Wirral Walking Festival 2013 Calendar of Walks

Date & name of walk Location Date & name of walk Location

Wednesday 1st May Tuesday 7th May •Stroke Association •Walking for Health Sponsored Walk •Brimstage Brimstage •Walking for Health Port Sunlight •Walking for Health Wednesday 8th May •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park •Walking for Health Port Sunlight •History of the Hilbre LNR •Walking for Health West Kirby Islands •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park •Birkenhead Twelve Birkenhead Thursday 2nd May Quays Walk •Hilbre in the Spring Hilbre Islands LNR •Irby & Irby •Walking for Health Royden Park •Buggy Park Fitness Thursday 9th May •History of the Hilbre Hilbre Islands LNR •Walking for Health Royden Park Islands •Buggy Park Fitness Birkenhead Park

Friday 3rd May Friday 10th May •History of the Hilbre Hilbre Islands LNR •The Birds of Wirral Islands Country Park •Bat Talk & Walk Birkenhead Park •Birkenhead Park, Birkenhead Park • West Kirby & Flaybrick Cemetery • & Rock Park New Ferry Saturday 4th May •Bromborough to Eastham Bromborough •Bird Song and Breakfast Burton •Powered Wheelchair - •Hilbre Islands Family Hilbre Islands LNR Walk from Seacombe Wallasey Adventure Walk •History of the Hilbre Hilbre Islands LNR Saturday11th May Islands •Discover Wirral Wirral Country Park •Discover East Oxton Oxton Country Park •Ness Botanic Gardens Ness •Ancient Woodland Dibbinsdale LNR

Sunday 5th May Sunday 12th May •International Dawn Wirral Country •The Secret Gardens Oxton Chorus Day Park of Oxton •History of the Hilbre Hilbre Islands LNR •Walking for Health Birkenhead Park Islands •Grange Hill & Red Rocks West Kirby •Walking for Health Birkenhead Park •Wildfowers of the North Wallasey •Ness Botanic Gardens Ness Wirral Coast •Storeton Village Storeton •A Walk around Royden Thurstaston Historic Walk & Thurstaston •A Walking Tour of Bidston Monday 6th May Bidston Village •Walking for Health Birkenhead Park •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park Monday 13th May •Ness Botanic Gardens Ness •Walking for Health Birkenhead Park •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park

01 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Date & name of walk Location Date & name of walk Location

Tuesday 14th May Thursday 23rd May •Walking for Health Wallasey •Walking for Health Royden Park •Bidston Bidston •Buggy Park Fitness Birkenhead Park

Wednesday 15th May Friday 24th May •Walking for Health Port Sunlight •Wirral Summer Special Leasowe •Walking for Health West Kirby Health Walk •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park •Peak and Northern , Footpaths Society •Caldy Caldy •Sunset over the Dee Lower Saturday 25th May Thursday 16th May •Discover Wirral Wirral Country Park Country Park •Walking for Health Royden Park •A Walk around Dibbinsdale LNR •Buggy Park Fitness Birkenhead Park Dibbinsdale •A Walk over Bidston Moss Bidston •Discover West Oxton Oxton •Short Walks from West Kirby Friday 17th May Wirral Villages •History of the Dee Neston Marshes Sunday 26th May • Frankby •Walking for Health Birkenhead Park •Geology of Wirral Wirral Country Park Saturday 18th May Country Park •Discover Wirral Wirral Country Park Country Park Monday 27th May •Wirral’s Biggest Dog Walk Wirral Country Park •Walking for Health Birkenhead Park • Heswall •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park •Hoylake Vision: Hoylake •Short Walks from Bidston Walk the Plan Wirral Villages

Sunday 19th May Tuesday 28th May •Wirral Coastal Walk Seacombe/ •Walking for Health Wallasey Thurstaston •Meols Meols •Welly Walks with Farmer Andrew •Birkenhead Park Bat Walk Birkenhead Park •Walking for Health Birkenhead Park •The Trees of Birkenhead Park Wednesday 29th May Birkenhead Park •Walking for Health Port Sunlight •Walking for Health West Kirby Monday 20th May •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park •Walking for Health Birkenhead Park •West Wirral Walk Thurstaston •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park Common •Arrowe Park to Irby (to Parkgate) Parkgate Circular Trail Tuesday 21st May •Walking for Health Wallasey Thursday 30th May •Raby & Cherry Wood Raby •Walking for Health Royden Park •Buggy Park Fitness Birkenhead Park Wednesday 22nd May •Walking for Health Port Sunlight •Friday 31st May •Walking for Health West Kirby •‘Field to Fork’ at Bebington •Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park Claremont Farm •Storeton Storeton •Port Sunlight: A Port Sunlight Pioneering Urban Village

02 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Wirral Walking Festival 2013 Habitats & Wildlife Wirral has a rich diversity of habitats from rocky foreshores, saltmarsh and dunes to heathland, meadows and freshwater reedbeds. Our internationally protected estuaries are no further than 4 miles away from woodland and rocky sandstone outcrops where you can see a variety of wildlife along with spectacular views over the peninsula to North and Bay.

Hilbre in the Spring Bird Song and Breakfast Thursday 2nd May, 9am - 2pm. Cost: FREE Saturday 4th, 7am - 9am Join the Coastal Rangers on a guided walk Cost: £3 RSPB members/£5 non members across the sands to Hilbre Island. Here we will Join RSPB staff and volunteers for a walk around look for some of the wildlife that Hilbre is famous the Burton Mere Wetlands for an informal for and learn more about the fascinating history introduction to the beauty of birdsong followed of this . Waterproofs and good by a light breakfast of coffee and croissants at walking boots recommended. Bring sunblock one of Wirral’s premier birdwatching sites. and some binoculars. Booking essential. Contact: 0151 353 8478, Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 4371 [email protected]

Thurstaston Ness Botanic Gardens Friday 3rd May, 10am - 3pm. Cost: FREE Come and join the Ness staff and volunteer Starting at the junction of Dee Lane/ South guides on a walk through some of the Parade, West Kirby this 7 mile walk heads out to wilder parts of Ness. Our Perimeter Walk Thurstaston where we stop for coffee/toilets. takes you around the edge of the 64 acre From here, we go via The Dungeons to enjoy the garden looking at the wild flowers and fine views at the top of Thurstaston Hill. We wildlife that make Ness such a special descend via Stapledon Wood through Caldy place. The views across the and on to the Mariners Beacon before returning framed by our internationally renowned to West Kirby. tree collections are simply stunning. Self No booking required. Contact: 0151 648 1411 guided walks are available, or alternatively meet at The Visitor Centre for a guided 1- 1.5 hour walk Birkenhead Park Bat Talk and Walk Saturday, Sunday & Monday 4th-6th May, Friday 3rd May, 7.30pm - 10pm. Cost: £2 11am. Cost: FREE. No booking required. Talk and slideshow about bats at the Visitor Contact: 0845 030 4063 or visit Centre ending in a guided walk looking for bats www.nessgardens.org.uk in Birkenhead Park. Suitable for accompanied children over 8 years old. Booking essential. Contact: 0151 652 5197 or email International Dawn Chorus [email protected] Day Walk Sunday 5th May, 4am - 7am. Cost: FREE Join the Rangers on a (very!) early morning The Hilbre Islands - stroll around Wirral Country Park. The walk will be A Family Adventure Walk soundtracked by the resident and migrant birds Saturday 4th May, 10am – 2pm. Cost: FREE that nest in the hedgerows of the Wirral Way as Enjoy a walk over to Middle Eye and the dawn chorus starts when we set off from the explore some of the geology of this rocky Visitor Centre. Waterproofs and walking boots tidal outcrop before heading towards the recommended. Bring some binoculars if you main island and a look in the rock pools. have some. Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 4371 Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 4371

03 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Brimstage Tuesday 7th May, 7.30pm Discover Wirral Country Park - Cost: FREE Green Route Meet at Brimstage Green for a gentle walk of 3-4 Saturday 11th May, 10am - 11.30am miles. Boots or strong shoes are required, along Cost: FREE with some money, as the walk will probably finish A leisurely stroll around the Thurstaston close to a hostelry! Centre, towards Caldy, and across Dawpool No booking required. Nature Reserve. This is a short guided walk of Contact: 0151 677 6605 around one and a half miles, it is ideal for beginners or people new to the Park. Warm waterproofs and strong footwear are Irby and Royden Park recommended. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Wednesday 8th May, 9.45am - 2.30pm Thurstaston. Cost: FREE No booking required. Meet at the Cherry Orchard car park for this Contact: 0151 648 4371 gentle 5 mile stroll around the Wirral. From the Cherry Orchard we will walk through Arrowe Park to Irby, through Harrock Wood, and Royden Park returning to the Cherry Orchard via Limbo Lane. The Wildflowers of the North No booking required. Wirral Coast Contact: 0151 334 9941 Sunday 12th May, 12.30pm - 3.30pm Cost: FREE The North Wirral Coastal Park dune, grassland, freshwater and woodland habitats provide a The Birds of Wirral Country Park rich diversity of wildflowers between Wallasey Friday 10th May, 10am and Meols. Join the Coastal Ranger for a walk Cost: FREE to discover some of the species that can be Join staff and volunteers from the RSPB and found there. Coastal Rangers to discover some of the Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 4371 birds that can be found in the freshwater, hedgerow, woodland, grassland and estuarine habitats within and adjacent to Grange Hill and Red Rocks Wirral Country Park. This walk includes Sunday 12th May, 1pm - 4pm. Cost: FREE stepped access to the Dungeons. Bring Meeting at Hoylake Station Car Park for a binoulars if you have them circular walk over to Grange Hill, then over the Booking essential. golf course to the shore, along to Red Rocks Contact: 0151 648 4371 then back to Hoylake. No booking required. Contact: 0151 604 1057

Bromborough to Eastham Friday 10th May, 7.30pm. Cost: FREE Bidston Meet at Spital Railway Station for a gentle walk Tuesday 14th May, 7.30pm. Cost: FREE of 3-4 miles. Boots or strong shoes are required, Meet at Bidston Railway Station for a gentle walk along with some money, as the walk will of 3-4 miles. Boots or strong shoes are required probably finish close to a hostelry! along with some money as the walk will No booking required. Contact: 07887 663 610 probably finish close to a hostelry! No booking required. Contact: 0151 639 3955 Ancient Woodland Saturday 11th May, 10am. Cost: FREE Enjoy a walk through Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve looking for Bluebells, Wood Anemones and other plants associated with our ancient woodlands as well as discovering more about the local history of the area. Meet at Bromborough Rake Station, Bromborough Rake. No booking required. Contact: 0151 648 4371

04 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com About the groups...

Wirral Footpaths and Open The Wirral Group of the Wirral Rangers Spaces Preservation Society Ramblers Association Part of Wirral Council’s In 1888, the W irral Footpaths The Wirral Group of the and Countryside Section, the & Open Spaces Preservation Ramblers Association is a Wirral Rangers assist in the Society was formed to friendly and active collection management of the ‘preserve, maintain and of people who enjoy a varied peninsula’s parks, coast and defend’ the public’s use of and interesting programme countryside areas and footpaths, bridlepaths, of walks and social activities. provide a full and varied commons and open spaces With nearly 900 members, programme of public events in the . Plans Wirral Ramblers is the largest and activities throughout the are afoot this year to celebrate group in the region. year. For details of more our 125th anniversary! We still wirralramblers.org.uk Ranger-led walks and other need the support of all those events visit: who walk. www.wirral.gov.uk wirralfootpaths.org.uk

Caldy Wednesday 15th May, 10.30am - 3pm. Discover Wirral Country Park - Cost: FREE Red Route Meeting at Royden Park Car Park the walk Saturday 18th May, 10am - 1pm. Cost: FREE passes Hillbark Hotel to Thurstaston Hill with views Explore more of Wirral Country Park on this of North Wales and Liverpool in the distance. walk starting and finishing at the Visitor Passing Thurstaston Church we continue to The Centre. We will walk along the Wirral Way, Dungeons and past the small waterfall to the cross Heswall Fields and return to the Wirral Way and to the Thurstaston Visitor Centre. Centre along Thurstaston Shore. This is an The walk continues along the Wirral Way to easy walk of approximately two and a half Caldy Church and then through Stapleton Wood miles. Warm waterproofs and strong and back to Royden Park. footwear are recommended. Meet at the No booking required. Contact: 07553 955 695 Visitor Centre, Thurstaston. No booking required. Contact: 0151 648 4371 A Walk over Bidston Moss Thursday 16th May, 10.30am - 11.45am Cost: FREE A leisurely walk over Bidston Moss looking at Wirral’s Biggest Dog Walk how this landfill site has been converted to a Saturday 18th May, 9.30am leisure and wildlife facility - with excellent views Cost: £5 (includes doggy bag & certificate) from the summit. Meet at Bidston B&Q Car Park Join a sponsored walk with your dog along by the flyover. the Wirral Way and beach at Thurstaston to No booking required. help raise money and awareness for Wirral Contact: 0151 677 6250 Hospice (St John’s). Receive a doggie goody bag and a certificate at the end of the walk. Sponsor forms are available from Frankby [email protected] Friday 17th May, 10am - 3pm. Cost: FREE Contact: 0151 343 0778 Starting at Hoylake Railway station car park, this 7 mile walk takes you on paths and across fields to Frankby, Royden Park, Stapledon Wood, Caldy Heswall Dales and the Wirral Way to the Marine Lake in West Saturday 18th May, 11am. Cost: FREE Kirby. From here we take the boardwalk by the Join members of Liverpool HF Ramblers on this golf course and Red Rocks before returning to circular walk over Heswall Dales. No need to Hoylake Railway station. book. Meet at Heswall Bus Station. Packed No booking required. Contact: 0151 648 1411 lunch required. No booking required. Contact: 01704 874 922

05 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Notable and Important Trees of Birkenhead Park The Geology of Wirral Sunday 19th May, 2pm - 3.30pm. Cost: FREE Country Park A Ranger led guided walk suitable for the whole Sunday 26th May, 12.30pm - 2.30pm family to enjoy looking at the magnificent trees Cost: FREE in Birkenhead Park. Learn about the geology of Wirral Country No booking required. Contact: 0151 652 5197 Park in a walk looking at the 230 million year old deposits that shaped west Wirral and the ice ages that carved out the Dee Raby and Cherry Wood Estuary. Join the Coastal Rangers for a walk Tuesday 21st May, 7.30pm. Cost: FREE to Dawpool Nature Reserve and then along Meet at Raby Village for a gentle walk of 3-4 Thurstaston Beach before continuing to the miles. Boots or strong shoes are required, along Dungeons. This walk includes accessing steps with some money, as the walk will probably to the beach and steps to the Dungeons. finish close to a hostelry! Booking essential No booking required. Contact: 0151 678 0039 Contact: 0151 648 4371

Storeton Birkenhead Park Bat Walk Wednesday 22nd May, 9.45am - 12pm. Tuesday 28th May, 9pm - 10.30pm. Cost: £2 Cost: FREE A guided walk looking for bats in Birkenhead Meet at the Cherry Orchard car park for this Park. Suitable for accompanied children over 8. gentle 4 mile stroll around the Wirral. From the Booking essential. Contact: 0151 652 5197,r Cherry Orchard we head down Lane [email protected] and cross under the motorway to Storeton. From here we return over the motorway and pick up the track that takes us across the railway line to Meols the Bassett Hound before returning to the Tuesday 28th May, 7.30pm. Cost: FREE Cherry Orchard. Meet at Meols Railway Station for a gentle walk No booking required. Contact: 0151 678 3316 of 3-4 miles. Boots or strong shoes are required, along with some money, as the walk will probably finish close to a hostelry! Peak and Northern Footpaths No booking required. Contact: 07806 924 477 Society Friday 24th May, 10.30am - 3.30pm. Cost: FREE Join the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society on West Wirral Walk this 10 mile walk to Hoylake, Frankby and Royden Wednesday 29th May, 10.30am. Cost: FREE Park, to Thurstaston Hill and Stapleton Woods Join the National Trust Rangers for an 8 mile walk before returning to Caldy. Meet at Wirral Country exploring some of their Wirral sites at Thurstaston Park car park in Caldy on the Wirrral Way. Common, Caldy and Heswall Fields, stopping for No booking required. Contact: 01925 762 472 a picnic lunch at Wirral Country Park. Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 9887 Discover Wirral Country Park - Blue Route Arrowe Park to Parkgate Saturday 25th May, 10am - 3.30pm. Circular Trail Cost: FREE Wednesday 29th, 9.30am - 3pm. Cost: FREE This is a more strenuous walk of Starting from the Cherry Orchard this 12 mile approximately four and a half miles with a walk will cover the northern part of the Arrowe break to eat a packed lunch. We start and Park - Parkgate Circular Trail. From the Cherry finish at the Visitor Centre and the walk Orchard we will walk through Storeton, takes in the Wirral Way, the Dungeon Brimstage, Gayton, Heswall and . Woodlands, Heswall Dales and Thurstaston No booking required. Contact: 0151 605 0591 Shore. Warm waterproofs and strong footwear are recommended. No need to book, meet at the Thurstaston Visitor Centre. No booking required. Contact: 0151 648 4371

06 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Birkenhead Park Bat Walk West Wirral Walk Tuesday 28th May, 9pm - 10.30pm. Cost: £2 Wednesday 29th May, 10.30am. Cost: FREE A guided walk looking for bats in Birkenhead Join the National Trust Rangers for an 8 mile walk Park. Suitable for accompanied children over 8. exploring some of their Wirral sites at Thurstaston Booking essential. Contact: 0151 652 5197, Common, Caldy and Heswall Fields, stopping for [email protected] a picnic lunch at Wirral Country Park. Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 9887 Meols Tuesday 28th May, 7.30pm. Cost: FREE Arrowe Park to Parkgate Meet at Meols Railway Station for a gentle walk Circular Trail of 3-4 miles. Boots or strong shoes are required, Wednesday 29th, 9.30am - 3pm. Cost: FREE along with some money, as the walk will Starting from the Cherry Orchard this 12 mile probably finish close to a hostelry! walk will cover the northern part of the Arrowe No booking required. Contact: 07806 924 477 Park - Parkgate Circular Trail. From the Cherry Orchard we will walk through Storeton, Brimstage, Gayton, Heswall and Thingwall. No booking required. Contact: 0151 605 0591

Wirral Walking Festival 2013 Food & Drink Wirral presents the perfect combination of quality food, great walks and a wide variety of stunning views. Join us on one of these specially prepared walks which take in rural and coastal settings across the peninsula. Dig out the wellies, see the sun set on the Welsh hills whilst eating tapas or join a gourmet evening… these are just some of the highlights on offer.

Powered Wheelchair Walk from Seacombe Sunset over the Dee Friday 10th May, 11am. Cost: FREE Wednesday 15th May, 5pm - 7pm Join members of Wheelie Walkers for a powered Cost: £8 (including walk & tapas) wheelchair walk that starts at Seacombe Ferry and Enjoy a leisurely guided walk along the Dee finishes at Wallasey Beach with a stop off at Caffe Estuary with Coastal Rangers and Cream in New Brighton for some refreshments Wildlife Trust to discover what can be seen and for some stunning views over New Brighton along the estuary and cliffs, returning along Beach and Fort Perch Rock and Liverpool Bay. Heswall Fields and the Wirral Way to a No booking required. Contact: 01744 813 801 Mediterranean-style tapas taster at Sheldrakes Restaurant as the sun sets over the estuary. Booking essential. A Walk around Royden Contact: 0151 342 1556, and Thurstaston [email protected] Sunday 12th May, 10.30am - 2.30pm. Cost: FREE Join the Ranger on a stroll through Royden Park and Thurstaston Common; explore some of the local footpaths and enjoy lunch at the historic public house, The Irby Mill. Meet at the Coach House/Court Yard at Royden Park. Wind/waterproof clothing and stout footwear are essential. Booking essential.Contact: 0151 648 4371

07 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Hoylake Vision - Walk the Plan West Wirral Walk Wednesday 29th May, 10.30am. Cost: FREE Saturday 18th May, 10am - 3pm. Cost: FREE Join the National Trust Rangers for an 8 mile walk An opportunity to look at the neighbourhood exploring some of their Wirral sites at Thurstaston plan for Hoylake and be part of the public Common, Caldy and Heswall Fields, stopping for consultation process. The walk will include a a picnic lunch at Wirral Country Park. look at the Parade Gardens and beach, along Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 9887 Kings Gap and Market Street before a stop for refreshments at the Vanilla Lounge before continuing to the industrial estate and proposed golf resort. This event is free but you Arrowe Park to Parkgate will need to pay for your own refreshments at Circular Trail the Vanilla Lounge. Transport for people with Wednesday 29th, 9.30am - 3pm. Cost: FREE walking difficulties will be provided. Starting from the Cherry Orchard this 12 mile Booking essential. Contact: 07973 637 605, walk will cover the northern part of the Arrowe www.hoylakevision.org.uk Park - Parkgate Circular Trail. From the Cherry Orchard we will walk through Storeton, Brimstage, Gayton, Heswall and Thingwall. No booking required. Contact: 0151 605 0591

Claremont Farm Welly Walks with Farmer Andrew ‘Field to Fork’ at Claremont Farm Sunday 19th May, 11am - 1pm. Cost: FREE Friday 31st May, 7pm. Cost: £60 This free Welly Walk is 2 hours of fun for For a limited time during the asparagus children and accompanying parents taking season, ‘Field to Fork’ invites you to come and you across the fields at Claremont to learn spend a gourmet evening at the farm and about the seasonal food production from find out why we think asparagus is the table top indoor strawberries and the outdoor Godfather of vegetables. A chance to stroll soft fruits, to potatoes, rhubarb and a variety across the farm with the farmer to the of vegetables. Learn where bread originates asparagus field, learn all about the crop and from and discover the diversity of the how it’s grown and harvested and then have environment and wildlife to be found whilst a go yourself. Then it’s back to the kitchen for farming on the urban fringe. a well earned drink and a short demo and Booking essential. tasting before tucking into the main buffet Contact: Andrew 07785 783 408, with lots of asparagus inspired dishes. email: [email protected] Booking essential. www.claremontfarm.co.uk www.claremontfarm.co.uk/forthcomingevents

08 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Wirral Walking Festival 2013 History & Heritage Join one of our History and Heritage walks and learn more about the Wirral peninsula as well as discovering some of its hidden secrets with walks by the Oxton Society and Wirral History and Heritage Association. Short walks will look at some of our Wirral villages whilst longer walks will explore the development of Wirral - perhaps crossing the sands around our coast or through the countryside on a journey of discovery!

Storeton Village Historic Walk A History of the Hilbre Islands Sunday 5th May, 2pm Cost: £2 Wednesday 1st May, 10am - 1pm Join members of Wirral Archaeology on this Thursday 2nd May, 11am - 2pm circular walk visiting the Roman Road, old well , Friday 3rd May, 12pm - 3pm Medieval private houses, the old school, Saturday 4th May, 1pm - 4pm Storeton Hall and the possible site of the Battle Sunday 5th May, 1pm - 4pm of Brunanburh. The cost for this event includes Cost: £5 literature on the walks and an update on the Join local industrial archaeologist Roy work of Wirral Archaeology. Forshaw, who is currently undertaking a Booking essential. topographical survey of the islands, for a Contact: 0151 200 9545 / 0151 342 2859 walk looking at the salt works, and the Victorian buildings. Learn about the work of Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and the Birkenhead Twelve Quays Walk inhabitants of the islands, from the monks Wednesday 8th May, 10am. Cost: FREE from Diocese, to the Landlords of Seacombe Ferry to Woodside Ferry and back the Seagull Inn! The event starts on the along the new Twelve Quays. The walk is about 3 main island and finishes on Middle Eye and miles in length or you can take the ferry or bus will include an update of geophysical back to Seacombe. The walk will be conducted surveys undertaken by Oxford University at a leisurely pace and is suitable for wheelchair with assistance from Birmingham University. users. The route offers some wonderful views of (This is not a guided walk across to the the World Heritage Site, Liverpool skyline. There islands and payment needs to be made are toilet facilities available at both of the ferry in advance) . terminals and there will be a refreshment break Booking essential. at Woodside. Contact: 0151 648 4371 No booking required. Contact: 0151 625 7361

Birkenhead Park, Bidston & Discover East Oxton Saturday 4th May, 11am - 12.30pm. Cost: FREE Flaybrick Cemetery Join an Oxton Society Guide for Friday 10th May, 11am - 3.30pm. Cost: FREE a walk around the more secret parts of this busy Join the Birkenhead Park Rangers and the village community, which is a designated Ranger at and Flaybrick Cemetery Village Conservation Area. Please book at the on a journey through the historic landscapes of Oxton Village Bookshop on Christchurch Road. Birkenhead Park and Bidston. Discover the links Booking essential. Contact: 0151 201 2710, between these areas rich in history and wildlife. [email protected] Suitable for all walkers of average fitness. Stout footwear essential. Food is available for purchase at Tam o’ Shanter or bring a packed lunch. Meet at Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre. No booking required. Contact: 0151 652 5197, [email protected]

09 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com New Ferry and Rock Park Friday 10th May, 11am - 12pm, Cost: FREE A Walk around Dibbinsdale Meet outside Bebington Station for a walk Saturday 25th May, 10am - 12pm. Cost: FREE through New Ferry, down to the Esplanade Trace the local history of the nature reserve and exploring Rock Park and to the newly revamped go back in time from Victorian estate, Medieval Admiral . There will be an opportunity to hospital, Viking Battle and Triassic dinosaurs. extend the walk along the cliff top at Shorefields . This walk is free but donations to the Friends of No booking required. Dibbinsdale are welcome on the day. Meet at Contact: [email protected] The Rangers Office, Woodslee Cottages, Bromborough. No booking required. Contact: 0151 334 9851 A Walking Tour of Bidston Village Sunday 12th May, 2pm. Cost: £2 Join members of Wirral Archaeology on this walk ‘Short Walks from Wirral Villages’ which will include looking at some of the carvings by Joanna McIlhatton and other features on Bidston Hill. This walk may The walks in this book have been written with be muddy in areas and includes a steep climb. the non-serious walker in mind, varying in The charge of £2 includes literature on the walks length from just 1 to 4¾ miles. Each walk has and an update on the work of Wirral Archaeology. something of interest to discover - you will visit Booking essential. the site of an ancient port now completely Contact: 0151 200 9545 / 0151 342 2859 dried out and over a mile inland; a seafront with neither sand nor sea; a wild, wooded The Secret Gardens of Oxton river valley in the heart of industrial and a lowland heath with wide Sunday 12th May. Cost: £6 (in advance) views to the Welsh hills. The author, Joanna £8 (on the day), Children FREE McIlhatton, will be leading two walks from her Celebrating 12 years of working with book as part of the Wirral Walking Festival and local charities, this popular event, signed copied of her book will be available. organised by the Oxton Society, throws open over 20 normally private gardens in West Kirby Oxton Village Conservation Area. Visitors Saturday 25th May, 11.30am. Cost: FREE can also enjoy refreshments, stalls, art A 3-4 mile walk from the Marine Lake and and poetry, plants sales, children’s beach to the Old Village, with a chance to activities and much more. stop for a packed lunch break before returning Visit: oxtonsociety.org.uk via the Mariners Beacon and Ashton Park. Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 4371 History of the Dee Marshes Friday 17th May, 5pm Bidston Village Cost: £3 (50% donated to RSPB) Monday 27th May, 2pm. Cost: FREE A 4 mile, 3-4 hour walk along the old coastline Starting from Tam O’Shanter Cottage over of the Dee Estuary, from Marshlands Road to the hill to Bidston Village and returning to Burton Point. Points of interest covered are WW2 the Urban Farm for a cup of tea! Bombing Decoys, RAF Bombing Ranges, but also Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 4371 including Wirral Colliery, Little Neston Colliery, and other items and locations along the way. Stout footwear and waterproofs recommended. Booking essential. Contact: 0151 648 4371 Port Sunlight - A Pioneering Urban Village Discover West Oxton Friday 31st May, 2pm. Cost: FREE Saturday 25th May, 11am - 12.30pm. Cost: FREE A one hour circular walk with a Blue Badge Mersey Join an Oxton Society Guide for a walk around Guide around this model village, created by the more secret parts of this busy village William Hesketh Lever for his Sunlight soap factory community, which is a designated Village workers in 1888. Meet outside the Lady Lever Art Conservation Area. Please book at the Oxton Gallery. This walk is free but the walk leaders will Village Bookshop on Christchurch Road. be happy to accept any donations on the day Booking essential. Contact: 0151 201 2710 to be given to a local environmental group. [email protected] No booking required. Contact: 0151 645 2075

10 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Wirral Walking Festival 2013 Health Walks Wirral Health Walks are FREE short weekly walks for all abilities. Everyone is welcome! Meet new people, get healthy and enjoy the fresh air and beauty of the Wirral. There’s no need to book - just turn up! Walks start and finish at the meeting point and all walk leaders are trained. All you need are comfy shoes and some water if it is hot. Easy walks at your own pace, walking aids and mobility scooters welcome.

Birkenhead Park Stroke Association Sponsored Walk Sundays, 11am. Cost: FREE Wednesday 1st May, 10.30am A faster than usual walk, plus a beginner’s walk. Cost: £5 (includes a t-shirt & info pack) Meet at the Visitor Centre. To raise awareness of Stroke on Wirral please Contact: 0151 652 5197 come & join us for our Step Out Event - a short [email protected] walk in Birkenhead Park. Register: 10.30am onwards at Visitor Centre Start: 11am (Opposite the Visitors Centre). Birkenhead Park No booking required. Contact: Communication Mondays, 11am. Cost: FREE Support Coordinator 0151 625 0653 Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at the Visitor Centre. Contact: 0151 652 5197 Get Active, Do More, Feel Better [email protected] Did you know that 13th-17th May is National Walk to Work Week or that Walk to School Week is from the 20th-24th May? Port Sunlight Change4Life in Wirral is a new community Wednesdays, 11am. Cost: FREE programme to help you be more active and feel Particularly suitable for beginners. better. You probably already know that being Meet at Port Sunlight Station. active is good for your health and wellbeing. Contact: 0151 652 5197 Getting started or keeping going can be difficult [email protected] - our aim is to help you. Change4Life in Wirral can connect you and your family to a wide range of affordable and free activities happening nearby. There’s sure to be something that’s right for you. West Kirby Our team are on hand to give you any help, Wednesdays, 12pm. Cost: FREE support and encouragement you need. See Particularly suitable for beginners. what changes you can make by visiting our Meet at Wirral Sailing Centre. website: www.change4lifeinwirral.org.uk Contact: 0151 652 5197 [email protected]

Royden Park Thursdays, 2.30pm. Cost: FREE A longer than usual walk - not suitable for beginners. Meet at the car park. Contact: 0151 652 5197 [email protected]

Wallasey Tuesday evenings, 7pm. Cost: FREE Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at Grove Road Station. Contact: 0151 652 5197 [email protected]

11 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com Buggy Park Fitness Wirral Coastal Walk Cost: £3, or free to Invigor8 members Sunday 19th May Looking to get back in shape, make new Cost (registration fee): £4 per walker / £1 friends and get fit at the same time? Have per child aged 10 and under a go today! We cater for all levels of fitness The Wirral Coastal Walk is your chance to and offer a choice of times and locations raise money for the charity of your choice. to suit - plus, no babysitter needed! Join the 5000 people who every year participate in this event. The walk starts at Mondays & Wednesdays, 10.30am - 11.30am Seacombe Ferry Terminal and finishes at Ashton Park, West Kirby. Meet at the tennis Thurstaston Country Park Visitor Centre, 15 courts, Upper Park. miles in all. Entrants not wishing to do the Thursdays, 10.30am - 11.30am full distance can complete their Walks at Birkenhead Park, Meet at Birkenhead Park any of the three Control Points: at Derby Visitor Centre. Pool (4 Miles), King’s Gap (10 Miles) or Contact: Fiona Hanik 0151 637 6434 Shore Road Caldy (14 miles).

Sponsorship forms are available from: • By letter to: VCA Wirral, 224 Liscar Road, Wallasey CH44 5TN Wirral Summer Special Health • By phoning: 0151 353 9700 Monday to Walk Leasowe Foreshore Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm Friday 24th May, 11am - 2pm. Cost: FREE • By email: [email protected] With a choice of three different walks to suit • Download: via the website all abilities from a short accessible walk for www.wirralcoastalwalk.org beginners to longer walks. Meet at the car park next to the snack bar at the end of • Registration: 8.30am - 11am at Leasowe Road and Pasture Road. All walks Seacombe Ferry. Please ensure you will meet together for lunch. register to qualify for your certificate at No booking required. the finish line. Contact: 0151 652 5197 • Cost: The Registration Fee is £4 per walker [email protected] and £1 per child aged 10 and under. • Who Benefits: You raise money for the ‘good cause’ or charity of YOUR choice through use of sponsorship form. • Return Trip: Free parking is available at Thurstaston from 8am on the day of the Walk. There will be a limited number of buses between 1.30 pm and 6pm from Thurstaston Country Park to West Kirby Station (£1 donation) and Seacombe Ferry Terminal (£3 donation). • Gift Aid: The sponsorship form is designed to facilitate the use of Gift Aid where appropriate.

Access For All

Many of the walks in this brochure are accessible to people with limited mobility. However, it is recommended that you check with the walk organiser for each event if you have specific requirements including wheelchair access or are unable to step over stiles. In many cases the walk route can be adapted to provide access for all. Also, if you are unable to attend the walk at the times shown, again please contact the walk leader who will be able to advise alternative meeting points for you to join the walk at a different location later on. Finally, if you need to leave a walk early please let the walk leader know!

12 For a full colour Wirral Walking Festival brochure: www.visitwirral.com