Sunday 24 November 2024 - Moelfre, Din Lligwy and the Wales Coast Path

After a fine meal last night at Harry's Bistro we were pleased to discover today that Storm Bert had degenerated into a few sharp showers.

Our 17km outing from Moelfre soon reached a 4500 year old burial chamber.

Then we moved on to Din Lligwy, a settlement only 1600 years old.

Seated in a round house, we enjoyed our first coffee break.

Nearby, the Lligwy chapel.

Soon afterwards, lunch in a shower on a grassy slope (on a pile of sheep poo in Richard's case).

The trees are now leafless here, as autumn turns to winter.

The next point of interest was a monument to the Morris family.

We didn't visit the actual monument. 

We soon joined the Wales Coast Path, which is scenic all the way back to Moelfre.

A viewing tower was passed.

Someone's been busy!

Finally, as the light was fading, we passed a torrent on the way back to the car park.

Here's our 17km route.

Then it was back to Henllys for another tray bake featuring butternut squash.

A lovely day despite the showers, and thanks to Richard for providing transport, route, and entertainment. 

Saturday 23 November 2024 - Around Beaumaris

Today's plan to do a parkrun on Anglesey was thwarted by Storm Bert. Waking to the sound of a strong wind and lashing rain, we soon abandoned the thought of going to Newborough for a parkrun that turned out to be cancelled. 

Instead, after a very leisurely breakfast, we set off on a 8km circuit from Henllys, starting at the magnificent tree outside our house, and soon passing a shrine built by Franciscan monks in the 1950s, when the site was home to a Friary.

It was wet and windy, and a battle to keep the camera dry.

Today's views were limited.  No sign of the nearby snow clad peaks. Red squirrels live here, perhaps making themselves scarce today as a large bird of prey was patrolling overhead. 

Beaumaris was soon reached, together with a post box from which to send a card to David, whose wife Janet passed away on Thursday. Janet, a university contemporary of mine, was a lovely kind, caring person who didn't deserve to be taken by an aggressive cancer at such a young age. Our thoughts are with her family.

After the shelter provided by the town, a walk along the pier, on slippery boards in the strong wind, was quite a challenge, especially for the 'yoga brigade'.

A break for coffees and hot chocolates at the Pier Bistro, was most welcome. 

A short section of the Wales Coast Path then delivered us with the wind at our backs to a minor road to the golf course that backs on to Henllys. No golfers were in evidence today.

Here's our 8km route.

That took us just a couple of hours, the rest of the day being spent 'on holiday'. Jigsaw, pool, sauna, reading  - I finished 'Kala' by Colin Walsh - recommended - etc.

Friday 22 November 2024 - Aber Falls

This is Walk Number 3 in Alex Kendall's Snowdonia North Cicerone guide. Sue and I are familiar with the two hour (6km) walk from the Aber Falls car park (£5), having done it on 22 September 2022. This time we were joined by our good friends, Richard and Jenny. 

We drove through a couple of violent sleet/snow showers to reach the car park by lunchtime.

After noshing lunch in our respective vehicles, we set off away from the falls, to a steep path from which there were fine views over the Menai Strait to Anglesey and Puffin Island. 

Beyond a sharp climb the path leveled out and we gained good views towards the snow and cloud covered Carneddau summits. It would be pretty rough up there today.

Once over the crest, the falls came into view. This is an excellent way of approaching them, with fine views and a good path throughout. 

We passed a minor waterfall then turned a corner to be greeted by the 37 metre high deluge that is Aber Falls.

The cameras came out. We had donned waterproofs for a rucksack free walk, and were pleased to have avoided any further wintry showers.

The dead sheep and wild swimmers we encountered last time we were here were long gone, to be replaced by some students with a bright light who were testing some interesting photographic skills. 

There were lots of folk out today - it was good to see so many enjoying themselves.

Anyway, we descended to a bridge across the river where Jenny took the next picture and I took a picture in each direction before we headed down the wheelchair friendly path back to the cars.

Here's our 6.7km route  taking just a couple of hours.

Then we took a short drive to Henllys, near Beaumaris, our base for the weekend in luxury accommodation.

And here's one of Sue's pictures.

Wednesday 20 November 2024 - Around Dunham

This afternoon we had the pleasure of catching up with Bianca and Ernst, with whom we enjoyed a 6km stroll from their house to Altrincham, via Seamons Bridge, the canal towpath, Little Heath Farm by the Axe and Cleaver pub, then Dunham golf course and Dunham New Park.

Late afternoon sun made for a dazzling stroll along the towpath from Seamons Bridge to the next bridge along the canal.

Swans glided past, much to the surprise of Bianca and Ernst. But they do live here!

Some of these pictures have been provided by Bianca and Ernst. My camera has seen far too much use recently!

We stopped at the Little Heath Farm shop, then passed the Axe and Cleaver to reach the school building that was erected in 1759.

Across the road, St Mark's church, with its delicate spire.

Winter greens

Apparently an old oak tree like this one can be home to up to 1000 different species.

Eventually we joined the main road near St Margarets, where Sue is one of the regular bellringers.

Then we strolled into Altrincham and enjoyed refreshments at So Marrakech.

So ended a most enjoyable 'blue sky' day.