, European robin, Common chaffinch, Winter wren, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Black headed gull, Blue tit, Long tailed tit, Common redshank, Pied wagtail, Herring gull, Black billed magpie, Oystercatcher, Woodpigeon, Feral pigeon, Common starling, Lesser black back gull, Common gull, Collared dove, Mallard and Great cormorant.

Overall a pleasant enjoyable walk along a rather quiet Wales Coast Path with only the need to use my umbrella for about twenty minutes in all.

I arrived home, switched on the tv, and yes they were still talking about Trump - I don't think I can take another four years of this!

I think I will have to watch a recording of the Atalanta v Liverpool match again.

Harris Hikers Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walk 7: Monday 2nd November 2020. The Riverside, Saltney and the Wales Coast Path to Sealand Pumping Station.

The Riverside, Saltney and the Wales Coast Path to Sealand Pumping Station.

Cowslip?                                     Dandelion?

Horsetail?                      Common reed?

A shy Grey heron on the bank of the River Dee.

Geese in flight.

A great cormorant goes fisging.

Canada geese on maize stubble field.

Distance: 7.1 miles. Climb: 108'.
Time: 2 hours 41 minutes. On the move walking avwerage: 3.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.6 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn.

An earlyish start to the walk, I set off just after 08-00, hoping that I would complete my walk before 11-00 when the Met Office forcast rain showers. I did complete my walk by 11-00, but the rain shower came early at 10-20, but thankfully it was only short and the Sun came out afterwards so that I was completely dry by the time I got home.

The Wales Coast Path was very quiet, only a few cyclists (no lycra louts), a couple of joggers and several dog walkers to be seen.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Moorhen, Common blackbird, Black billed magpie, House sparrow, Dunnock, Blue tit, Great tit, Common chaffinch, Son thrush, Meadow pipitCarrion crow, Common starling, Grey heron, lack headed gull, Herring gull, Common gull, Greylag goose, Winter wren, Pink foot, Canada goose, Great cormorant, Jackdaw and Woodpigeon.

Once again, there were over 1000 Canada geese on maize stubble fields with a few Greylag, but no pnk foots. The only Pink foots were those seen in flight.

I decided to include the four stainless steel sculptures erected between The Riverside, River Lane, Saltney and the Saltney Ferry Footbridge. The following is the information that I found on Deeside.com bout the sculptures erected in 2015.

"The four bespoke 7 ft. sculptures by notable artist Mike Johnson have been created to reflect coastal light and the local plant life, which was identified by local school children on a site visit with Mike."

“Each of the sculptures is different and depict cow parsley, horsetail, dandelion and common reed but the beauty is in the detail” said artist Mike Johnson. “Incorporated into each sculpture are items reflecting the industrial and natural heritage of Saltney and the River Dee, from cockles to candles, rivets from boatbuilding and items from the railway.”

Harris Hikers Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Walk 6: A Brisk Stroll to Broughton Shoppibng Park and Back Saturday 31st October 2020

Waiting for the Rain to Arrive before Having a Brisk Stroll to Broughton Shopping Park and Back.

Earlyish morning threatening skies.

Early morning feeding frenzy in the garden.

Rain back and front - just as the Met Office said it would.

Blue skies over Hopes Place and Holly Bush Farm.

A few Feral pigeons foraging on a recently ploughed/prepared field.

A bull stands guard as the cows shelter from the wind behind the hedge.

Distance: 4.3 miles. Climb: 30' (365' wind assisted GPS reading even though it wasinside my rucksack).
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.8 m.p.h.

The morning started dry, with little wind and feeling pretty warm at 15 Celsius, so yes it must be a "shorts" day.

However the sky to the west was an impressive red/pink colour warning of what was to come later.

As usual I had the  early morning feeding frenzy in my garden bird table, and the Sun came out. I wondered why I had believed the Met Office suggesting heavy rain could happen at any time until mid-day.  I kept my faith in the Met Office, planning to walk in the afternoon when sunny spells were offered.

True to their word, the rain came, torrential for about ten minutes just before lunch time,

I received a text from Boots, informing me that my prescription was ready to be picked up, so I decided to walk there and back, just over four miles, but that would take me over thirty miles for thwe week - good enough for me.

I didn't expect to see many birds on this route at this time of the year, but those I did see or hear included: Black billed magpie, Common starling, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Common coot, Moorhen,  Black headed gull, Herring gull and Feral pigeon. 

No inconsiderate lycra lout cyclists to grumble about today, but the A5104 is not the Wales Coast Path between Chester and Queensferry! This time it is motorists breaking the law that annoyed me. The A5104 is currently undergoing resurfacing, which means there is a three way traffic light system, often resulting long queues, particularly when heading west.  Today I witnessed five cars going through on red, and one white van even overtook a car stopped at the red light to race through.

Arriving at Broughton Shopping Park, I was suprised, although I shouldn't have been, to find the parking area almost empty.

Prescription collected, I headed home, arriving home an hour and a half after sertting off, a pleasant walk complete in sunshine.  I suppose I could have then set  off on a proper walk, but decided to stay at home and watch the cricket and other sports as well on the TV.

Harris Hikers Welsh "Stay at Home" Walk 5. A Riverside Wa\lk in Search of a Pink Foot. Friday 30th October 2020

A Riverside Walk in Search of a Pink Foot.

Mallard and Moorhen on Balderton Brook.

Autumnal colours and tree branches without leaves at The Riverside, River Lane, Saltney.

Pink footed geese in a maize stubble field.

Greylag geese with Canada geese in a maize stubble field.

Canada geese in a maize stubble field.

Greylag geese join Canada geese on the river.

A Common kestrel, briefly resting on a branch.

A Great cormorant dries its wings in the breeze.

Socially distance Carrion crows.

But not for long!

Feral pigeons on the roof of the old Mold Junction Engine Shed.

Distance: 6.0 miles. Climb: 117'.

Time: 2 hours 32 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h. Overall walk avrage: 2.3 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

I had to wait until just before mid-day for the rain/dampness in the air to disappear and enourage me to step out of doors. It was relatively warm today, so I decided to give my shorts a probable last outing.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Moorhen, Pied wagtail, Common chaffinch, Black-billed magpie, European robin, Black headed gull, Common gull, Jackdaw, Feral pigeon, Carrion crow, Woodpigeon,Winter wren, Goldfinch, Meadow pipit, Common starling, Collared dove, Common kestrel, Canada goose, Greylag goose and Pink footed Goose.

The absence of any signicant wind and temperature of about 13 Celsius made this a very enjoyable walk, The hope of see Pink footed geese turned into a reality, only a few in a maize stubble field wth a few Greylag and an impressively large number of Canada geese.  In fact the geese moved onto the river, where they were more easily observed. Although counting them wasn't easy they probably numbered in excess of 1000, with one white goose very noticeable within the flock.. Saying I had distant views of Moel Famau would be a figment of my imagination as the Clwydian hills were shrouded in cloud throughout my walk.

Welsh "Stay a Home" Lockdown Walk 4. A Stroll Along the Wales Coast Path As far as the Border with England. Wednesday 28th October 2020

A Stroll Along the Wales Coast Path As far as the Border with England.

This is one of four sculptures between River Lane and Saltney Ferry.

I think this is the Dandelion, but I may be wrong.

“Each of the sculptures is different and depict cow parsley, horsetail, dandelion and common reed but the beauty is in the detail” said artist Mike Johnson. “Incorporated into each sculpture are items reflecting the industrial and natural heritage of Saltney and the River Dee, from cockles to candles, rivets from boatbuilding and items from the railway.”

"If you won't slow down, I will just have to fly."

Just in case you couldn't identify the individual bird, it really was a pair of Moorhen on the River Dee.

Heading for the border. They didn't come back, so they must have gone across the border.

Any further and I will be breaking Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown Laws.

Distance: 4.8 miles. Climb: 82'.

Time: 1 hour 48 minutes. On the walking average: 2.9 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.7 m.p.h.

Grouip: Martyn.

This morning was the Funeral Service/ service Celebrating the Life of Sheila Owen, one of our WEF church family, so I watched the live streamed service before deciding on whether to walk or not.

Just before mid-day, the Sun came out, so it encorgaed me to set of on a short afternoon stroll. I decided to do one of my shorter walkers along the Wales Coast Path as far as the border with England - this is as far as I can legally go under current Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown laws.

I saw 14 cyclists and 1 jogger, but not one turned round at the border, although I may have missed anyone from England turning back before I got there.

It would seem that few users of the Wales Coast Path are prepared to follow Welsh "Stay at Home" Lockdown laws. It's no wonder people are grumbling about what Supermarkets should or should not be allowed to as under the guidance of being essential!

Not many birds about today, but those I did see included: Moorhem, Black billed magpie, Great cormorant, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Common gull, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, Feral pigeon, House sparrow, Common starling and Common kestrel.

An enjoyable walk, starting anf finishing in bright sunshine, but with several light showers in between!