The Great White Shark - Chrome Hill and Parkhorse Hill 16th June 2007

Parkhouse Hill.

Parkhouse Hill from Chrome Hill.

Chrome Hill.



Ragged Robin - flower of the day!

Photos supplied by Richard.

Walk stats: Distance: 13.4 miles; Climb: 2080'; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Time: 7 hours 35 minutes.

Group: Martyn and Richard.

Dressed more for a wet Winter walk at temperatures expected to be below 12 degrees with now hope of sun, we ended up feeling very over dressed. The day turned out to be warm and almost rain free. Two short spells of rain, neither really worthy of putting waterproofs on. The sun was also out for much of the walk.

The walk started from Longnor, still no car park except for the cobbled square. We set off along the Manifold valley heading for Pilsbury. A pleasant walk that took us first past Sheen Hill with its trig point (still not accessible) and then on to the previously missed Pilsbury Castle. Lunch was taken just outside Earl Sterndale with good view of the shark-like fins of Chrome Hill and Parkhorse Hill ahead.

Chrome Hill is a superb little ridge that has totally unexpected aspects. It feels as though your on top of the world with steep slopes falling away on both sides as the path weaves its way between the "fins". This section of the walk will have to be repeated, probably without the section along the Manifold Valley. We thought that we had gone off track as we were forced to cross a stone bridge and onto the Hollinsclough road. In fact we only went wrong in the village where we should have turned left instead of taking the shorter route by going straight ahead. However it did have the advantage that the roadside had many flowers showing, including Ragged Robin, which Richard believes is quite rare these days.

Birds seen and heard today included: Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail, Curlew, Goldfinch, Wren, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Mallard, Wheatear, Wren, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Swallow, House Martin and frequent parties girls displaying location stress symptoms on their D of E training exercises.

One or two or even more excellent pints of Hartington Bitter were sampled in the Wilkes Head at Leek. Leek was celebrating Leek 800 and our normal car park was filled with a fair, but it didn't deny us access to the Wilkes Head via the back door!

Saddleworth Edges 9th June 2007

Tito, Fran and Martyn on the track alongside Birchin Clough.

Richard and Tito at the memorial to two local climbers that died in the Italian Mountains

Lokking across Dovestone reservoir towards Saddleworth Edges

Walk stats: Distance: 9.8 miles; Climb: 1214'; Walking average: 2.2 miles;
Time: 6 hours 14 minutes.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Fran and Tito.

This was a walk with many surprises and challenges. It gave us views of Saddleworth that we didn't even know existed. The walks started with a gentle stroll along the side of two reservoirs before the challenges of Birchin Clough. This path was correctly described as a scramble of boulder hopping along the steep side of a cascading stream, before scrambling up the steep grassy bank to a good path. This path was good in most places, but one or two places presented challenges for someone whose legs don't bend as much as they should! The stream crossing point wasn't particularly easy to find, but thankfully the path to the edges was marked with red flags once we had found it. The flags were out to assist the runners in a fell race. This edge side route was superb, even if in places it get very close to what I would describe as "keep back territory". Another stream crossing point was difficult to find, and we ended up doing a little Bilberry hopping to get back on track. However it did give us clear views of our mammal of the day, a Mountain Hare (Mountain Hares are smaller than the Brown Hare). Our only other animal of any note was a frog that jumped over the edge from the path we were on. Fortunately it only dropped down a few feet. We also spotted a vivid green beetle with two spots on its back and some reddish edges. Was it a Green Tiger Beetle? A pleasant lunch spot was found close to Ashway Cross. On this occasion taken early, less than half-way round and only just after mid-day! Some good stones for sitting on prompted the decision, along with one or two hints.
Once Chew Reservoir had been reached the return route followed the reservoir road down to the Dovestone Reservoir and a pleasant track alongside the reservoir back to the road leading to the Binn Green car park.
Birds seen or heard on route included: Grey Wagtails, Mallards, Curlew, Canada Geese (including a skein of about eight birds rising from the Chew Reservoir almost going over our heads a few feet above), Carrion Crow and a pair of Common Sandpipers (birds of the day).

A pleasant refreshing pint of Deuchars IPA and J.W. Lees Bitter was enjoyed at King William IV in Greenfield, only a few miles from the start of the walk. It was even muted that it was "a Martyn kind of pub". Anyway we will be going there again in two weeks time. It was also suggested that perhaps sampling one of their good Lancastrian pub grub meals wouldn't go amiss. They did have the cricket on as well, another tick for them!

Photographs by Richard Green

Thursday 7th June 2007

No photos available.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.2 miles; Climb: 523'; Walking average: 2.8 m.p.h.;
Time: 5 hours 14 minutes.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Gordon, Michel, Celia, Dave and Sylvia J.

This was a walk devised purely from the OS map trying to incorporate as much of the path along the Weaver as possible, and then using as much of the Eddisbury Way for the return journey from Kingsley.
The walk along the river was very pleasant and varied, but our hopes of seeing a good size boat moving along the river never came to fruition. A small motor launch and a narrow boat were the only vessels seen. Overall this route gave plenty of opportunity for seeeing and hearing birds.
The route from the river involved quite a lot of road walking as far as Kingsley, but most of it was on quiet country lanes. The section using field paths passed along the edge of several field that had been allowed to revert to traditional style meadows. One or two seems to be so abundant in meadow flowers that it seemed likely that they had been specifically planted. However whatever way they came about it added to beauty of the walk.
The only other flowers of note were Yellow Flag Iris and one or two spiles of Early Purple Orchids.
Birds seen or heard on this walk included: Sedge Warbler, A pair of Bullfinch, Mallards, Grey Heron, Reed Bunting, Willow Warbler, Skylarks (lots of them), Yellowhammers (lots heard, but not seen), Lapwings and one lapwing chick (bird of the day), Mute Swans, Tufted Ducks, Blackbird, Swallow, House Martin, Kestrel, Pied Wagtail and Canada Geese.

A pleasant drink was experienced at the Helter Skelter Wine Bar in Frodsham. A good real ale place that surves beer in over-sized glasses, always to be commended even if you still have to check if the pint is upto the mark! No doubt we will return to this venue next week.

This walk was completed at a good pace equalling our previous best! This is a good walk to be repeated, some say later in the year when the plums are ripe!

Bryn Alyn and Nercwys Forest 31st May 2007

No photographs available - old technology being used means that photos can only be posted once the film has been developed. This will probably be about once a month until my digital camera has been repaired.



Walk stats: Distance: 9.4 miles; Climb: 1470'; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h ;

Time: 5 hours 36 minutes.

Group: Martyn, Gordon, Dave and Sylvia J, Richard.



The group was a little smaller than usual for a Thursday since several of the regulars were away on holiday.

The weather forecast was for showers, heavy at times. This was just what we got, but in reality we had more sun than showers. There was only one heavy shower around lunch time, but at least it didn't feel cold.

The route alongside the quarry towards Maeshafn revealed unexpected aspects the quarry workings. A pleasant 20 minutes or so resting on the seat in the centre of Maeshafn was enxperienced whilst waiting for Richard to catch up with the rest of the group. Part of the walk was through the Nercwys Forest with its many new paths and tracks. It allowed us to explore the forest paths in directions that we didn't quite anticipate! Again this was a good day for flowers. It was good to see that there were lots of path signs and information boards around the forest. It has obviously become a place trying to attract people for all sorts of leisure activities. Several fields on route from Bryn Alyn to Nercwys Forest were good examples of old hay meadows. Nercwys Forest seemed to be alive with the sounds of bird song. The Song thrush call coming from all directions. Other birds encountered were: Stonechat, Blackbird, Mistle thrush, Jackdaw, Rook, Greenfinch, Willow warbler, Chaffinch and Great tit.
Overall this was an enjoyable walk, although next time I think we will explore areas around the summit of Bryn Alyn rather than Nercwys Forest.
The Miners Arms at Maeshafn now closes at 3-00 p.m., so we decided to try the Druid Inn at Llanferris. A pleasant pint of Hopback Crop Circle was enjoyed in surroundings that can be described as being full of character, tables, chairs and benches had used for a long time with tell-tale evidence of use and sin some cases misuse. Nevertheless the Druid Inn does give us another place of call when we are walking on the Ruthin side of Mold.

Lathkill Dale

26th May 2007

Well Dressing at Monyash.

Looking down Cales Dale to Lathkill Dale.

Jackob's Ladder in Lathkill Dale.

Early Purple Orchids in Lathkill Dale.

Walk stats:

Distance: 11.1.miles; Climb: 899'; Time: 6 hours 18 minutes; Walking Average: 2.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard and Celia.

A later than usual start ensured that we experienced heaviest of the forecast rain whilst still in the car. The temperature at the start was just about approaching the 12 degrees Celsius minimum for baring the legs. When the sun was hidden by clouds, the breeze made it feel decidedly cool!

This was indeed a walk with surprises, so much so that we were only on the move for just over 4 hours, having lunch for about 20 minutes and standing still for the rest of the time. Lathkill Dale is one of English Nature's gems, one of the Derbyshire Dales best Nature Reserves. Whilst this area is very popular with walkers there were times when we could stop and stare at the beauty of the many and varied flowers that we encountered on route, especially in the upper section of Lathkill Dale. Jacob's Ladder, a Red Book List species was the most notable species that we could recognise (thanks to a convenient information board). If the magnicent valleys and gorges, typical of limestone country with miriads of flowering plants was not enough, it was also the time of the year when villages displayed their skill of well dressing. Monyash displayed a good one depicting the anniversary of the mass tresspass on Kinder. Chunky Dippers entertained us they bobbed up and down, in and out of the water and the protective nature of Coot was displayed as it drove off inquisitive ducks as they approached the nest containing six quite small chicks. However the star display was a female Tufted Duck. The water in the river was so clear that we saw the bird dive and for several minutes observed the the bird swimming under water feeding off the bottom. Further down river the remains of Lathkill Dales industrial past came to light. The path went between the stone supports that used to carry the water away from some of the Mandale mine Company's lead mines. We also visited Bateman's House. James Bateman who was involved with the Lathkill Dale Mining Company in 1825. He installed a revolutionary pumping angine to solve the problem of underground flooding. He installed this in a shaft under the building that later became his home.

This wonderful walk is one that demands to be repeated, and the end of May into June seems to be the best time to choose.

Some of the flowers seen were: Jacob's Ladder, Ransons, Bluebells (native with their white/cream anthers and pollen), Spanish Bluebells (with their blue anthers and pollen, seen in a farm yard), Early Purple Orchids, Yellow archangel, Field Mouse-ear Chickweed, Fairy Flax, Creeping Buttercup, Meadow Buttercup, White Clover, Common Poppy and Common Field Speedwell.

Birds seen or heard include: Skylark, Carrion Crow, Rook, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Robin, Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Rook, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck and Dipper. However the bird of the day was not on the walk, but observed from the car on the way home. a Little Owl was seen sitting on top of the roadside lamp-post close to the canal bridge near the Chester turning just outside Nantwhich.

Two bees were seen on the Jacob's Ladder flowers. These were the Buff-tailed Bumblebee and the Large Red-tailed Bumblebee. The only other animals seen today were : Rabbits, Black Slugs, Snails and a Brown Trout.

The day was capped with an excellent pint (or two or three) of Hartington Bitter at that pub of character the Wilkes Head at Leek. Indeed we were entertained by some somewhat bawdy folk singing, at least that's what Celia and Richard told me. My hearing isn't what it used to be, and I didn't catch all the words!

Clywedog Reservoir and Moel y Fron

24th May 2007

Nigel, Gordon and Dave check out the Georgian Hearse House

adjacent to the 15th century church of St Mary at Cyffylliog.

The view of the Clwydian Hills from the lower slopes of Bryn Ocyn.

The view from Moel y Fron, looking towards the Wind Farm above the Clywedog Reservoir.

Walk stats:

Distance: 10.8 miles; Climb: 1624': Time: 4 hours 59 minutes; Walking average: 2.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Dave J, Celia, Richard; Gordon, Michel and Nigel.

A walkng average of 2.8 m.p.h. was a record for the group, not one I expect to be repeated too often.

This walk started at the village of Cyffylliog. Weather conditions were almost perfect for walking, pleasantly warm and sunny with a gentle breeze to keep us cool. In fact the onlt hint of moisture in the air was experienced as we had lunch at the picturesque Clywedog reservoir. The initial route followed closely the Afon Clywedog and Afon Concwest along pleasant dare I say delightful footpaths through woodlands. Woodland flowers were very much in evidence, many eluding identification. Gorse and Broom showing well alongside the forest track. The Wind Farm was very much attracting the eye on the skyline once we had emerged from the forest. The lunch spot at Clywedog Reservoir was enhanced by the presence of wooden benches. A few of the group ignored the notices and pretended to be fishermen to lunch at the reservoir edge. The return route across the flanks of Bryn Ocyn gave magnificent panoramic views of the Clwydian. This spot was the sighting, if only fleetingly of a Brown Hare. The only other mammal seen on the walk was a rabbit. Plenty of butterflies and moths were observed, as well as some unidentifiable insects. Birds seen or heard during the walk include: Grey Heron, Buzzard, House Martin, Swallow, Greenfinch, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Robin, Carrion Crow and Stonechat.

Overall this was a very enjoyable walk, farmers and dogs encountered were all friendly!

A very pleasant pint of Theakson's Best Bitter was enjoyed at the Miners Arms at Maeshafn. Hopefully it will taste just as good next week, if we get there in time!

Kate Roberts Walk and Mynydd Mawr

Date: 12th May 2007

Mynydd Mawr from Moel Smythio

At the summit of Mynydd Mawr

We were lucky with the weather, weren't we?

At the sumit of Moel Tryfan

Walk stats:

Distance: 8.3 miles: Climb: 2497'; Time: 5 hours 10 minutes; Walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike, Celia and Richard.

This walk started from the Kate Roberts Viewpoint on the road from Waun Fawr to Rhosgadfan. The weather forecast was at best blustery showers with temperatures around 7 Celsius on the summit and the cloud base only rising above the the summit of Mynydd Mawr after lunch. We set off in bright sunshine and temperatures suggesting that shorts would be more appropriate. However later in the day we were grateful that we had heeded the original forecast, particularly near the summit of Mynydd Mawr. Rain in fact was only minimal and lasted for a very short time just as we started our descent. Our lunch time on the summit of Mynydd Mawr was blessed with no rain and clear of cloud. Most of the Nantlle Ridge could be seen, but Snowdon only appeared fleetingly. The return route headed towards the waterworks below the quarries and then contoured round the quarries to the main quarry track. After exploring some of the impressive quarry workings we visited the summit of Moel Tryfan, where a plaque informed us the Charles Darwin had visited the location to study the rock formations.

The star bird, only heard, was the first Cuckoo of the year. This was a week later than last year. Other birds seen or heard included: Buzzard, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Raven, Robin, Skylark and Chaffinch. The only animal of note was a Common Lizard seen near to the forest wall on the approach to Mynydd Mawr. Plenty of moths were seen around the heather, but alas none of could identify them. Flowers were also well represented.

After walks drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia.