Corbar Edge, Froggatt Edge, White Edge Moor and White Edge 9th May 2009

Corbar Edge. Stoke Flat stone circle.

Lady's Cross on White Edge Moor.

Is this the Hurkling Stone!

At the trig point on White Edge.

Walk stats: Distance:7.8 miles;Climb:1594'.

Time:3 hours 47 minutes;On the move walking average:2.4 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard and Celia.

Overall this was an excellent walk in weather better than we were lead to expect. Dry and in the main sunny with a stiff breeze to keep us cool! this walk will be repeated in the future, but will probably be extended to include Baslow Edge as well. Starting at Corbar Gap meant that we started with only a short climb to reach the path across Corbar Edge, today the playground of a man with a remote controlled kite! Most of the walk was along the edges with good views in all directions.

Birds seen or heard today included:Willow warbler (with good views too), Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Carrion crow, Kestrel, Blackbird, Swallow, Cormorant, Raven, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Curlew. After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wilkes Head in Leek where the Hartington Biter was in excellent condition. We were even home early enough to watch Liverpool beat West Ham in the match that kicked off at 5-30 p.m.

Coed Pen y Gelli and the Gorsedd Round B 7th May 2009

Normally our best Bluebell wood - Coed Allt-y-tywood. Bluebells in Coed Cornel-cae.
An Early Purple Orchid - is this the flower of the day?

Coed Pen-y Gelli - more Bluebells than we have seen before!

The Watch Tower, often seen, but never actually reached!

Walk stats: Distance: 11.7 miles; Climb:1704'.

Time:5 hours 35 minutes; On the move walking average: 2.6 m.p.g.;Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Gorden, Celia, Tito, Sue and Michel.

What a glorious day this was, almost perfect weather for walking! Blue sky, sun and a pleasant breeze for most of the day (a little stronger towards the end of the day!).

The Bluebells were in fine form, although our normally best wood was being "managed" and as a consequence some of the fine avenues of Bluebells had been destroyed. However in compensation some of the other woods visited produced better than ever swathes of Bluebells.

As usual lunch was taken at the Pen-y-Gelli Nature Reserve, where we bsked in the sun, protected from the wind by the sides of the old quarry.
At this time of the year this is always a good walk, and as today, in good weather is always a joy to be on. Best views of the day were across the Dee Estuary towards the Wirral.

Today was a day to admire the many Spring flowers in the hedgerows, the Early Purple Orchid probably being the star!

Birds seen or heard today included:Blackbird, Blackcap, Robin, Green woodpecker, magpie, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch, Pied wagtail, Robin, Housesparrow, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Lapwing, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Greylag goose, Canada goose, Swallow and Buzzard.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn. The J.W. Lees bitter was good , especially the new barrel that was put on while we were there. The welcome at the Britannia is always good, and Sarah (not knowing the history) gave Celia two extra bags of crisps!

Around the Great Orme 4th May 2009

No photos for this walk - weather not conducive to using a camera!
Walk stats:Distance:8.2 miles; Climb:1700' (Estimate taken from previous times on this walk).
Time:3 hours 38 minutes; On the move walking average:2.7 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.3 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Richard, Roger, Celia, Sylvia and Dave J.
This extra walk for the early May Bank Holiday was intended to be a gentle stroll with the added bonus of a little birdwatching! Instead it proved to be a battle against at times gale force winds and driving rain. There was little incentive to stop and stare out to sea in the hope of seeing seals or sea birds. Overall this will not be a walk that will linger fondly in our memories, although it will be repeated on many occasions in the future, but hopefully when the sun shines!
birds seen of heard today included:Blackbird, House sparrow, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, Mute swan, Herring gull. Black-headed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Fulmar, Kittewake, Guillemot, Razorbill, Meadow pipit, Skylark and Wheatear.
After walk refreshments were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where the Lees bitter was back on form again!

The Lawley and Caer Caradoc 2nd May 2009

The way ahead and plenty of very young lambs too! The bird of the day on the Lawley!

The Lawley from the slopes of Caer Caradoc.

In Caer Caradoc Hill Fort.

Walk stats:Distance:10.8 miles; Climb:2276'.

Time:5 hours 57 minutes;On the move walking average:2.2. m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.8 m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Sylvia and Dave J.

What a glorious day this turned out to be, almost perfect weather for walking, sunny most of the time, the occasional light breeze and no rain. This must be one of the best walks from Church Stretton especially with the two ridges of the Lawley and Caer Caradoc. This was the first time that I've actually been to Caer Caradoc and was impressed by the size of the hill fort.

We were delighted to see large numbers of Small White butterflies dancing around the flowers in the valley below the Lawley. This was then surpassed by the tumbling antics of several Ravens as we had lunch on the slopes of the Lawley. Then to finish off we had a superb view of a hovering Kestrel at eye level to us and only about 30 feet away.

Other birds seen or heard today included:Blue tit, Great tit, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Swallow, House martin, Dunnock, House sparrow, Carrion crow, Buzzard, Sedge warbler, Yellowhammer, Mallard, Green woodpecker, Great spotted woodpecker, Wren, Cuckoo and Treecreeper.

After walk drinks were taken at the Buck Inn in Church Stretton. Even Banks' bitter tasted good today. The better pint on offer was a Marston's brew.

Snowdon 30th April 2009

The whole group on the steps to Hotel Eryri.

Ascending the Snowdon Ranger path to Snowdon. At the trig point on Yr Wyddfa.

The group outside Hotel Eryri (still not open) on Yr Wyddfa summit.
Descending the South Ridge on the Rydd Ddu path.

The first view of the day!

Walk stats:Distance:8.2 miles; Climb:2918'.

Time:6 hours 2 minutes; On the move walking average:1.7m.p.h.;Overall walk average:1.3m.p.h.

Group:Martyn, Richard, Gordon, Dave J., Sylvia, Fran and Tito, Sue and Michel and friends from Arradon.
The predicted light rain turned out to be much more than just showers and it rained continuously until we reached the summit. However the strong winds died out much quicker than expected, making it feel much warmer when the rain stopped.

Views were very limited, but glimpses started to appear towards the end of the day, along with our first sight of the Sun and blue skies.

We celebrated reaching the summit trig point with some French red wine kindly provided by John-Louise.
Although still in cloud we lunched outside Hotel Eryri, apparently due to open to the public in a couple of weeks time.

The birds seen or heard today were few and far between but included:Meadow pipit, Skylark, Wheatear, Carrion crow, Swallow and Chough.

After walk drinks were celebrate at the Cwellyn Arms at Rhyd Ddu where the Bragdy Conwy brew was excellent (sampled by some of our French friends too!).

The Chester contingent also sampled J.W.Lees bitter at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, but it wasn't quite at its best on this occasion. six of the group also had a meal where Rabbit pie was the main tempter!

Overall a very enjoyable day, despite the cloud cover and lack of views which must have been a been a disappointment to our friends from Arradon.

Clip-y-Orsedd and Foel Lus 25th April 2009

A hillside decked in Primrose - what a glorious sight! Is this a hen party heading to the top of Clip-y-Orsedd? At the Druid's Stone Circle.

The final descent to Nant y Coed and Llanfairfechan.

Walk stats: Distance:10.8miles (11.8miles for Richard, Roger and Dave J.);Climb:2379' (3080' for Richard, Roger and Dave J.).

Group:Martyn, Sylvia, Fran and Tito, Celia and Laurence, Richard, Roger and Dave J.

A day for contrasting weather. We started in very light rain, which turned into heavy rain with a cold Easterly wind as we approached the summit of Clip-y-Orsedd at about 11-30 a.m. At times the temperature felt close to freezing! However at that point the rain stopped and the wind eased slightly. We could now enjoy the rest of the walk in comfort, warm enough for some to remove coats and bare legs! The views initially were not so good, bot during the afternoon in one direction we could see Anglesey again and the opposite direction the ridge of Tan y fan and further over the Northern peaks of the Carneddau.

Lunch was taken on the Jubilee path around Foel Lus with good views across Penmaenmawr and the Irish sea towards Puffin Island and Penmon Point on Anglesey.

Before lunch we met a group of dog owner involved in a training exercise to see if their dogs were suitable for being trained as search and rescue dogs.

Birds seen or heard today included:Robin, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Mistle thrush, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Swallow, Chaffinch, Great tit, Blue tit and a bird of prey, probably a Kestrel.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn where the Les bitter was back in form.

Dates and Walks April 2009

Updated 24th April 2009.

Thursday 2nd April 2009.
Eglwyseg Rocks, Trevor Rocks and More.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:2000'.
Start:Verge parking close to the Monument on the Panorama Walk. Grif ref: SJ247428.
Leave Chester at 9-00 a.m.
This is one of the best walks in the LLangollen area, and is one that we have done at least once every year since Michel introduced us to it many years ago. Although there are very few paths on the O.S. maps , there are good paths on the ground. It will give us another chance to explore some of the newly created waymarked paths across the upper plateau of the Eglwyseg escarpment.

Saturday 4th April 2009.
St. Celynnin's Church and Tal y Fan.

Distance:7-8 miles;Climb:2000+'.
Start:Roadside parking in Rowen, on the right by houses just after passing the Post Office. Grid ref:SH761719.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". This walk is described as exploring the scenic upland pastures, full of antiquity, featuring a remote ancient church, Maen Penddu (standing stone), a burial chamber and Cae Bach (hill fort). Visiting Cae Bach may involve a there and back extension! Although this walk is shorter than our usual walks, Dave Berry does suggest that we should allow at least 5 hours and is for experienced walkers only!

Thursday 9th April 2009.
A Walk in the Ceiriog Valley.

Distance:10 miles; Climb:2000'.
Start: Car park in Pontfadog. Grid ref:SJ235382.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This is a repeat of the walk that we did in August 2007, and is the "Chapels in the Valley" walk that was taken from a Walking Wales magazine. We enjoyed it so much last time that I thought it was time to repeat it. As last time it intended to visit the summit of Y Foel and Biddulph Tower. Perhaps this time we might investigate an alternative descent of Biddulph Tower, rather that just retracing the route of ascent.

Saturday 11th April 2009.
Porth-Llwyd Falls, Cwm Port-Llwyd and Moel Eilio.

Distance:8-9 miles; Climb:1500+'.
Start: Roadside parking in Dolgarrog in road opposite Dolgarrog Social Club. Grid ref:SH769677.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This walk combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". One walk he describes as a demanding 3 mile walk ascending the steep wooded slopes above Dolgarrog and includes a waymarked trail commemorating the 1925 dam disaster. The second walk explores remote upland valleys using an old 2' narrow railway track and returns across Moel Eilio ridge. The final part of this walk passes Porth-Llwyd Falls, a popular attraction with Victorian visitors.

Thursday 16th April 2009.
Cwm Coed Drwg and Bwlch y Groes and Moel y Gaer.

Distance:11-12 miles; Climb:3000'.
Start:Lay-by close to the Butterfly Man Craft Centre at Glyndyfrdwy. Grid ref:SJ158436.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This is a walk taken from Dave Berry's book "walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley". This is another walk that we have done several times before. Dave Berry describes it as an exhilarating walk exploring the Western hills of the Llantysilio Mountains, giving extensive views throughout. The climb through heather clad moorland to the summit of Moel yr Gaer is an extension that we will do, weather permitting.

Saturday 18th April 2009.
Grinlwm and Llyn Gerionydd.

Distance:8-9 miles; Climb:1200'.

Start:Llanrwst Plas yn Dre car park. Grid ref:SH782630.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.
This is another walk that combines another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Betws-y-coed and the Conwy Valley". Whilst many of the group have already done this walk, it is one that I missed out on last time. Hence the repeat. The walk included to waterfalls and the remote ancient Llanrhychwyn church.
Grinllwm and the Llanrwst to Trefriw Valley Walk.

Thursday 23rd April 2009.
Foxhalls and the Ystrad Valley.

Distance:12 miles; Climb:2000'.
Start:Lay-by just outside Denbigh on the A534 Pentrefoelas road. Grid ref:SJ043660.
Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk combines two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd". We have done both walks before, but last time we didn't complete the Foxhalls walk as intended as we missed a turning just after the Lawnt. These are two good walks. One exploring the wooded Ystrad Valley and the other exploring the gently un dulating countryside between Denbigh and Henlan.

Saturday 25th April 2009.
Clip-y-Orsedd, Garreg Fawr, Nant y Coed and Bwlch y Ddeufaen.

Distance:12 miles; Climb:2500'.
Start: Llanfairfechan. Turn left at the traffic lights up Village Road, then turn right at HSBC and the car park is at the rear of the bank. Grid ref:SH682747.
Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This involves another two walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the North Wales Coast". We have done both walks before, but I don't think that qwe have done them together. This is lovely upland area to explore, and usually when near Clip yr Orsedd we extend the walk to visit the Druids Circles. the walk over Carreg Fawr is good too!

Thursday 30th April 2009.
Snowdon.

Distance: 8-9 miles; Climb:1500'.
Leave Chester 7-45 a.m.
Start:Snowdon Ranger car park and leaving at least 1 car at the Rhyd ddu car park. Grid ref: Snowdon Ranger car park SH564552. Rhyd Ddu car park SH572524 (pay and display). At the moment it looks like we will need at least 4 cars to give us the options that we want.
This is a change of plan to accomodate 5 of our Fench visitors from Arradon who want to go up Snowdon. Michel has informed them that we will pick them up from their hotel in LLandudno at 8-30 a.m., hence the very early start. It is intended that we will use the Snowdon Ranger for the ascent and the Rhyd Ddu path in descent. Return to the cars at the Snowdon Ranger car park will be by car or using the Snowdon Highland Railway if convenient. Any wait can be made by taking refeshments at the Cwellyn Arms.