A Birthday on Moel Fferna 16th August 2023

The start of our walk in Corwen.

On the way to Cynwyd.

Lots of fungi see today bot none of us can identify them!

Our lunch spot in Coed Cynwyd.

Nigel's Peacock.

On the North Brwyn Way to Morl Fferna.

Probably a juvenile Stonechat.

Is that the Arans on the skyline?

Celebrating a birthday on top of the world.

Not quite, but Moel Fferna on a day like this is just as good!

Fran's selfie on the top of Moel Ferna.

Enjoying a birthday pit at the Grouse Inn at Carrog.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 10.6 miles. Climb: 1942’. (Distance: 10.3 miles. Climb: 1437’)
Time: 6 hours 24 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.0 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.6 m.p.h.
Temperature: At the start – 16.7 Celsius. At Lunch 19.8 Celsius.
Beaufort Wind force: 0 – 1. Mainly calm, but on one occasion we did just about feel light air on our faces.
Group: Martyn, Nigel, Fran and Ed.
The forecast today was pretty good, mainly sunny and very little wind. In fact we were very grateful as we crossed the moorland terrain around Moel Fferna that the Sun was blocked by clouds.
This is a very varied walk that seemed straight forward until we followed the North Berwyn Way through Cynwyd Forest. We had lunch in Cynwyd Forest where we found plenty of suitable tree stumps to sit on. As is customary on such occasion, fortified fruit cake was provided, but no-one twigged the reason for the treat!
After lunch we headed down the forest track (still part of the North Berwyn Way) and soon got back on the track that we wanted to be on, arriving at a point NT remembers well, but no stile now just kissing gate.
We arrived at the summit shelter on Moel Fferna to find we had it to ourselves, and probably a first no rain and no wind!
All that was left was a 2 mile descent to Llidiart y Parc on that ”delightful” path that we remember so well!
Birds seen or heard today included: Wood nuthatch, Mallard, Meadow pipit, Common buzzard, Stonechat (juveniles), Mallard and Great cormorant (both seen from the Grouse Inn at Carrog), Eurasian jay and Common pheasant (not really wild but recently released from their breeding pens in Carrog Forest).
The best was yet to come, a pint of Lees (Manchester IPA) sitting outside at the Grouse Inn at Carrog overlooking the River Dee.
Overall another enjoyable walk, but we were glad to see the cars, sit down and take our boots off and put on a clean shirt and head for the Grouse Inn at Carrog. A late time arriving, but still time to clean my boots and sit down with a glass of Merlot (my first glass of red this year!)

Another Ysceifiog, Lixwm and Nannerch Round 9th August 2023

On the woodland path, north east of Ysceifio Lake.

The commentary says it all!

A different view of St. Mary's Church, Ysceifiog.

This tree must be pretty old - seen once by me, but probably never again!

One Pigmy goat taking it easy!

At the start of Ysceifiog Footpath 188.

Ysceifiog Footpath 188 is now behind us.

Moel y Parc on the skyline.

Knappweed on the verge.

Inside St. Michael and All Angels Church at Nannerch.

This was a nice cool place to spend a few minute as we looked around the church.

It is always good to see churches in Wales open to the public during the week.

St. Michael and All Angels Church at Nannerch.

Walk Stats:
Distance: 8.0 miles. Climb: 909’. (Distance: 7.4 miles. Climb: 700’)
Time: 4 hours 24 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Overall walk average: 1.8 m.p.h.
Temperature: At the start – 19.7 Celsius in the wood north east of Ysceifiog Lake. At Lunch 22.7 Celsius. At the end of walk – 23.0 Celsius
Beaufort Wind force: 0 – 1. Mainly calm, but on one occasion we did just about feel light air on our faces.
Group: Martyn David S and Ed.
The forecast today was pretty good, mainly sunny, but towards the end of the walk it felt quite humid, not the best feeling as we climbed up the road back to Ysceifiog.
Our route today explored an old road heading towards Pant-gwyn and to our surprise we had to negotiate a sort of ford.
No problem with Ysceifiog Path 188 and we arrived at the Lixwm roadside seat just in time for lunch.
On the way to Ysceifiog Footpath 188, we also explored a path going through a small wood, very overgrown with nettles before emerging in a field with two caravans, tent and one of their owners sitting at a picnic table enjoying the warm sunshine along with her dog. I think this was one of two dog that didn’t bark at us!
The only excitement after lunch had to make way for two huge horses being ridden as we descended the bridleway from Nannerch towards Bryn Rug.
Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Common coot, House sparrow, Barn swallow, Wood nuthatch, Goldfinch and Common buzzard.
Overall anther enjoyable walk, but we were glad to see the cars, sit down and take our boots off and put on a clean shirt. After walk drinks for two of us were enjoyed at Rake Hall, where DS enjoyed a Brimstage brewery beer made with New Zealand hops. I was driving, so I made do with a refreshing pot of tea!

A Hawarden Round 2nd August 2023

The start of our walk in Tinker's Dale.

The skirting the golf course.

The A55 underpass leading from The Warren to Penymynnyd.

Even better than I thought - the whole of the awkward stile has been removed.

Walk stats: 4.6 miles. Climb: 436’.
Time: 2 hours 10 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.1 m.p.h.
Temperature: 18.0 Celsius at the end.
Beaufort Wind Force: 0 - 1. Calm to light air
Group: Martyn David S and Fran.
The weather forecast gave a 30% chance of rain around 11-00. We did get some very light rain, but not enough to put waterproofs, although one member did use an umbrella briefly mid walk and towards the end.
At times, particularly towards the end it felt very humid. Not many birds saw today, just lots of dog walker!
As a change to our usual route along the road towards the station, we decided to take the path opposite the Tinker’s Dale Car Park that skirted part of the golf course.
This proved to a worthwhile exercise, and it is a path that will be used again in the future.
As we descended along The Warren, we also investigated a path that headed towards the A55. The presence of horse droppings was an encouraging sign that the path did lead somewhere! It was pleasing to note that it lead to an underpass, so it may be possible in the future to repeat a walk first printed in the Liverpool Daily Post around 1955 before the A55 was built.
Birds seen or heard today included: Moorhen, Woodpigeon, House sparrow, Lapwing, wood nuthatch, Treecreeper Goldfinch, Jackdaw, European robin and Common blackbird.
Overall a very pleasant morning sroll.

A Gronant to Barkby Beach Round 26th July 2023

Prestatyn Gutter at the eastern end of the Golf Course.

Looking across the reedbed towards alacre.

A closer look at Greater reedmace (Bullrush).

Sea holly.

A Skylark rests on the boardwalk.

A Meadow pipit posing.

Barkby Beach ahead with Eryri and the Great Orme on the skyline.

Barkby Beach ahead with Eryri and the Great Orme on the skyline.

A male Stonechat.

A bee feeding.

Looking over the golf course towards the hills above Prestatyn.

The Beach Hotel, Brkby Beach and the Grat Orme.

Slowly turning blades of the wind farm off Barkby Beach.

Bindweed next to the fence.

A Cinnabar moth caterpiller on Ragwort.

Walk stats: 4.7 miles. Climb: 200’.

Time: 2 hours 44 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.4 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Temperature: 17.7 Celsius at the start. 19.7 Celsius at Barkby Beach when I stopped for a drink.

Beaufort Wind Force: 2 – 3. Mainly a 4 – 5 m.p.h. Light breeze, but occasionally gusting to an 8.0 m.p.h. Gentle breeze.

Group: Martyn.

The weather forecast was pretty good, at least for the morning, so I decided to head for Gronant and see if the Little terns were around.

After visiting the two hides overlooking the Little tern colony, I headed along the top of the sand dunes to Barkby Beach, stopped for a drinks break, before returning through Prestatyn Golf Course.

Alas most of the Little terns had left, but there were still a few around, although I didn’t see any. The warden said that about 128 Little terns had fledged despite predation by Kestrels.

Birds seen or heard today included: House martin, Barn swallow, Woodpigeon, House sparrow, Meadow pipit, Linnet, Skylark, Stonechat, Common starling, Sedge warbler, Herring gull, Oystercatcher, Lesser black back gull, Black headed gull, Mallard, Goldfinch and Common blackbird.

It was a good job my boots didn't need cleaning as it started to rain just after I arrived home.

 

Walks and Dates July 2023

Latest Information About Harris Hikers from 23rd March 2023

After much discussion between group members, those present decided to follow DS’s suggestion that “Short walks with an option of a meal at a nearby venue” should take place on the fifth Wednesday in a month, and members of the group would take it in turns to plan the walk and venue.
There are only two such Wednesdays left in 2023.
 August 30th and November 29th.
It was also agreed that Wednesday Walks should in the main be walks of around 8 miles with no more than about 1200’ of climb. If proposed walks exceed these suggestions routes should have obvious short cuts to reduce distance and / or climb involved.
It was also agreed that each month a different member of the group should plan the walk.
This walk should be for the Wednesday in the month and that would include the “Short Walk and Meal Option” on the fifth Wednesday.
In order to include that walk in the monthly “Dates and Walks Post", details of the walk need to be sent to me by 15th of the previous month.
Wherever possible I would like people to let me know of their intention to walk or not to walk by Monday afternoon/early evening prior to the walk on Wednesday. There isn’t an issue with last minute cancellations for any reason. This happens anyway when adverse weather is forecast at the last minute.
Where the “Short Walk and Meal” is concerned, the person planning the walk and meal should be contacted directly and informed of theirr intentions as soon as you have made your decision.

Suggestions for Wednesday Walks and Saturday Walks are always welcome.

Remember to let me know that you plan to walk so that it becomes easier to arrange car sharing. in addition it helps me to know how many route maps I need to bring and on special occasions how many pieces of fruit cake or treats will be needed.

Letting me know that you won't be walking is just as important otherwise I am left guessing as to how many maps to run off and invariably I end up printing too many!

 Saturday 1st July 2023.

A Rhuddlan and St Asaph Round

Distance: 7-9 mile. Climb:300' - 450'.'.
Start: Rhuddlan Nature Reserve Car Park. Grid ref: SJ02047777
Leave Chester 08-30 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking:  Mike.

This walk explores the area south of Rhuddlan, initially passing the Castle and Twt Hill before picking up Clwydian Way as far as Pont David o the way to St Asaph.

At St Asaph we have a choice of extending the walk southward as far as e hospital, before returning to St Asaph along a path from Dolgoed and Pen-rhew.

The return from St Asaph to Rhuddlan where possible follows the riverside path before joining the path alongside the the A525. Thankfully there is a avement for most of the way.

Wednesday 5th July 2023.

Llanasa and Gop Hill.

Distance: 7- 8 miles. Climb: 1000'.
Start:  Llanasa Car park opposite the pub and church. Grid ref SJ106815
Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.
Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed, Sue and Michel, Nigel, Fran .
Those not walking: Mike, David S.
This walk combines one walks from Dave Berry's book "More Walks in the Clwydian Hills" with a walk from Bob Harris's book "Walks in Ancient Wales". One walk is described as an exhilarating walk with breathtaking contrasting views and the other visits the ancient sites, including the cairn on Gop Hill. 

Saturday 8th July 2023.

Around Minera Mountain.

Postponed - weather not looking good, possible thunder and lightening!

Will probably be one of August Saturday walks towards the end of the month.

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

Start: Minera Lead Mine Centre Car park. grid ref: SJ276509.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, 

Those not walking: Mike

This walk is a modified walk initially taken from Dave Berry's book "Walks Around Ruabon and Hope Mountain". The walk is described as being quite demanding, especially on the open access moorland. A walk for experienced walkers only.

We have done this walk several times now and haven't always found it easy finding the path from Ty Hir. This time we will miss out Ty Hir and the difficult boggy moorland part of the walk

Instead we will take the path on the west side of the large quarry that leads to the world's End to Minera Road.

After visiting the trig point on Esclusam Mountain, we will drop down onto the Fron Deg path over Minera Mountain.

At Fron Deg we will head norhward on a path that leads eventually to New Brighton and a path into the Minera Lead Mines Country Park.

Wednesday 12th July 2023.

A Walk Around the Great Orme.

Postoned. Will probably be a mid-August Walk.

Distance: 8 miles. It can be easily be shorted or extended on the day to suit the needs of the group.

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.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Ed .

Those not walking: Mike. David S., Nigel, Sue and Michel.

We will probably start by heading up Marine Drive and taking the Monks' Path upto the plateau. Following the paths on the north west side of the Great Orme. After visiting the summit trig point we will probably head for Happy Valley for lunch. At lunch we can decide if we want to return to the West shore via the invalids' terrace or return to the summit and drop down the zig-zag steps. 

This another opportunty to look for the Silver studded blue.

We will probably miss out the trig point, unless any of the group wishes to use the facilities at the summit.

Saturday 15th July 2023.

A Linear Walk from Corwen to Llidiat-y-Parc via Moel Fferna.

POSTPONED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS FORECAST FOR THE WHOLE DAY. 

Distance: 10 miles. Climb: 1500'.
Start: A long lay-by 1/4 mile West of Llidiart-y-Parc: 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".

Those planning to walk: Martyn, Nigel and Ed 

Those not walking: Mike.

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.

Wednesday 19th July 2023.

A Ysceifiog, Lixwm and Nannerch Round

Distance: 7-8 miles. Climb: 950'.

Start: Roadside parking next to the Play Area in Ysceifiog.Grid ref: SJ15217152.

Leave Chester at 09-00 a.m.

Those planning to walk: Martyn,Nigel .

Those not walking: Ed, Mike, David S., Sue and Michel 

It is quite some time since we have walked from Ysceifiog, and seing that the local ramblers want peple to use Ysceifiog Footpath 188, as it has taken them 3 years to get it recognised as a Right of Way, I thought it would be a good chance to do so.

Much of the walk is one we have done several times in the past, and starts by heading northward via Ysceifiog Lake towards Babell as far as Waen Isaf. after taking a path eastward  we will pick up a minor road southward towards Lixwm. Ysceifiog Footpath 188 is just West of Lixwm and goes past Tan-yr-onen and Llwyn-drain to Pen-ffynnon-ycyff.   Nannerch is our next objective where we pick up a track leading to Bryn Rug and a minor road past Ysceifiog Fisheries.

After carefully crosing the A541 we will return to Ysceifiog via Coed y Llan and Ysceifiog Church.

Saturday 22nd July 2023.

No planned walk.

Contact me if you want me to plan one.

Those planning to walk: Martyn,
Those not walking: Mike, Ed.

Wednesday 26th July 2023.

Melin-y-Wig and Derwen.

Postponed - no-one else is available.

I will probably go on a short  from Gronant to Prestatyn to see if the Little terns are still around. 

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.

Those planning to walk: Martyn, .

Those not walking: Ed, Nigel, Fran, Mike, David S., Sue and Michel. 

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.  We may have to dip our boots in disinfectant as we go through th grounds of a chicken farm.

Saturday 29nd July 2023.

No planned walk.

Contact me if you want me to plan one.

Those planning to walk: Martyn,
Those not walking: Mike, Ed.

A Ysceifiog, Lixwm and Nannerch Round 19th July 2023

At the start of Ysceifiog Footpath 188.

Doing it in stile on Ysceifiog footpath 188.

The woodlnd path from Ysceifiog Lake to Mynydd Llan.

A Comma butterfly seen today.

A Meadow brown sharing the same flowers ast the Comma.

We think it is a lathe of some sort, one for DS to sort out!

DS - probably started life as a verica milling machine that was later adapted,

Another bit of machinery - a motor and belt drive. 

It is a steam engine built by the Lincolnshire firm Ruston Hornsby.

Probably dates back to around 1935.

St.Michael's and All Angels Churc at Nannerch.

Bryn Rug - small hillfort.

St.Mary's Church, Ysceifiog.

Walk stats: 8.8 miles. Climb: 1017’.

Time: 5 hours 11 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.7 m.p.h.

Temperature: 17.7 Celsius at the start. 27.0 Celsius at lunch in the full glare of the Sun. Mid-afternoon temperature – 20.2 Celsius mid-morning in a sheltered spot on Marine Drive

Beaufort Wind Force: 0 – 2. Mainly Calm to Light Air but occasionally just about made a pleasant 5 m.p.h. Light breeze.

Group: Martyn and Nigel,

The weather forecast was pretty good today, although we did get more sunshine than we were expecting.

This proved to be a very varied walk and despite the predictable muddy sections it was very enjoyable.

The main objective for the walk today was to use the Ysceifiog Footpath 188thathad recently been fully opened after many years of battle by the locals including the Ramblers. Infect as we approached the northern end of the path, we were greeted by a local (lived in house opposite the start of the path) ho pointed out that the path was now fully open and asked us to use it. She seemed quite pleased that was exactly what we intended to do.

As we went past a farm near Pen-ffynnon-y-cyff, two young girls took great delight in showing off three young kittens that they had only had for a couple o weeks.

Lunch was taken on the south east side of Lixwm, where we took advantage of a roadside seat. We basked in the warm sunshine, surrounded by many flowers, butterflies, bees and insects foraging on the flowers in front of us.

Today was a day for seeing butterflies rather than birds, although we did hear quite a few birds.

Butterflies included: Comma, Meadow brown (lots), Small white, Red admiral and Peacock.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common swift, Barn swallow, House sparrow, Common buzzard, Moorhen, Common coot, Grey heron, Eurasian jay, winter wren and Carrion crow.

After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Blue Bell in Halkyn, where the Lees Bitter tasted particularly good.

Even arrived home to be able to clean my boots outside and find my broadband had indeed been restored. No need for the BT engineer to visit tomorrow.