Around Llyn Brenig 6th July 2019

Welsh Team fishing trialist setting off from the landing stage at the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre.

Looking North from the Llyn Brenig dam.

A few Greylag geese on Llyn Brenig.

Looking South towards Llyn Brenig from the Clwydian Way.

Foxgloves and an unidentified thistle next to the Clwydian Way path.

The Osprey nesting platform, but only being used by a buoy!

Walk stats: Distance: 9.7 miles. Climb: 519'.

Time: 4 hours 6 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.8 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

I had no takers for this walk, but decided to go on my own as leaving it later would mean losing the chance of seeing an Osprey.

 The forecast wasn't great, with light rain, drizzle and even fog being suggested, but at least the wind was slight and it wouldn't feel cold.

 I arrive at the Visitor Centre to find that lots of fishermen were checking in before getting in boats and setting off into the middle of the lake. Apparently these fishermen were all trialist in a match to determine who should represent Wales in International Fishing Competitions later in the year.

 I was surprised to see the the water levels in the reservoir were quite low, but it might have had something to do with a jetty/construction work that was being built the South east end of the dam.

 Views across the lake were always shrouded in mist, and I doubted that I would see an Osprey nesting platform let alone an actual Osprey.

 I did eventually see and Osprey, thanks to the volunteers from the National Wildlife rust that were manning the Osprey viewing point and had spotting copes that were trained on the nest.

 I did see one nesting platform, but this one contained a buoy, put there to ensure that a second pair of Osprey didn't set up a nest competing with resident pair.

 However there were plenty of other birds around to see. These included: Pied wagtail, Meadow pipit, Barn swallow, House martin, Oystercatcher, Greylag goose, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Common blackbird, Common whitethroat, Stonechat, Great cormorant, Skylark, Siskin and Osprey.

 I didn't stop for lunch, and ended up having my soup when I got home.

 Overall an enjoyable walk, even if I did have use my waterproof jacket all of the time.

 It was good to find out that the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre is open between 08-00 and 16-00 each day and parking Pay and Display just £2-00 for the day.

 The average speed cameras along the road from Denbigh across the moors now seems to be operational.

Around Aled Isaf 3rd July 2019

Looking across Llyn Aled from dam at its Northern end.

"Are you sure this is the path?"

One of the Hiraethog boundary stones.

Snowdon, the Glyders and the Carneddau from the boundary stone.

Better views of Snowdonia, including Chnict, Moel Siabod and Snowdon.

Moel Famau on the skyline.

Looking over the fields to our lunch spot with the high tops of Snowdonia on the skyline.

On the road to Aled Isaf.

Aled Isaf form the dam at the Northern end.

Crossing the dam at the Northern end of Aled Isaf.

I can see Llyn Aled and the car - not far to go now.

Walk stats: distance: 8.4 mils. Climb: 731'.

Time: 4 hours 45 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average 1.8 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Nigel, Sue and Michel.

This was almost a perfect day for walking, sunhats and shades needed all day. Pleasantly warm with the occasional breeze welcome whenever it chose to accompany us.

 This is a walk that has been described as a walk with a wet start and a dry finish. Thankfully today it wasn't that wet at the start. 

 However paths on the ground across the moors are none existent, so finding a way through the boggy moor, reeds, heather and more was quite challenging, but noon got wet feet or even dirty boots.

 Arriving at the second Hiraethog boundary stone gave us our first views of Snowdonia,  reward for challenging trekking across the moor already done.

 In fact from then on the views became better and better with Chnicht, Moel Siabod, snowdon, the Glyders including Tryfan and Yr Garn, Pen-yr-Olwen, ccarnedd Dafydd and Carnedd Llewellyn all being easily identified.

 This section of the moor seemed to be a hot spot for Skylarks and meadow pipits, always a bonus.

 Also crossing the moor we were surprised to see the amount of cuckoo spit around, it was like an epidemic, these frog hopper/spittle bugs certainly liked this moorland environment.

 Lunch was taken, just North of Beaver Grove, where we had views across the valley o the broad that we would eventually join. We only had a grassy bank to sit on, but the wind dropped and it felt quite warm. We were serenaded by  crickets / grasshoppers near us and an old jet plane flew overhead a couple of times.

 Just before we hit the Aled Isaf road, we had a pleasant chat with a couple f farmers as they came into the field that we had jusrt crossed.

 Just before arriving at the Aled Isaf Dam , we watched two farmers rounding up sheep with the aid of two sheepdogs and putting them into a trailer.

 Later on they passed us. On their return, the farmer stopped ad once more we had a pleasant chat with him.

 Whoever said "Welsh farmers aren't very nice?", hasn't walked in this area. Our experience of Hiraethog farmers over many years has always been good.

 We were almost back at the car and hadn't yet seen or heard a Eurasian curlew, even in the areas that in the past we had always seen them.

 Just as we had given up hope o seeing one as if on cue, a Eurasian curlew called out, flew over the road in front of us and back again before dropping down on the moor. 

A perfect end to a very enjoyable walk.

Birds seen or heard today included: Greylag goose (a pair with three goslings). Meadow pipit, Skylark, Common buzzard, Rook, Carrion crow, Pied wagtail (lots), House martin, Barn swallow, Stonechat and Eurasian curlew.

We arrived back at the car, happy  knowing we had done this walk in possibly the best possible conditions underfoot and looking forward to refreshments at the Dinorban Arms at Bodfari.

The beers enjoyed were Wadsworth's Summer Ale and Brunning and Price's own namwd beer - we even sart outside ansd admired the view towards the Clwydian Hills towards Llandegla.

Chester to Shotton Via The North Wales Coastal Path 29th June 2019

The path from The Cop on Sealand Road.

The main dock on the River Dee on the Saltney side of the river.

The start of the North Wales Coastal Path.

Heading towards the Higher Ferry Footbridge.

The Arenig Fawr tugboat at the A380 barge terminal.

Approaching Queensferry.

At least three, maybe four bridges and a power station.

Common mallow - very abundant along the coastal path.

Approaching Hawarden Bridge.

The HQ of the John Summers Iron Works - hopefully to be restored and used again sometime in the future.

Looking through the Hawarden Bridge railway bridge arches towards Connah's Quay Power Station.

Shotton Station looking towards Flint.

Walk stats: distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 137'.

Time:3 hours 40 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn.

As nobody was available to join me on the planned walk in the Goyt Valley, I made a last minute decision to undertake an early morning walk from Chester to Shotton using the North Wales Coastal Path.

I caught the 06-40 bus to Chester and had started my walk just before 07-00. It was pleasantly cool at this time and Chester was still quite quiet. Thankfully there was  no sign of the throngs of racer goers that would no doubt arrive from about mid-day, making Chester a place to be avoided.

 it was overcast until about 10-00, making it quite pleasant for walking, when the Sun broke through and it started to warm up.

 There were a few walkers, dog walkers and cyclists embarking on early starts to avoid the heat of the day. The surprise of the day as being able to note that most cyclists had a bell and actually used them to warn of their approach.

 There were lots of birds around, particularly long the first part of the Coastal Path. Birds seen or heard today included: House martin, Common swift, Barn swallow, Mallard, House sparrow, Common whitethroat, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Herring gull, Carrion crow, Rook, Greenfinch, Blue tit, Chiffchaff, Feral pigeon, Common blackbird, Great cormorant, Common starling, Mistle thrush, European robin and Pied wagtail.

 Both sides of the path were adorned with flowers, most of which I couldn't identify. Flowers included: Red clover, white clover, Common mallow, Self heal, Herb robert, Common vetch and Meadow vetch.

 A few butterflies were also spotted including Meadow brown and Small white.

 I had anticipated having lunch at the Central Hotel, Shotton, but arrived just after 10-30, much too early, so I had to be happy with a couple of refreshing pints of Snowdonia Ale brewed by Purple Moose.

 Overall a good walk, taken at the right time and avoiding the unpleasant heat of the day that materialised after mid-day.

Dates and Walks June 2019

Walk on 12th June updated on 11th June 2019.
Updated 28th May 2019.

The walk on 26th June has been repaced by the walk originally planned for 18th May 2019.
The walk on the 22nd June has also been changed.

Saturday 1st June 2019.

Y Foel.
Postponed - Billy no-mates again.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Climb: 1400'.
Start: Mill Street (A539), riverside car park, Llangollen. Pay and display car park adjacent to the Ponsonby Arms. Grid ref: SJ216421 (LL20 8RY).
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This is a walk taken from David Berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley.
The walk explores the upland area to the south of Llangollen. The route visits the summit of y Foel and the remains of Biddulph Tower. We should get good views in all directions from this point. The return route inludes using a the North Berwyn Way from Vivod Mountain. This will the first time we have used this section of the North Berwyn Way as it heads north east towards Ffynnon-las Wood.

Wednesday 5th June 2019.

Moel Arthur and Penycloddiau.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Llangwyfan Forestry Car Park. Grid ref: SJ139668.
Leave Chester 09-00 a.m.
This is a walk that we haven't done for several years. After climbing Moel Arthur it takes a path along the west side of Plas-yw, heads over Bryn-ffynnon before following a path past Pen-y-bryn on the east side of Penycloddiau. Penycloddiau is then traversed from North to South back to the start.
This can be quite an exhilarating walk as it explores the foothills east of the main Clwydian Hills. On occasions sections of the path have proved to be somehat boggy, but at ths time of the year it shouldn't be a problem.

Saturday 8th June 2019.

Holyhead Breakwater Country Park and South Stack.

Distance:10 miles. Climb:1326'.

Start: Holyhead Breakwater Country Park (Pay and Display). SH225833

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This is another walk that has become an annual favourite. Along the coastal section there should be  good chances of seeing Choughs, Guillemots, Razorbills and even Puffins. Bring binoculars if you can. If time and energy reserves allow we may visit the summit of Holyhead Mountain.

As we start at the Country park, we will again do the walk in a clockwise direction, finishing the  walk along the Coastal Path.

Wednesday 12th June 2019.

Vivod and Vivod Mountain. 
Postponed until 10th July.
This is not a good walk to do in the rain and the forecast suggest 50% chance of heavy rain in the morning. 
See below for new walk.

Distance:10 -11 miles.

Climb: 2000'
Start: Llantysilio Green car park.Grid ref: SJ198433. This is a National Trust Pay and Display Car Park, so bring  your membership card with you if you have one.

Leave Chester 9-00 a.m.
This walk explores hills South of Llantysilio Green, using lots of quiet country roads, particularly at the start, where we follow the steep road from tha A5 past Plas-yn-Vivod, associated with Richard Ellerton, William Wagstaff and Thomas Brassey in he mid-nineteen century.
 We have the option of extending the walk a little by visiting Y Foel and the Biddulph Tower as on the first Saturday walk mof the month.
The return rout visits the top of Vivod Mountain and the follows the North Berwyn Way past Ffynnon-las Wood  north east to the Berwyn, Vivod Ceiriog road.
 At this point we can return to the Chainbridge on our usual route, or use minor roads northward all the way to the A5.

Pale Heights and Delamere Forest.

A better option with only a 10% chance of light rain all day

Distance: 8-9.5 miles. Climb: 660'-720'
Start: Gresty's Waste Car Park, Kelsall. Grid ref: SJ540686.
Leave Chester 09-15 a.m.
This walk starts by visiting Pale Heights, although we could if we wished leave this to the end.
The main walk explores the Delamere Forest Park using forest tracks, so conditions underfoot shouldn't be too bad dspite the heavy recent rain.
At Barns Bridge, we will decide whether we want to include the extension around Blake Mere or not.
 If we leave Pale Heights to the end of the walk and only walk around part of Blake Mere, the walk will be reduced to about 8 miles.

Saturday 15th June 2019.

A Rivington Pike and Winter Hill Walk.

Distance: 8 - 9 miles. Climb: 1300'

Start: Car park and picnic site, Rivington Park Lower Barn. Grid ref: SD628138.

Leave Chester at 8-00 a.m.
This is another walk taken from Terry Marsh's book "Fifty Classic Walks in Lancashire". He describes the walk as a generally easy walk on good tracks throughout, and is a trek through history. Weather permitting, we should get good views of the Darwen Moors.
The last time we did this walk was in November 2010, where if I remember correctly it was clear blue skies, but very cold.
  It is possible that a variation on this route will be followed, if our local friends are able to join us.

Wednesday 19th June 2019.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge and More.


Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 1300'.



Start: Lay-by on the  Cadole to the Pantymwyn road. Grid ref: SJ205627. Approaching Loggerheads on the A549, Mold to Ruthin Road and after passing the former Rainbow Inn (now a building site), take the next road on the right just before the newsagent. The lay-by is almost immediately on the right by the telephone kiosk.




This walk is taken from Dave Berry's Book " More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" He describes it as an excellent walk exploring beautiful valleys and foothills. We usually start at Loggerheads, but as it is £5 to park for more than 4 hours we will start up the road in Cadole.

Saturday 22nd June 2019.




Beaumaris and Penmon. 
Postponed.

Distance:13 miles. Climb: 800'.

Start: The car park on the left just past Beaumaris Castle. Grid ref: SH609762.

Leave Chester 8-00 a.m.

This walk combines one walk from Carl Roger's book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 1" with a walk from his book "Coastal Walks Around Anglesey - Volume 2" .  In the past we have always enjoyed this walk and it is quite some time since we last did it.  High tide is about 13-00,  and is only 8.1 m (26.6') so hopefully it will be possible to walk along the beach for the first part of the walk.  This is a good and varied walk, passing Penmon Priory and the site of Castell Aberlleiniog.

 We will probably shorten the walk after reaching Penmon, where we will probably have lunch.

Wednesday 26th June 2019

Garth Wood, Felin Blwm Wood and Maen Achwyfan.


Distance: 9-10 miles; Climb: 1264'.

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

Leave Chester 8-30 a.m. 


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 done many times before.






Saturday 29th June 2019.

Shining Tor and the Goyt Valley.
10 miles. Climb: 2000'.

Start: St. Mary's Church Car park, Taxal. Grid ref: SK006797. This is a car park with an honesty box donation, that can be used by walkers, providing there isn't a function like a wedding taking place.

If we are unable to park a the church, we will use a layby on the A5004, South of Horwich End. Grid ref: SK008798.

Leave Chester 08-30 am.

This is walk that we haven't done for quite some time, March 2007.

The walk is taken from Mark Richard's book " High Peak Walks". This is a varied vwalk, including  a ridge walk along Windgather Rocks and the climb to the summit of Shining Tor. The return route descends to the Goyt Valley past Errwood and Fernilee Reservoirs.

Garth and Felin Blwm Woods and Maen Achwyfan 26th June 2019

Heading along the track to Top-y-coed Lodge.

First views of the Dee estuary.

The Mostyn Hall carriage drive lodge over the road at Tre-Mostyn.

The southern start of the path through Felin Blwm Wood.

The footbridge over Afon y Garth in Coed y Garth Nature Reserve.

Debating the source of this bubbling water.

The Maen Achwyfan Cross near Whitford.

Trekking through another field with long grass.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.7 miles. Climb: 1020'.

Time: 5 hours 19 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel and Nigel.

A largely overcast day with very little wind and at times feeling quite humid.

 We decided to explore one path that that went beyond Top-y-coed Lodge that went to Mostyn Hall Carriage Drive Lodge over the road at Tre-Mostyn. It did, but arriving at the lodge a notice informed us that this was the end of the path and instructed us to turn back, there was no way to drop down to the road, so turn back we did.

 The one bonus of this exploration was to see, what I initially thought was a large dog on the track in front of us, saw us and ran off into the wood barking. Michel pointed out that it was a Muntjac deer (also known as the "barking deer).

 The route involved using paths through fields, now with well established crops, but only one required the easier option of going around the edge of the field. Two fields crossed had long grass already gone to seed, providing us with a challenge later to remove the seeds from our walking socks and around our boot laces.

 The paths through Garth and Felin Blwm Woods are delightful as they progress high above the rivers below.

 One side stream provided us with a debating point as to where the emerging water came from, was it natural or was it man made?

 Distant views were rather misty, although at one point we did manage to make out Hilbre Island and Liverpool's Anglican cathedral.

 Lunch was taken just outside Telogan, where we just sat on the grassy bank. We did have views over the farm land to the coast, marred a little by the power lines in front of us.

 After a visit to see the Maen Achwyfan cross we headed to Coed y Garreg on the last climb of the day.

 The final section of the walk leading to Whitford was a challenge to avoid being stung by nettles or prickled by thistles. I failed on both counts!

 We arrived back at Whitford at the same time as the school run with lots of cars on the streets waiting to pick up the children at the end of the school day.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, European robin, Pied wagtail, Rook, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Black-billed magpie, Blackcap, Common whitethroat, Goldfinch and Common buzzard.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Halkyn, where once again the Lees Bitter was on form.

Ffrith Mountain and the Alyn Gorge 19th June 2019

A Buttercup meadow adjacent to the road as we climb out of Loggerheads.

Cwm-llydan - Moel Famau is somewhere up there!

Trying to avoid the boggy bits as they head towards Cwm-llydan or are the just disagreeing about "Bexit"?

Bryn Alyn from the road east of Brithdir-mawr.

Goats grazing North of Brithdir-fach.

St Mary's Church, Cilcain.

Walking along the Leete towards Loggerheads.

The Afon Alyn before we climbed the steps towards Cadole.

On the stoney path past the Cefn Mawer Quarry towards Cadole.

Final views over Colomendy towards Bryn Alyn.

Walk stats: distance: 8.6 miles. (9.4 miles on my newest GPS). Climb: 1086'.

Time; 5 hours 2 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.5 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Nigel, Fran and David S.

After the heavy rains of recent day, we did anticipate that there would be boggy sections, a good test for Fran wearing a new pair of boots.

We set off anticipating that it would be overcast for most of the day, but at a less than 20% chance  of rain we were optimistic that we wouldn't get wet! More surprising sun hats were the order of the day, especially during the morning. Good weather for David S road testing his new shorts.

 The Sun was shinning for most of the morning, and as is usual these days, we often explore paths not used before (usually meaning it was a short cut of sorts). today was no exception as we took a path that went to the west side of Ffrith Farm.

 We didn't get very high, so distant views were very limited, and the best e had was good views of the hills above Colomendy towards Bryn Alyn.

 Arriving a Cilcain, St Mary' Church door was open, so David S informed us that the there were impressive wooden carvings on the internal roof supports.

 A church service had recently to finished and we were lucky enough to find two priest still there, and they gladly weklcomed us in gave us lots of historical info about the church.

 lunch was taken in the Millennium Wood at Cilcain, where we located a bench big enough for all of us to sit. 

 This was a good perching spot, although the view we had was very limited - just trees, most of the Birch trees, but no-one complained.

 The walk along the Leete is always delightful, and it was here that we stated to encounter other walkers, usually accompanied by a dog, but we did see one walker just outside Cilcain and two walkers on the climb from the Leete to Cadole on the path adjacent to the Cefn Mawr Quarry.

 The final approach was along the excellent path adjacent to the Rhydymwyn Road back to Cadole.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common chaffinch, Common blackbird, Black-billed magpie, House martin, Woodpigeon, Eurasian jay, Blackcap, Rook, Jackdaw, Winter wren, European robin and Bullfinch.

 Flowers seen today included:  Meadow buttercup Stitchwort, Wood forget-me-not, Herb robert and Foxglove.

 Overall a very enjoyable walk, on this occasion not too challenging since any encouragement to extend the walk to include Moel Famau was quickly rejected!

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn, where there was a good selection of brews 4% or below on offer, including one of my favourite brews Purple Moose's Snowdonia Ale.

Winter Hill and Rivington Pike 15th June 2019

Rivington Hall.

Climbing the steps to the through the ornamental gardens of Lever Park.

Looking across a recently restored pond towards the dovecot.

Last climb to Winter Hill

Looking North from Winter Hill.

At the trig point on Winter Hill.

The well cared for Scotchman's Stump.

Looking North towards the masts on Winter Hill.

Looking over Cotton grass covered moorland towards Rivington Pike.

Trying to avoid some of the boggy bits on on the Rotary Way across Two Lads and Crooked Edge Hill.

The climb to the large stone Two Lads cairn.

At the Two Lads Cairn.

Looking South from Rivington Pike.

The view from our lunch spot in Lever Park.

Crossing a footbridge as we descended from Rivington Pike along a series of paved paths and steps.

Part of The Castle on the East side of Lower Rivington Reservoir.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.4 miles. 1372'.

Time: 4hours 30 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.0 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Mike, John and Elaine.

We weren't sure whether we would get rain or not, with the BBC suggesting it would rain after 14-00 and the Met Office suggesting that there was an over fifty percent chance of rain all day. At least they both agreed that wouldn't be cold with a feel like temperature of around 12 Celsius and only a gentle breeze.

 We set off up the drive towards Rivington Hall, already with plenty of parked cars in parking areas on both sides of the road.

 John, one of our Bolton friends, led us through sections of the ornamental garden to the first objective of the day - the "pigeon". Everywhere we went in the ornamental gardens there was evidence of a major restoration taking place to bring the gardens back to look as they did when first created.

 Leaving the dovecot, we set off along the Belmont Road, knowing that we needed to cross a wooden footbridge onto the open moorland and the final climb to the masts on Winter Hill.

 We had been walking along this road for longer than we expected, and stopped to look at  the map, Two walks heading down the road, stopped to ask if we were lost and reassured us that the wooden footbridge was a little further ahead of us.

 After crossing the footbridge we were soon greeted by singing Skylarks, a delightful sound that accompanied us all the way from the masts to Crooked Edge Hill.

 It was surprising to see so much Cotton grass making distant views of the moorland around the masts appear as though the moors were decked in snow,

 Approaching Rivington Pike it became obvious that this was a very popular place walkers, so much so that it was impossible to take a photo of the just the building.

 It was just as we started to descend the steps from the Pike that it started to rain, so much so that some of the group stopped to put on their waterproofs. The rain had come just a little earlier than we had hoped and even worse just as we wanted to stop for lunch.

 We ended up taking lunch, sheltering in the trees overlooking one of the ornamental pond. This was a stand up lunch, the first time we had failed to locate a suitable place to sit. Thankfully the worst of the rain passed through as we had lunch sheltering in the trees. Ahead of us now was the descent through the ornamental gardens along the labyrinth of paved terraces linked by steps.

 The final section of the walk was along the wooded path from The Castle along the edge of the Lower Rivington Reservoir. The Castle was full of people, again making it impossible to take any photos of folly. Birds seen today included: Common blackbird, Common kestrel, Black-headed gull, Carrion crow, Mallard, Common swift, Barn swallow, Meadow pipit, Skylark and if you believe Mike and Elaine - a yellow duck!

 It started to rain again as we headed up from the "Go Ape" area back to the car.

 We arrived back at the car, having had an enjoyable walk, especially so as our friends from Bolton were able to join us and guide us through the ornamental gardens sections of the walk.

  After walk drinks for the Chester members of the group was at the Netherton Hall, Frodsham, where eventually we were able to enjoy a pint of Lees bitter, well worth waiting for the barrel to be changed.