Mynydd Garthmyn, Capel Garmon Burial Chamber and St., Michael's Church 9th February 2008

The footbridge over Afon Conwy.
The group on Mynydd Garthmyn. One of the many excellent views seen on route. See from the lunchspot.

Capel Garmon burial chamber.

Walk stats: 9.2. miles; Climb:1120'.
Walking average 2.4 m.p.h.
Group: Richard, Celia, Roger, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J.

Birds seen or heard today include:Jackdaw, Jay, Magpie, Raven, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Hedge Sparrow, Nuthatch, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Mallard, Moorhen and Grey heron.

Barber Hill, Vivod Estate and the Horseshoe Falls 7th February 2008

The view from the lunchspot.


Climbing the road from Vivod - Llantysilio Mountains above.

The group at Llantysilio Church

Walk stats: Distance: 10.7 miles; Climb: 1974'.
Time: 5 hours 10 minutes, Walking average: 2.7 m.p.h., Overall walk average 2.1 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Annie H., Fran and Tito, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J.

This walk is always enjoyable, more so when the sun shines as it did today. The barmy temperatures caught most of us out, only Dave J. managed to where shorts, but even he cheated a little by wearing zip-offs! The first walk provides many magnificent views across the Dee valley to the Llantysilio mountains, the Eglwyseg Rocks, Dinas Bran and Trevor Rocks.
The surprise of the day was to come across a van trapped across a narrow section of the road, wedged at the back and against the fence at the front. How it was to be recovered, gave rise to some debate, but we'll probably never find out how it was done.
The River Dee was in spate and its roar could be heard a long way off as it crashed against the rocks on its way to Llangollen and beyond.
The flowers of the day were the Snowdrops where their dominant presence around the the gravestones and borders in Llantysilio Church, bathed in sunlight really did make you feel that the joys of Spring were here.
Birds seen or heard today included: Buzzard, Robin, Raven, Siskin, Pied wagtail, Blackbird, House sparrow, Mallard, Blue tit, Great tit, Nuthatch, Carrion crow, Grey Heron and Jackdaw.
After walk refreshments were enjoyed at the Cornmill, where brews from the Cottage and Weetwood breweries were enjoyed.

Bosely, Sutton Common,Croker Hill and the Gritstone Trail 2nd February 2008

Looking to the Comminications tower on Croker Hill/Sutton Common.

Lunch time.

The view from the lunch spot.

Snowman in the making.

Saying goodbue to Mr. Snowman.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.1 miles; Climb: 2323'.
Time: 6 hours 10 minutes; Walking average: 2.4 m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Sue and Michel, Sylvia and Dave J., Fran and Tito.

The start point as originally planned, had to abandoned when the road leading to it was closed, presumeably due to snow/ice on the minor road concerned. This meant that we had to improvise and started the walk from a large layby on the A523 at Bosely. The walk had to be adapted as well, since this start point was nearly 2 miles from any point on the planned walk.
Undeterred we set off through the snow covered fields towards the dam on Bosely Reservoir.
Bright sunshine and blue skies was sufficient and the snow were enough to make you glad just to be out.
The adapted route took us through some beautiful picturesque valleys and along high field tops with magestic views in all directions. It also treated us to some rather boggy terrain that would test anyones boots to the limit of their waterproofness.
Lunch was taken in a sheltered spot with its picture postcard view looking towards Brooms Farm. After lunch Michel couldn't resist the temptaion of building a snow man.
The highlight of the walk was the ridge sections across Sutton Common, Croker Hill with its communications tower and then along the old road following the Gritstone Trail. White Nancy, Shutlingsloe, the Roaches and Boselt Cloud could all be seen in their finery dressed with snow.
Birds seen or heard today included: Magpie, Nuthatch, Robin, Greenfinch, Carrion crow, Great crested grebe, Coot, Mallard, Snipe (bird of the day for most), Grey wagtail, Kestrel, Buzzard, Blue tit, Grat tit, Jackdaw and Goldfinch.
This magnifenct day's walking in the East of Cheshire was topped with pint of the best bitter in the world (Whim' Hartington Bitter) at the Wilkes Head in Leek. We needed to return home this way to avoid the road works on the A54, and coincidently give us the chance to visit the Whim hostelry in Leek.

This is a walk we will have to do again, probaly from Danebridge/Wincle when there is no ice/snow on the ground.

Around the Bollin and Wilmslow to Mottram Bridge 31st January 2008

The view towards Alderley Edge and the Peak District.

Crossing the River Bollin.


Distance: 13.3 miles; Climb: 2008'.
Time: 5 hours 42 minutes; walking average: 2.8.m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Fran and Tito, Sylvia and Dave J.

The weather forecast for today, from some sources was horrendous, reducing the expected numbers as the fair weather walkers dropped out. They should have ignored what the weather men said, and just watched the computer generated movement of the clouds which suggested that we might just get away with it. This proved the case and virtually no rain was experienced and blue skies and some sun accompanied us for most of the walk.

The first walk around the Bollin via Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Woods was a delight, if somewahat muddy in places underfoot. This walk would be worth doing at any time of the year, but especially so in Spring. Lunch was taken at the picnic site at Twinnies Bridge.

The start of the second walk was linked by paths along the edge of the Carrs. It didn't quite live up to the beauty of the first, but the last section was again along the the wonderfully meandering River Bollin. Richard tried to lead us too close to the river and we ended up with a barbed wire fence to cross. Dave J. came to the rescue by putting his rucsac across the barbed wire to make our crossing easier and rip free.

Birds seen or heard today included: Robin, Chaffinch, Kestrel, Buzzard, Long-tailed tirt, Blue tit, Great tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Grey wagtail, Coot and Shoveler.

After walk drinks were at the Lord Eldon in Knutsford.

Dates and Walks January 2008

Last updated on 28th January 2008

Tuesday 1st January 2008.

Happy New Year to everyone

and of course

Happy Birthday to Richard

New Year's day walk - Richard's 60th birthday
Llanarnon-yn-Ial and Eryrys.

Distance: 6 miles; Climb: 1200'.

Start: Pistyll Gwyn Quarry car park on the B5430 1 mile north of Llanarmon.

Leave Chester at 9-45 a.m. and meet at the car park. (start walking at about 10-30 a.m.)

The walk is shorter than usual, but is New Year's Day after all. Another reason for the later than usual start time. Another reason for starting later is that the Colomendy Arms doesn't open until 2-00 p.m., and we need to finish the walk around that time too! The walk is taken from Carl Rogers' book "Walking in the Clwydian Hills". He describes it as a walk exploring the lesser known limestone hills separated from the main Clwydian ridge by the Alyn valley. Footpaths are generally good and views of Moel Fammau and the southern Clwydian Range are superb for most of the walk.

Thursday 3rd January 2008

Thursday 3rd January 2008

Garth Wood, Felin Blwm Wood and Maen Achwyfan.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: 1000' at a guess.

Start: Whitford village. Roadsise parking opposite the church. Grid ref: SJ147782.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m. Meet at the Britannia Inn, Pentre Halkyn and go in convoy from there. We will take as few cars as possible.

This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Holywell and Halkyn Mountain". It is quite some time since I have done the first walk. Unfortunately it is only 4.5 miles and the only other walk that links in well with it is Maen Achwyfan, a walk that we have already done quite recently, although obviously not this year!

Saturday 5th January 2008

The Edge to Nether Alderley and the Edge and Hough.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: Not a lot (less than 1000' at a guess).

Start: National Trust car Park close to the Wizard Restaurant, Alderley Edge. This is a Pay and Display car park - Free to National Trust Members. Grid ref: SJ860773.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m. and meet at the car park.

This walk combines two walks from Graham Beech's book " East Cheshire Walks". He describes it as being moderate. The walk will again probably give us views of the communications tower on Croker Hill/Sutton Common. We may also get the opportunity to visit Nether Alderley Mill (National Trust- so bring your N.T cards with you if you are members.)

After walk drinks will be at the Angel in Knutsford (or the Cross Keys if the Angel isn't to our liking).

Thursday 10th January 2008

Willaston and the lost village of Hadlow.

Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: Not a lot!

Start: Hadlow Road station car park, Willaston: Grid ref: SJ332773.

This combines two walks taken from Anthony Annakin-Smith's book "Wirral Walks". He describes one walk as including a restored railway station, a roman road, old buildings, Wirrals's largest windmill, an ancient hedge, the Wirral Way, farmland and a Glow worm site. The second walk includes, a Roman road, a medieval road and a turnpike road, unusual trees, as well as more farmland and the same section of the Wirral way.

After walk drinks at the Wheatsheaf, Willaston (if anyone knows how to get there!).

Leave Chester 9-15 a.m. and meet at the Hadlow Road Station car park.

Saturday 12th January 2008

Grinllwm - an outlying hill with good views.

Distance: 8 miles; Climb: 1500' (at a guess).

Start: Plas yn Dre car park near the Library/ Police station, North of Llanrwst. Grid ref: SH796618.

Leave Chester 8-0 a.m. Meet in the car park at the Britaania Inn, Pentre Halkyn. We will then go in convoy to the start.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's new book "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley". He describes it as a walk of great variety, exploring the Conwy Valley between llanrwst and Trefriw. It includes riverside paths, two waterfalls and a climb up the outlying hill, Grinllwm. This is the first of of what looks like some good walks from Dave Berry's latest walking booklet.

This walk had to be cancelled due to the flooding in the Conwy Valley and around Llanrwst in particular.

Instead a walk from Llandudno West Shore around the Great Orme and Deganwy castle was undertaken.

The original walk from Llanwrst will be put on the list again, probably some time in February or March or April

Sunday 13th January 2008.

Sylvia's Birthday.

Happy birthday to Sylvia from everyone in the group.

Thursday 17th January 2008

Lindow, Saltersley and Mobberley.

Distance: 10 miles; Climb: Not a lot expected.

Start: Twinnies Bridge car park, Wilmslow. The car park is on the B5166 Wilmslow to Styal Road.

Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks". He starts the walk in Racecourse Road by Lindow, but says the cars keft there are often vandalised, so we will start at Twinnies Bridge car park where dog walkers seem to be coming and going all of the time. This will extend the described walk a little over a mile, providing we can find the correct link paths. He describes the main walk as being easy, but there are many criss cross paths that make an O.S. map essential and the ability to us it of course. After walk drinks will probably be at the Lord Eldon on Tatton Street. There is a car park on Tatton Street. (Pay and Display). You can get to Tatton Street by taking our normal route along the one way street past the Cross Keys. At the very end, just as the road bears right, Tatton Street is on the road on the left that heads back in to town. The car park will then be on the right.

Saturday 19th January 2008

The Middlewood Way and Cheshire Ring Walk.

Distance: 10 miles; Climb: Not a lot! We can extend the walk if that is the wish of the group, and the weather is good, and no-one needs to get back early.

Start: Middlewood way car Park, Adlington Road, Bollington. Grid ref:SJ931782.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

This walk is an improvised walk to once again to give us a chance of enjoying the hospitality of the Vale Inn on Adlington Road. No guide for this walk, only the O.S. map and our ability to use it! The walk starts by following the Middlewood Way (former railway track) as far as Middlewood/Higher Poynton, then using the Goyt Way to link with the Macclesfield Canal, and returning to Bollington via the canal towpath (described as the Cheshire Ring Walk). This should be an easy stroll with good views from the elevated Middlewood Way.

It may be worth bringing binoculars, last time we walked along the Macclesfield Canal there were plenty of birds to see.

Thursday 24th January 2008

Redesmere, Siddington, Capesthorne and more.

Distance: 7+ miles. Climb: Not a lot expected.

Start: car park adjacent to Redesmere on Fenshawe Lane, off A34. Grid ref: SJ:849713.

Leave Chester at 9 - 00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Graham Beech's book "East Cheshire Walks". The walk as described is only 7 miles, so we will have to look in ways to extend it on the day. The walk passes quite a few sections of open water/lakes/ponds, so binoculars may be a worthwhile addition to bring along. One possible extension seems to follow a stream for quite a while.

After walk drinks will probably be at a suitable location in Knutsford, probably the Lord Eldon on Tatton Street.

Saturday 26th January 2008

The Llugwy and Lledre Valley.

Distance: 8 miles; Climb: 1000'.

Start: Railway station car park in the centre of Betws-y Coed. Grid ref: SH795565. I think this is a Pay and Display car park, and make sure you park within the designated lines!

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.

This is another walk taken from Dave Berry's new book "Walks Around Betws-y-Coed and the Conwy Valley". This walk links the beautiful wooded Llugwy and Lledre Valleys. It takes in Sarn Helen, the former Roman Road, and reaches over 800' before descending in to the Lledre Valley. It involves a steep climb to Llyn Elsi or at least that is what Dave Berry says!

Thursday 31st January 2008

A walk around the Bollin and Wilmslow to Mottram Bridge.

Distance: 10-11 miles; Climb: 500'+.

Start: Twinnies Bridge car park, Wilmslow. 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.

Llugwy and Lledre Valleys 26th January 2008

The Afon Lledre from our lunch spot - not the coldest wind swept spot that they claim I usually suggest for lunch!

The group near Llyn Elsie.

The view from the monument above Llyn Elsie.

Martyn at the Reservoir Monument above Llyn Elsie.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.2 miles; Climb: 1957'.

Time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Walking average: 2.5. m.p.h.; Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Dave J., Celia, Laurence, Mike, Roger, Evelien and Charlie.

This was the first of the walks planned for this area, since the one from Llanwrst had to be postponed due to flooding. The number for this walk was boosted with five people joining the group for the first time this year, including Laurence who had flown down from Glasgow to join us on the walk whilst being in Chester over the weekend.

This walk started in temperatures, much above the forecasted feel like 5 Celsius temperature, but once we were on the higher open forest area it did get much cooler. Overall the weather was kind to us and at times the sun even shone!

The walk was a very varied walk with the footpaths close to both the Afon Llugwy and Afon Lledre being the the term "delightful" to mind. The best views of the day were reserved for the high point of the day at the monument above Llyn Elsie.

Lunch was taken at a picturesque spot with the wonderful bubbling torrents of the Afon Lledre nearby.

Dave Berry as usual got it right when he described the climb from the Lledre Valley to Llyn Elsie as being a steep climb. This route through the forest wasn't the best bit of the walk, at least not for me!

Birds seen or heard today included: Goosander, Grey Heron, Dipper, Raven, Nuthatch, Wren, Jay, Great spotted woodpecker, Great tit, Buzzard, Jackdaw and Treecreeper.

As a special treat for Celia, after walk drinks were taken at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where we were greeted by a pony and a large dog at the entrance. A better welcome that the one we used to get from the boxers! As usual the J.W. Lees bitter was in excellent form, and despite my suggestion that he shouldn't, Laurence treated us all to a second pint.

Redesmere, Marton, Siddington and Capesthorne 24th January 2008

Shutlingsloe and Croker Hill.

After lunch at Marton Church.

The inside of Marton Church.

Walk stats: Distance: 12.5 miles; Climb: 1139'.

Time: 5 hours 06 minutes; Walking average: 2.8 m.p,h,; Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Sylvia and Dave J.

This was a walk completed almost entirely in sunshine. What a blessing after so much rain. However the temperature was only about 5 or 6 Celsius, and felt even cooler in the wind. This was quite a varied walk and the little extension to Marton provided us with the little gem of St. Paul's and St. James church, apparently the oldest half timbered church in Europe still in use. This was also the lunch spot, taking advantage of the two benches in the church grounds.

The walk provided many good views of distant Cheshire high spots, including Alderley Edge, Shutlingsloe and the communications mast on Croker Hill.

This walk seemed to be alive with birds on the many lakes past, the hedgerows, in gardens, in the fields and in the wooded areas.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Great crested grebe, Canada goose, Greylag goose, Black-headed gull, Coot, Little grebe, Tufted duck, Grey heron, Goosander, Great spotted woodpecker, Blue tit, Great tit, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Jay, House sparrow, Bullfinch, Sparrowhawk, Robin, Wren, Mute swan, Redwing, Fieldfare, Starling, Goldfinch, Woodpidgeon, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Buzzard and Red-crested pochard.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Lord Eldon in Knutsford where the beer of choice today was Hambleton's Stallion bitter.