Wirral Walking Festival 2019

Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there’s something for everyone!

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 1 26/02/2019 11:14 Wirral Walking Festival 2019 Access Policy

Many of the walks in this brochure Also, if you are unable to attend are accessible to people with the walk at the times shown, limited mobility. again please contact the walk leader who will be able to advise However it is recommended that of alternative meeting points for you check with the walk organiser you to join the walk at a different for each event if you have specific location later on. requirements including wheelchair access or are unable to step over Dogs are welcome on all walks stiles. In many cases the walk route unless shown. The responsibility for can be adapted to provide access the dog lies with the dog owner who for all. must ensure that their dog remains under close control at all times.

listening to its user community. We can’t be a ‘best kept secret’, we know our work makes a massive AccessAble, originally called DisabledGo, difference, and we was set up in 2000 by Dr. Gregory Burke as a need to reach more result of his own experiences as a wheelchair people. The name user and disabled walker. Gregory was AccessAble is just one frustrated to find that the best-case scenario of the ways we are looking to do this, we when he looked for accessibility information are a service for every disabled person and was a few unhelpful words that only resulted carer, regardless of impairment. We also want in more uncertainty. Working alongside to help people who face access issues for over 100 different disability groups Gregory other reasons. launched DisabledGo’s first website in 2002. Since then the organisation has grown To find accessibility information for Wirral sites and developed, continually meeting and please visit: bit.ly/2HDjREf

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 2 26/02/2019 11:14 Wirral Walking Festival 2019

Coordinated by Wirral Council’s Parks and Countryside Service, the Wirral Walking Festival highlights the variety of walks that take place on the peninsula in May each year from short strolls around the Secret Gardens of Oxton to long distance treks like the Coast to Coast walk.

Many of the walks are just part of an annual programme like the Buggy Park Fitness Sessions or Walking for Health Walks and both the Ramblers and Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Preservation Society offer Many thanks to Hazel Thomson who a full calendar of walks that take place has allowed us to use extracts from throughout the year. several of her paintings to illustrate this year’s brochure. For those who want an opportunity to go just a little bit faster we include the Run in Hazel has been an artist in residence Wirral programme aimed at beginners and at and on Hilbre are delighted to reintroduce Nordic walking Island and last year was 2nd place sessions to the festival this year. (People’s Choice Award) at the We hope that you enjoy the 2019 Wirral Stockport Open Art Exhibition and 2nd Walking Festival and will look at the place (Billy Wilson People’s Choice contributors’ websites and perhaps join one Award) at the Liverpool Art Fair. of our local groups and continue to discover the historic towns and villages and diverse To see more of Hazel’s art visit her landscapes that make the website at: www.hazelthomsonart.com such a wonderful place!

‘great’ ‘a big thank you’ ‘very successful’ ‘really marvellous’ Wirral Walking Festival Feedback 2018

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 1 26/02/2019 11:14 A Country Park of Great Worth Wednesday 1st May, 10-11.30am Cost: FREE Booking Essential Walk Length: 2 miles Join the Rangers to learn about the creation of Wirral Country Park and the Wirral Way from the old West Kirby to Hooton Railway and the work currently taking place as part of the park’s Master Plan: ‘The Renaissance of a Country Park’. Event Postcode: CH61 0HN Contact: [email protected] Meet at: The Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Thurstaston

From Village to Park Bluebells Galore! to Shore! Thursday 2nd May, Wednesday 1st May, 2-4pm 12.45-3.30pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE (donations welcome) Booking Essential Walk length: 2 miles Walk Length: 5 miles We will walk through some of the lesser- A sample of the walks which our groups known parts of Dibbinsdale Local Nature enjoy on the first and third Monday of each Reserve to admire the displays of spring month. We will visit for flowers in this ancient woodland including special views over the . We then Bluebells, Wood Anemones, Celandines head north along the shore line, passing and many more and will also explore some through Rock Park on the return journey. local history, birds and bees. Sorry, registered Please bring money for refreshments. assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH62 5EQ Event Postcode: CH62 7AG Contact: 0151 482 3456 Contact: 07855 053210 Meet at: Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port E-mail: [email protected] Sunlight Meet at: Outside Bromborough Rake Railway Station

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 2 26/02/2019 11:14 Bromborough Pool: Caldy, Wirral Way Price’s Garden Village & Dungeons Friday 3rd May, 2-4pm Sunday 5th May, 10am-3pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE | Walk length: 8 Miles Walk length: 2 Miles A nice walk with lovely views across the From Prices Candle Works to estuary. There are toilets near the start and the present day this gentle midway at lunch. Please bring a packed guided walk will look at historic features and lunch and suitable footwear. Registered will delve into the further past with a visit assistance dogs only. to the old courthouse site which may be Event Postcode: CH61 0HN muddy. Find out about the Heritage Lottery Contact: 07939 487686 funded digs and the Role of Autism Together. Email: [email protected] Registered assistance dogs only. Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre Event Postcode: CH62 4TT Car Park, Thurstaston Contact: 07587 550 060 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Bromborough Pool Garden Centre, 3-4 The Green Coast to Coast: Parkgate to Eastham Monday 6th May, Bidston 11.15am-4.15pm Cost: FREE | Walk length: 10 miles Friday 3rd May, 7.30-9.15pm Cost: FREE We will walk along the Wirral Way to Hadlow Walk length: 3.5 miles Road Station in Willaston for a picnic lunch (please bring your own) before continuing From the car park we will walk to Bidston to Raby Mere and Dibbinsdale Local Nature Hill via Wirral Ladies Golf Club. We will then Reserve before finishing at Eastham Country take the higher path to Bidston Hall before Park. Registered assistance dogs only. returning on the lower path passing Bidston Event Grid Reference SJ 280 779 Windmill and returning to the Wirral Hundred. Contact: 0151 604 1057 Registered assistance dogs only. Meet at: Mostyn House School, Parkgate Event Postcode: CH43 9LF Contact: 0151 605 0591 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Townfield Close, off Townfield Lane by the Wirral Hundred Pub

Wildflowers in the Woodland Monday 6th May, 10am- 12noon Cost: FREE | Walk length: 1.3 miles Join the Rangers for a walk around at this special time of year when wildflowers begin to bloom on the woodland floor. Of particular note are the wonderful displays of native bluebells. Event Postcode: CH62 0BH Contact: 0151 327 1007 Email: [email protected] Meet at: The Rangers Office, Eastham Country Park

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 3 26/02/2019 11:14 Wirral Walking Festival 2019 Buggy Park Fitness Cost: £5.60 per session | Invigor8 members: FREE Looking to get back in shape, make new friends and get fit at the same time? Have a go today! We cater for all levels of fitness and offer a choice of times and locations to suit - plus, no babysitter needed! Assistance dogs only.

Ashton Park The Oval Leisure Centre Mondays & Wednesdays Thursdays 1-2pm 10.30-11.30am Meet at main entrance. Meet at the tennis courts, Upper Park. (except Bank Holidays)

Run in Wirral

Cost:£4 per session | Invigor8 members: FREE Ideal for anyone who would love to start running and wants some support and encouragement. Qualified run leaders will motivate and help you start your running journey off. We know that most people are very nervous when starting out but don’t worry as the group have all been there. We also understand that people have busy lives and everyone can dip in and out. You don’t need any special equipment at this stage - just turn up dressed ready to exercise, with your trainers on and you might want to bring a small bottle of water. Assistance dogs only.

West Kirby Concourse Mondays & Wednesdays, 6.30pm Thursdays, 5.30pm Couch 2 5k as well as usual session Absolute beginners. Phone for location (except Bank Holidays) Park West Kirby Concourse Saturdays, 9.45am Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9.30am Meet at the Visitor Centre

The Oval West Kirby Concourse Wednesdays, 6.15pm Sundays, 8.30am longer runs – 10K plus as 2 groups – faster and slower group.

Contact: Fiona Hanik 07769 674 718 | E-mail: [email protected]

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 4 26/02/2019 11:14 Parkgate History Walk Tuesday 7th May, Friday 10th May, 7.30-9.15pm 10am-12.30pm Cost: FREE | Walk length: 3.5 miles Cost: FREE Walk length: 2 miles A flat, easy walk following roads, paths and part of the Wirral Way. Registered assistance Join the Rangers and Friends of Dibbinsdale dogs only. for a walk around the reserve looking at the Event Postcode: CH64 6QJ ancient and recent history of this hidden Contact: 0151 605 0591 gem. There are some steep hills and steps Email: [email protected] along the route. Dogs must be kept under Meet at; The Old Quay Car Park control at all times. Event Postcode: CH62 2BJ Contact: 0151 327 5923 Email: [email protected] Bats in Meet at: The Rangers Office, Dibbinsdale Brotherton Park Local Nature Reserve Tuesday 7th May, 8.45-10.45pm Cost: FREE | Walk length: 1.5 miles Booking essential Meols Join the Ranger for a walk around Friday 10th May, Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve 7.30-9.15pm looking and listening for the bats that Cost: FREE live in and around the valley. There Walk length: 4 Miles are some hills and sturdy footwear is This circular walk takes us via Dovepoint Road recommended. Children are welcome to the prom and heading south west to King’s but must be well supervised. Registered Gap and along the coast to Red Rocks. assistance dogs only. Return is via Stanley Road and the Green Event Postcode: CH62 2BJ Lodge back to the station with no ascent Contact: 0151 334 9851 involved. Registered assistance dogs only. Email: [email protected] Event Grid Reference: SJ 233 897 Meet at: The Rangers Office, Contact: 0151 605 0591 Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve Email: [email protected] Meet at: Meols Station Car Park

Red Rocks Evening Walk Friday 10th May, 7.30-9.30pm Cost: £6 adult (CWT non-member) £5 adult (CWT member), children free Walk length: 2 kilometres Booking essential, please go to: www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events Join members of Cheshire Wildlife Trust on an evening walk at Red Rocks with a chance to listen out for singing Natterjack Toads. Registered assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH47 1HN Contact: 019488 20728 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Stanley Road,

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 5 26/02/2019 11:14 Oxton History Walk (West) & Saturday 11th May, Dungeon Woodland 11am-12.45pm Sunday 12th May, Cost: FREE 10.30am-1.30pm Walk length: 1.5 miles Cost: FREE Booking essential Walk length: 5 miles A guided history walk around Oxton Village Join the Rangers for a walk that takes in the exploring its development from its early Dungeon Woodland, Heswall Dales, the Dee agricultural origins to the place it is today Estuary shoreline and the dramatic clay cliffs and the events and characters who helped at Thurstaston. There are steep hills, steps and to shape it. This walk includes Village Road, uneven ground along the route and it may Bidston Road and Wellington Road. be muddy so sturdy footwear is essential. Event Grid Postcode: CH43 5SF Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Contact: 0151 652 0202 Event Postcode: CH61 0HN [email protected] Contact: 0151 327 1007 Meet at: Centre of Oxton Village adjacent Mobile: 0776 747 4478 to Home Cafe Email: [email protected] Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Thurstaston

The Secret Gardens of Oxton Sunday 12th May | 10am-5pm Cost: £6 (if purchased before the event) £8 (purchased on the day) Tickets on sale at various locations in Wirral from early April, or online from the Oxton Society website theoxtonsociety.co.uk

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 6 26/02/2019 11:15 Spital Oxton History Walk (East) Tuesday 14th May, Wednesday 15th May, 7.30-9.15pm 11am-12.45pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE | Walk length: 1.5 miles Walk length: 4 Miles Booking essential A circular walk starting from the station, A guided history walk around Oxton Village through Brotherton Park and Spital Dam exploring its development from its early towards Bebington Village along the disused agricultural origins to the place it is today Lever Railway Line by the back of the Croft and the events and characters who helped Retail Park before crossing the A41 and back to shape it. Includes Fairview Rd, South Bank through Brotherton Park. You may wish to and Arno Rd. Parts are on unmade roads. bring a torch for the short tunnel section! Event Grid Postcode: CH43 5SF Registered assistance dogs only. Contact: 0151 652 0202 Event Grid Reference: SJ339 829 [email protected] Contact: 0151 605 0591 Meet at: Centre of Oxton Village adjacent Email: [email protected] to Home Cafe Meet at: Spital Station Car Park

Past, Present & The Ron Williams Memorial Walk Future at River Park Wednesday 15th May, 10.30am-3pm Friday 17th May, 1.30-3pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE |Walk length: 2 miles Walk length: 6.5 miles Booking essential An annual walk covering routes Ron Williams Discover this new park, reclaimed from a made popular during his time as a Walk landfill site; and the future with Heritage Leader for Walking for Health. The walk starts Lottery funded Heritage centre, staff & local and finishes at taking in archaeology. The park has woodlands, Irby, and wetlands and amazing views of Wirral, north where there will be a stop for lunch (toilets Wales and the Liverpool skyline. This walk is on available) before returning to Arrowe Country surfaced paths with some slopes. Registered Park. Registered assistance dogs only. assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH49 5LW Event Grid Postcode: CH62 4LN Contact: 07803 460 449 Contact: 07587 550 060 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Meet at: The Redrooms Café, Rd Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park, Dock Road North,

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 7 26/02/2019 11:15 Cestrian Ramblers (Chester)

If you enjoy hiking and would like to share your day with others, come and join our friendly group of like-minded people. Based in Chester, we attract members from all around the region including Wirral, North Wales and Cheshire.

We have a full day walk every Sunday, two Thursday walks each month (one with a pub lunch) and evening walks during the summer. Special interest, slower walks are occasionally organised to observe flora and fauna. As part of the 2019 Wirral Walking Festival, we’d be delighted to invite members of the public to join us on our 2-hour walk:

Willaston Wander Wednesday 8th May, 7-9pm Cost: FREE (bring some money for a drink afterwards) Walk length: 3.75 miles Booking essential Mostly flat through woodlands and fields with some country lanes. Walking boots recommended. Join us for a drink and chat afterwards at the Pollard Inn. Registered assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH64 2XR Contact: 0151 336 5927 Email: [email protected] Meet at: The Green in the centre of Willaston Village

Check out our website for our programme of walks, all our social activities and further information of our group: [email protected]

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 8 26/02/2019 11:15 Willaston Bluebell Walk Thor’s Rocks: Friday 17th May, 1.50-5pm Geology at Cost: FREE Thurstaston Walk length: 6 miles Saturday 18th May, 2-4pm Booking essential Cost: FREE | Walk length: 3 kilometres After leaving the village, the route mainly Booking essential - please go to: follows bridleways and footpaths through www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events fields and bluebell woods towards Raby. It We will climb to the viewpoint on top of the returns via the Wirral Way. Good footwear is hill in order to look at the overall impact required (preferably boots). Please bring of the underlying geology on the scenery your own refreshments. There are toilets at around the . We will then tour the station and the cafe may be open. Thurstaston Common looking at various Event Grid Reference: SJ 330 773 outcrops of red sandstone. Registered Contact: 0151 327 4125 (please announce assistance dogs only. yourself as ‘Wirral Festival’) Event Grid Reference: SJ 246 846 Email: [email protected] Contact: 019488 20728 Meet at: Hadlow Road Station, Willaston Email: [email protected] Meet at: Thurstaston Hill Car Park, Telegraph Road, near to the Cottage Loaf Pub Heswall Dales Friday 17th May, 7.30-9.15pm Cost: FREE | Walk length: 4 Miles Brimstage We meet at the entrance to the Dales in Sunday 19th May, 10am-2pm Oldfield Road, past Dale Farm down through Cost: FREE | Walk length: 7 Miles the Dales to Pipers Lane and onto the Wirral A lovely, easy walk from the famous Way near to Sheldrakes Restaurant. We go Claremont Farm in Clatterbridge, across up through the Dungeons and back to farmland and tracks. Suitable footwear Oldfield Road. This walk is mostly flat except and packed lunch required. Registered for the stepped climb at the Dungeons. assistance dogs only. Registered assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH63 4JB Event Postcode: CH60 6SN Contact: 0759 453 486 Contact: 0151 605 0591 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Claremont Farm Shop (park on Meet at: Oldfield Road, Heswall road outside)

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 9 26/02/2019 11:15 Health Walks

Health walks are FREE short, friendly, weekly walks for all, especially those new to walking. Meet new people and enjoy the beauty of Wirral with our trained walk leaders.

There’s no need to book but please arrive 10 minutes early on your first walk to register. You need comfy shoes and water if it is hot. These walks continue throughout the year and additional locations may be available. Sorry, registered assistance dogs only unless stated. For current walks, please go to: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Wirral: Walk On - your local Health Walk scheme

Bromborough Library Warrens Mondays, 10.30am (not bank holidays) First and third Tuesdays each month, 11am Some inclines and uneven surfaces on An easy walk around Arrowe Country Park. various routes to Dibbinsdale or Eastham Good footwear advisable. Country Park. Meet at: The Warrens Medical Centre, Meet at: Bromborough Library, Allport Rd Arrowe Park Road

Birkenhead Park Port Sunlight River Park Mondays, 11am Tuesdays, 10.30am Particularly suitable for beginners. A choice of walks from 1-2 miles with views Meet at: the Visitor Centre of Wirral and the Liverpool skyline. The longer route has some inclines. Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park Car Park, off Wallasey Village Library Dock Road North, Bromborough Mondays, 11am (not bank holidays) A short walk along pavements avoiding steep inclines and accessible for all with views of the coast Joining Forces Meet at: Wallasey Village Library, St. George’s Short Health Walk Road Tuesday 14th May, 11.15am–12.30pm Cost: FREE | Walk Length: 2.5 miles West Kirby Booking Essential Mondays, 12noon (not bank holidays) Our Joining Forces Project offers This walk is not suitable for beginners. activities to veterans aged 65 and over. Meet at: Concourse Leisure Centre, Three twenty minute routes around West Kirby Port Sunlight Village, which contains a Grade I Listed war memorial. Please bring money for refreshments. Arrowe Country Park Registered assistance dogs only. Tuesdays, 10.30am Event Postcode: CH62 4UQ A faster walk of up to 3 miles. Contact 0151 482 3456 Meet at: Red Rooms, Arrowe Country Park Meet at: outside the Bridge Inn, Bolton Road, Bebington

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 10 26/02/2019 11:15 Wallasey Royden Park Tuesday evenings, 7.15pm. Thursdays, 2.30pm Particularly suitable for beginners. A longer than usual walk – not suitable for Meet at: Grove Road Station beginners Meet at: Royden Park Car Park

Wallasey Village Library Wednesdays, 11am Wallasey Village Library A short walk along pavements avoiding Fridays, 11am steep inclines and accessible for all with A short walk along pavements avoiding views of the coast. steep inclines and accessible for all with Meet at: Wallasey Village Library, St. George’s Rd views of the coast. Meet at: Wallasey Village Library, St. George’s Road Port Sunlight Wednesdays, 11am Particularly suitable for beginners. West Kirby MacMillan Meet at: Port Sunlight Station Fridays, 12noon A short walk especially for beginners or people in recovery, with coastal and easy West Kirby access along the Wirral Way. Wednesdays, 12noon. Meet at: West Kirby Concourse Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at: Wirral Sailing Centre Sundays, 11am Eastham Country Park Particularly suitable for beginners with a Wednesdays, 1.30pm choice of longer and shorter routes Superb views across the River Mersey. Meet at: T he Visitor Centre Meet at: The Visitor Centre

Port Sunlight River Park Wednesdays, 5.30pm Health Walk Leader Training, A choice of walks from 1-2 miles with views Port Sunlight River Park of Wirral and the Liverpool skyline. The longer route has some inclines Friday 10th May, 9.30am-4pm Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park Car Park, off Cost: FREE Dock Road North, Bromborough Booking essential A fun, active full day’s training to help you to lead health walks in Wirral Library accredited First & third Thursdays each month, 2.30pm by Walking for Health. A packed lunch With a choice of two routes returning to the or money for lunch is needed. Drinks will library for a cuppa and a chat! be provided. Please call for access. Meet at: Pensby Library, Pensby Road Event Postcode: CH62 4TQ Contact: 07587 550 060 Email: anne.litherland@autismtogether. Commonfield Road Surgery co.uk Thursdays, 12noon Meet at: the Heritage Centre A short walk around Arrowe Country Park or (10 mins’ walk from Dock Road car park) Meet at: Commonfield Road Surgery

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 11 26/02/2019 11:15 A Tour of Ness Storeton Botanic Gardens Tuesday 21st May, Sunday 19th May, 11am-1pm 7.30-9.15pm Cost: £7.50 | Walk length: 3 miles Cost: FREE | Walk length: 4 Miles A fascinating tour around stunning Ness From Marsh Lane we walk south through Botanic Gardens taking in buildings and Storeton Wood and Hancock Wood to parts of the garden not normally accessible Bracken Lane before descending through to visitors. The tour includes a look at some of fields to Brimstage Lane. Here we turn right the research projects taking place and the through fields and pass the cattery to stories behind the place and the plants. Storeton, returning via Lever Causeway to the Registered assistance dogs only. start. Registered assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH64 4AY Event Grid Reference: SJ314 853 Contact: 0151 795 6300 Contact: 0151 605 0591 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Ness Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Meet at: Top of Marsh Lane, near Storeton Road, Higher Bebington

Williamson Walk Willaston’s Fields Sunday 19th May, and Paths 11am–12.45pm Wednesday 22nd May, Cost: FREE 10.30am-1.30pm Walk length: 1.5 miles Cost: FREE Booking essential Walk length: 3 or 5.25 miles A guided history walk starting at the Booking essential Williamson Art Gallery and exploring the This is a pretty and varied stile-free ‘figure development of parts of Claughton and of eight’ walk to the north and west of Oxton, its architecture and the lives of some of Willaston village with plenty of local history the people who developed the area or who and points of interest. Walkers can ‘opt came to live there. The route includes Caroline out’ after the first 3 mile loop. Please note Place, Devonshire Place and Alton Rd. that this walk can be muddy in places Event Grid Postcode: CH43 4UE Event Postcode: CH64 2UF Contact: 0151 652 0202 Contact: 0151 677 4594 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Williamson Art Gallery & Museum Meet at: Hadlow Road Station Car Park, Willaston

Eastham Country Park History Walk Sunday 19th May, 1-3pm Cost: FREE Walk length: 1.5 miles Join the Rangers for a walk around Eastham Country Park looking back in time at the history of this unusual and interesting site. Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Event Postcode: CH62 0BH Contact: 0151 327 1007 Email: [email protected] Meet at: The Rangers Office, Eastham Country Park

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 12 26/02/2019 11:15 Nordic Walking Taster Sessions

Nordic walking was originally a summer training regime for cross-country skiers. It is based on using specially designed walking poles in a way that harnesses the power of the upper body to propel you forward as you walk.

It’s now a recognised way to turn a walk into whole-body exercise that can be done by anybody, anywhere. Regular Nordic walking can lower your risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers. Nordic walking, like any other form of exercise, can also be used as part of an exercise programme to lose weight.

To celebrate the Wirral Walking Festival 2019, you are invited to come along to a free introductory session to learn the basic Nordic Walking technique.

Nordic Walks Monday 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th May, 11.45am start Cost: FREE Walk length: 75 minutes Booking essential The 75 minute session will include an introduction and training as well as a two mile walk, starting and finishing at the Visitor Centre. Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. Places are limited and restricted to one free session per person so booking is essential. Event Postcode: CH61 0HN Contact: 07717 39380 Email: dancingintherain.gettimely.com/book Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 13 26/02/2019 11:15 The Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Preservation Society

The Society appeals to all who are interested in the continued enjoyment of the pleasures of the countryside of Wirral to join now. Members are the eyes and ears of the Society, watching constantly for threats to the rural scene. Without a large, keen and active membership, we cannot function satisfactorily. You can help to safeguard the footpaths of Wirral. Take the first step! Join the Society today. Please visit: www.wirralfootpaths.org.uk

Subscriptions Individuals: £4 pa Couples / 2 at one address: £6 pa Groups / Societies: £5 pa Life Membership: £60 Your support of our work will be greatly appreciated

Join us on one of our 2019 Wirral Walking Festival walks:

Coast to Coast: Parkgate to Eastham Monday 6th May

Willaston Bluebell Walk Friday 17th May

Willaston’s Fields and Paths Wednesday 22nd May

Ask the walk leaders about the society, the work that we do and how you can get involved. Alternatively, email [email protected]

For further information about the society including news, events and for membership application forms please visit: www.wirralfootpaths.org.uk

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 14 26/02/2019 11:15 River Park to Thornton Hough Rock Park Friday 24th May, 7.30-9.15pm Friday 24th May, Cost: FREE 1.30-4pm | Cost: FREE Walk length: 4 miles Walk length: 3.75 miles From the village green we head north This walk follows the Wirral Circular Trail out of west past the primary school. We cross the River Park to Shorefields, down and then the Leverhulme access road and head up two flights of steps, through Rock Park to for Brimstage. From here we return on the Refreshment Rooms where we’ll stop for good paths across fields before passing a drink and then return. The history of the Thomas’s path and returning to the start on area will be touched upon during the walk. the pavement of Thornton Common Road. Surfaced paths throughout. Registered assistance dogs only Event Postcode: CH62 4TQ Event Grid Reference: SJ303810 Contact: 07587 550060 Contact: 0151 605 0591 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park, Dock Meet at: The church opposite the Seven Road North Stars pub

Sunset Walk to Hilbre Arno History Walk Friday 24th May, 6.30-9.30pm Saturday 25th May, Cost: £5| Walk length: 4 miles 11am-12.45pm Booking essential Cost: FREE | Walk length: 1.5 miles Booking essential Join the Rangers and the Friends of Hilbre for a relaxed evening stroll across the sands to A guided walk exploring Arno Hill and the the . We’ll stop regularly to learn Arno and part of Oxton and how it has more about the natural and maritime history developed from its early agricultural origins of this unique island at the mouth of the to the place it is today and the events and dee Estuary, hopefully enjoying a stunning characters who helped to shape it. The walk sunset as we return to the mainland. Suitable includes Duck Pond Lane, Birch Road and footwear and clothing essential. Registered Fairview Road. assistance dogs only. Event Grid Postcode: CH42 8PQ Event Postcode: CH48 0QA Contact: 0151 652 0202 Email: westkirbyhoylakemeolsparks@ [email protected] wirral.gov.uk Meet at: The noticeboard next to Sainsbury’s Meet at: Dee lane Slipway, West Kirby petrol station

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 15 26/02/2019 11:15 Wetland Walk at West Kirby Dibbinsdale LNR Friday 31st May, Monday 27th May, 10.45am-12noon 12.30-2.30pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE | Walk length: 2 miles Walk length: 2.5 miles Booking essential Booking essential Join the Rangers for a walk alongside the The walk will be made up of three twenty River Dibbin and explore this rich wetland minute routes covering Ashton Park and habitat. Try your hand at pond dipping for a South Parade as well as surrounding streets. closer look at the aquatic wildlife. There are Please bring some money for refreshments. some steep hills and steps along the route. Event Postcode: CH48 4DQ Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Contact: 0151 482 3456 Event Postcode: CH62 2BJ Meet at: Ashton Park, corner of Westbourne Contact: 0151 334 9851 / 0776 747 4478 Road and Church Road Email: [email protected] Meet at: The Rangers Office, Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve Raby to Cherry Wood Friday 31st May, 7.30-9.15pm Cost: FREE | Walk length: 4 miles Thornton Hough Tuesday 28th May, From the Wheatsheaf we head south along 10am-2pm a track that takes us to Cherry Wood and Cost: FREE them emerges onto Quarry Road. We then Walk length: 6 miles go by track and road; first to the Old Mill and then return passing Roselea Cottage A lovely moderate walk from the village before a pleasant walk up rural School Lane across farmland and tracks. Suitable and then across fields to return to Raby. footwear and packed lunch required. Registered assistance dogs only. Registered assistance dogs only. Event Grid Reference: SJ312 798 Event Grid Reference SJ 303810 Contact: 0151 605 0591 Contact: 07707 190 567 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: The Wheatsheaf Car Park, Raby Meet at: The Old Smithy, Thornton Hough

Bats of the River Park Port Sunlight River Park Friday 31st May, Tuesday 28th May, 8.45-10.30pm 7.30-9.15pm Cost: £3 | Walk length: 1.5 miles Cost: FREE Booking Essential Walk length: 4 miles See and hear the amazing A circular walk in Port Sunlight River Park. variety of bats living here. Meet in the We cross the A41 to Corona Road, over the car park for a 10 minute walk to the football fields and descend to Shorefields. Heritage Centre for the talk. Suitable for In the park we pass the lake with excellent accompanied children aged 8 years and views of the Mersey, Liverpool and the Welsh over. This walk is part of a Bioblitz wildlife hills. We return to Port Sunlight via Bolton recording weekend. Moth traps mat also be Road Esat. Take your camera! Registered out. Please call to arrange disabled access assistance dogs only Event Grid Postcode: CH42 4TQ Event Postcode: CH62 4UW Contact: 07587 550 060 Contact: 0151 605 0591 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park, Dock Meet at: The Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight Village Road North, New Ferry

17_WirralWalkingFestival2019.indd 16 26/02/2019 11:15 Wirral Self-Guided Walks

Wirral’s rich and diverse landscape lends itself perfectly for outdoor adventures, and is highly popular with walkers from across the country, and beyond.

We’re known for our fantastic mix of coast and countryside, and we have developed many walking guides below which help you explore these scenic elements of our landscape. From coastal strolls with awe- inspiring views, to countryside walks with miles of unspoilt green land. Walking in Wirral is not to be missed.

www.visitwirral.com/information/ download-brochures

Are you ready for Walk to School Week?

Join the greatest national Walk to School celebration: 20-24 May 2019!

Living Streets’ Walk to School Week Wirral Council maintains over 1,500 2019 is a fun walking challenge hectares of public open space where pupils and grown-ups and parks in the region including around the UK unite for one week of country parks, coastal parks, lakes, walking to school and enjoying the play areas and gardens. To find out many benefits that this act brings. more visit wirral.gov.uk

www.livingstreets.org.uk

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We are Borough of Culture for Liverpool City Region this year. Check out some of the exciting highlights coming up and be part of it!

imaginewirral.co @imaginewirral #Wirral2019

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