Plan your walk
Visitors to Hilbre Island
Hilbre Island receives so many visitors each year, local and from afar. All enjoy the wonderful walk across the sands, no matter if the sun is shining or if there are grey skies above! You’ll often find families trekking out across the much used walking route to Hilbre Island
Once at the Island, it offers so much from awesome photography opportunities of wildlife and views back to the shoreline, also panoramic sea views. It really is a full on seaside experience.
If you’re lucky you may spot the famous Hilbre Island Grey Seals. A good place to spot them is on the far side of the Island by the walkway, once the tide is coming in you can normally spot them bobbing around in the water!
Many first time visitors to Hilbre Island are often not from the region and have plenty of questions before they make the walk out.
Below we have answered a few of the most popular questions asked. You can of course get information at the location on the information boards or have a chat with one of the coast guards who are located at the start of the walk path.
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. Check out our full walking to hilbre island guide.
FAQ About Hilbre Island
Are there toilets on Hilbre Island? There are no public toilets on Hilbre Islands. There are also no shops or public access to fresh water.
How long does it take to walk to Hilbre Island? Via Little Eye, the walk should take roughly an hour.
Are dogs allowed on Hilbre Island? Yes dogs are allowed, but please keep on a lead.
When is the best time to walk to Hilbre Island? The Islands are surrounded by the tide roughly up to 6 hours twice a day, however adverse weather conditions can impact tide patterns. Always plan your walk and check the tide times