Plan your walk

Getting prepared before you start your walk to Hilbre Island is essential to having a perfect visit.

One of the main factors to consider is the tide times around the Island, but there are a number of other things to take on-board before you start your trek across the sands.

Best walking route to Hilbre Island

The below diagram (supplied by the Friends of Hilbre website) outlines the best route to follow when walking across the sands. Use the surrounding islands as way points to keep you on track.

Start from the slipway at West Kirby and head out to Little Eye, navigating around to Little Hilbre (Middle Eye) and then onto Hilbre Island. It’s roughly a 2 mile walk across. Obviously, dependent on how fast or slow you walk, walking times will vary.

Other things to consider

Being a coastal location, the weather can change quickly over on the island. If weather conditions are average before you start your trip, make sure you have something warm that can be worn should conditions suddenly change.

Don’t forget, there are no overnight stays on the island, plan your return and allow yourself plenty of walking time for your return journey back to West Kirby.

The island doesn’t have fresh water or shops to purchase supplies. If you’re planning to stay over on the island for a while or through a tide, please ensure you have food and drink.

With plenty of walking involved, make sure you have good footwear. Walking over the sands is fine, but the island has lots of uneven ground and you will have to traverse rocks, which can be slippery when covered in seaweed etc.

Obviously respect the island and the wildlife.