Harris Hikers Solo Walks and More 17th - 22nd March 2020

Solo Walking and More.

Day 1:Tuesday 17th March 2020

The Saltney Round via Bridge Street.

Looking towards Higher Ferry from the riverside footpath on the south bank of the River Dee.

This was my first solo walk from my house, just 2.4 miles, but the weather around mid-day was just too good to waste by staying in all day!

Shortly after arriving home, some plants that I ordered months ago arrived, so I was forced to get the pots ready for planting them on Thursday when once more the forecast looks good.

Birds seen or heard included: Rook, Jackdaw, Blue tit, Mallard, Robin, Common blackbird,Greenfinch, Dunnock and House sparrow.

Day 2: Wednesday 18th March 2020

The Saltney Round via River Lane.

Saltney Riverside information board.

A reminder of chainmakers in Saltney.

Just a Common blackbird.

The first steel sculpure depicting plants.

The secondt steel sculpure depicting plants.

Looking towards Sealand Road from Higher Ferry.

Higher ferry fingerpost, but I doubt anyone has used it to know which way to go to Cardiff.

Higher Ferry Information Board.

House sparrow, one of many, around the hedges in Saltney Ferry.

Distance: 4.2 miles.

This walk was a little longer, extending the first one by following High Street and heading down River Lane to get to the river.

At the start of the walk there was a spot or rain or two, hence the rain spot on some of the photos.Thankfully it soon stopped and I finished the walk without getting wet. Overcast throughout, even when the wet stuff had stopped falling.

Still lots of people out walking, mainly those with dogs, but some solo walkers like me. There was one group of teenagers, all ignoring the social distancing directive. I dread to think what will happen next week when schools close officially for most students.

Birds heard or seen today included: Great cormorant, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Common blackbird, Blackbilled magpie, Collared dove, Dunnock, Lesser black back gull, Rook, European robin, Moorhen and House sparrow.

Day 3: Thursday 19th March 2020

The Saltney Round, via Higher Ferry, Saltney Quay and  Chester Golf Course.

One of many Rooks in a field North of Saltney Ferry Primary School.

A Greenfinch singing in a tree near Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

The view ahead.

Yet another steel plant sculpture.

No caption required.

The West end of Saltney Quay, showing the capstonand the last surviving pillbox.

Looking westward aover Saltney Quay.

Moel Famau from Saltney Quay.

The riverside path on the west side of the golf course stretching into the distance.

Looking over the racecourse towards Chester from the Chester Golf Course bridge over the railway.

Walk : Distance: 5.6 miles.

This was another good day for walking, mainly overcast, but at times it felt quite warm - if I had had my rucksack with me, I would have taken my jacket off and avoided the "boil in the bag" syndrome.

Evidence of Sp[ring was everywhere, lots of birds singing, especially Chiffchaff (the first that I have heard this year), emerging flowers, blossom on some of the trees an the hedges turning green.

A walk with varied views, but at times involves a little too much roadside walking.

Not so many people out solo walking today and no-one playing golf, though there was a good number of cars n the Chester Golf Club Car Park.

Birds see or heard today included: Herring gull, Goldfinch, House sparrow, European robin, Jackdaw, Rook, Common buzzard, Feral pigeon, Greenfinch, Black-billed magpie, Winterwren, Great cormorant, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Blue tit, Great tit, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Black headed gull and Moorhen.

Upton Sunset.

Sunset somewhere in Upton-by-Chester 19th March 2020.

Day 4: Friday 20th March 2020

Higher Ferry, Sealand Road Cop and Saltney Quay.

Looking West from Mold Junction railway bridge.

Looking towards Queensferry from the Higher Ferry Footbridge.

Looking towards Saltney from the Higher Ferry Footbridge.

A Reed bunting by the river near Bumper's Lane.

The pillbox and steps at the West end of Saltney Quay.

Goosander on the River Dee West of Chester Golf Course.

Catkins on trees next to the river near Sealand Road sewage Works.

A Grey heron near Sealand Road Cop.

Looking of the Roodee Racecourse from the footbridge next bto the railway bridge.

It is hard to see, but there are three Common buzzards in this pcture.

The Beluga XL about to go over my head.

The Beluga XL on it way towards Broughton.

More footage of the Beluga XL on it way towards Broughton.

The view along Saltney Quay with Hope Mountain in the distance.

Distance: 7.0 miles. on the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h.

This was another good day for walking, brighter than yesterday but the wind made it feel a little cooler.

Disapointingly I didn't hear any Chiffchaff as I walked along the cycle path towards Sealand Road Cop, but I did see a Reed bunting and a raft of seven Goosanders.This was the first time that I have seen either of these birds on walks in this area.

 The next surprise, was meeting an ex-colleage who I hadn't seen since leaving Upton High School over fifteen years ago.

As walked along the path through the Golf Course and was just leaving the Golf Course behind, I heard and saw a Chiffchaff, they obviously like this side of the river.

 Another highlight of the day was seeing the Beluga XL flying over my head on its way to Broughton as I headed for Saltney Quay.

Birds seen or heard today included: Carrion crow, House sparrow, Collared dove, Rook, Jackdaw, Blue tit Great tit, Common blackbird, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed gull, Common gull, Herring gull, Oystercatcher, Reed bunting, Goosander, Moorhen, Winter wren Dunnock, European robin, Grey heron and Common buzzard.

Last of the Winter Walk at Erddig.

A Muddy day at Erddig - found not by me, but the Pelissiers.

Wood anenome at Erddig (20/03/20).

A Competing Grey heron somewhere in Cheshire.

A competing Grey Heron - by SP.

Day 5.

Saturday 21st March 2020.

Home to Queensferry and back using both sides of the river.

Pied wagtail on a roof at Mold Junction

Oystercatchers on the south bank of the River Dee.

Common redshank  on the south bank of the River Dee.

Goosander  on the River Dee.

The wind creating waves on the river.

Anothe pillbox on the river bank close to Queensferry Road Bridge.

Looking towards Hawarden Bridge, Shotton from the old Queensferry Bridge (Blue Bridge).

Selfheal in flower next to the Wales Coastal Path.

Approaching the Higher Ferry Footbridge.

Lesser celandine in flower.

The A380 Wing tug boat "The Arenig Fawr, but is it now reduntant?

Briefly a Skylark sings in competion with wind noise.

This memorial plaque is on the bench that replaced the seat people used to sit on as they waited for Bob Manifold to bring the ferry boat across the river to transport them back to the Chester side of the river.

Distance: 9.5 miles. On the move walking average: 2.8 m.p.h.

Another good day for walking but the Easterly wind was quite cooling, only occasionally did it diminish sufficiently to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Carrion crow, European robin, Pied wagtail, Lesser black back gull, Common gull, Common blackbird, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Collared dove, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Common redshank, Oystercatcher, Black billed magpie, Goosander, Moorhen, Lapwing, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Balck headed gull, Herring gull and Skylark.

 The highlights were seeing two Lapwings displaying over a stubble field, hearing a Chiffchaff singing and hearing two skylarks singing as they battled against the strong wind.

 As I crossed the Higher Ferry / Saltney Ferry Footbridge , the wind became so strong it became quite difficult to walk in a straight line!

Not many walkers out today, one or two walking dogs, one mother and son, but lots of cyclists (most not compliant with the social distancing directive).

 once again it was good to see a few more plants flowering and despite the cold wind a few large bumble bees ventured out.

Day 6: 22nd March 2020.

No walk for me today - stayed at home planting up some pots.

However Other members of the Group did get out.

Early morning walk today through the zoo bridleway to Caughill bridge over the canal.

Photo by Wendy and Ian P.

Walks and Dates 17th March 2020 and beyond.

The end of Group Walks for the time being.

Unfortunately I have decided that Harris Hikers Wednesday and Saturday Walks must stop for the forseeable future.

As soon as the Government's social contact advice gives us the all clear, I will reinstate the walks program.

If members of the walking group think it is a good idea, I could start a blog of any photos taken when they have been on a "solo" walk. If you think it is a good idea to keep in touch with what we are doing in this way, please send me your photos and I will add them to the post as I receive them.

Most people have a smart phone with a camera, so sending pictures from the smart phone should be fairly straight forward.

Walks and Dates March 2020

Do these gloves belong to you?

These gloves were left in David S's car quite some time ago, but so far all attempts to reunite them with their owner have failed.
If they are yours please contact me. 

Wednesday 4th March 2020
Above Helsby and Frodsham.

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb; 1000'.

Start: Helsby Quarry Woodland Car Park. Grid ref: SJ490750

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk is taken from the book "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". Much of it we have done before when following walks on the Sandstone Trail. However part of the walk around Helsby Hill is new to me and it is the first time that we have started from this car park. On a clear day, the views across the estuary is superb. The walk is described as being energetic. As the walk is a little shorter than usual, we may wish to explore the Woodhouse Hill fort a little more.

Saturday 7th March 2020.

Delamere Forest and Pale Heights.
Postponed - no takers.

Distance: 6 miles. Climb: 500'.

Start: The Yeld Car Park, Kelsall. Gri ref: SJ533692.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

The walk starts by heading East, goes through Nettleford Wood and then climbs to Pale Heights, where hopefully we will get good views in all directions.

After descending from Pale Heights, the walk explores Delamere Forest Park using paths on both sides of the Barns Bridge Road.

Harris Hikers Annual Meal.

If for any reason you can't make it, please let me know as soon as you can.
Similarly, if you now find that you can make it and wish to join us please let me know .
I will be contacting the Pant-yr-Ochain with final numbers on Monday 9th March.

Wednesday 11th March 2020.

(with an optional short walk).

Location: Pant-yr-Ochain, Gresford.

Grid Ref: SJ363553

I went to the Pant-yr-Ochain on 3rd February 2020 and have provisionally booked for 20.
I said we would be arriving between 12-30 to 13-00, ready to be seated at 13-00.
The meal has been booked under my name.
19 have said that they will be coming to the meal. However they did say the number could be adjusted, if I let them know on Monday 9th March 2020.
I will give the Pant yr Ochain final numbers on Monday 9th March 2020.
Route to the Pant yr Ochain.
Take the A483 from towards Wrexham from Chester.
Leave the A483 at the Gresford interchange (junction 6 I think), signposted A5156 (Nantwich). Take the first turn on the left  (Old Wrexham Road) signposted The Flash. The Pant yr Ochain is on the right after a few hundred yards.
The following have said they will be coming to the meal.
Martyn, Sue and Michel, Celia, Wendy and Ian, Nigel, David S and Anne, Jim and Pauline, Denise, Fran, Paul, Sue and Dave P .
(16 unless there are any last minute changes)

Walk: The Clywedog between Bersham and The Nant.

Distance: 4.3 miles Climb: 142 m / 462’.

Start: Layby on Plas Buckley Road, Grid ref: SJ308491, near Bersham Bridge, East of Bersham Ironworks. At Junction 4 on the A483, turn left onto the A525 and follow brown signs marked Bersham and Clywedog Trail. Take the first turn on the right, the B5098 (Berse Road). At the T-junction turn right onto the B5099 and take the next right into Plas Buckley Road. The layby is immediately on the left after passing under the Bersham Road Bridge. There is a rubbish bin in the layby.
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m. and meet at the start.

The walk starts by following a minor road fo about a mile, and then takes a path through woodland and fields to Plas Power Wood and onto Nant Mill. There are picnic benches to use, if we decide to start for refreshments. Probably better on the way back from The Nant where there is a ford to cross the Afon Clywedog. We will probably use the nearby footbridge. We will then follow the Clywedog Trail back to the start. The section Nant Mill takes us through the delightful ancient woodland called Big Wood. This was the walk that we did last year, so we may go round in the opposite direction just for a change.

Saturday 14th March 2020.

Let me know if you want me to organise a walk on this date.

Wednesday 18th March 2020.

Moel Famau, Moel Dywyll and Moel Llys-y-coed.
Postponed until the Government Changes its Social Contact Advice.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1900'.
Start: Car park area West of Cilcain. Grid ref: SJ170652.
To get to the parking area, at the crossroads in Cilcain turn right (Westward), past the White Horse, Church and Village hall, at the end of a few houses on the right turn, left and the parking area is a few hundred yards further on on the right. 
This walk includes three hills along Offa's Dyke Footpath - Moel Famau, Moel Dywyll and Moel Llys-y-coed. The latter hill is not one of my favourite hills in the Clwydian range and I can't remember when it last appeared on one of our walks. It is the ascent from North to South that I dislike so much, the fact that we will be descending from South to North shouldn't be quite so bad!
 On a good clear day we should get excellent views in all directions.
The last time we did this walk, we missed a path and then encountered a farmer that accused us of missing the path sign and ending up in his farm yard.  This time we will take a different path and so avoid any chance of confrontation.

Saturday 21st March 2020.

A Walk Around the Great Orme.
Postponed until the Government Changes its Social Contact Advice.

Distance: 8-10 miles, but will be decided on the day.

Climb: 500'-1000', depending on the route we take.

Start at Llandudno West shore. Roadside parking near the boating lake. Grid ref: SH771820.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk is one we do several times each year, particularly if we want to avoid muddy conditions. The exact route wil be decided as we are going round. It will probably involve going around the Great Orme on the panoramic road, have lunch in the Happy Valley before taking the path across the limestone pavement and then taking the steps down to the invalids terrace and back to the shore.

Wednesday 25th March 2020.

Rhosesmor, Sychdyn and Northop.
Postponed until the Government Changes its Social Contact Advice.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 1000'.

Start: Parking area next to playground, Rhosesmor. Grid ref: SJ214681.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This walk includes the "Northop - Sychdyn" walk from the booklet "Rural Walks in Flintshire". The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk starts from Northop and is only five miles. The car park in Northop is very small, and when I went on a reccy it was full. Starting at Rhosesmor overcomes that problem and extends the walk by four miles.

The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk is described as including a traveller's resting place, grand houses, parkland and woodland. It is also described as a moderate walk with many stiles and some boggy places.

The "Northop - Sychdyn" walk was new us when we did it for the first time last year.

 The link-up paths from Rhosesmor include many of the paths that we have used on Gwystaney walks from the same parking area.

Saturday 28th March 2020.

Postponed until the Government Changes its Social Contact Advice.

Harris Hikers Annual Meal 11th March 2020

The start of the leete path West of Bersham Ironworks.

One of the weirs on the afon Clywedog.

A phot opportunity in Big Wood.

A waterfall on the Afon Clywedog in Big Wood.

Wood Sculpture in the woods South east of Nant Bridge.

"Is the grass better on your side of the river?

"You haven't answered my question!"

The first catkins seen this year.

Crossing the river on the way to Nant Mill and elevenses.

Boys will play!

Crossing the meadow South of Plas Power wood.

The church West of Bersham Ironworks.

Meal time at the Pant-yr-Ochain.

Meal time at the Pant-yr-Ochain.

Meal time at the Pant-yr-Ochain.

Walk Stats: Distance: 4.1 miles. Climb: 574'.

Time: 2 hours 14 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Roger, Ian and Wendy, Nigel and Fran.

Everyone walking arrived early at the start, so we were able to set off before 10-00. It was a Good day for walking, a bit blustery at times and also pretty warm too. In facy after our drinks break at The Nant Mill we walked in glorious warm sunshine all the way back tothe car.

 Plenty of birds could be heard, but trying to recognise them proved a little more difficult. Those we did recognise included: Common balckbird, Common buzzard, Common chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Winter wren, Dunnock and European robin.

 As we enjoyed elevenses drinks at The Nant Mill, Michel discovered a home made bow and set off willowing a branch / twig to make an "arrow". After that it became a challenge as to who could make the "arrow" fly best. Thankfully we had the place to ourselves!

We arrived back at the cars in good time, having had a very pleasant stroll, but with boots a little more muddy than we liked!

 At this point Roger left for home and we set off to meet the rest of the group at the Pant-yr-Ochain.

Those able to stay for the meal were: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Ian, Wendy, Nigel, Fran, Jim, Pauline, Denise, Anne and David S., Sue and Dave P, Celia and Paul.

Hopefully Naomi, Mike, Dave and Sylvia, Roger and Margaret will be able to joins for our annual meal next year.

 As usual everything went like clockwork and as far as I know everyone enjoyed their meals and drinks.

 Thanks to everyone that wrote kind comments in the card and contributed to my printing fund.

Above Helsby and Frodsham 4th March 2020

The first climb of the day through the NT Helsby Hill Property.

Heading through a cutting in the sandstone on the way to the Longster Trail path.

Violets on the roadside.

The Mersey estuary from the Sandstone Trail as we approached Frodsham.

The view from our Frodsham Hill near the Overton War Memorial.

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral from our lunch spot.

Roger's lunch spot.

The Pelissier's lunch spot.

A tasteful information board at the Frodsham Hill Overton War Memorial.

On the Sandstone Trail around Frodsham Hill.

On the Sandstone Trail around Frodsham Hill.

looking over Helsby from the Sandstone Trail on Woodhouse Hill.

It's all down hill now, but that's wishful thinking!

Walk stats: Distance: 7.0 miles Climb: 946'.

Time: 5 hours 0 mimutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.4 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Roger, Nigel, David S and Wendy.

This was a good day for walking, dry with ome sunny spells, very little breeze and no more than the odd spot of rain, only noticed by those that were follicly challenged!

 Despite temperatures being in single figures, the fact that were were wearing Winter gear meant that at times some of us were in danger of overheating.

 Although we have had lots of rain over the past week or so, conditiond underfoot weren't as bad as they have been in the past and my boots for one took little time to clean.

 The muddiest section today were on sections of the Sandstone Trail, particularly on the West side of Snidley Moor Wood and around Frodsham Hill.

 It was noticeable today that Spring flowers starting to show including Dog violets, Periwinkles, Daffodils and Snowdrops. Some trees were starting to get blossom and hedges were starting to green up.

 The surprise of the day was seeing a drake Mandarin duck and a Pintail on a pool East of Helsby Hill.

 Lunch was taken on Frodsham Hill where we took advantage of the benches next to the Frodsham Hill Overton War Memorial. We were able to enjoy the views over the estuary as far as Liverpool Catedral as well as seeing the old Runcorn Bridge and the new Mersey Gateway bridge.

 We probably had a longer lunch break than usual as it was so pleasant sitting there and enjoying the view. This as well as the time I spent looking at the Mandarin duck and Pintail would account for our overall walking average being only 1.4 m.p.h.

 Birds seen or heard today included: House csparrow, Great tit, Blue tit, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, European robin, Greylag goose, Mallard, Common gull, Pintail, Wood nuthatch, Common blaclbird, Winter wren, Eurasian jay, Black-billed magpie, Moorhen, Carrion crow, Jackdaw and Common buzzard.

 Approaching Helsby Hill on the return journey, we descended to the road a little too early and had a little more road walking than we liked.

 Although it was only a 7 mile walk, the near 1000' of climb meant that we were ready to head to the White Lion at Alvanley for refreshments. The Robinson's brews sampled were Dizzy Blonde, Cumbria Way (On Cask Finder this had a 5 * rating) and Wizard.

 Overall an enjoyable varied, stile free walk, worth doing again at a different time of the year.

Walks and Dates February 2020

Updated 12/02/2020 - change of walk on 19th February 2020
(No more updates or changes except for cancellations due to adverse weather)
Saturday 1st February 2020.

Around the Little Orme, Mynydd Pant and Penrhyn-side.

Distance: 5-6 miles Climb: 1100'.
Roadside parking
Leave Chester at 08-30. Roadside parking next to Paddling Pool and PC on Coast Road at Craig y Don, East side of Llandudno. Grid ref: SH799821.
This is the second of our shorter walks. It is a shortened version of one of our regular walks that included Nant-y-Gamor and Coed Gaer.
On a clear day, we should get good views, especially towards Snowdonia. In addition there is still a chance of seeing seals in Angel Bay High tide is at about 15-09 and will be about 26'.
The walk can easily be extended as long as everyone in the group wishes to do so.

Wednesday 5th February 2020.

Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb:1250'.

Start: Pensarn Beach Car Park. Grid ref: SH944787. Park near the PC block as we will be heading South towards the centre of Abergele.
Leave Chester at 09-0 a.m.
Abergele and Moelfre Isaf.This walk is by Debbie Hamelton and starts in the centre of Abergele, but we will start on the coast. This will extend the walk by about 2 miles. The main walk is described as exploring the beautiful North Wales countyside South of Abergele. The outward route passes a well preserved watch tower. The last time we did this walk in March 2019 and it was a little on the breezy side Hopefully the weather will be kinder to us this time.

 Saturday 8th February 2020.

A Walk from Llantysilio Green in Search of Snowdrops.

Distance: 8 miles.Climb: 1400'.

Start: Llantysilio Green National Trust Car Park. Grid ref: SJ197433.

Leave Chester at 08-30.

The walk starts by taking the path to St. Tysilio's Church, where hopefully the Snowdrops 

will be in full bloom.

The route then takes past the Horseshoe Falls and along the Llangollen Canal towpath as 

far as Llangollen. 

At Llangollen the route climbs steadily northwards past Tirionia to join the Clwydian Way.

The Clwydian Way is the followed past Valley Crucis Abbey as far as Hendre.

Leaving the Cwydian Way the route descends to the main road which is followed South to 

the Britannia Inn. At the Britannia Inn the path heading across Pen-y-bryn is taken until it

meets the Dee Valley Way. The Dee Valley Way is the followed South back to the start. 

Wednesday 12th February 2020.
Barber Hill, Vivod Estate and the Horseshoe Falls.

Distance: 8-9 miles.

Climb: 1500' Start: Llantysilio Green Natiional Trust (Bring Membeship Card if you have one) car park. Grid ref: SJ198433

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m. This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Llangollen and the Dee Valley".  This can be a glorious walk, if the weather is good.

 The Snowdrops  in Llantysilio Green churchyard were well out last Saturday, so I have brought this walk forward, so hopefully hey will still be in flower.

Saturday 15th February 2020.

No walk - Billy no mates again,
However, if you want me to organise a walk, please let me know,

Wednesday 19th February 2020.

Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.


Distance: 7-9 miles. Climb: 1380'.



Start: Llangwyfan Forestry car park: SJ138668



Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.




This walk combines two walks taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Clwydian Hills".  This area of the Clwydians has so much to offer, and Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau are particularly good.  On a good day the views from both hill forts are superb.

Saturday 22nd February 2020.

Mow Cop, Congleton Edge and More. 

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb: 1100'.

Start: New start Point. Cheshire's Close lay-by on Congleton Road, Mow Cop. Grid ref: SJ8673058565

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk combines a walk from Carl Rogers's book "Circular Walks Along The Gritstone Trail" and part of a walk taken from the "Pathfinder Guide to Cheshire". This walk is a little shorter than the one that we did in 2008. Good views from the ridges.

Wednesday 26th February 2020.

Holywell Common, Racecourse, Pantasaph and Pen-y-Ball Monument


Distance: 8 miles. Climb:  1000'.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.



Start: Holywell Common, opposite the Crooked Horn, Brynford. Grid ref: SJ185740.



This is a variation of the walk that we have done many times, when we cross the common to Brynford on he way to the old racecourse.



Instead of explore Plymouth Copse and Coed Moel-dda, woods that we will explore the Eastern side of the old racecourse and use the road to Pantasaph, before using field paths to get to Pen-y-Ball monument. After visiting Pen-y-Ball Monument we take a new path on the west side of the monument to reach the track and the bridge over the A55 to the golf course and our usual route back to the start.




Saturday 29th February 2020.



Traeth Lafan and Its Foothills.

Postponed - no takers, unless you know otherwise.


Distance:8-9 miles. Climb:1100'.



Start: Abergwyngeryn Free Car Park Grid ref: SH 6527282. PC (opens about 09-30) nearby and a cafe at the outdoor centre that allows walkers to use the toilets (opens earlier than PC.)



This walk taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks On the North Wales Coast". The Traeth Lafan and it Foothills. This walk is an annual favourite and has in the past given us some wonderful experiences, especially in Winter trampling through soft fluffy knee deep snow, that didn't stick or wet our legs.  You never know we may get some  snow, this time too. It should be worthwhile bringing binoculars with you as we may visit The Spinnies Nature Reserve on the way back to our car.



This walk is described as walk of contrasting coastal and upland scenery with good views from the higher points on the North Wales path.



 This time we used minor roads to avoid the very unpleasant smelly muddy path that goes through a farm yard near The Spinnies.



 High tide is at about 13-45 and is about 8.5 m (27.9'), so the coastal birds should still be a fairly close around the time we get there mid afternoon.