Susans birthday, and we headed for Cheshire Oaks retail outlet at Ellesemere Port on our way to Ruthin in North Wales.
Mc Arthurglen cheshire-oaks-designer-outlet
The new(ish) vehicle ("The Bus") ran well and we arrived in good time to a not so busy shopping centre.
The BUS (7- Seater)
After a little birthday retail therapy we set off for the short trip to Ruthin Castle our digs for the next 2 nights. We stayed here last year as part of a 3 night KGB deal (£119). The deal in 2013 was not so sweet at £99 for 2 nights and in a smaller room. still good value though, and the peacocks were still around.
We dined in "Berties" restaurant at the hotel, and, whilst not cheap, the quality of the food/service was good and can be recommended.
Tuesday 16th April
Moel Famau
(Pathfinder Guide: North Wales: Snowdon & Offas Dyke)
(Walk#25 Cilcain & Moel Famau - 9 Miles, 5 hours)
We took the short drive around 8 miles, after an excellent "Bakery Breakfast" at Ruthin Castle and arrived at Loggerheads country park around 10am.
Loggerheads country park has a large car park (Pay & Display £3 all day), and good facilities, including an information centre/cafe/shop and loos. The name "Loggerheads" is thought to have originated from a lengthy feud in the 18th century between two local landowners over estate boundaries and mineral rights.
The route led us out of the Loggerheads centre along a good path signposted "Devils Gorge" along the "Leete Path".
The protected footbridge crossed over "Devils Gorge"
This path runs alongside and then above the river, through woodland area and old calcite mine workings. These were signposted as dangerous and to keep well away - which we did, though the path is a little away from any entrances.
The path narrowed with some drops to one side, turnnig downhill into pasture and then a lane into Cilcain village. Passing through the village and the White Horse Inn, an ornate church and then a lane out of the village we alighted in more open country.
Passing a small reservoir, and along narrower, less defined paths we saw the main objective ahead of Moel Famau (1818ft)
The ruins of the old "Jubilee Tower" on the top can just be seen.
The path began to get steeper as we neared the Moel.
The views about half way up were clear and you could see right across to the Dee Estuary and the industry around there and Liverpool.
The final pull to the top, and the wind had really increased now, especially inside the Jubilee Tower, as it acted to allow the wind to blow violently right through the structure.
The tower was built in 1810 to commemorate George 3rds Golden Jubilee, and was much higher but partially destroyed by a severe storm in 1862. Judging by the wind today, I can see why that was possible!
As soon as we left the structure the wind dropped remarkably and we paused at the triangulation pillar.
The descent was OK, a bit steep in places, but overall not bad, with good views as you can see as we descended down.
The path was easy to follow back to Loggerheads and we arrived back to the car park around 15:20, taken 5 hours (as per the guide really).
First decent walk for 6 months, so we were both a bit tired!
Our Walk Score:7/10
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