Mynydd y Gaer

Our first time to Mynydd y Gaer, north Wales. Very much off the beaten track (just finding the start down winding tracks is tricky) and even with a guidebook and GPS it's easy to get lost with very few footpath signs. Lots of interesting autumn sights, though.

Mynydd y Gaer elevation

Mynydd y Gaer route

Very damp start with sopping wet grass and overcast skies. Lots of birds, including Bullfinches, near some abandoned cottages but we didn't have time to get close. Cold Bumble Bee found on some bracken, it eventually woke up, warmed itself up and flew off.

White-tailed Bumble Bee on bracken

Shaggy Pholiota on fallen tree stump

Shaggy Pholiota on fallen tree stump

Shaggy Pholiota on fallen tree stump

Woods by Afon Elwy

Mynydd y Gaer Hill Fort from afar

Gnarled tree by Plas-Uchaf reservoir

Robin's Pincushion (caused by gall wasp Diplolepis rosae)

Common Toadflax

Oak Acorn

Oak Acorn

Oak Acorn

Fallen leaves

Fallen leaves

Parasol Mushroom

Marbury Country Park

A revisit to Marbury Country Park, after many years. Quite a lot of woodland and wildflowers, although it does get very busy by midday.

Never seen so many harvestmen, legs everywhere!

Emerging acorn

Harvestman with legs akimbo

Harvestman

Spider

Bumblebee

Bumblebee

Green Shieldbug

Fly

Cranefly

Cranefly

The waterside near our lunchstop benches were hopping with small frogs and toads. Not as cooperative this time, I ended up with muddy knees and elbows but the only good shots were from one climbing up Gill's arm.

Common Toad

Common Toad

Hoverfly

Greenbottle

Hoverfly

Hoverfly

Ladybird and aphid "lunch"