Ysceifiog-Lixwm-Nannerch 10th April 2008

The first views of the day looking towards the Clwydians

The view looking towards Nannerch and our improvised route from the lunch spot.

Lunch on the roadside.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.7 miles, Climb:1094'.
Time:4 hours 47 minutes; Walking average:2.5 m.p.h.;Overall walk average:2.0 m.p.h.
Group:Martyn, Richard, Annie H., Fran, Michel and Sue, Dave J. and Sylvia.

The walk started in brighter, sunnier conditions than we expected, and several of us discarded fleeces. Most of the morning was like this and at several points we had could views, particularly towards Moel Ffammau and the Clwydians. We did have one heavy shower around mid-day but we didn't get too wet as much of it was in the form of hail stones. This storm distracted us and we missed the path to Nannerch. this meant we had to do a bit more on the map reading to get us back on track. The bonus of course was it allowed us to follow several paths that were new to all of us, despite the fact that this is Richard's local path and we have all walked in the area many times.

This was definitely a walk that reminded us Spring was here. Plenty of flowers were in evidence including Bluebells and Primroses and the highlights of the day were our first sightings of a Swallow and we heard a Willow warbler for the first time.

Other birds seen or heard today included: Chiffchaff, Grey heron, Blackbird, Robin, Chaffinch, Great tit, Greenfinch, House sparrow, Dunnock, Jay, Magpie, Carrion crow, Buzzard, Swallow and willow warbler.

As usual when we walk in this area we visited the Britannia Inn at Pentre Halkyn where the beer and the welcome was top notch!