Llanfairfechan to Aber Ogwen and back 23rd January 2016

Is it really that cold - the temperature is in double figures or at least that is what the forecast said!

The bird of the day - A Common scoter - West of Llanfairfechan.

"Come on you are suppose to beenjoying yourself, it's only a bit of a breeze!"

A few lapwings in flight.

Oystercatchers waiting for the tide to go out.

Penrhyn Castle again!

Llanfairfechan seems a long way off!

Walk stats: Distance: 10.1 miles. Climb: 100' (956' wind assisted on the GPS).

Time: 5 hours 40 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike and Roger.

The forecast was for it to be warm (about 10 Celsius), windy but no rain until after 18-00. It was just about right, although the rain started just as we arrived back at the car just before 16-00. 

 This walk as most of the group know is a little indulgence on my part at this time of the year as it is a good time to see Wintering birds to our shores, and this year was know exception. As started the walk it was very close to high tide and the birds should have been close to us and easy to see. It started well, after about 30 minutes, we saw a Common scoter only  100 yards or so off shore. Another good area is the coastal region North of Glan-y-MorElias nature Reserve, but we arrived just after the local ringing group had set of their net (fired by explosives) over the roosting birds at high tide, so birds were few and far between. Apparently most of the birds trapped were Dunlin.

 Today conditions underfoot were good, even in the places where we would usually anticipate a little mud. It was pleasing to find that the difficulty usually encountered West of Cwrtiau had been addressed and slate chips had been used to make the descent to the beach a little less hazardous.

 until we reached Aber Ogwen picnic site/car park we had battled against the wind, but thankfully the picnic table we used was quite sheltered and we had good views across the estuary and beyond to Anglesey.

 The return route was a pleasant wind assisted stroll back to Llanfairfechan.  

 Views inland showed that there was still snow on the higher slopes, but views across the Anglesey were never as good as the weather forecast had implied they should be.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, Mute swan, Mallard, Jackdaw, Common blackbird, Skylark, Goosander, Common scoter, Teal, Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveler, Shelduck, Great cormorant. Oystercatcher, Eurasian curlew, Lapwing, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Little egret (Roger's bird of the day) and Dunlin.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, where the Ty Gwyn cider went down well.

Around Willaston and Raby 21st January 2016

This is Post 1000!

Two for sale in Willaston or can I see third?

Willaston Windmill.

Anywhere will do for lunch - after the first place was rejected by the "leader"!

Lunch time with seating if desired.

Happily standing in  field after just escaping from what appeared to be the longest muddiest path on the Wirral!

Walk stats: Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 233'.

Time: 3 hours 49 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Annie, David S., Wendy, Tim, Paul and Phil.

The forecast was cold and dry in the morning with the likelihood of rain after 13-00. They were pretty well spot on, the wind was so cold I even had to put a hat on to keep my ears warm and it started to rain just after lunch at about 12-45.

 After leaving the village of Willaston with its few interesting old buildings, there wasn't a lot to make you want to linger any spot for any length of time. There were very few birds around to stop and look at and photo opportunities were rare.

 At the end of School Lane from Raby to Willaston, I didn't look at the map, spotted a "red blob" on the footpath opposite and headed in that direction. Alas it wasn't our "red blob" and we had to resort to the map to get back on track!

 Lunch was taken just outside Willaston taking advantage of the wall around the tree just after the Mill. 

 After lunch Paul decided that the school run beckoned and declined the challenge of the mud run which was successfully completed by the rest of us including Wendy!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Black-headed gull, Herring gull and House sparrow.

 We arrived back at the car with the rain still falling and agreeing that perhaps the next time we do this walk we should try it at a time in the year when the chances of a muddy experience was less likely!

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby where Purple Moose "Maddog Ale" went down well andthe roaring log fire was much appreciated.

Port Penrhyn, Its Railways and Rivers 16thJanuary 2016

Looking across the bay to Port Penrhyn.

Port Penrhyn.

Some of the larger fishing boats at Port Penrhyn.

You wouldn't guess from the outside that this was once the port's super loo, flushed by the sea!

Snow capped hill on the skyline.

In deep thought?

Our view of Penrhyn Castle.

The Afon Ogwen.

A weir across the Afon Ogwen from the footbridge near Felin Cochwillan.

Walks stats: Distance: 9.6 miles. Climb: 457'.

Time: 5 hours 39 minutes. On the move walking average: Martyn, Roger and Mike.

The weather forecast was good, dry but cold and hopefully good views of the snow covered peaks of the Carneddau. Unfortunately the forecasters got it wrong and we had gentle drizzle for most of the day. Thankfully it did stop as we arrived back at the car at the end of the walk.  However it wasn't to cold and we were walking in sheltered wooded valleys at times when it was raining.

 We started the walk by exploring Port Penrhyn, having been informed by a local walker of this super loo flushed by the incoming tide. We felt compelled to locate it, even if it is no longer in use.

 The next part of the walk was along old railway line following Afon Cegin, a gentle stroll, just right for Mike after his forced absence from Saturday walks.

 As in the past we encountered a few problems with kissing gates, obviously built for thin people not wearing rucksacks. When Mike and Roger had to remove their rucksacks to get through, it's not my physique that was the problem!

 Lunch was taken near to one of these kissing gates, taking advantage of the fact that we had the need to remove our ruckacks anyway.

 In contrast to the tarmaced path at the start of the walk, the second part of the walk involved us crossing several muddy fields and regretting the fact that we hadn't put gaiters on!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Shelduck, Mallard, Mute swan, Wigeon. Goldeneye, Grey heron, Red breasted merganser, European robin, Common blackbird and Chaffinch.

 Overall a good walk, slightly longer than we had anticipated and with legs feeling the consequences.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell Inn at Halkyn, where we encountered lying snow still in the car park. A light beer from the local Hafod brewery went down well.

A Leasowe to New Brighton Round 14th January 2016

"Is this really what we want to be doing ?"

or

Enjoying a stroll on the beach, heading towards Fort Perch Rock.

Looking Northwards from the beach at Leasowe.

A large container ship heading for Seaforth docks on the incoming tide.

Now that's a better looking sky! Looking back towards Leasowe lighthouse.
Leasowe lifeguard lookout tower on the left of the picture.

The Seaforth to Liverpool skyline with the new container port cranes dominating the view.

Fort Perch Rock and Lighthouse with Formby beach in the distance.

New Anfield under construction.

Black Pearl as good as it has ever been.

All aboard the Black Pearl.

Looking towards the stern of the Black Pearl.

A few of the birds on the pontoon at New Brighton Marine Lake.

Waves crashing over the sea walls at New Brighton.

More waves crashing over the sea wall.

Rough seas!

Walkstats: Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: about 100' (2002' if you believed the GPS win assisted reading!).

Time: 4 hours 1 minute. On the move walking average: 2.8 .p.h. Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h. Group: Martyn, Annie, Phil and Paul. Fran and a friend with aher collie Rosie joined us for part of the walk.

The forecast was for dry weather, 24 m.p.h. winds and temperatures feeling like -2 Celsius. Thankfully it never felt as cold as that, but gloves were still needed! After about twenty minutes of Walking the Sun came out and we had blue skies over us, even if Lancashire didn't look as though it was being as lucky with the weather. 

 The incoming tide was getting a little close, so we prudently climbed up to the promenade at the last set of steps before the final stretch of beach towards Fort Perch Rock.
 We saw plenty of ships heading out of Liverpool on the rising tide, but alas we didn't see a ship at the new mega container ship dock or the huge cranes being used.
 The drift wood pirate ship was still present and looked to be better than ever.
 Lunch was taken in one of the wind shelters adjacent to New Brighton Marine Lake. Unfortunately we only had views of the Floral Pavilion and the road, but at least we were sheltered from the wind and bathed in warm sunshine.
 The return route along the promenade back to Leasowe presented a different challenge than the sand storm encountered last year. This time it was the waves crashing over the sea wall that forced us to walk on the path on the other side of the road (about 50 yards away from the wall) to avoid getting wet. It didn't stop us getting sprayed every now and then and our glasses getting a deposit of salt on the lenses as the sea water evaporated.
 Approaching the golf course we bumped in to Fran who was walking with a friend and her dog. We nearly walked straight past them as the bright sun in our eyes made it very difficult to see ahead, we should have worn sunglasses!
 Birds seen o heard today included: Oystercatcher, Eurasian curlew, Common starling, Black-headed gull, Lesser black-backed gull, Herring gull, Pied wagtail, Common redshank, Great cormorant, Turnstone and Purple sandpiper.
 We arrived back at the car, having had a good walk, watching waves crashing onto the shore and over the sea defences is always special, providing you don't get wet!
 On this occasion we didn't call in at a local hostelry (nothing to do with the governments new advisory limit on alcohol intake)  and were back home before 15-00.

Annual Meal 2016

Harris Hikers Annual Meal.

4th February 2016.

The Boathouse, Parkgate. 

www.theboathouseparkgate.co.uk

I have booked our meal at the Boathouse, Parkgate for Thursday 4th February 2016.

Those walking should leave Chester at 09-00, so that we are at the Boathouse Car Park, ready to walk at about 10-00. I will plan a walk such that we will be back at the Boathouse at about 13-00 ready for the meal at about 13-30.

I suggest that those only joining us for the meal, should arrive between 13-00 and 13-15.

At present 19 of the usual group have indicated that they are coming for the meal. I have booked for 24, just in case any more decide to come nearer the time.

I have e-mailed as many as I can, and if you didn't get an e-mail let me know.

The menu can be obtained through their web site. Once on their home page, click on "Menus" and then on "Main Menu".

It would be very helpful if you could let me know your choices (Starter, Main and Dessert) by Saturday 30th January 2016, so that I can confirm numbers and take them a copy on the following Monday.

Details of the walk will be posted later, but it will probably be between 5 and 6 miles.

Thurstaston Common, Caldy Hill and More 7th January 2016

Walking over Thurstaston Common.

Is that North Wales - view from the toposcope on Thursaston Hill.

A pit stop at Thor's Stone on Thurstaston Common.

Escaping from Thurstaston Common.

The view from Caldy Hill as we started to descend.

The view across the the estuary from the beach slightly south of Caldy.

Heading along the beach towards the "Smugglers Cottage.

"Is that our group in front, I can't keep up!"

Walk stats: Distance: 7.4 miles. Climb: 1288' (Wind assisted GPS reading, probably nearer 800').
Time: 4 hours 10 minutes. On the move Walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Annie, Celia, David S. and Tim.
We arrived at the car park, hoping that the weather forecast was right and that the light rain we were experiencing would soon stop and we would soon be walking in sunshine! However it did last a little longer than expected and it was only as we approached the toposcope on Thurstaston Hill that we got our first glimpse of sunshine and the North Wales Coast!
 Thankfully it was dry for the rest of the day, but our boots wouldn't agree! We found plenty of waterlogged paths and fields to test them, but as far as I know we all still had dry feet on arriving back at the car.
 We did get views from the top of Thurstaston Hill, but we have seen better!
 Lunch was taken on the East side of Stapleton Wood, where three of us enjoyed the luxury of a bench provide in memory of Bob and Sue and the others took advantage of conveniently placed logs. The views across a field still smelling of recently deposited manure didn't seem to bother most of us, and least it was a view towards Thurstaston Hill.
 On this occasion we headed for Caldy Hill and the descent was delightful, almost like a mini-ridge walk!
 Arriving back at the beach at Caldy we were met with a fairly brisk breeze, but thankfully it was in a North westerly direction and on our way back to the cars at Thurstaston Country Park.
 Birds seen or heard today included: Black-billed magpie, Herring gull, Eurasian Curlew, Oystercatcher, Greylag goose, Moorhen, Common coot, Mallard, Common redshank, Brent goose, Common blackbird, Blue tit, Great tit and Woodpigeon.
 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, where several of the Brimstage brews were sampled.
 Overall an enjoyable walk with our legs telling us that it felt more than a 7.4 mile walk!

West Kirby Marine Lake and Grange Hill 1st January 2016

The Great Northern diver on the Marine lake.

The whole group at the Northern end of the Marine Lake, just before five of the group decided to leave us!

The Memorial on Grange Hill.

Is this really a happy bush?

Hilbre from the trig point on Grange Hill.

The Dee Estuary from the Beacon on Column Road.

Walk stats: Distance: 6.2 miles. Climb: 350'.

Time: 3 hours 3 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Annie, Sue and Michel, David S., Celia, Fran, Tito, Catherine. Sue and Dave P.

This was the first time for long time that the temperature and wind made it feel wearing Winter walking gear and gloves was the right choice. As we arrived at West Kirby the thermometer on the car gave a reading of 2 Celsius and the wind made it feel even cooler.

 We set off around the  Marine lake in a clockwise direction and it wasn't long before we came across a few twitchers/photographers taking pictures of the Great Northern diver that was only twenty yards or so from the walk way, giving good views even with the naked eye.

 Tito and Dave P and the Chester set headed off a little before some of us. We managed to catch Dave P up, but didn't catch Tito up until he decided to wait for us at the end of the Marine Lake. I think he must be practising Nordic walking!

 At this point five returned to the cars and six of us set off along the beach towards Hilbre Point. Eventually we arrived at the top of Grange Hill where we had a choice of six benches for our lunch spot. We chose two that gave us good views towards Hilbre and the Dee estuary beyond.

 Fruit cake was provided, but that wasn't enough for some, they even took sandwiches!

 Birds seen or heard today included: Great Northern diver, Oystercatcher, Eurasian Curlew, Common redshank, Meadow pipit, Feral pigeon, Linnet, Goldfinch, Herring gull, Black-headed gull, Tufted duck, Common coot, Moorhen and Mallard.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, where Brimstage brews Trapper's hat and Scarecrow went down well, three decided on hot drinks and Celia as usual had a continental style lager.