Parkgate - Saturday 10th June 2017

It was pouring with rain as just four of us left St Paul's Road for the drive to Parkgate.

Parkgate is on the Wirral Peninsular in Cheshire and is a curious and quirky place. It used to be an important sea port on the River Dee in the 18th Century. Well known people such as the composer Handel sailed from here to Dublin. However the Dee estuary silted up and the sea retreated a long way out from the 'sea front' but the sea wall remains.

We walked north with the silted up reed beds on our left and the Welsh Hills rising above the distant remaining Chanel of the river Dee. We turned East for a short stretch and then South-ish, along tracks, minor roads and bits of the Wirral Way. Part of the route took us over the Neston Golf course and then along it's edge where we enjoyed stunning views of the river channel, and the estuary mouth. We worked our way round to 'The Old Port'. This has sandstone blocks from the original port and provided a good lunch stop. The final part of the walk was right on the edge of the reed beds and was rather damp and muddy underfoot.

When back in Parkgate, it was time for tea and cake!

This was a very pleasant and peaceful walk of about six miles. There were wild flowers everywhere; including roses and orchids.The reed beds are home to many birds. Binoculars would have been useful! We saw the expected gulls but also spotted herons and oyster catchers.

So, did we get wet? No, it was totally dry-if you discount a few spits and spots at our lunch spot!

Moel Famau

Parkgate

Ramblers

Saltmarshes

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