Choose from nearly 200 walks in May: there’s something for everyone! Wirral Walking Festival 2016 ACCESS POLICY Wirral Walking Many of the walks in this brochure are accessible to people with limited Festival 2016 mobility. However it is recommended that you check with the walk organiser for each event if you have specific requirements including wheelchair The Wirral Walking Festival is only possible thanks to the volunteer walk access or are unable to step over stiles. In many cases the walk route can leaders who each year enter a fantastic variety of walks for this month be adapted to provide access for all. Also, if you are unable to attend the long festival showcasing our wonderful peninsula, its parks, coast and walk at the times shown, again please contact the walk leader who will countryside. Now one of the largest walking festivals in the country the be able to advise of alternative meeting points for you to join the walk at a Wirral Walking Festival has nearly 200 walks taking place in May from different location later on. Finally, if you need to leave a walk early please let health walks and buggy park fitness to longer treks along the footpath the walk leader know! and Public Right of Way network and through our award winning green flag parks and internationally protected foreshore.

We all know that walking is great as part of a healthy lifestyle and some walks have been highlighted as ‘Especially For Families’ to encourage family groups Disabled Holiday Information is an to participate. Wirral Ramblers are also promoting their offer to lead walks for awareness-led charity founded by schools and, as always, the Walking For Health Walks feature prominently and Frank and Sue Napper in 2001. As well as providing free information on this year includes walks organised through Age UK. fully accessible leisure time pursuits on their website and in guides and Whilst the Wirral Walking Festival has always included walks that take place fact sheets, their volunteers engage throughout the peninsula, this year we are delighted that Councillor Louise in a variety of related activities to Gittins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture Leisure and Wellbeing, assess opportunities for people with and our colleagues in Cheshire West and Chester have contributed directly to disabilities including those who the walks programme making this a truly ‘Wirral Wide’ event. might not normally participate fully in community life. The resultant data is accessible in a visually stimulating It’s essential that we get feedback from walk participants so please take the format that will hopefully encourage Information about parks and time to go on-line and complete the Walkers Feedback Form. It only takes a other people with similar needs open spaces facilities as well as couple of minutes and will help us to continually improve this wonderful festival to expand and enhance their life information on where to stay and and the range of walks on offer. experience thus improving their activities can be found at health and wellbeing. www.disabledholidayinfo.org.uk Councillor Chris Meaden Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture

‘Especially For Families’ walks have been chosen by the We hope you enjoy attending the 2016 Wirral Walking Festival and welcome walk leaders as being particularly suitable for family your feedback. Walk Leaders Feedback and Walk Participants Feedback groups to enjoy together. Forms can be completed at: www.visitwirral.com/walkingfestival

1 Saturday 7th May Location/Start Page • Run in Wirral Park 22 • Tex’ Trail Running Various locations 22 Wirral Walking Festival 2016 • Neston Library Walk Neston 16 • Little Sutton to Ellesmere Port Little Sutton 10 Calendar of Walks • Bluebells Galore Bromborough 10

Sunday 1st May Location/Start Page Sunday 8th May • Health Walk 16 • Health Walk Birkenhead Park 18 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Dawn Chorus Ellesmere Port 7 • The History of Shotwick Park Saughall 10 • Wirral Wander 7 • History Walk 7 Monday 9th May • Evening Walk Red Rocks 7 • Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park 23 • Health Walk Birkenhead Park 16 Monday 2nd May • Health Walk West Kirby 16 • Health Walk Birkenhead Park 16 • Run in Wirral Wirral Tennis & Leisure Centre 22 • Health Walk West Kirby 16 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Meols to West Kirby Meols 8 • Masonic Halll Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 • Exploring Bidston Moss Bidston 10 Tuesday 3rd May • Buggy Park Fitness Arrowe Country Park 23 Tuesday 10th May • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Buggy Park Fitness Arrowe Country Park 23 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Health Walk Arrowe Country Park 16 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 • Health Walk 17 • Health Walk 16 • Health Walk Wallasey 17 • Health Walk Port Sunlight River Park 17 • Health Walk Warrens 16 • Health Walk Wallasey 17 • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23 • Health Walk Warrens 16 • Rivacre Valley Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23 • Flaybrick Cemetery & Arboretum Flaybrick 8 • Rivacre Valley Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 • Bidston Bidston 8 • Bidston 11 • Royden Park Royden Park 11 Wednesday 4th May • Bats in Brotherton Park Brotherton park 11 • Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park 23 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 Wednesday 11th May • Run in Wirral Oval Leisure Centre 22 • Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park 23 • Health Walk Port Sunlight River Park 17 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Health Walk Port Sunlight Village 17 • Run in Wirral Oval Leisure Centre 22 • Health Walk West Kirby 17 • Health Walk Port Sunlight River Park 17 • Health Walk Eastham Country Park 17 • Health Walk Port Sunlight Village 17 • Links Healthy Living Centre Walk Ellesmere Port 17 • Health Walk West Kirby 17 • Little Neston, Ness and the Dee Marshes Little Neston 8 • Health Walk Eastham Country Park 17 • Links Healthy Living Centre Walk Ellesmere Port 17 Thursday 5th May • Parkgate Port and Resort Parkgate 12 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Willaston Fields and Paths Willaston 11 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 • Run in Wirral Cemetery 22 Thursday 12th May • Health Walk Royden Park 17 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 • Coast to Coast: Parkgate to Eastham Parkgate 9 • Run in Wirral Frankby Cemetery 22 • Brotherton Park and Dibbinsdale Dibbinsdale 9 • Health Walk Royden Park 17 • The Bats of Port Sunlight River Park Port Sunlight 9 • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23

Friday 6th May Friday 13th May • Buggy Park Fitness Eastham Country Park 23 • Buggy Park Fitness Eastham Country Park 23 • Ness Gardens Stroll Ness Gardens 18 • Ness Gardens Stroll Ness 18 2 • Brimstage Brimstage 9 • Spital Spital 13 3 Saturday 14th May Location/Start Page Friday 20th May Location/Start Page • Run in Wirral Birkenhead Park 22 • Buggy Park Fitness Eastham Country Park 23 • Tex’ Trail Running Various locations 22 • Ness Gardens Stroll Ness 18 • Thurstaston and the Wirral Way Thurstaston 13 • Summer Special Health Walk Arrowe Country Park 18 • Bromborough Pool - Bromborough 13 • Exploring Bidston Moss Bidston 20 The First Garden Village • Storeton Storeton 20

Sunday 15th May Saturday 21st May • Health Walk Birkenhead Park 18 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead Park 22 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Tex’ Trail Running Various locations 22 • Wirral Walkies Meols 15 • New Brighton and Wallasey New Brighton 20 • Thornton Hough Circular Thornton Hough 13 Village Circular • Thurstaston to Parkgate Thurstaston 14 • Minerals &Fossils The Geology Thurstaston 21 of Thurstaston Monday 16th May • Neston - Raby - Neston Neston 21 • Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park 23 • Bidston Hill Walk Bidston 21 • Health Walk - Birkenhead Park 16 • Health Walk West Kirby 16 Sunday 22nd May • Run in Wirral Wirral Tennis & Leisure Centre 22 • Health Walk Birkenhead Park 18 • Health Walk Ashton Park 18 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Thurstaston Circular Thurstaston 14 • Masonic Halll Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 • Hilbre Island West Kirby 15 Monday 23rd May • Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park 23 Tuesday 17th May • Health Walk - Birkenhead Park 16 • Buggy Park Fitness Arrowe Country Park 23 • Health Walk West Kirby 16 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 • Run in Wirral Wirral Tennis and Leisure Centre 22 • Health Walk Arrowe Park 16 • Masonic Halll Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 • Health Walk Port Sunlight River Park 17 • Around Raby Raby 21 • Health Walk Wallasey 17 • Health Walk Warrens 16 Tuesday 24th May • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23 • Buggy Park Fitness Arrowe Country Park 23 • Rivacre Valley Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Discover Burton Mere Wetlands Burton 15 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 • Heswall 15 • Health Walk Arrowe Park 16 • Health Walk Port Sunlight River Park 17 Wednesday 18th May • Health Walk Wallasey 17 • Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park 23 • Health Walk Warrens 16 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23 • Run in Wirral Oval Leisure Centre 22 • Rivacre Valley Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 • Health Walk Port Sunlight River Park 17 • Meols Meols 21 • Health Walk Port Sunlight Village 17 • Health Walk West Kirby 17 Wednesday 25th May • Health Walk Eastham Country Park 17 • Buggy Park Fitness Ashton Park 23 • Little Neston Little Neston 20 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Run in Wirral Oval Leisure Centre 22 Thursday 19th May • Health Walk Port Sunlight River Park 17 • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 • Health Walk Port Sunlight Village 17 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 • Health Walk West Kirby 17 • Run in Wirral Frankby Cemetery 22 • Health Walk Eastham Country Park 17 • Health Walk Royden Park 17 • Links Healthy Living Centre Walk Ellesmere Port 17 • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23 • The Neston Colleries Neston 12

4 5 Thursday 26th May Location/Start Page • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 Wirral Walking Festival 2016 • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 • Run in Wirral Frankby Cemetery 22 • Health Walk Royden Park 17 General Walks • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23 Dawn Chorus Eastham Country Park Friday 27th May Sunday 1st May, 4am - 8am History Walk • Buggy Park Fitness Eastham Country Park 23 Cost: FREE • Ness Gardens Stroll Ness 18 Sunday 1st May, 10am - 12.30pm Walk length: 2 miles • Port Sunlight Port Sunlight 24 Cost: FREE • Port Sunlight River Park - Port Sunlight 24 This is a dawn chorus walk with a Walk Length: 2 miles From Refuse to Recreation very early start in order to catch the Join the Wirral Rangers & Friends Saturday 28th May wide variety of birds singing in the of Dibbinsdale for a walk around • Run in Wirral Birkenhead Park 22 valley. From the Ranger’s Hut we will Eastham Country Park looking back • Tex’ Trail Running Various locations 22 walk a few hundred yards to listen to in time at the history of this unusual • Eastham & Willaston Circular Eastham 24 the music! A gentle stroll then takes and interesting site. Dogs must be us towards the golf links and Church kept under control at all times. Sunday 29th May Wood before returning. Please note • Health Walk Birkenhead Park 18 that you may wish to bring a small Event Postcode: CH62 0BH • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 Contact: 0151 327 1007 • Hilbre Island West Kirby 19 folding chair or shooting stick as there won’t be any seating and E-mail: Monday 30th May warm clothing and appropriate [email protected] • Health Walk Birkenhead Park 16 footwear is essential and please Meet at: The Rangers Office, • Masonic Halll Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 bring a torch!. There is one short Eastham Country Park • Pirate Seashore Walk New Brighton 24 incline on this walk. Sorry no dogs. Tuesday 31st May Event Postcode: CH66 1SS • Buggy Park Fitness Arrowe Country Park 23 Contact: 0151 339 4601 Wirral Wander • Run in Wirral West Kirby Concourse 22 Email: [email protected] • Run in Wirral Birkenhead 6th Form College 22 Sunday 1st May 9am – 4pm Meet at: The Rangers Hut, Rivacre • Health Walk Arrowe Park 16 Cost: FREE • Health Walk Port Sunlight River Park 17 Valley Country Park, Ellesmere Port Walk Length: 14 miles • Health Walk Wallasey 17 Booking Essential • Health Walk Warrens 16 • Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse 23 This is a circular route from Royden • Rivacre Valley Stroll Ellesmere Port 16 Red Rocks Evening Walk Park taking in just about the best the • Family Fun Nature Walk Port Sunlight 25 Sunday 1st May, 8pm - 10pm Wirral has to offer…through Newton • Raby to Cherry Wood Raby 25 Cost: £5 we pass through Hoylake, West Walk length: 2 kilometres Kirby and trek across to the Hilbre Booking Essential Islands, returning via Thurstaston, “This walk was excellent. An evening guided walk at Red The Dungeons and back to Royden. I would definitely recommend it” Rocks with a chance to listen out for Please bring some lunch which will singing Natterjack Toads. be on Hilbre sat watching the seals. Wirral Walking Festival Feedback 2015 Sorry no dogs. Event Grid Reference: SJ245 858 Event Postcode: CH47 1HN Contact: 01942 874719 “This was a very informative walk. Contact: 019488 20728 Email: [email protected] I thoroughly enjoyed it” E-mail: [email protected] Meet at: Royden Park Car Park Wirral Walking Festival Feedback 2015 Meet at: Red Rocks, Hoylake

6 7 Meols to West Kirby Bidston Brotherton Park & The Bats of Port Sunlight Monday 2nd May, 1.30pm - 5.30pm Tuesday 3rd May, 7.30pm - 9pm Dibbinsdale History Walk River Park Cost: FREE Cost: FREE (but please bring some Thursday 5th May, 10am – 12.30pm Thursday 5th May, Walk length: 7 miles money if you want to Cost: FREE 8.45pm – 10.30pm join us in a local pub Walk Length: 2 miles Cost: £3 per person From Meols this walk afterwards!) Walk length: 1.5 miles will cross over fields to Join the Wirral Rangers Walk length: 3 miles Booking essential Frankby then through & Friends of Dibbinsdale Royden Park and over Thurstaston This circular walk takes us from for a walk around This is an easy walk Common to the Visitor Centre at Bidston Station to Bidston Village Dibbinsdale Local stopping to see and . Walking along and Bidston Hill as far as the Nature Reserve looking listen to the variety of bats using bat the Wirral Way, including a visit to windmill and with great views of at the ancient and recent history of detectors. There is a gentle slope, on the Dungeons, we will walk to West Liverpool Bay. We follow the old deer this hidden gem. (There are some good paths, from the car park to the Kirby and around the Marine Lake park wall and head back to the steep hills and steps along the lake. Children aged 8 and over are finishing at West Kirby Station. village and railway station. route.) Dogs must be kept under welcome but must be accompanied Sorry no dogs. control at all times. and please dress warmly. Event Postcode: CH47 9RA Sorry no dogs. Contact: 0151 345 3816 Event Grid Reference: SJ284 907 Event Postcode: CH62 2BJ Email: Contact: 0151 605 0591 Contact: 0151 334 9851 Event Postcode: CH62 4TQ [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Contact: 07587 550 060 Meet at: Meols Station Meet at: Bidston Station Car Park Meet at: The Rangers Office, [email protected] Dibbinsdale LNR Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park, Dock Road North

Flaybrick Cemetery and Arboretum Coast to Coast: Parkgate to Eastham Brimstage Tuesday 3rd May, 11am - 1pm Thursday 5th May, Friday 6th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Cost: FREE 11.15am – 4.30pm Cost: FREE (but please bring some Walk length: 1.5 miles Cost: FREE money if you want to Come and find out Walk length: 10 miles join us in a local pub about the fascinating afterwards!) We will walk along the history of Birkenhead Walk length: 4 Miles Little Neston, Ness and the Wirral Way to Hadlow Road Station and stories of the personalities that Dee Marshes in Willaston for a picnic lunch A pleasant flat circular helped to make it the way it is. This Wednesday 4th May, 2pm - 5pm (please bring your own) before walk takes us via a walk is over uneven ground and Cost: FREE (but bring continuing to Raby Mere and bridleway and then paths across flat shoes are recommended. All some cake money!) Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve fields to Thornton Hough. A brief children under 16 year old must be Walk length: 6 miles and then finishing at Eastham Ferry. section on Thornton Common accompanied by an adult. Sorry no dogs. Road is then followed by a Sorry no dogs. Following the footpaths walk across more fields towards through Little Neston and Ness we Event Grid Reference SJ280 779 Event Postcode: CH43 7PD Clatterbridge before turning north will stop at Net’s Café at Denhall for Contact: 0151 604 1057 Contact: 0151 648 4371 back to Brimstage. Sorry no dogs. home-made cakes and great views Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] before continuing along the marsh Meet at: Mostyn House School, Event Grid Reference: SJ304 827 Meet at: Tam O’Shanter Cottage, and returning to the car park Parkgate Contact: 0151 605 0591 Bidston Event Grid Reference: SJ307 776 Email: [email protected] Contact: 0151 327 4125 Meet at: Brimstage Craft Centre E-mail: [email protected] Car Park Meet at: Lees Lane Car Park 8 9 Little Sutton to Ellesmere Port The History of Shotwick Park Bidston Hill Bats in Brotherton Park Saturday 7th May, Sunday 8th May, Tuesday 10th May, 11am - 1pm Tuesday 10th May, 10.45am – 3.30pm 10.30am – 12.30pm Cost: FREE 8.45pm - 10.45pm Cost: FREE (Please bring some Cost: FREE Walk length: up to 4 miles Cost: FREE money if you want to use the café Walk length: 4.5 miles Walk length: no more From Tam O’Shanter at the museum) than 2 miles A pretty stroll through Urban Farm we will Walk length: 8 miles Booking Essential one of Wirral’s most make our way via We will walk through historic places that most Wirral King George’s Way to Join the Rangers for a walk Rivacre Country Park and to the residents know little or nothing Thermopylae Pass and the original around Dibbinsdale Local Nature Ellesmere Port Boat Museum about! As well as the local history site of Bidston Court (which was reserve looking and listening for stopping at the café. (Please note there’s plenty to see including the moved to Royden Park). We then the bats that live in and around there are no picnic facilities here). remains of Shotwick Castle. follow the ridge to Bidston Windmill, the valley. There are some hills After our break we will continue the Observatory and Lighthouse on site and sturdy footwear is Event Postcode: CH1 6EP along the canal to Stanney Wood passing some of the carvings recommended. The walk will cover Contact: 0151 677 4594 and Whitby Park. This is not a before returning to the farm. All no more than two miles. Children E-mail: [email protected] circular walk and there are several children under 16 year old must be are welcome but must be well Meet at: All Saints Church, places to ‘opt out’. accompanied by an adult. supervised. Saughall Sorry no dogs. Sorry no dogs. Event Grid Reference: SJ345 826 Event Postcode: CH66 1PA Event Postcode: CH43 7PD Contact: 0151 334 9851 Email: [email protected] Contact: 0151 648 4371 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Little Sutton Railway E-mail: [email protected] Station Meet at: Tam O’Shanter Cottage, Bidston Willaston Fields and Paths Wednesday 11th May, Bluebells Galore! 10.30am – 12.45pm Saturday 7th May, 2pm – 4pm Royden Park Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Tuesday 10th May, Walk length: 4.25 miles Walk length: 2 kilometres Exploring Bidston Moss 7.30pm – 9.15pm This is a pretty and Monday 9th May, Cost: FREE (but please bring some A walk along varied ‘figure of eight’ 10.30am – 12noon money if you want to join us in a footpaths to enjoy walk to the north and Cost: FREE local pub afterwards!) the Bluebells, west of Willaston Village. Walkers Walk length: 3 miles Walk length: 4 Miles Celandines, Wood can ‘opt out’ after the first 2 mile Anemones, and other flowers Discover how an area This circular route is a loop and please note that this walk of the ancient woodland within of natural beauty which gentle walk with little can be muddy in places. Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve was contaminated by landfill ascent passing Roodee Mere and Event Postcode: CH64 3UQ and learn more about the local tipping has been reclaimed and Frankby Mere before returning via Contact: 0151 677 4594 history. There will be some steep restored. This is an easy walk with a Hillbark to the car park. E-mail: [email protected] slopes as part of this walk and stout gradual elevation of only 100 feet. Sorry no dogs. footwear is essential. Sorry no dogs. Meet at: Hadlow Road Station Car Event Grid Reference: SJ289 913 Event Grid Reference: SJ245 860 Park, Willaston Event Grid Reference: SJ342 820 Contact: 0151 677 6250 Contact: 0151 605 0591 Contact: 0151 327 5923 E-mail: Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Meet at: Royden Park Car Park Meet at: Bromborough Rake Meet at: Bidston B&Q Car Park Station (Flyover end)

10 11 Spital Bromborough Pool – Wirral Walks with Friday 13th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm The First Garden Village Cost: FREE (but please bring some Saturday 14th May, 2pm – 3.30pm Anthony Annakin-Smith money if you want to join us in a Cost: FREE local pub afterwards!) Walk length: 2 Miles Walk length: 4 Miles Join local author Anthony Annakin-Smith for a guided walk looking at From Prices Candle Works to the historic Wirral. Anthony will be using maps and old photographs on his A circular walk starting present day this guided walk will look walks to help bring the past to life along with a fascinating narrative from the station, through at features of interest and will also on how some of these historic features can still be seen in today’s Brotherton Park and Spital Dam delve into the further past with a visit landscape. Please note that it is essential to book on these walks and towards Bebington Village along to the old courthouse site. The work places will be limited. the disused Lever Railway Line by of Autism Together and the Land Parkgate Port and Resort the back of the Croft Retail Park Trust will also feature on this walk before crossing the A41 and back which takes place mostly over paved Wednesday 11th May, through Brotherton Park. You may surfaces. Walkers are encouraged to 6.30pm – 9pm wish to bring a torch for the short visit Bromborough Pool Garden Centre Cost: FREE tunnel section!. Sorry no dogs. where there is parking and where walk Walk length: 2.5 miles participants will receive a discount on Booking Essential Event Grid Reference: SJ339 829 the day. Sorry no dogs. Contact: 0151 605 0591 A circular walk, around what was Email: [email protected] Event Postcode: CH62 4TT once one of Britain’s major sea ports Meet at: Spital Station Car Park Contact: 0151 643 1359 and a renowned seaside resort. We’ll [email protected] also see signs of past shipbuilding Meet at: Bromborough Pool Garden and fishing industries. This is a gentle Centre walk except for one flight of steps. Thurstaston and the Wirral Way Event Postcode: CH64 6QJ Saturday 14th May, Contact: 0151 648 4371 10am – 3.30pm Thornton Hough Circular E-mail: [email protected] Cost: FREE Sunday 15th May, 11am - 3.30pm Meet at: Parkgate Parade by the Walk length: 9.25 miles Cost: FREE (but bring some money Old Quay Pub Booking essential if you want refreshments at Claremont Farm) A circular walk exploring the Walk length: 7 miles The Neston Collieries varied scenery along the Wirral Around Raby Wednesday 25th May, Peninsula. The mainland section Crossing field paths to Clatterbridge the walk Monday 23rd May, 6.30pm – 9pm 6.30pm – 9pm makes use of the Wirral Way, then continues alongside Claire House Cost: FREE Cost: FREE diverts to the shoreline of the Dee and on to Claremont Farm for a Walk length: 4.25 miles Walk length: 2.5 miles Estuary. There is a fine viewpoint on chance to stop for some refreshments Booking Essential Booking Essential with more views from the heights of wooded (or bring a packed lunch if preferred) A circular walk, much of it along A circular walk telling the story of before crossing Brackenwood Golf the former Neston coal mines and . little-used paths, to the ancient Sorry no dogs. Course and returning via byways to and pretty village of Raby. This is looking at remains of the industry in Brimstage and field paths back to a gentle walk but can be very wet the landscape. This is an easy walk Event Grid Reference: SJ238 835 Thornton Hough. so waterproof footwear is essential. with one stile. Contact: 07821 393 879 Event Grid Reference: SJ303 810 Event Postcode: CH64 0TB Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Event Postcode: CH64 9NQ Centre, Thurstaston Contact: 0151 625 9509 Contact: 0151 336 5741 Contact: 0151 648 4371 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Neston Recreation Centre E-mail:[email protected] Meet at: Smithy Hill, Thornton Hough Meet at: The Harp Inn, Little Neston 12 13 Wirral Walkies Discover Burton The Hooton to Parkgate Sunday May 15th, 1pm Start Mere Wetlands Cost: £3 Tuesday 17th May, 10am - 12noon Cost: £4 per person Railway - 150 Years (Participants receive a Walk length: 2 miles goody bag containing Booking essential In 1866 the Hooton to Parkgate single branch line opened. It was twenty Dogs Unite branded gifts). years later in 1886 that it was extended to West Kirby and only 70 years Wirral Walkies is a Dogs Ideal for first-time visitors. after that that the line was closed to passenger traffic. In 1962 the Unite charity dog walk Learn more about the RSPB’s last freight train ran from West Kirby to Hooton and over the next few open to all members of the work on the Dee Estuary. years the tracks were lifted and the stations and most of the railway public, and their dogs, in Expect breath-taking landscapes infrastructure demolished and removed. In 1969 Cheshire Council order to raise money for The Guide and some surprising history with support from the Countryside Commission established the first Dogs for the Blind Association. alongside the wonderful wildlife. designated Country Park in Britain. Join Wirral Country Park Ranger The walk is from Meols along the Part of the walk crosses grassed Frank Bennett on one of these walks marking the opening of the Hooton promenade and beach to Tanskey’s farmland so sturdy footwear is to Parkgate Railway 150 years ago and a legacy which today provides in West Kirby essential. Sorry no dogs. us with the Wirral Way – the backbone of Wirral Country Park. Contact: 07855 958215 Event Postcode: CH64 5SF Email: [email protected] Contact: 0151 353 8478 Thurstaston to Parkgate Thurstaston Circular Meet at: Bennetts Lane, Meols E-mail: [email protected] Sunday 15th May, 11am - 4pm Sunday 22nd May, 5pm - 7pm Parade Meet at: RSPB Burton Mere Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Wetlands Walk length: 10 miles Walk length: 2.5 miles Booking Essential Booking Essential

From Thurstaston we will walk An evening walk finishing before the Heswall Dales along the Wirral Way to Parkgate sun sets over the Dee Estuary. Tuesday 17th May, stopping for lunch before heading Event Postcode: CH61 0HN Hilbre Island 7.30pm - 9.15pm back along the foreshore and the Contact: 0151 648 4371 Monday 16th May, 1pm - 4pm Cost: FREE (but please bring Dee Cliffs. E-mail: [email protected] Cost: FREE (but please bring some some money if you want Event Postcode: CH61 0HN Meet at: The Wirral Country Park money to join us in ‘Tanskey’s’ for to join us in a local pub Contact: 0151 648 4371 Visitor Centre, Thurstaston refreshments after the afterwards!) E-mail: [email protected] walk) Walk length: 3.5 Miles Meet at: The Wirral Country Park Walk length: 4 miles We meet at the entrance Visitor Centre, Thurstaston Booking Essential to the Dales in Oldfield Road going Hilbre Island is in the Dee past Dale Farm down through the Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Dales to Pipers Lane and onto Interest. It is one of three tidal the Wirral Way near to Sheldrakes islands alongside Little Eye and Restaurant. We go up through the Middle Eye. Access involves crossing Dungeons and back to Oldfield a large area of sand and a slight Road. This walk is mostly flat except slope to get on to the island. with the stepped climb at the Appropriate clothing and footwear Dungeons. Sorry no dogs. are essential. Event Grid Reference: SJ259 824 Event Postcode: CH48 4DZ Contact: 0151 605 0591 Contact: 0151 482 3456 Email: [email protected] Meet at: West Kirby Railway Station Meet at: Oldfield Road, Heswall

14 15 Wirral Walking Festival 2016 “Well led. The walk was excellent and I will be attending other health walks in the future” Health Walks Wirral Walking Festival Feedback 2015 Health walks are FREE short, friendly, weekly walks Port Sunlight River Park Eastham Country Park for all, especially those new to walking. Meet new Tuesdays, 10.30 Wednesdays, 1.30pm people and enjoy the beauty of Wirral with our Cost: FREE Cost: FREE trained walk leaders. There’s no need to book but A choice of walks from 1-2 miles Superb views across the River please arrive 10 minutes early on your first walk with views of Wirral and the Liverpool Mersey. to register. You need comfy shoes and water if it is skyline. The longer route has some Meet at: Eastham Country Park hot. These walks continue throughout the year and inclines. Visitor Centre additional locations may be available. For current Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park walks, please go to: www.walkingforhealth.org.uk Car Park, off Dock Road North, Bromborough Links Healthy Living Masonic Hall Stroll Rivacre Valley Stroll Centre Walk Mondays, 10.30am Tuesdays, 10.30am Wednesdays, 10.30 Cost: FREE (Except Bank Holiday) Cost: FREE Wallasey Cost: FREE Sturdy shoes required and with a Tuesday evenings, 7.15pm A gentle walk around Whitby Park. A lovely walk in Stanney Woods on slight incline. Cost: FREE Easy route – ideal for beginners. good, level surfaces. Meet at: Rivacre Valley Ranger Meet at: Healthy Living Centre Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at: Masonic Hall Car Park, The Cabin, Rivacre Road (Civic Hall) Civic Way, Meet at: Grove Road Station Orchard Suite, Whitby Road Ellesmere Port

Warrens Birkenhead Park Port Sunlight Mondays, 11am Tuesdays, 11am Port Sunlight River Park Wednesdays, 11am Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Wednesdays, 5.30pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Particularly suitable for beginners. An easy walk around Arrowe Park. Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at: the Visitor Centre. Good footwear advisable. A choice of walks from 1-2 miles Meet at: The Warrens Medical Meet at: Port Sunlight Station with views of Wirral and the Liverpool Centre, Arrowe Park Road skyline. The longer route has some West Kirby inclines. Mondays, 12noon Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park West Kirby Cost: FREE Neston Library Walk Car Park, off Dock Road North, Wednesdays, 12noon Bromborough This walk is not suitable for beginners. Saturday 7th May, Cost: FREE Meet at: Wirral Sailing Centre, West 10.30am- 1pm Kirby Marine Lake Cost: FREE Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at Wirral Sailing Centre This is a challenging walk at a Royden Park Arrowe Country Park faster pace. Some paths may Thursdays, 2.30pm Tuesdays, 10.30am be muddy. Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Event Postcode: CH64 4QE “Ideal for people who A longer than usual walk – not A faster walk of up to 3 miles. Meet at: Neston Library Car Park have not done much suitable for beginners. Meet at: Red Rooms, walking or who are getting Meet at: Royden Park Car Park Arrowe Country Park back into walking” 16 Wirral Walking Festival Feedback 2015 17 Ness Gardens Stroll Birkenhead Park Wirral Ramblers School Walks Fridays, 10.30am Sundays, 11am Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Last year Wirral Ramblers ran a pilot scheme involving 8 and 9 year olds from four separate Birkenhead schools. With the support of Paul Greenslade, There are some hills and paths Particularly suitable for beginners Senior Ranger, Wirral Ramblers took schoolchildren and their teachers which may be muddy. Sturdy with a choice of longer and and parents on a day of discovery around Royden Park and Thurstaston walking shoes and waterproof shorter routes. Common. The walks were very successful and the feedback that received, jacket recommended. Meet at: The Visitor Centre especially from the children, has encouraged Wirral Ramblers to extend the Meet at: Ness Gardens Car Park, programme in 2016. If your school has classes catering for 8 and 9 years Ness olds then you can arrange for a Wirral Ramblers led walk between April and July by contacting Dave Beacher at: [email protected] COULD YOU BE A Ashton Park HEALTH WALK LEADER? Monday 16th May Walking to School Week 2016 2.30pm – 3.30pm Health Walk Leader Training Monday 9th May Living Streets Walk to School Week 2016 will take place 16-20 Cost: FREE May. Join over a million pupils and their families to celebrate Walk Length: 3 miles Cost: FREE 9.30am – 4pm walking to school. Challenge your school to walk every day Booking Essential during Walk to School Week and make a real difference to The Lower Park has a ‘Planets Trail’ The day will include a short your children’s happiness and wellbeing - and an area called ‘The Glade’ Health Walk, route planning, risk See more at: livingstreets.org.uk with several wooden sculptures assessments and information about which we will see before the the national Walking For Health opportunity for refreshments after initiative. Participants must have the walk. been on a health walk and be prepared to lead or assist in Future FRIENDS OF HILBRE Event Postcode: CH48 4DH health walks. Drinks will be provided Contact: 0151 482 3456 but please bring lunch. Sunday May 29th Meet at: Ashton Park entrance at the corner of Church Road and To book your Health Walk Leader Members of The Friends of Hilbre will be on the main Island Westbourne Road Training please call 07910 960 316 or between 10 am and 1.45 pm to welcome visitors and show email: [email protected] to them around starting from the Telegraph Station (which will be open displaying information and photographs of the history and wildlife of the Island. Our band of Seal Watchers Age UK is the country’s largest charity dedicated to will also be there with the telescope and binoculars set up helping everyone make the most of later life. For more to enable visitors to get a closer look at the colony of grey information about Age UK please visit: ageuk.org.uk seals hauled out on Hoyle Bank, which lies between Hilbre and the North Wales coast. Come along, visit Hilbre and Spring Special at Arrowe Country Park meet ‘The Friends’. PLEASE NOTE: This is not a walk led from West Kirby to the . Friday 20th May, 11am - 1pm Cost: FREE Walk Length: 1.5 or 3 miles Safe crossing times for Hilbre on Sunday May 29th are: In this lovely country park there is a choice of either an easy short walk for Leave West Kirby anytime after 7.30am to cross to the island beginners or a longer faster walk over grass paths which can be muddy. Both Leave Hilbre no later than 2.15pm for your return to West Kirby. routes have trained leaders and we will all have lunch together afterwards. Crossing should only be by using the safe recommended The shorter route is accessible by wheelchairs. Sorry no dogs. route from West Kirby. Event Postcode: CH49 5LW Contact: 0780 3460449 Details of the safe crossing and other information about the E-mail: [email protected] Meet at: The Redrooms, Arrowe Country Park Hilbre Islands can be found at: 18 www.deeestuary.co.uk/hilbre 19 Little Neston Storeton Neston – Raby - Neston Minerals and Fossils: The Wednesday 18th May, 7pm – 9pm Friday 20th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Saturday 21st May, Geology of Thurstaston Shore Cost: FREE (but bring some beer Cost: FREE (but please bring some 10.30am - 1.30pm Saturday 21st May, 2pm – 4pm money!) money if you want to join us in a Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 4.5 miles local pub afterwards!) Walk length: 6 miles Walk length: 2.5 kilometres Walk length: 4 Miles Join the Cestrian (Chester) Using footpaths and A local geologist will explain Ramblers Group for a From Marsh Lane we walk bridleways this walk will head north the fascinating geology of circular walk starting and finishing south through Storeton to Raby and then westwards to the Dee Cliffs and the fossils at the Harp Inn with only gradual Woods and Hancock Wood to Parkgate returning via the Wirral Way. in the rock armour. Access inclines and no stiles. Sorry no dogs. Bracken Lane before descending to the shore is by steps and Event Grid Reference: SJ292 776 through fields to Brimstage Lane. much of the walk will be Event Grid Reference: SJ290 761 Contact: 0151 342 4462 Here we turn right through fields over sand. Stout footwear is Contact: 01244 880 649 Email: [email protected] and past the cattery to Storeton, essential. Sorry no dogs. E-mail: Meet at: Sainsbury’s Forecourt, returning via Lever’s Causeway to [email protected] Neston Event Grid Reference: the start. Sorry no dogs. Meet at: The Harp Inn, Neston SJ239 834 Event Grid Reference: SJ314 853 Contact: 0151 327 5923 Contact: 0151 605 0591 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Meet at: Marsh Lane/Storeton Centre, Thurstaston Exploring Bidston Moss Road, Bebington Friday 20th May, 7pm – 8.30pm Cost: FREE Walk length: 3 miles Meols Tuesday 24th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Discover how an area New Brighton and Wallasey Cost: FREE (but please bring some of natural beauty which Village Circular money if you want to join us in a was contaminated by Saturday 21st May, 10am – 12noon local pub afterwards!) landfill tipping has been reclaimed Cost: FREE Bidston Hill Walk length: 4 Miles and restored. This is an easy walk Walk length: 4 Miles Saturday 21st May, From the station car park with a gradual elevation of only 11am – 12.30pm this circular walk takes us via 100 feet. Join the Rangers for a circular walk taking in the spectacular coastline Cost: FREE Dovepoint Road to the prom and Event Grid Reference: SJ289 913 and historic heart of New Brighton Walk length: 3 miles heading south west to King’s Gap Contact: 0151 677 6250 and Wallasey Village. Highlights of Starting at Tam O’Shanter and along the coast to Red Rocks. E-mail: the walk include Perch Rock, New Urban Farm we will walk to Taylor’s Return is via Stanley Road and the [email protected] Brighton Marine Lake, Red and Wood and over Bidston Court Green Lodge back to the station. Meet at: Bidston B&Q Car Park yellow Noses, Harrison Park and (Thermopylae Pass). Back to Bidston Sorry no dogs. (Flyover end) Tower Grounds. This walk takes in an Hill we will pass Bidston Windmill, Event Grid Reference: SJ233 897 area rich in wildlife and history and the Observatory and Lighthouse Contact: 0151 605 0591 is mainly on well surfaced paths to Bidston Village and Bidston Hall Email: [email protected] and pavements. returning back through the woods Meet at: Meols Station Car Park Event Postcode: CH45 2JU to the farm. Sorry no dogs. Email: [email protected] Event Postcode: CH43 7PD Meet at: Fort Perch Rock, E-mail: [email protected] New Brighton Meet at: Outside the café at Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm

20 21 Wirral Walking Festival 2016 Wirral Walking Festival 2016 Run in Wirral Buggy Park Fitness

If you’ve enjoyed walking in Wirral perhaps Looking to get back in shape, make new friends and get fit at the same you’d like to try running in Wirral. 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! Whether you’re running to improve your fitness, relieve stress, lose weight or Contact: Fiona Hanik 07769 674 718 even just meet new friends, then we have a running group to suit you. There Cost: £3.10, Invigor8 members: FREE is no need to book – just turn up! Wear comfortable trainers/ running shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. We recommend you bring a bottle of water.

PLEASE NOTE: Ashton Park WE don’t run on Bank Holidays! Mondays & Wednesdays 10.30am - 11.30am Cost: Meet at the tennis courts, Upper Adults: £2.60, Park. (except Bank Holidays) Child/EP: £1.55 Family: £5.15 Arrowe Country Park Eastham Country Park Invigor8 members: FREE Tuesdays 11.30am – 12.30pm Fridays 10.30am - 11.30am Invigor8 ‘Standard Membership’ £2 for activities after 5pm Meet at the Redrooms Café Meet in the car park.

Nordic Walking West Kirby Concourse Tex’s Trail Running Mondays, 6.30pm - 7.15pm Saturdays, 9am - 9.45am Nordic Walking makes something Contact: 0151 606 2010 Tuesdays, 9.30am - 10.15am Please ring 07969 820 893 to find out we learn to do as babies twice as E-mail: sportbooking.wirral.gov.uk Wednesdays, 6.30pm - 7.15pm where the group is starting from as effective! It’s a great way to get Thursdays, 9.30am - 10.15am this changes on a regular basis. your whole body moving, improve Tuesdays, 6.30pm - 7.45pm Sundays, 8.30am - 9.30am the condition of your muscles, Thursdays, 11am – 12noon Wirral Tennis & Leisure Centre heart and lungs and give you an 6th Form College, Birkenhead Mondays, 12.15pm - 1pm all-over workout. Wear suitable Cost: Tuesdays, 6pm - 6.45pm clothing, including comfortable Adult: £4.40. Child/60+: £2.70 Thursdays, 6pm - 6.45pm Absolute Beginners (Frankby) training shoes with good support. Thursdays, 5.30pm start. We also recommend bringing a Wirral Passport Holder: £2.20 Visitors Centre, Birkenhead Park Please phone 0776 967 4718 bottle of water for during and after Invigor8 member: FREE Saturdays, 9.45am - 10.30am for exact location. your activity. Please note: If it’s your first time then please arrive Invigor8 ‘standard membership’ £2 The Oval Leisure Centre 10 minutes early to be shown how (for activities after 5pm) Wednesdays, 6pm - 6.45pm to use the poles.

22 23 Port Sunlight River Park – Eastham and Willaston A Family Fun Nature Walk Raby to Cherry Wood From Refuse to Recreation Saturday 28th May, 11am – 4pm Tuesday 31st May, 1.30pm – 3pm Tuesday 31st May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Friday 27th May, Cost: FREE (but Cost: FREE Cost: FREE (but please bring some 10.30am – 12noon please bring some Walk length: 1.5 Miles money if you want to join us Cost: FREE money if you want in a local pub afterwards!) Bees, birds, butterflies, Walk length: 2.5 Miles to join us in a local Walk length: 4 Miles bugs... what will we pub later on the walk) This exciting new park discover on this Nature From the Wheatsheaf we head south Walk length: 6 miles opened in August 2014 Trail? There is a gentle along a track that takes us to Cherry having been reclaimed from a A nice varied walk including field slope on good paths from the car Wood and then emerges onto Quarry former landfill site. Find out how paths and a section of the Wirral park to the lake and which is fine Road. We then go by track and road; first this happened, learn about the Way. Enjoy a lunch stop at Hadlow for buggies. This event is suitable for to the Old Mill and then return passing history and what the future holds Road disused railway station. Lunch children aged 3 and over. Roselea Cottage before a pleasant walk for this 30ha green space with its isn’t provided, but we will have Sorry no dogs. up rural School Lane and then across woodlands and amazing views a further short break at a pub in fields to return to Raby. Sorry no dogs. Event Postcode: CH62 4TQ of Wirral, North Wales and the Willaston on the latter part of the Contact: 07587 550060 Event Grid Reference: SJ312 798 Liverpool skyline. This walk will be led walk. Walk ends at Hooton railway [email protected] Contact: 0151 605 0591 by Biffa staff and the Ranger and is station. Sorry no dogs. Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park, Email: [email protected] over gentle slopes. Sorry no dogs. Event Postcode: CH62 9AL Dock Road North, Bromborough Meet at: The Wheatsheaf Car Park, Event Postcode: CH62 4TQ Contact: 01704 874 922 Raby Contact: 07587 550060 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Meet at: Eastham Rake Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park, Railway Station Dock Road North, Bromborough

A Pirate Seashore Walk Volunteer Path Port Sunlight Monday 30th May, 10am – 12noon Friday 27th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Cost: FREE Clearance Days Cost: FREE (but please Walk length: 4 Miles bring some money if you Any assistance to help cut back Join the Rangers on a walk want to join us in a local and maintain the Wirral Public from Fort Perch Rock along pub afterwards!) Right Of Way network is always the beach to the Black Walk length: 4 Miles greatly appreciated. The following Pearl pirate ship. We will be looking dates in May are all Thursday A circular walk to Port Sunlight River for shells along the strandline and mornings from 10am – 1pm, Park, crossing the A41 to Corona for sea life in the rock pools along meeting at the following locations Road and over the football fields the way and there will be plenty regardless of the weather! to Shorefields. In the park we pass of time to play on the pirate ship the lake with excellent views of the before we return to Perch Rock. This Mersey, Liverpool and the Welsh event is suitable for children aged 5th May Brimstage paths, Talbot Ave / Brimstage Road. hills so don’t forget to bring your 5 to 10 years old who must be 12th May Raby Paths, Crossway, Raby Village. camera. Return to Port Sunlight is accompanied by an adult. Welly 19th May Caldy Hill, meet in Thorsway near Kings Drive . via Bolton Road. Sorry no dogs. boots are advised and pirate fancy 26th May Footpaths 43 / 72 Thurstaston – Dungeon Wood, (meet Event Postcode: CH62 4UW dress is optional! opposite Thurstaston Church) Contact: 0151 605 0591 Event Postcode: CH45 2JU Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. For further information Meet at: The Bridge Inn, Meet at: Fort Perch Rock, please contact the Wirral Rights Of Way Officer on 0151 606 2480 Port Sunlight New Brighton 24 25 NEW WHAT’S ON GUIDE OUT NOW

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