Audlem Ramblers Report

the start – rambling editor at the back!

good view of leaving Conway

1 man and his dog..

not a Cheshire stile (or style!)

busy?

have we lost anyone?

is that a parish councillor at the back?

aerial walkway – very busy carriageways and rail tracks

fishing for bass – saw several hopeful anglers

4 for the train back – standard portrait for walk

Audlem Ramblers – a tale of 2 paths

Last Saturday 11 ramblers from Audlem met in Conway (Conwy!) to walk the North Wales Path to Llanfairfechan, returning by train to the car park in Conway.

After the first section, the editor on the walk (no shame!) decided he had better take an easier path. Fortunately, there is a Wales Coastal path which is essentially a long promenade in North Wales! It is also a cycle path.

The main group continued along the planned route of about 9 miles with 2500 ft of ascent and descent, whilst the lone editor was able to frequent as many cafes and ice cream outlets as he wished.

This route is interesting for its history and engineering. The track "meanders" on stilts occasionally between the Expressway (A55) carriageways and also the railway line. At times it clearly uses some fairly old paths which look as though they pre-date the first road access along the coast north of the Sychnant pass.

The main group had the benefit of fine weather and views, remains of ancient iron-age camps and even older stone circles, as well as varied wildlife.

There is much evidence of a resurgence of the Snowdonia ponies (yes, you know what that means – mind where you tread!). These were decimated by some very severe winters.

There was one report of "dancing/acrobatic stoats". Apparently they bamboozle rabbits which then meekly submit to being dinner. (No evidence of magic mushrooms!)

The final photo is of the 4 needing to catch a train back – good job it was 7 minutes late! The rest of the group stayed in a hostelry.

This walk has been a regular fixture as a long arduous one – there is a much gentler alternative!