Our walks for September are led by Eliza and Steve from the village of Chirk, on the Wales/Shropshire border - located within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A walk (11.5 miles)

The A walk is an 11.5 mile circular walk and after starting from the centre of the village, we make our way towards Chirk castle and cross the fields directly in front of it before heading up the valley and eventually back down coming in behind the castle.

Good paths and some fields to walk through, luckily quite a few wooded areas to shelter from the sun or rain. During the second half of the walk there is a sustained climb reaching approx 360m before levelling out to give great views over the valley. The descent is a little rocky under foot but at least it’s downhill. Wefinish the walk by crossing the railway line, walking over the aqueduct and then a 500m walk through Chirk tunnel. There is a hand rail to stop anyone falling into the canal but using the torch app on your phone is recommended as it’s pitch black at times. Eliza will bring a couple of torches just in case!

B walk (7.7 miles)

The B walk is7.79 miles according to OS Maps. (There is a slightly shorter variation to the end of the walk if some do not like heights!)

The walk takes you through Chirk Castle estate. l. We pass the Castle then head across a section of Offa's Dyke, with a gradual climb of 823 feet. This is followed by a long descent and then a mix of short steep and gradual ascents then another descent, by road. We finish the walk by following the River Ceiriog across a meadow, passing under the aqueduct and viaduct. We have one final very short steep climb up Chirk Bank, returning to town along the canal and over the aqueduct.

If any walkers aren't a fan of heights - instead of walking over the aqueduct there's a slightly shorter alternative return route where they can take a path up a hill to town.

Chirk only has a few shops, but there are at least three pubs and a couple of cafes - enough for some post-walk drinks.

If anyone on the coach doesn't want to do a walk, they can visit Chirk castle, a fine medieval fortress which also has a tower, extensive grounds, a shop, and a cafe. It is National Trust. The castle is only 1.5 miles from the village, and they can join us for the first part of the walk that goes by the entrance.

Chirk Castle