Gwydir Forest with Ed's Route Adjustments 15th May 2021

Llanrwst from the forest track heading towards Betws-y-coed.

Moel Siabod crowned with cloud.

The view from our lunch spot.

The Song thrush that serenaded us at lunch time.

Llyn Glangors.

Ed on the delightful woodland path on the way towards Llanrhychwyn.

One of the waterfalls seen today, but one that isn't named on the OS map.

Many fallen trees but at least they aren't blocking the flow of the stream.

Not a Bluebell walk, but that were still good to see and smell.

Ramsons, another flower giving off its characteristic garlic odour.

Distance: 9.5 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Time: 5 hours 3 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 -1. Calm to light air.
Temperature: 12 - 15 Celsius, although it felt warmer towards the end of the walk.

Group: Martyn and Ed.

We both arrived at the car park in Llanrwst, having not received texts from each other calling off the walk after looking at the latests MET office and BBC weathe forecasts.

Although it was still raining slightly, we decided to walk anyway and put on full waterproofs. that was a mistake, by lunch time I was wet more from the "boil in the bag" syndrome than from the rain. The better option would have been to forget about waterproofs and just use an umbrella during the occasional shower, which I did do for most of the after lunch part of the walk. Towards the end of the walk we did get a very heavy ten minute shower, followed by sunshine and hail together.

Normally on this walk, we would get good views of some of the high peaks of Snowdonia but even Moel siabod was topped in cloud today and we diidn't see any of the others.

Our best views were of the various lakes / reservors that we passed, but they were near views!

Lunch was taken by a small reservoir/ lake on the way to Llyn Glangors. A seat by the lake was must appreciated as we were seranaded by a variety of birds, particularly a Song thrush that sang throughout our lunch from the top of a nearby tree.

Birds seen or heard today includd: Common blackbird, Goosander, Mallard, Herring gull, House sparrow, Pied wagtail, Great tit, Barn swallow, Woodpigeon, Blackcap, Common chaffinch, Greenfinch, Eurasian jay, Wheatear, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler and Song thrush.

We arrived back at the cars with the Sun blazing down, having had a really good walk and glad that we had not acted on the full of rain weather forecasts and thankful that most of the rain showers on the forecast missed us!

The worst rain I experienced was on my way home, when the rain between Llanddulas and Abergele when the rain was so heavy that the windscreen wipers couldn't cope and most of the cars, including me dropped there speed to below 40 m.p.h.

Thankfully by the time I got to Halkyn, it was sunshine again and I could collect my takeaway of Lees Bitter from the Blue Bell Inn.

Coed Peny-gelli and more 12th May 2021

The first Bluebells seen in Coed Allt-ytywod.

A few more Bluebells seen in Coed Allt-ytywod.

Walking through an avenue of  Bluebells seen in Coed Allt-ytywod.

Views of the Dee Estuary and Hilbre in the distance as we emerged from the north side of Coed Allt-y-tywod.

Dog violets in Coed y Garreg.

Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 883'.

Bluebells in Coed Pen y gelli.

Lunch time in the Coed Pen y gelli Nature Reserve, but Ed's gone missing!

Cowslips at Gorsedd.

Moel Famau and the Clwydians on the skyline from our walk south of Gorsedd.

Not quite ripe, but stil a Lords and Ladies Plant / Cuckoo Pint.

Time: 4 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Max temperature: 18.2 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 2 . Mainly calm with the occasional gust to a very pleasant light breeze.
Group: Martyn, Ed, Sue and Michel and Wendy.

This was the first Bluebell Walk that all Harris Hikers could have come on if they so wished. We only had five takers, but they were rewarded with some fine displays of Bluebells in the three woods visited, Coed Allt-y-tywod, Coed y Garreg and Coed Pen-y-gelli.

We even investigated a path east of the usual path after crosing the A5151 that leads to Crown Wood. It wasn't trampled by cows, so was marginally better than the most direct path, but had the added challenge of more stiles and briers waiting to triping you up.

Coed Allt-y-tywod, the first wood did not disappoint, the display of Bluebells got better and better the further north and east into the wood we got.

Emerging from Allt-y-tywod we had magnificent views over the estuary towards Hilbre and the Wirral.

The second wood, Coed y Garreg wasn't so good, but there were patches of Blubells showing, but much of the north west side of the wood had been felled and looked in a dreadful state. No doubt nature will improve it with time.

Coed Pen y gelli was also pretty good, particularly the sectionof wood north west of the cricket ground.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, House sparrow, Great tit, Collared dove, Dunnock, Barn swallow, Rook, Raven, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, European robin, Song thrush, Blaclcap, Great spotted woodpcker, Woodpigeon, Common starling, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Willow warbler, Common pheasant and Winter wren.

In the morning we had times of dampness / light showers, but never enough to make me get my waterproofs out of my rucksack but I was the only one to remain in shorts, short sleeved shirt and a sunhat throught the walk!

As well as Bluebells, other niteable flowers seen included: Cowslips, Dog violets, Red campion, Early purple orchid and Lorss and Ladies /Cuckoo Pint, Green alkanet, Jack by the Hedge and the not so rare Daisy and Dandelion.  

It was good to see bees around the flowers too.

Lunch was taken at the Coed y gelli Nature Reserve, taking advantage of a limestone ledge that that privided sutable perching spots for every length of leg to rest in comfort.

The only down side to this walk was being back at the cars at 14-05, far too early to head for the Bluebell at Halkyn for a pint of Lees bitter!

The bonus being getting home to clean my boots before it rained again!

The Little Orme and Coed Gaer 6th May 2021

Distance: 7.7 miles. Climb: 1535'.

Little Orme Head, our first objective.

At the trig point on Little Orme Head.

The Chester Branch start their descent of the Little Orme Head.

At the top of Creigiau Rhiwledyn.

A male Wheatear in the Creigiau Rhiwledyn Quarry.

One of the Grey seals in Port DynDyniewaid today.

A Fulmar already sitting. 

The high tops of Snowdonia decked in the white stuff - taken from Mynydd Pant.

Early purple orchis seen on the south west of Coed Gaer.

Even a few Bluebells were spotted.

Time: 4 hours 37 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average:1.7 m.p.h.
Max temperature: 13.4 Celsius. Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 3.Calm to gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn, Ed, Sue and Michel, Fran and David S.

This was the first walk that members of the group from both sides of the Wales / England border had been able to walk together.

It proved to be a good day for walking, pleasantly warm in the main, although the cool north westerly breeze meant we didn't linger on the top of Little Orme Head. 

Views from the trig point were superb, with the high tops of Snowdonia highlighted with a covering of the white stuff.

Not quite the best tme of the year for seeing Grey seals, but we did see four, two on the shingle beach at Porth Dyniewaid / Angel Bay and tw swimming in the sea neaby. However we did see a couple of rafts of seabirds quite close, probably Guillemots.

Birds seen or head today included: Jackdaw, House sparrow, Herring gull, Wheatear, Common blackbird, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Fulmar, Great cormorant, Common whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Raven, Common pheasant, Black billed magpie and Great tit.

Lunch was taken on the north west side of Penrhynside, close to a play area, but with plenty of suitable perching spots for us to enjoy our lunch.

The last six portions of the 14 month fortified matured fruit cake were shared as a celebration of the group walking together for the first time this year. Other highlights of the walk including Spring flowers including: Early purple orhid, Cowslip, Bluebells and Dog violet. Butterflies included: Large white small white and Orange tip.

When given the opportunity to extend the walk slightly by following Bodfadon Road, I had no takers and we all took the short route back to the start. 

All we need to know now, did David S take his planned rout across the field from the Bodfadon Road, a field that had been covered with what we believe was "pig" manure and the unpleasant aroma we experienced at lunch. David messaged me, saying that the field path did no go through the guilty field!

Overall a very enjoyable walk, but not everything is back to normal, I had to enjoy va pint of Lees bitter on my own at the Blue Bell in Halkyn!

Grinllwm and the Grey Mare's Tail from Llanrwst 1st May 2021

The Gower Suspension Bridge - but not the original one!

Two of the six Goosanders seen today.

Trefriw from the riverside path from Llanrwst.

Sand martins house hunting.

Sand martins flying over the Afon Conwy, north east of Trefriw.

"Are you sure this is the easy way up?"

Pointing out the distant peaks of Snowdonia from what we thought was the summit of Grinllwm.

At the real summit of Grinllwm.

Panaroma of Snowdonia from Grinllwm.

First sighting of "baby Brock".

"Baby Brock" moves further away, before disappearing down one of the sett entrances.

Grinllwm fro our lunch spot near Llanrhychwyn Church,

Grey Mare's Tail Waterfalls.

Bluebells next to the path near the Mare's Tail Waterfalls.

A cricket match  taking place at Llanrwst.

A Mallard family o the river north west of Pont Fawr, Llanrwst, but who is that speaking in the background?

Distance: 7.4 miles. Climb: 1047',

Time: 4 hours 47 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.5 m.p.h.
Temeprature: 14.6 - 22.4 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0-3 Calm to gentle breeze.
Group: Martyn, Roger and Ed (Our first walk of more than two walkers this year!)

A perfct dayfor walking, warm and sunny and only a gentle breeze to make us feel cool  whenever we happened to be out of the sun's warming rays.

The main challenges of the walk today was climbing through Coed y Gwmannog upto the north west side of Grinllwm's flank. Quite steep and not exactly a path, but carefully placing of the feet needed all the way to the ladder stile. The rest of the walk was delightful, except for one stile that gave me a shock when I tried to lower my foot onto a step that wasn't there!

I think this was the forst time that I have ever visited the summit of Grinllwm, well worth it for the superb views towards the higher peaks of Snowdonia.

It was as we were descending Grinllwm that we heard a Cuckoo calling in the distance from the Crafnant Valley, but the most surprising, but delightful sight was seeing a young Badger foraging in the grass near its sett.

Lunch was taken after visiting Llanrhychwyn Church, taking advantage of suitable stones and tree roots n which to sit. 

Birds seen or heard today included: Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Goosander, Barn swallow, Goosander, Grey Heron, Common chaffinch, Mute swan, Sand martin, Meadow pipit, Wood nuthatch, Common blackbird, Oystercatcher, Shelduck, House sparrow, Song thrush, Black billed magpie, Lesser black back gull, Dunnock, Blue tit. Mistle thrush, European robin, Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Mistle thrush, Great cormorant and Dipper.

Yes, another Dipper day / Cuckoo day, but best of all a Badger day!

A walk enjoyed by all, and one that needed to be celebrated, which I did with a superb pint of Lees Bitter athe Blue Bell in Halkyn on my way home.

Connah's Quay Dock to Queensferry and Back via two bridges 29th April 2021

The view from Connah's Quay Dock, looking towards Hawarden Bridge.

Connah's Quay Dock with the Flint Road bridge beyond.

"Minnie Mouse" guarding "our" seat and looking smug.

The Dee bore approaches.

Distance: 4.0 miles. Climb: 46'.
Time: 1 hour 56 minites. On the move waking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Jill.

Bright and sunny at first, but the light north westerly wind made it feel cool at times.Birds seen or heard today included: Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Oystercatcher, Common blackbird, European robin, Chiffchaff, Commo chaffinch, Common pheasant, Carrion crow, Goldfinch and Mallard.

The bonus today was seeing the tidal bore approaching, just as we were arriving at "our" bench where we sat to enjoy our drinks before heading back over Hawarden Bridge.

An enjoyable "Micky Mouse" Walk or should it be "Minnie Mouse" Walk!

Whitegate Way and Weaver Navigation. 28th April2021

Heading for the woods.

Mike looks as though he has spotted something interesting!

Bluebells seen today.

Only the photographer not in the picture as we cross the river.

Part of the Whitegate Way?

Distance: 8 Miles; Climb: 385'.
Time: 3 hrs. and 40 mins. Ovearal walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Walkers: Fran, Wendy, Mike, David S (leader)
Parking was at the Whitegate Station Car Park which was free and spacious and also has toilets and a café in normal times.
The rain forecast yesterday had passed over during the night and so it was dry but cold.
The route across fields to Whitegate was fairly straight forward with navigation being considerably aided by Mike’s Smartphone App. We chose the route in front of Vale Royal Abbey, now housing up market flats and a club house, rather than walking across the fairways of the golf course.Reaching the Weaver Navigation at Vale Royal Locks we crossed over and chatted to two Canal Trust men clearing debris from one of the huge locks. Apparently the most recent pollutant is plastic “nibs” which are the feedstock for injection mouldings. Its source was unknown.
Plenty of wildlife was seen as we walked along the riverside path at the end of which, just at 12 noon, we found the single picnic bench just being vacated by a single walker.
After lunch, we recrossed the river and a half mile road walk brought us to the eastern end of the Whitegate way from where it was about 3 miles on a slight rise back to the carpark.
Surprisingly Mike’s App recorded 385 ft. of ascent for what was apparently a level walk. However, the OS map shows the car park at 71 M AOD and the river bank at 17 M. giving an ascent of about 180 ft for the return journey alone. The remainder was random ups and downs on the outward journey.

Gronant, Coed Bell, Voel Nant and Around Talacre Abbey 28th April 2021

Bluebells in Coed Bell.

Bluebells in Coed Bell.

An unexpected boundary stone spotted on our route today.

The birth of Prestatyn Parish?

Distant views of the last stages of our walk along the beah at Prestahaven Sands.

The rolling sea waves at Presthaen Sands Beach.

Another surprise - evidence of a fire on the dunes at Presthaven Sands Beach, Gronant.

Distance: 8.9 miles. Climb: 1230'.
Time: 4 hours 50 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1,9 m.p.h.
Temperature: 10.4 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind Force: 1 - 2 Light air to light breeze.
Group: Martyn and Ed.

A new start for me at the Gronant Dunes Car Park Grid Ref: SJ090837 on the road north from A548 to Presthaven Sands / Gronant Dunes.

We started with a steady climb along the road as far as the Gronant Institute, where we picked up a path leading uphill to Coed Bell. From this point this was effectively a walk we did over ten years ago, but in the opposite direction,

Coed Bell had a good display of Blue bells, much further on than Coed Pen-y-gelli that we visited last weekend.

Athough we went through the wooded area, west of Voel Nant, it appears that another option is just to follow the field edge to a stile near the sheep pens. This stile appears to direct you down along the field edge, rather than through the wood.

After following the bridle way through Acre Wood, we decided to explore a path heading for Kelston Farm (currently undergoing major refurbishment) that eventually led to the Llanasa Road, but bwe took it towards Gronant. Our route took us past Home Farm, part of the Talacre Abbey Estate and on throgh a Caravan Park before taking a path down steps, through the wood to the A548.

After exploring Big Pool NR we headed for the beach along the Tyn-y-Morfa Path.

As we walked along the beach towards Prestatyn, both of us were surprrised to hear a Pheasant calling from somewhere beyond the reeds.

Birds sen or heard today included: Song thrush, Black billed magpie, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, Winter wren, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Moorhen, Great tit Blue tit, Sedge warbler, Cetti warbler, Herring gull, Jackdaw, Rook, Collared dove, Meadow pipit, Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Mallard, House sparrow and Barn swallow.

We saw at least ten Barn swallows, so that means it must oficially be Summer!

Lunch was taken, sitting a convenient roadside wall east of Home Farm, but alas not a perching spot with a view.

Overall a very enjoyable walk, and one I will probably put in in future years as one of our Blue bell Wood Walks.