Leader
Dave Hibbert
Description
An easy to moderate 4-mile walk starting from the promenade at West Kirby, and out across the sands to Hilbre Islands in the Dee Estuary. It should take approx 1.5 hours to reach the islands at average pace. We will have time for a leisurely lunch, exploring the island and looking at wildlife: we will begin our return journey back along the same route about 3.00pm, arriving back at our start point about 4.30pm. Dogs on a leash are permitted on the islands.
The Estuary, which also forms the border between England and Wales at this point, is one of the ten most important estuaries in Europe for overwintering birds and in addition, if we’re lucky we may get to see grey seals resting or swimming around the islands. Whales and dolphins have also been sighted off the island.
There are some fantastic views out across the Estuary to Wales (Prestatyn, Talacre) and up the coast towards Hoylake and the City of Liverpool. There are some superb and dramatic red sandstone rock formations and caves on the island.
Safety Measures
Taking part in this walk is, as ever, entirely at your own risk. However, there are some specific safety issues which you must bear in mind before booking your place.
- As this walk is dependent on high tide times, we need to start at 12.30pm prompt and we must keep strictly to the approved route.
- Due to exposed conditions, bring warm wind/rain proof attire and sun cream just in case!
- There may be sharp razor shells/rocks/glass, so good strong footwear which will not be damaged by salt water is recommended.
- Wet rocks and seaweed around the islands can be very slippery and there are some dangerous, unstable cliff edges on the main island.
- Please stick to recognised footpaths and follow the walk leader’s instructions at all times.
Note: The walk may be cancelled if weather forecast is unsuitable.
Facilities and Refreshments
There is a takeaway serving tea/coffee and snacks at the Boathouse, where there are also public toilets. Similarly, there is a café and toilets inside the Morrisons supermarket nearby. West Kirby town centre is just 10 minutes walk from our meeting point.
Please bring your own refreshments as there are no cafes, shops or public toilets on the island.
We must leave the island promptly at the time dictated by the tide. If any walkers are keen to stay on somewhere on the mainland after the walk for a drink and/or meal in a local bar/restaurant, then recommendations for a venue would be welcome: please let the walk leader know.
Start point and time
Meet at the Boathouse, West Kirby at 12.15 for a 12.30 prompt start. Allow time for parking
Directions to Start
The Boat House is situated on South Parade, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 0QG. Near to the junction with Dee Lane and Morrisons supermarket. From Manchester city centre the drive is just over an hour with favourable traffic.
Parking is not easy as this is a popular area. Dee Lane pay and display car park is located opposite the Boathouse – £3.50 for 5 hours but is likely to be busy. There is plenty of on-street free parking along the promenade and nearby side streets but again, will be busy. Give yourself plenty of time to find a parking place and get to the start point in time for the departure.
There is a train station at West Kirby, approximately10 minutes walk to our meeting point with trains from Liverpool every 30 minutes at 5 past and 35 minutes past the hour. And return trains every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour. The return fare is approximately £5.60.
Contact
For enquiries on the day of the walk Dave Hibbert on 07929 829284
Book your walk here
NB: The walk may be cancelled if weather forecast is unsuitable.
Thanks go to Brian Murphy for suggesting the walk and very helpfully, providing the walk details and background information.