10 Wirral Walks that you need to try

With a mixture of coast and countryside, Wirral’s a great place to walk.

Whether you’re on your own, with friends (within guidelines for now) or family, you can cover miles and never get bored.

And, with the sun starting to shine, now’s a great time to get out there and take it all in with these top 10 Wirral walks …

Leasowe to Hoylake – approx. 4.5 miles

Our first of ten amazing Wirral Walks start from Leasowe train station take the main road, the A551, towards the coast and soon take the marked footpath off to the left via Ditton Lane Nature Reserve to Leasowe Common and the lighthouse. 

Then just walk along the promenade by the River Mersey to Hoylake. 

Irby & Thurstaston – 3.5 miles with option to extend route by further 2 miles

This is a circular walk around the outskirts of Irby and the edge of Thurstaston Common (pictured at top of article), with the option to take in part of Arrowe Country Park if you want (depends on how much energy you’ve got!).

The fitter of us can probably complete it in around two hours, so it’s a good stretch of the legs.

It starts at Thingwall Road, and takes you through Harrock Wood – owned by the National Trust – through Irby Village and Thurstaston Common and back to Thingwall Road, passing some lovely places along the way. You can get a map and detailed directions from Visit Wirral (like a few others we’ve listed).

More info here.

Hilbre Island

Before you plan your walk check the tides first: www.deeestuary.co.uk

Head for West Kirby and walk down to the shore and again check the tide notices for safety.

Walk out across the sands at low tide, keeping to the prescribed route. Head first for the small island then the next and then on to Hilbre itself.

You’re promised unique views of the River Dee and across to North Wales, sea birds and seals.

Set off in good time to walk back to West Kirby which will take you a good hour or so. It is essential to keep an eye on the tides for this walk.

Parkgate

Parkgate was formerly (in the 18th century) an important port on the River Dee for crossings to Ireland.

Author Jonathan Swift crossed to Dublin from her!

It now offers unique and beautiful coastal walking with views across to North Wales and many wading birds to spot especially curlews. Simply walk along the coast in either direction – or both!

Thurstaston Common

Start at The Cottage Loaf pub in Telegraph Road to explore Thurstaston Common (pictured at top of the article) , which has loads of well-marked footpaths.

There are great views and wonderful open hills.

You can continue on to Royden Park then head back to the pub where you started (and pop in for a drink hopefully soon!).

Royden Park to Frankby via former RAF Camp – 4 miles

If you like to explore different landscapes, this walk is for you.

Part of the trail goes through Royden Park where you’ll roam through a forest and through to lovely meadows and pass by one of Wirral’s hidden treasures, Hillbark House. Starting and finishing at Royden Park, this walk will take you away from it all, along paths through the agricultural land of north Wirral and through the former RAF camp.

More info here.

West Kirby and Caldy Hill – just over 4 miles

This is a varied walk from West Kirby taking in Grange Hill and Caldy Hill which both have amazing views of Liverpool Bay, across to the Pennines one way and North Wales the other.

It then goes down into Caldy village, before talking you on to the Wirral Way and around the Marine Lake, then back to West Kirby.

More info here.

Willaston & Eastham – Around 6 miles

Picture – www.cheshirenow.co.uk/willaston.

One of the longest walks in South East Wirral but definitely worth making the effort.

It can get a little wet and muddy in the winter but now, as we head into spring and summer it should fine (as long as it’s not been raining!).

It takes you on the Wirral Circular Trail and along some lovely country paths, and includes some picture-postcard sights on the way including Willaston Windmill.

More info here.

The River Birket, Leasowe Lighthouse & the Coast – 5 miles

Another one to blow away the cobwebs, this is a great walk which starts at the coastal car park and goes inland to the River Birket Cycleway.

Although the route includes some urban areas, it is still a fab circular walk along the riverbank and then returning along the North Wirral Coast, part sea wall and part sand dunes.

More info here.

Heswall Dales & Fields – 4-5 miles

And number two in our tope Wirral Walks takes you to the best view of the Peninsula.

This is a really pleasant walk along the coast and then inland up through Dungeon Wood with its waterfalls and ancient woodland.

There’s a rise which takes you to one of the highest points in Wirral near Oldfield Farm and gives the best views over the River Dee to Wales.

You return through Heswall Dales to the shoreline.

More info here.