Y Foel from Llangollen 7th August 2019

The River Dee looking eastward from the Castle Street Bridge in Llangollen.

The view from the top of the old highway Allt y Badi.

Allt y Badi, probably the best bit!

Some time soon we will be walking over there.

Y Foel protected by blooming heather.

The northern view from the remains of Biddulph Tower.

At the remains of Biddulph Tower.

At the Y Foel trig point.

Still heather hopping, but better than on the way to Y Foel.

The view from our lunch spot, looking eastward.

Our last look at Biddulph Tower remains taken from the North Berwyn Way on the north side of the Nant y Bache valley.

Both sides of the Nant y Bache valley - we have been everywhere.

Walk stats: Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb: 1644'. Marginally a little on the high side ass it became quite breezy around Y Foel.

Time: 5 hours 2 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Wendy, Nigel, Celia and David S.

This was a good day for walking, with no rain forecast and only gentle westerly winds to help us on our way. We did get a few spots of rain early on, but no more than that.

 After crossing the River Dee at Llangollen, with its superb views down stream, our way forward was up. 

 The steady climb along the old highway "Allt y Badi", to me is a continuous slog with very view views to break the monotony.

 However when the gradient eased and Penlan farm is reached, we were rewarded with good views across the Dee valley towards the Eglwyseg Escarpments in one direction and the Cheshire gap in the other.

 Last time we were in this area, we missed out Y Foel, but today that wasn't an option as the walk title was "Y Foel".

 We headed off along the feint track bounded by heather/bracken and occasionally gorse - not Celia's terrain of choice, and once again she suffered lacerations to her leg, that were suitably patched up at lunch time.

 After reaching the remains of the Biddulph Tower, spotting a young couple (one with a young baby on his back) continuing on a feint track through the heather, we decided to follow and avoid the retracing of our route as described in the description.

 This we did, shortening the walk slightly and ended up having lunch in the same spot on the Vivod expedition in July.

 The return route was along North Berwyn Way, but we took the higher route on a good track through heather/bilberry decked moorland towards Ffynon-las Wood.

 This higher track gave us some really good views, in all directions North and North east.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a really good walk, but with ageing leg muscles, complaining feet and sore toes, very grateful that we didn't have to go any further. All that was left was to have a refreshing pint in the Ponsonby Arms next to the car park. 

 Barnsley bitter was enjoyed, but it was disappionting to request to have a full pint! How lucky Celia was to have her special lager served in a "jug", but I don't think she appreciated it!

 Unusually the toilets had a coded numbered lock, that defeated all of the first time, even one of the engineers amongst us!

 Birds see or heard today included: Common blackbird, Common buzzad, Carrion crow, Goldfinch, Wood nuthatch, Great spotted woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Barn swallow, House sparrow and Meadow pipit.

Conwy Harbour, Conwy Mountain and Maen Esgob 3rd August 2019

Conwy Castle - the start of the walk.

Conwy Harbour.

A Little egret on the shore of the Conwy Estuary.

A Grey heron on the shore of the Conwy Estuary.

A male Stonechat with a meal.

Conwy Castle from the eastern end of Conwy Mountain.

A Painted Lady butterfly, one of many on Conwy Mountain.

Is that a Painted lady there?

"What is it?"

"Nothing really, just taking my rucksack off."

Happy to be out on Conwy Mountain.

 Puffin Island and Anglesey from our lunch spot.

A change of plan - that is the way we will go after lunch.

A small pool on the west side of Maen Esgob.

We wondered where the ponies were hiding, but at last we have found a few.

Conwy Mountain ahead.

What am I? A Raven or a Carrion crow?

Walk stats: Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 1444'.

Time: 5 hours 22 minutes. On the move walking average: 1.6 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Celia.

The weather was set fair, with the chances of rain increasing after 15-00. We did get a few spots from about 11-30 onwards, but nothing to make you even think about putting on waterproofs. However it was very humid and brief encounters with the slightest breeze were very welcome.

 As we crossed Conwy Mountain the views towards Tal-y-Fan in one direction and out towards the coast in the other direction were superb. Crossing Conwy Mountain Painted lady butterflies were everywhere.

Conwy Mountain was decked with the vibrant purple of the Bell heather, always a joy to see.

 Lunch was taken on the north western side of Maen Esgob, near the boundary gate to the Pennant Estate.

 After lunch, instead of taking the path South of Maen Esgob, we took the path on the north side, a path that I had never used before.

 Another surprise on the walk today was the head high Bracken that bounded both sides of the paths we used and made us suffer the associated increased humidly that resulted from our proximity to the Bracken.

 Birds seen or heard today included: Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Little egret, Grey heron, Great cormorant, Common redshank, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Goldfinch, Stonechat, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit, Common buzzard, European robin, Winter wren, Common blackbird and probably a Raven as well.

 Approaching Conwy Castle on the way to the long stay carpet, I decided to avoid the shorter route down the steps and took the longer but gentle easier sloping path. I am glad we did as we had two really good views of a Stoat crossing the path in front of  not once but twice.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a very enjoyable walk, about as much as we wanted to do on a day that was so humid, but we were still dry and our boots were dusty, but wouldn't need much cleaning.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn, where he Lees bitter was excellent.  Apparently this was the first time that Celia had been to the Brit after its extensive refurbishment - it almost got a thumbs up from Celia!

Corwen to Llidiart-y-Parc 31st July 2019

The statue of Owain Glyndwr in the centre of Corwen.

The River Dee and Pont Corwen.

Cynwyd Forest from our lunch spot.

The way to Moel Fferna, it is somewhere over there!

The bird of the day - Whinchat, south west of Moel Fferna.

Celebrating arriving at the summit wind shelter on Moel Fferna as at earlier we weren't sure we would see it let alone get there.

The view towards the Dee Valley begins to open up.

Walk stats: Distance: 10.0 miles. Climb: 1340'.

Time: 5 hours 46 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Nigel.

The weather forecast for today wasn't particularly good, especially for the morning when >30% chance of rain was the best on offer.

 It just started to rain as we left Corwen heading for Cynwyd and didn't stop until just after 11-30. Fortunately much of the early part of the climb out of Cynwyd was along a minor road and we were pretty well sheltered. Similarly we were sheltered as we followed the North Berwen Way through Cynwyd Forest. By now we weren't very optimistic about getting any views from the top of Moel Fferna as the higher parts of the forest trees were in mist.

 As we emerged from Cynwyd Forest we decided to stop for lunch before heading into the mist and the summit of Moel Fferna.

 Birds seen or heard were few today, but the open moorland did have several Stonechats, Whinchats and Meadow pipits on both sides of the North Berwen Way as we climbed to Bwlch Cynwyd.

 The final approach to the summit of Moel Fferna crosses a boggy path through a peaty area, but with careful steps we triumphantly arrived at the wind shelter.

  The way ahead was now all down hill, northward to the Carrog Plantation. It wasn't long before the views ahead opened up, and it looked as though we were entering a different world!.

 At the start of the track on the east side of he Carrog Plantation, I decided to shed my waterproofs, and as I did so a young couple breezed past us as if they were on an afternoon stroll. They were the only ones that we had seen as we walked across the Moel Fferna area.

 We arrived back at the car having had an enjoyable walk, that would have been even better had the weather been kinder.

 Birds seen or heard today included; Mute swan, Mallard, Barn swallow, House sparrow, Common blackbird, Winter wren, Black billed magpie, Common buzzard, Red grouse, Common pheasant, Meadow pipit, Stonechat and Whinchat. 

After retrieving the car from Corwen, we headed back to The Grouse at Carrog, where we sat in the window overlooking the river as we enjoyed a pint of Lees bitter.

Dates and Walks July 2019

Wednesday 3rd July 2019.

Aled Isaf and More.

Distance: 10-11 miles. Climb: 1500'.

Start: Off road parking just before the dam on Llyn Aled. Grid ref: SH916579.

Leave Chester at 08-30 a.m.

This walk is taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks on the Denbigh Moors" or his slightly newer book "Hidden Heart of North Wales". The walk explores the expansive  tract of moorland and upland pastures around  Llyn Aled and  Aled Isaf. The route in part follows tracks not easily seen and is for experienced walkers only.  At one point the walk follows a delightful upland path via Llys Dymper, before returning South over the moorland top of Foel Lwyd. The extension allows us to explore moorland paths over Moel Bengam and Cefn Du along paths that I have wanted to explore for some time. Has been known to be boggy, but hopefully not too boggy at this time of the year. As an extra challenge we may complete this walk in an anticlockwise direction, the opposite way to the way we normally complete the walk!

The last time we did this walk in June 2017 when we shortened the walk to 8.5 miles and a climb of 842'.

Saturday 6th July 2019.

Around Llyn Brenig.

Distance: 9.8  miles; Climb: 610'.
Start: Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre car park (Pay and Display). Grid ref: SH968547' .
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This walk is based on a walks from Dave Berry's book "Walks in the Hidden Heart Of North Wales" or "Walks Around the Hiraethrog Moors and Lakes". This is a low level walk and is a gentle stroll around the lake. Apparently there is an Osprey nesting n a platform in the lake, so we should have a good chance of seeing one. Bring your binoculars if you have them.

Wednesday 10th July 2019.

Vivod and Vivod Mountain. 

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 the 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.
The return rout visits the top of Vivod Mountain and the follows the North Berwyn Way past Ffynnon-las Wood  north east to reach the Berwyn/Vivod to 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. 

Saturday 13th July 2019.

Y Foel. 
Postponed - see below for replacement walk.

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.

Replacement Walk.

Clywedog Reservoir and Foel Uchaf.

Distance: 9 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Cyffylliog. SJ060578.
There is limited roadside parking in Cyffylliog, so if necessary we will meet up at the Ruthin riverside car park and take as few cars as possible to the start point.
Leave Chester at 08-30.
This walk is taken from Dave Berry's booklet "walks in the Vale of Clwyd". It is a sort of figure of eight walk featuring attractive wooded river valleys, open hills, forest and an upland reservoir. At some of the higher points on the walk we should get some superb views.
I understand that a nesting platform has been set up at the Clywedog Reservoir site and a pair of Ospreys have been seen there, so bring binoculars if you can.

Wednesday 17th July 2019.

Eglwyseg Escarpment and Trevor Rocks.

Distance: 9-10 miles. Climb:1200'. Can be made shorter if need be.

Start: Off road parking on the Panorama road just East of the monument. Grid ref: SJ247426.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

This must be one of the best walks in the Llangollen area, especially on a sunny day. a walk that makes you feel like you're  on top of the world with superb views in all directions, including the Dee Valley, Dinas Bran, the Llantysilio Mountains and the Berwyns. This is one of our  favourite walks and is always on the list at least once every year.

Saturday 20th July 2019.

Under Moel Siabod.
Postponed - Billy no mates again and it is not a good forecast. This walk needs to be done on a good day after a long dry spell.

Distance:  8.4 miles. Climb: 994'.
Start: Parking space on the railway bridge just North of Pont y Pant Station. SH754537.
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.
This a walk taken from Michael Burnett's booklet " Walks East Snowdon". This is a walk that is described as a wild walk which crosses the moorland to the east of Moel Siabod. On a good day it should give us spectacular views of Moel Siabod and the Carneddau mountains to the North. The last time we did this walk was in November 2009, when it was somewhat boggy underneath and everyone had at best, wet feet after wading through knee deep water for about half a mile! I did say that I wouldn't do this walk again, but after ten years, bad memories fade, so here it is again. Hopefully it won't be quite as wet in July.

Wednesday 24th July 2019.

Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.

Distance: 8 miles. Climb: 975'.

Start: Boncyn Foel-bach Forest Car Park Grid ref: SJ055520. This is on the B5105 Ruthin to Clawdd Newydd road.
Leave Chester at 09-00.

This walk is taken from Lorna Jenner's book "Walks in the Vale of Clwyd".  I have only done this walk once before starting from this car park and that was more than 10 years ago. It is described as being a varied walk through forest, quiet lanes, including one that was used on a pilgrims' route and an attractive riverside path.

 Part of the route, particularly sections of the riverside path have in the past been rather boggy (Remembered from it being on walks starting from Melin-y-Wig). The section through the forest can be boggy too. The only other thing I remember about this walk is that the final section involves climbing out of the valley up to the car park - not the most ideal way to end a walk.

Saturday 27th July 2019.

St. Celynnin's Church and Tal y Fan.
Postponed - Billy no mates again.

Distance:7-8 miles. Climb: 1800'.
Start: Roadside parking in Rowen, on the right by houses just after passing the Post Office. Grid ref:SH761719.
Leave Chester 8-30 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!

Wednesday 31st July 2019.

Corwen to Lidiart-y-Parc.

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: A long lay-by 1/4 mile West of Llidiart-y-Park: SJ118433.
Leave Chester at 09-00 (08-15) if we decide to use the bus to Corwen from Llidiart-y-Parc.
This is a linear walk, so we will need to have sufficient cars to leave at least one at the start, and take everyone to Corwen, the start of the walk. The easiest option is to take enough cars to be able to leave at least one car in the layby and have sufficient cars to transport everyone to Corwen.
 It is possible to use public transport, but that would probably mean leaving Chester at about 08-15 to make sure that we didn't miss the 09-45 bus to Corwen.
 This walk is taken from Dave berry's booklet " Walks Around the Berwyn Mountains and the Ceiriog Valley".
 The walk is described as a wlk for experienced walkers only. It features the North Berwyn Way to Moel Fferna. After following the River Dee past Llangar Church to Cynwyd, the route climbs steadily up a wooded valley and through a forest before crossing moorland to the top of Moel Fferna.  Some of the routes up Moel Fferna have not been to our liking, so it will  be interesting to explore this new route. On a good day the views from Moel Fferna can be be superb.

The descent of Moel Ferna to Llidiat-y-Parc is the most direct route, and one that we are familiar with, having followed it many times.

Melin-y-Wig and Derwen 24th July 2019

The Llantysilio Mountains from the Clocaenog Forest near the start of the walk.

Moss in abundance in the forest South of Glan-y-gors.

At least some of the locals were interested in us.

Power on the horizon.

A friendly bug that is bugging me!
Possibly a stage in the life cycle of a Bronze Shieldbug.

The preaching cross at Derwen.

Inside St.Mary's Church at Derwen.

God's House, St Mary's Church Derwen.

Not far now, you can see our cars!

Ffynnin Sarah near the access track to Braich and the last leg of our walk.

Obeying the request to dip footwear in the bath of disinfectant on the track to Braich.

Final views of Llandegla Moors and the Llantysilio Mountains from the track above Braich.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.0 miles. Climb: 910'.

Time: 4 hours 38 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p,h.

Group: Martyn,Nigel and Wendy.

I was expecting five of us on this walk, but only three turned up. Did Boris's election to P.M. have anything to do with this, I know I wasn't feeling good about it!

We set off knowing that at time it would be on the warm side, but thankfully it did cloud over at times and a very pleasant breeze cooled us.

 The worst part of the walk was the sections through woodland, where the humidly was at it highest.

 We made quite good progress, so lunch was taken a little further on than usual, at a point west of Glyn bach.

 At Derwen, we visited the c3hurch, now looked after brilliantly by "Friends of Derwen Church".

 After visiting Ffynnon Sarah, we set off down the access track towards Braich, but were soon requested to dip our boots in disinfectant, which we all did. This was all to do with bio-security linked with a chicken farm higher up the track.

 We arrive back at the car, having had a good walk without experiencing the excess heat many areas were forecast to get.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Glasfryn at Mold, where Purple Moose;s Snowdonia Ale, and the Brunning and Price Bitter brewed by the Pheonix Brewery went down well, as did a G and T.

 Birds seen or heard today were few, but included: House sparrow, Winter wren, Common chaffinch, Raven, Rook, Carrion crow, House martin Barn swallow, Common pheasant and Common buzzard.

The Eglwyseg Escarpments nd Trefor Rocks 17th July 2019

Trefor Rocks from the start point on the Panorama Road.

On the path above Trefor Rocks.

Llangollen ahead.

Descending through the bracken.

First good views of Dinas Bran.

Hare bell of the day.

One of many thistles proudly displaying.

Everywhere we plan to go and more!

Thyme in abundance.

The view from our lunch spot.

Our lunch spot on the rocks North east of Craig Arthur.

An unusual natural tree sculpture - by sheep?

Looking back to part of the Eglwyseg Escarpments that we had just crossed.

Ling and Bell heather together.

Bridges of Llangollen.

Another view of Dinas Bran.

Nearly there, just the final trek up the road to go.

Final views of Dinas Bran.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.4 miles. 1650' (GPS slightly  wind assisted reading).

Time:5 hours 34 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Roger, David S and Celia.

The forecast was pretty good, except for rain arriving around 14-00 on some forecasts and by 16-00 on others, In fact the Met Office won, as it started to rain just about 14-10. Not much and I didn't bother to put on waterproofs, although the rest of the group did.
 On the higher ground we felt a breeze, just enough to stop us overheating.

 We set off from the start, hoping to take the usual path that stays close to the edge above Trefor Rocks, but today a group of youngsters on outdoor activities beat us to it, so we had a slight detour along the path through bracken/heather.

 Birds seen today were few and far between, but once we had reached open moorland, Stonechats started to announce there presence, and for he next 5-6 miles they were never far away.

 Lunch was taken about twenty minutes after heading South from the furthest point of the walk. Again we took advantage of suitable limestone rocks on which to sit. We had magnificent views towards the Llantysilio Mountains and even beyond towards the Berwyns.

 Conditions underfoot were pretty good, although some sections along the escarpment weren't pleasant, but manageable with care.

 We arrived back at the car, having had a really good walk, the first for some time for Celia, but one that was 9.4 miles and over a 1000' feet of climb, should encourage her to join the group again soon.

Birds seen or heard today included: Meadow pipit, Woodpigeon, Carion crow, Raven, Stonechat Common blackbird, Wheatear, Red grouse and Common whitethroat.

 after walk drinks were enjoyed at he Pant-yr-Ochain at Gresford, where Purple Moose's Snwdonia Ale went down well. I am sure Celia enjoyed her Peroni and Piper Crisps too!