Holywell Common and Holywell Racecourse

Date: 10th May 2007

The Pen y Ball Monument

The Bluebell Wood

Walk stats:

Distance: 12.3 miles; Climb: 1881'; Time: 5 hours 17 minutes; Walking average: 2.7 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, Richard, Celia, Michel and Gordon.

This was a in better weather conditions than we expected. It was dry throughout, mainly with cloud covering, but with some good sunny spells especially after lunch. The down side was the somewhat cool blustery wind. The walk was primarily to attempt the complete circuit of the old Holywell Racecourse with an extension to revisit the Bluebell wood just outside Gorsedd/Lloc. The latter was still in full glory, although the colour of some of the blooms seemed to starting to fail. Nevertheless that wonderful carpet of blue throughout the wood never fails to impress. Spring flowers were still abundant making this a magnificent time to walk in the countryside. The star bird seen and heard on this was the Yellowhammer. We must have heard about 15 separate birds singing their characteristic "little bit of bread and no cheese". This was the first sighting of this bird this year for us. Other birds seen/heard included: Buzzard, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Willow warbler (more numerous than the Yellowhammer), Carrion crow, Woodpidgeon, Blackbird, Robin, House sparrow, Hedge Sparrow, Swallow and Great tit. Still no Swift or Cuckoo!
This was also a good day for rabbits. They seemed to be in almost every field that we crossed. They seemed full of the joys of spring as they bounded away from us, running faster than I thought they could!
The views today were a little more extensive than last week, particularly towards the coast and towards the Clwydian Hills. The circuit of the racecourse was completed, in two halves with the visit to the Bluebell Wood in between. Some paths on the map were found to be not there on the ground, and one stile was particularly difficult to cross (I should report this to the Local authority!). An extremely friendly farmer was also encountered, allowing us to take an easier route through his farm yard, rather than going in the fields around the outside of the buildings. If only all farmers were like this!
The walk was a, little longer than usual, but still completed quicker!
As usual refreshments were enjoyed at the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn.