We feel fortunate to have such a wide variety of footpaths and walks on our doorstep, so easily accessible for our Wirral and North Wales based walkers. Throughout the year, our group enjoy every changing mood that each season brings to the countryside, as shown below in this section. 

May Reflections

Complementing our summer series of monthly A+ walks, our A+ walkers travelled to the Dales for what is becoming a regular May fixture in the club’s calendar thanks to organisers Jon and Gill. Kettlewell was the ideal base for exploring Wharfedale and although the levels of the River Wharfe were dangerously low in places due to the extended dry spell this spring, the abundance of wildlife did not disappoint.

Our walkers spotted a dipper, wagtails, sand martins tirelessly diving in and out of their sandbank homes, a golden plover, and the delightful sight of a goosander and her chicks enjoying their first ‘steps’ dabbling against the stream. With the weather staying fine but windy on the tops, the three walks started with a pleasant ramble from Grassington to Burnsall, much of which was along the beautiful River Wharfe. Two higher level walks followed: a linear walk climbing from the village of Buckden up to Buckden Pike taking the ridge back to Kettlewell via Cam Head, and Hawkswick Moor to Arncliffe and return to Kettlewell, much of the way accompanied by the plaintive and evocative calls of curlew and lapwing.

Nearer home, the month’s A walks were at Llanddulas and Coed y Gopa, Moel Fammau, Abergwngregyn and Lavan Sands, finishing with a wet and strenuous walk around Penycloddiau and Moel Arthur. B walks took in a walk from Loggerheads to Big Covert Wood and Maeshafn, Llanferres along the Alyn Valley, and Llandegla. Our C walkers enjoyed a bright sunny day at Southport.

Mention must be made once again of the wonderful photographs members have taken this month, many of which a serious photographic club would be proud. It is not easy taking a moment to stop and take a memorable picture whilst the walk leader is on a mission to complete their walk! This month’s selection from A+, A, B, and C walks has been difficult to make, we hope you enjoy them.