Sat 5 th Jan. Coastal Path – Holywell to Flint Walk Start 10.00

This easy winter walk will start in Holywell and will go through the Greenfield Valley down to the docks and along the Coastal Path to Flint Castle. We will take in the points of interest and sculptures on route. This will be a linear walk and we will board a bus in Flint to return to the start point. (Remember to bring your bus pass).

Grade Easy Grid Ref: SJ 187 760 Length 8 miles(can be shortened) Ascent: Minimal Leader(s) Jane & Gill Meet Point: Tesco Car Pk, Holywell Telephone 01352 713972 Meet Time: 9.50

Sun 13 th Jan. Coast Path, Penyball and Llwyn Ifor Walk Start 10.30

Starting from Abakhan we follow the Coast Path to Greenfield. From here we walk to the Greenfield Valley. We then pick up the Pilgrims Way over Penyball. The return is via Carmel and Llwyn Ifor.

Grade Mod Mountain Grid Ref: SJ 176 792 Length 7.5 miles Ascent: 1,000ft Leader Ron Meet Point: Abakhan LLanerchymor Telephone 01352 715723 Meet Time: 10.20 07967 513268

Sun 20 th Jan. Eglwysbach Walk Start 10.00

There is no car park in the village. Park near the church or near the toilets. The walk starts from the church. Meet there at 10.00. The walk consists of a steady uphill for the 1st half and a steady downhill for the 2nd half using footpaths and narrow lanes. There are magnificent views of the Conwy valley and for most of the walk. This walk is within the abilities of most members. Janet will be at J29.

Grade Moderate Grid Ref: SH 803 705 Length 6.5 miles Ascent: 1,342 ft. Leader Janet Meet Point: Holywell/J29 Telephone 01745 890453 Meet Time: 09.00(H) & 09.15(J29) 07518 022595

Sat 26th Jan. Whitford Walk Start 10.15

Starting from the church we walk towards Downing Hall and Rhewl. We then head to Maes Achwyfan and return to the start. Most of the walk is field and woodland paths, tracks and lanes with approx. a dozen stiles. The walk has very little ascent.

Grade Moderate Grid Ref: SJ 146781 Length 7.5 miles Ascent: 150ft. Leader Maureen Meet Point: Whitford Church Telephone 01352 761018 Meet Time: 10.15am

1 Sun 3rd Feb. Craig y Forwen Walk Start 10.00

A relaxing winter walk from Llanddulas. We park at the beach and use the North path to ascend the limestone crag – Craig y Forwen – from where we’ll have splendid views both out to sea and over the hills to the south. We continue via lanes and fields down to Old Colwyn where we join the coast path for the return to the start.

Grade Moderate Grid Ref: SH 890 792 Length 7.5 miles Ascent: 1,200 ft. Leader John Meet Point: Northop/J 29 Telephone: 01352 757366 Meet Time: 9.15(N)//9.30(J29) 07954 272561

Wed 6th Feb. Halkyn Mountain Walk Start 10.00

Starting from the Britannia Inn, Halkyn where we have permission to park, the route takes us on to Halkyn Mountain via Windmill. From here we explore some of the many paths that crisscross the open hillside. The return route is via Castle Wood to the Britannia for lunch. There is also an option for those members who might prefer a shorter walk of about 3 miles.

Grade Easy Grid Ref: SJ 212 712 Length 5 miles Ascent: 200m/650ft Leader Barry Meet Point: Britannia Inn Telephone 01352 840204 Meet Time: 10.00

Sat 9th Feb. and Foel Fenlli circular Walk Start 10.00

We park in the middle car park, loose change needed, to begin our walk up the flank of Moel Famau on a little used path. This gives a more gentle start to our climb before traversing across the shoulder of the hill to join the more traditional route to the summit. We then follow the Offa’s Dyke Path south to round the western flank of Foel Fenlli. Turning north we follow the eastern flank of Fron Hen and back to the cars. Good views aplenty, weather permitting. Dogs welcome.

Grade Moderate Grid Ref: SJ 174 627 Length 6.5miles Ascent: 1,500ft. Leader George Meet Point: Northop Telephone: 01352 840809 Meet Time: 9.30 07478 223246

2 Sun 17 th Feb. Ponderosa Llantysilio Citcuit Walk Start 10.00

Starting from the parking area opposite the Ponderosa, we head west past the Moel y Faen quarry then contour around . Walking past another quarry, Berwyn quarry, we head south to Llandynan and then take a northerly route to make our way to the and back to the start. Dogs are welcome.

Grade Mod/Mountain Grid Ref: SJ 192 482 Length 8 miles Ascent: 1,500ft/460m Leader Toni Meet Point: Holywell/Northop Telephone 07767 323649 Meet Time: 9.00(H)/9.15(N)

Sun 24 th Feb. Circuit of the Clwydians Walk Start 10.00

Starting from the Gate we skirt the flanks of Moel Gyw and Moel Llanfair. Over and on to Graigfechan. Return past Sinet and Plas y Nant woods. Scenic throughout with great views. Good paths, tracks and some lanes. Dogs very welcome.

Grade: Moderate Grid Ref: SJ 164 582 (Clwyd Gate) Length 9 miles Ascent: 1,700ft Leader Peter Meet Points: Holywell & Northop Telephone 01352 716886 Meet Time: 9.15 (H)/9.30 (N)

Sun 3rd Mar. Betws Y Coed – forestry & mining. Walk Start 10.00

We start with a climb up from Betws to Llyn Y Parc in Gwydyr Forest to join a minor road. We follow this for ½ mile to the old mine workings and then begin our descent into the Llugwy valley, following the river back to Betws. Please note that Janet will be at the start of the walk.

Grade Easy/Moderate Grid Ref: SH 794 565 Length 6.5 miles Ascent: 1,500ft Leader Janet Meet Point; Holywell/J 29 Telephone 01745 890453 Meet Time: 9.00(H)/9.15(J29) 07518022595

Thurs 7 th March. New Brighton/Northop/Sychdyn Walk Start: 10.15

Starting from the Beaufort Hotel car park in New Brighton we follow the Wat’s Dyke Way for a short length and then head towards Northop via Soughton Hall. From Northop we follow a track which crosses the Wat’s Dyke and on to the Gwasaney Estate (this section can be muddy). We then return via Black Brook and Sychdyn. Lunch available at the Beaufort.

Grade: Easy Grid Ref: SH 255 657 Length: 5 miles Ascent: 100ft. Leader: Maureen Meet Point: Beaufort Hotel car park Telephone: 01352 761018 Meet Time: 10.00am

3 Sat 9 th March. Eglwyseg Mountain Walk Start 10.00

Please park near the cattle grid above the ford. We set off towards Craig y Cythraul and follow the path along the top of the escarpement to Creigiau Eglwyseg and down to the minor road at Trevor Rocks. We will return either via Prospect Place and Eglwyseg Mountain or along Offa’s Dyke path (a shorter option). Please note that Margaret will be at the walk start. Dogs welcome.

Grade Strenuous Grid Ref: SJ 282 434 Length 13 miles/21kms Ascent: 680 ms Leader(s) Margaret Meet Point: Northop Telephone 01352 720477 Meet Time: .9.00 07972 040127

Sat 16 th March. Moel Findeg, Nercwys Forest Walk Start 10.00 & Bryn Alyn

Starting from the Plymog car park on the A494 we walk through the woods, known as “Big Covert” to walk up Moel Findeg for our first views of the day. Dropping off we walk through fields to enter Nercwys Forest and visiting the cairn for our second panoramic view. Further fields will bring us to Bryn Alyn and our third viewing opportunity. All weather permitting of course. Dogs welcome

Grade Moderate Grid Ref: SJ 188 597 Length 8.5 miles Ascent: 1,600 ft. Leader George Meet Point: Northop Telephone 01352 840809 Meet Time: 9.30 07478 223246

Sat 23 rd March. Cwmorthin and its Nuttalls Walk Start 10.30

We start by walking through Cwmorthin quarry and up to Allt Fawr, then follow the ridge to Ysgafell Wen. Heading towards Llyn yr Adar we pick up the path to Clogwyn Brith and the disused quarry buildings. After ascending Moel yr hydd we drop back down to the car park. Dogs welcome.

Grade Strenuous Grid Ref: SH 683454 Length 8.5 miles/14kms Ascent: 874ms Leader Margaret Meet Point: J 29 Telephone 01352 720477 Meet Time: 8.45 07972 040127

4 Sun 24 th March St Asaph to Rhuddlan Walk Start 9.35

We meet at the Penyffodd lay-by near Rhuddlan to catch the 9.35 bus to St Asaph. The walk follows firstly the Clwydian Way and then the Path. Post Code of lay-by LL18 6HY.

Grade Easy Grid Ref: SJ 028 767 Length 8 miles Ascent: 700ft. Leader Ron Meet Point: Holywell/Rhaddlan Telephone 01352 715723 Meet Time: 9.00(H)/9.30(R) 07967 513268

Sat 30th March. Craigiau Gleision Walk Start 10.00

We start from the Crafnant car park above Trefriw and walk along the side of Lyn Crafnant to the end of the valley. Following the steep path at the end of the valley we turn left in the pass to go over Crimpiau and Craig Wen. We then walk on to Craigiau Gleision and return to Lyn Crafnant via the forest. We follow the lakeside road back to the start. Dogs welcome.

Grade Strenuous Grid Ref: SH 756 618 Length 8.5 miles/13.7km Ascent: 2,500ft/760m Leader Vaughan Meet Point: J29 Telephone 01745 857365 Meet Time: 9.00 07739 151650

Wed 3rd April. Christleton Walk Start: 10.00

Circular walk starting from Cheshire Cat car park. A pleasant easy walk leaving car park and going along canal towards Christleton. We return through fields and then back to Cheshire Cat for lunch. The walk is about 5/6 miles.

Grade: Easy Grid Ref: Not given Length: 5/6 miles Ascent: Negligible. Leader Flo Meet Point: Cheshire Cat pub car park Telephone: 01244 534445 Meet Time: 10.00

Sun 14 th April. Cnicht and the Moelwynion Walk Start 10.15

A great circuit from the village of Croesor, we’ll climb five peaks over 2000 ft including Cnicht, Moel yr Hydd, – the highest at 2526 feet - Craig yr Ysgafn and Moelwyn Bach before returning to Croesor for tea and scones. On the walk we’ll see some of Wales’ most fascinating slate quarrying history and amongst the best of its smaller mountains.

Grade Strenuous Grid Ref: SH 631 446 Length 9.5 miles Ascent: 3,650ft. Leader(s) John Meet Point: Northop/J29 Telephone 01352 757366 Meet Time: 8.45(N)/9.00(J29) 07954 272561

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Sun 21 st April. Bunbury Walk Start 10.00

Parking is by the Green in front of the church in Bunbury. This countryside walk takes in St Boniface church, the river Gowey, Beeston Market, Shropshire Union Canal, Bunbury Locks and Bunbury Mill. Refreshments later will be at the nearby Dysart Arms in the village.

Grade Easy Grid Ref: SJ 570 581 Length 7 miles Ascent: not given Leader(s) Sandra & Phil Meet Point: Northop Telephone 01352 741750 Meet Time: 9.15 07952 215668

Sat 27 th April. Plassey – Overton Circular. Start 10.0

We park in the Plassey craft centre for the start of our walk down the main driveway. Then down lanes and fields, past Old Hall and Erbistock Hall until we meet the Wats Dyke Way at Lower Farm. At this point, I will offer the additional mileage which takes us through a broad woodland track which will give us the first view of the River Dee and then meadowland until we re-join the Wats Dyke Way at the point we left earlier. It’s then following closely to the river until we arrive at The Boat Inn at Erbistock. A refreshment break will probably be taken here. We then walk through the gardens behind the pub and through fields and lanes to the bridge at Overton. More fields and woodland follow hugging the river bank until we join lanes from Eyton Hall Farm back to the Plassey. Here an après coffee / cake can be taken in the craft centre cafe. I will be at Northop. If going direct to Plassey please let me know – text or email = [email protected], Thanks. Dogs are welcome.

Grade Easy/Moderate Grid Ref: SJ 35060 45326 Length 8.75/10.3 miles Ascent: 760 -900 ft. Leader Lawrence Meet Point: Holywell/Northop Telephone 01352 762162 Meet time: 9.00(H)/9.15(N) 07950 586262

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