01/10/25 - West Kirby and Hilbre Island

The Tide is Low

Something a little different to kick off our week on the Wirral. A walk that I had first discounted, as it came with danger warnings. Drowning or quick sand. Take your pick.

It was only after being reassured by the owner of the two Sprockers that we are dog-sitting that this was totally safe that we headed out. As long as you go 2 hours after high tide. 

It was only when we had a post walk coffee that we were told to look at the lifeguard's Instagram page to see all the rescues conducted over the summer.

The Wirral Way - a disused railway line - looks like it will be our friend. Most of the walks encounter it at some point, leading us to the English Coast Path and around Marine Lake.

This one is Timber - showing us the English Coast Path

They are sailing

Hilbre Island can be reached on foot from the Dee Lane slipway at West Kirby, crossing the sands past Little Eye and Middle Eye to the main island, about 2 miles each way. The walk should only be attempted on a falling tide, starting no later than three hours after high water, with at least four hours allowed on the island before the return, as the causeway is covered at high tide.

Certainly an unusual walk..... as you head out to what is shown at first as the sea on the OS Map and then runs out of map on the 1:25K Explorer 266.

Things are usually OK, if there are other people there

From Little Hilbre to Big Hilbre

Of all the facilities available, the composting toilet was the most useful

First impressions of West Kirby are very good. There are two Good Beer Guide pubs available. They both open midday. In the week. This is the kind of customer service that I am now applauding. Needing food, we will save them for another day. There is plenty of cafe choice - most in a row on the road behind the front prom.

But it wouldn't be a Mappiman blog without a pint. The route home takes us through a park and over Caldy Hill, passing the Ring O'Bells en route.

You can Ring O'Bells, Ring O'Bells

A much extended, mock tudor pub dating from 1810. To be honest, it looked a bit of a gastro horror-show. But I warmed to it when they had an Oktoberfest promotion. Currywurst, bratwurst but most importantly Hofbrau Oktoberfest on draught. £7.10 a pint, but a wonderful 2 pint stein available for £14.20.

Walk Details

Distance - 8 Miles

Geocaches - 5

Walk Inspiration - Two Komoot walks combined.