A Huw Tom Trail Start, Foel Lus and More 14th April 2021

The beach view from Dwygyfylchi.

The sea still comes rolling in.

The infamous Penmaenmawr Quarry clock.

Ed at the New York Cottages, Penmaenmawr.

The miners' cottages on Erasmus Street.

At the start of the Jubilee Path around Foel Lus.

At the top of Foel Lus.

One of the many Wheatears seen today

A foel an mare on Waen Gyrach.

The valley track back to Dwygyfylchi.

Millenium stones at Dwygyfylchi.

Distance: 8.4 miles. Climb: 1360'.
Time 5 hours 8 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.6 m.ph.
Beaufort wind forces: 0 - 2 (Calm to light breeze - mainly the former.).
Temperature: Max 12.2 Celsius, but felt cooler out of the Sun.

Group: Martyn and Ed.

This could truthfully be described as a perfect day for walking, wall to wall blue sky for 90 of the walk, hardly any wind and warm sunshine enough to make you feel good! Definately a hkorts day!

The main objective of the walk wasto include the start of the Huw Tom trail that we missed out last week, but that only about three miles of our walk.

We started the walk from Dwygyfylchi and headed for the beach and onto Penmaenmawr. it was over sixty years ago that I last set foot on this beach!

The view towards te coast were superb, wih the Irish Sea looking blue and distance clouds looking like a mountain range. everyone we saw out walking spoke to us, whether in reply or being the first to say hello. what a good uplifting day this was!

After visiting the top of Foel Lus, we descended to the Huw Tom Tail, and had lunch at the same place as last week, but thankfullthis tim t was in sunshine and there was no hail!

Birds seen or heard today included: Greenfinch, Herring gull, Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, European robin, Winter wren, Skylark, Meadow pipit, European robin, Willow warbler, Common buzzard, Wheatear, Carron crow, Jackdaw, Raven, Collared dove, Stonechat, Meadow pipit, Black billed magpie and Skylark.

We arived back at the start, having has had wha was probably our best walk inthe "Welsh Stay n Wales" directive in 2021.

A Saltney - Chester Meadows - Eccleston - Duke's Drive - Saltney Quay Round 10th April 2021

Chester weir.

A Great cormorant with gulls on Chester Weir.

"What colour are my legs?"  

Moorhen near Chester Meadows.

The information board for the Diamond Jubilee Wood, but we couldn't get anywhere near it due to the boggy/flooded ground it was standing in.

looking down on the path through The Dingle tat we had used at the start of the walk from the meeting point at Overleigh Roundabout.

Field forget-me-nots near Saltney Quay.

A Greenfinch on the Riverside Path, south east of Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Distance: 13.3 miles. (9.3 miles with Roger).  Climb: 210'.
Time: 6 hours 2 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.
Group: Martyn and Roger.

With a weather forecast suggestiing a feel like temperature of 3 Celsius, I set off in my full Paramo Winter gear - in the morning with the Sun blasting down, this was a mistake, shorts and a T-shirt would have been the better option. However after lunch when it clouded over, I felt more comfortable wearing, rather than anishing my jacket to my rucksack.
a couple of weeks ago, the rverside path between Chester Meadows and Eccleston was quite muddy and in places water logged, but today this wasn't an issue - clean boots again!

Birds seen or heard today included: Great cormorant, Herring gull, Black headed gull, Lesser black back gull, Commoon blackbird, Moorhen, Mallard, Woodpigeon, Chiffchaff, Song thrush, Winter wren, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Comon whitethroat, Collared dove, Common starling, Blue tit and Great tit.

We were surprised to see several people about to get into the river for a swim, and one man that was drying of having already been in for a swim, a challenge today in avoiding the constant stream of boats sculling their way upstream.

One thing we did learn is that the rowers in their boats are relatively quiet, but their coaches in motor boats shouting instructions ARE NOT! Noise polution almost as bad as that of vehicles o the A55! No chance of seeing a Kingfisher today!

The only person that we bumped into that I knew was Linda P, a friend from my school days, taking her elderly Lab for walk around the Meadows.

Plenty of walkers out today, especially as we approached Eccleston, including a couple of D of E groups out on what was their first training day of three.

 We ended up having lunch, sitting on a convenient felled tree trunk, just off the main footpath on Duke's Drive, and once more Margaret kindly provide me with my desert, the last of her chocolate eggs! Thanks again Margaret.

As you would expect, very few car park spaces were left as we went through the Chester Golf Club car park, and the sound of club hitting the golf ball could clearly be heard, but it paled into insignifance compared to rowing boat coach heard earlier in the day.

Roger and I went our separate ways at Saltney Quay and Roger probably mileage clocked upto 11.5 miles by the time he reached home, ready for a good soothing soak in the bath!

I arived home at 14-50, just in time to watch Liverpool get their revenge over Aston Villa's 7-2 victory earlier in the year.

A Huw Tom Circuit from Rowen 7th April 2021

The start and finish of the walk today.

Llangelynin Old Church.

Don't follow anyone on this path!

The only crossing point over the Afon Gyrach for us today!

At the start of the Huw Tom Trail for us today - also our lunch spot.

Tal y Fan with a slight snow covering.

Welsh mountain ponies near Waen Gyrach.

Waen Gyrach.

What's that dot above Craig Celynin?

It's a Red kite.

Ed marks the centre of Caer Bach.

More traditional residents near Caer Bach.

Huw Tom's House.

A stone stile that I won't feel sorry if I don't ever cross it again!

The Cromlech seen from the north east side.

Distance: 8.8 miles. Climb: 2018' pm on GPS and 1796' on the other GPS.
Time: 5 hours 48 minutes. On the move walking average:2.0 m.p.h. Overall walkl average: 1.5 m.p.g.
Beaufort Wind Force: Mainly 2 (light breeze), but at one point gusted to 4 (moderate breeze).
Temperature: Lowest - 5.7 Celsius. Highest - 10.1 Celsius.
Group: Martyn and Ed.

Back to full Winter gear with feel like temperatures of 3 Celsius on the forecast

We just about experienced every weather condition today including, hail, snow, rain (just a few spots, calm to gusting moderate breeze and at times really pleasant warm sunshine. It was a day when gloves were on and off very frequently.

A very enjoyable walk with two minor issues. The first an attempt to cross the Afon Gyrach a little north of the usual footbridge, which we found wasn't possible todaythe water was to deep to ford. The second was a traditional stone stile over a large stone wall that was a little awkward to say the least!

Lunch was taken next to the arker syton, south west of Foel Lus where we took advantage of a long wooden bench, well designed for two people socially distanced, one at each end. It was as we had lunch, we experienced the worst of the hail, that made us rush to put on head coverings, but it only lasted a few minutes and was followed by the Sun putting in an appearance.

After lunch was the start of the Huw Tom Trail for today so our objective was the identify each of the places highlighted on the Trail description.

We also explored the site of Caer Bach, but much imagination was needed  recognise that whee we stood was in fact the centre of the fort.

Birds seen or heard today included: Green woodpecker, Great spotted woodpecker, Raven, Wheatear, Carrion crow, Meadow pipit, Jackdaw, European robin, House sparrow, Black billed magpie, Woodpgeon, Common blackbird and Red kite.

Anderton Lift out and back with a Marbury Country Park Extension. 7th April 2021.

The Anderton Lift.

Marbury Hall Information Board.

Wood anemone.

Looking north east across Budworth Mere towards Great Budworth.

Distance: 9.2 miles.Climb: 100ft climb. 

Moving Time: 3hours 19 minues. Moving Average: 2.75 mph 

Marbury Country Park Extension: 3 miles
Group Walking: Mike, Nigel, David S. Sue, Michel, Wendy
Thankfully, the bitter wind of the previous few days subsided throughout the morning, and the frequent periods of sunshine made this a good day for a walk. The intention was to take the North Cheshire Way along the Weaver Navigation as far as Acton Bridge and then return along the canal. Heading out from The Anderton Boat Lift a kind gentleman informed us that the canal towpath near to the tunnel not far from the boat lift was in fact closed for repair. Thankfully, we were able to walk a short distance down the road and join the NCW at the swing bridge. From there it was plain sailing all the way to Acton Bridge. It was lovely to see a swan on her nest and right alongside a heron also on its nest, but two mating Great Crested Grebes were the highlight of the day.
Leaving the NCW we joined the canal towpath hoping that, after lunch, we would be able to use it to walk most of the way back. We observed impressive tunnels and bridges on our way back, and the temperature started to rise enough for some of us to remove our outer layers. We arrived back at Anderton Lift car park having had a good, interesting walk, and Mike and Nigel decided to continue along the canal towards, and into Marbury Country Park, where the wild flowers were in abundance. As we stopped to read the information board about Marbury Hall, a gentleman and his wife (members of Friends of Anderton and Marbury) began to tell us all about the history of the hall, and the presence of ICI in the local area; a pity David had decided not to join us on the extension as he would have found it very interesting.

Exploring Wepre Riverside, Dee Park and The Wales Coast Path 6th April 2021

The former John Summers Steelworks Head Office / Clock Building on BBC Wales Today.

The John Summers Steelworks Head Office / Clock Building seen this morning from the Wales Coast Path adjacent to Sports Club Playing Field.

Hawthorn blossom starting to appear.

A male Common blackbird on the grass next to the Wales Coast Path, east of Wepre Riverside.

One of several ventilation pipes next to the Wales Coast Path, but what is it venting remains a mystery.

The Path through Dee Park leading to Shotton Station.

The Blue Queenferry Swing Bridge.

Hawarden Bridge from the Blue Queensferry Swing Bridge.

Two Oystercatcher on the old wooden landing stage south east of Hawarden Bridge.

A Little egret stalking the flood waters next to Wepre Gutter / Wepre Brook outflow.

The 1918 - 2018 Remembrance brazier at Wepre Riverside

Distance: 4.3 miles. Climb: 100'.
Time: 2 hours. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overalll walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Beaufort Wind Force: North westerly 2 -3, occasionally gusting to 4. Light breeze to moderate breeze.
Temperature: 6.1 Celsius in the main, but when in the warm sunshine 10.6 Celsius, but still feeling quite cool.
Group: Martyn.

With the Sun shiningand lots of blue sky, I decided to go for a short walk from Wepre Riverside and explore one or two paths exiting from the Wales Coast Path and entering Dee Park. It turned out that it headed towards Shotton, and I chose the path that led to Shotton Station before returning on the path adjacent to the John Summers Steelworks Sports Field back to the Wales Coast Path.

Uexpectedly, the former John Summers Steelworks Head Office / Clock Building was shown on BBC Wales this morning, pointing out that local volunteers were in the prcess of renovating it to be used as a Community Hub and Training Cente of some sort. a TATA engineer was also giving support. The BBC Wales footage showed the building before the current scaffolding was erected last Saturday.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Chiffchaff, Common chaffinch, European robin, Goldfinch, Mallard, Canada goose, Carrion crow. Jackdaw, Raven, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Woodpigeon, Black billed magpie, Oystercatcher, Little egret and Great cormorant.

Ed's Trefriw Two Lakes Walk 4th April 2021

 

The rooty path alongside Geirionydd has been improved with a lot of it leveled but unfortunately the path between Geirionydd and Crafnant has had its ancient woods felled but does leave a nice view.

A Saltney, Deeside Lane, Fox's Drive and Riverside and Return to Saltney Dock 3rd April 2021

A Little egret on Thornleigh Park Farm Gutter.

Roger crossing the footbridge over the Sealand Land Drainage Gutter on the way to the Shooting School.

A Grey heron about to start fishing the rive near Queensferry Road Bridge.

A "Gypsy pony" next to the travellers residential site.

Cowslips on the river facing sicicide  of the embankment near our lunch spot.

A stranded tree trunk - evidence of high tides earlier in the week.

Ahetland pony grazing on the embankment.

A Raven in the top od the Scots pine on the Higher Ferry side of the river.

The incoming tide arrives just after 15-00.

The tidal waves roll towards The Riverside, Saltney.

Distance: 13.8 miles (10.3 miles with Roger) . Climb: 196'..
Time: 6 hours14 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 22 m.p.h.
Beaufort wind force: 0 - 2. Calm to light breeze North easterly. Temperature: 9.7 - 14.1 Celsius.
Group: Martyn and Roger.

Another almost perfect day for walking, especially when the Sun came out from behinds the clouds and we could feel the warmth of its rays.

We made good progress in the morning, and arrived at the first possible lunch spot at 11-15, far too early for lunch, so we carried on to the Queensferry Blue Swing Brigeae and crossed over it and headed back along the riverside path towards Sandycroft.

It was only 11- 45 whean we arrived at the second possible perching spot a large concrete block on the top of the flood defense embankment. Conveniently the breezeae s dropped and we sat in warm sunshine enjoying our lunch. Even better Margaret had sent a chocolate egg for me, It might be my age, but I can't remember when I last had a chocolate egg at Easter. Thank you Margaret.

I looked up the tide times and worked out that we should have a good chance of seeing it, if we were on the riverside about 14-00. That was correct, but I had forgotten that all High Tide Times at Liverpool are GMT not BST.  In fact, I did catch the tide wimper past when I returned to the riverside at 15-00 on my way home after Roger and I went our separate ways after leaving the Saltney Quay.

Birds seen or heard today included: Collared dove, Black billed magpie, Dunnock, House sparrow, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, European robin, Lesser black back gull, Little egret, Carrion crow, Rook, Raven, Skylark, Common buzzard, Feral pigeon, Common chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Common kestrel, Blue tit, Song thrush, Oystercatcher, Common pheasant, Lapwing, Mallard, House sparrow, Common starling and Common redshank.

Another good walk, ending with clean boots, but glad to put my feet up and have a cup of whisky fortified tea when I got home.