Coed Pen-y-Gelli and more 7th May 2015

Bluebells in our first wood - Coed Allt-y-tywod.

Cowslips East of Crown Wood.

Early purple orchids East of Crown Wood.

"Where am I"

Bluebells in Coed Pen-y-Gelli.

More Bluebells in Coed Pen-y-Gelli.

Looking across the estuary towards Liverpool.

Taken from a road descending North from Gorsedd towards Waen Farm.

Walk stats: Distance: 9.4 miles. Climb: 657'.

Time: 4 hours 58 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.3 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 1.9 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn, David S., Roger and Phil.

We arrived at Gorsedd with rain in the air, but by the time we were ready to move off it had stopped and thankfully although it threatened a couple of times rain never materialise.

 As many of the forecasts had suggested we had intermittent periods of sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures around the 10 Celsius mark. This was particularly welcome as we enjoyed our lunch in the Coed Pen-y-Gelli Quarry Nature Reserve.

 The main objective was visit known Bluebell woods hoping for magnificent displays of flowering Bluebells. We did see many Bluebells, but as yet these particular woods didn't have Bluebells at there best.

 In fact we did see good numbers of Bluebells along the hedgerows by minor roads and bridleways.

 However we did see other flowers as a compensation.  These included Early purple orchids and Cowslips, as well as some fields that seemed to being growing magnificent crops of Dandelions.

 Birds seen and heard today included: Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Common pheasant, Great tit, Blue tit, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Rook, Common buzzard, Pied wagtail, Wood nuthatch, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, European robin, Greenfinch, Mallard, Woodpigeon, Greylag goose, Barn swallow and Common blackbird.

 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Bluebell Inn at Halkyn, where the house bitter went down well.