05/10/25 - The Boathouse, Parkgate

The First GBG 2026 Tick

Storm Amy is in its final throes, so it's back to the walking. This is a near replica walk to one from the Ship. That went south, this went north. The experience, near identical.

In planning for post walk refreshment, we park at the Boathouse. We could just as easily parked at "the old baths". One of two open-air sea swimming pools, used to put the backbone in the children from the 1920s and 1930s.

We head inland at Gayton, for a lovely sunken path for the return.

The Path Out....

The Path Home

A simple walk that would probably be unworthy of blogging, apart from one claim to fame. The first Good Beer Guide Tick of the 2026 edition is the Boathouse.

The Boathouse - c1850

The pub has the claim of being from 1850. This is the second building on site, with the first storm damaged beyond repair in 1881. Apparently, waves can lap up at the windows during high tides - which seems incredible. First reopened as a cafe and then converted into a pub, it is now owned by Hydes.

We arrive at 11:58, with a queue already formed. Is this a promising sign, when we are after a Sunday lunch? It's popular, but will there be a table free?

Stingo looked very interesting, but it was Lowry

We are allowed to use one of the later reserved tables, provided we are out in 90 minutes. The shared Sunday Lunch platter for two made this a real test.

I could bring you a photo, but to be honest, it makes me look a bit "Man vs. Food".

Walk Details

Distance - 4 Miles

Geocaches - 10

Walk Inspiration - Best Pub Walks in Merseyside, Walk 27