Wirral Walking Festival 2020

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

Wirral Walking Festival 2020 Coordinated by Wirral Council’s and Countryside Service, the Wirral Walking Festival highlights the variety of walks that take place on the peninsula in May each year.

Many of the walks in this brochure out! We hope that you enjoy the 2020 are part of an annual programme - Wirral Walking Festival and will look like the Buggy Fitness Sessions at the contributors’ websites and or Walking for Health Walks and both perhaps join one of our local groups the Ramblers and Wirral Footpaths and continue to discover the historic and Open Spaces Preservation towns and villages and diverse Society offer a full calendar of walks landscapes that make the Wirral that take place throughout the year. Peninsula such a wonderful place. For those who want an opportunity to Feedback is important to allow us to go just a little bit faster we include continue to improve the programme the Run in Wirral programme (aimed so please contact the Wirral Walking at beginners and now celebrating 10 Festival Coordinator at: years) and Nordic walking sessions that will give you a full body work [email protected]

Many thanks to Hazel Thomson who once again has allowed us to use several of her paintings to illustrate the festival brochure. Hazel has been an artist in residence at and on Hilbre Island and last year won her fourth ‘People’s Choice’ Award. To see more of Hazel’s art please visit her website at: http://www.hazelthomsonart.com/

Wirral Walking Festival 2020 ACCESS POLICY

Many of the walks in this Also, if you are unable to brochure are accessible to attend the walk at the times people with limited mobility. shown, again please contact the walk leader who will be

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

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

Cherry Wood Circular Friday 1st May, 12.45pm – 3.45pm Cost: FREE Booking essential Walk length: 6 miles

From Hadlow Road Station we take in two of Wirral’s delightful villages and make our way through little known ‘Cherry wood’. Photo opportunities in Raby and Willaston. Please note that this walk could be muddy in places. Please bring money for refreshments in Willaston. Dogs on leads please. Event Postcode: CH64 2UQ Contact: 0151 482 3456 Meet at: Hadlow Road Station, Willaston

Bluebells Galore! st Friday 1 May, 2pm – 4pm Red Rocks Evening Walk Cost: FREE (Donations st welcome) Friday 1 May, 8pm – 10pm Walk length: 2 miles Cost: £7 per person Walk length: 2 kilometres We will walk through Booking essential some of the lesser-known parts of To book please go to: Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve to admire www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events the displays of spring flowers in this ancient woodland including bluebells, wood Join members of Wildlife Trust on anemones, celandines and many more and an evening walk at Red Rocks with a will also explore some local history, birds chance to listen out for singing natterjack and bees. toads. Event Postcode: CH62 7AL Event Postcode: CH47 1HN Contact: 07855 053210 Contact: 019488 20728 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Outside Rake Meet at: Stanley Road, Railway Station

Oxton History Walk (West) Hoylake and Saturday 2nd May, 11am – 1pm Monday 4th May, 12.45 pm – 2.15pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 1.5 miles Walk length: 3 miles Booking essential Booking essential

A guided history walk around Oxton This will be a circuit taking in Meols Village exploring its development from its Parade, nearby streets and Queen’s park early agricultural origins to the place it is along the way. Please bring some money today and the events and characters who for refreshments after the walk. Sorry, helped to shape it. This walk includes registered assistance dogs only. Village Road, Road and Event Postcode: CH47 3AG Wellington Road. Contact: 0151 482 3456 Event Postcode: CH43 5SF Meet at: Outside the Parade Hoylake Contact: 0151 652 0202 Community Centre Email: [email protected] Meet at: Centre of Oxton Village adjacent to Home Cafe Bidston Tuesday 5th May, 7.30pm - 9.15pm Wildflowers in the Woodland Cost: FREE rd Walk length: 3.5 miles Sunday 3 May, 10.30am – 12.30pm Cost: FREE From the car park we will walk to Walk length: 1.3 miles via Wirral Ladies Golf Club.

Join the Rangers for a walk around Eastham We will then take the higher path to Country Park at this special time of year Bidston Hall before returning on the lower when wildflowers begin to bloom on the path passing Bidston Windmill and woodland floor. Of particular note are the returning to the Wirral Hundred. Sorry, wonderful displays of native bluebells. Dogs registered assistance dogs only. must be kept under control at all times. Event Postcode: CH43 9JE Event Postcode: CH62 0BH Contact: 0151 605 0591 Contact: 0151 327 1007 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: The car park at the back of the Meet at: The Rangers Office, Eastham Wirral Hundred Country Park Ramblers Mid-Wirral Explorer Wednesday 6th May, 9.30am – 4pm Cost: FREE Walk length: 11 Miles

Leaving the famous village of , we pass through the Leverhulme Estate and descend with fine views over the to Parkgate and lunch. Public toilets and ice creams are available here. We return initially along the Wirral Way before passing the historic Wheatsheaf Pub in Raby village. Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH63 1JD Contact: 0151 605 0591 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Manor Road. Thornton Hough

Wirral Walking Festival 2020 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. Please note: No sessions on Bank Holidays Mondays Ashton Park 10.30am - 11.30am Tuesday Oval Leisure Centre 10.00am - 11.00am Wednesdays Ashton Park 10.30am - 11.30am Contact Fiona Hanik: 07769 674 718 Email: [email protected] 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. Please note: No runs on Bank Holidays Mondays Concourse 6.30pm - 7.30pm Tuesday West Kirby Concourse 9.30am - 10.30am Wednesdays Oval Leisure Centre 6.15pm - 7.15pm West Kirby Concourse 6.30pm - 7.30pm Thursdays West Kirby Concourse 9.30am - 10.30am Cemetery* 5.30pm - 6.30pm Saturdays Park 9.45am - 10.45am Sundays West Kirby Concourse 8.30am - 10.30am

* Absolute beginners Contact Fiona Hanik: 07769 674 718 Email: [email protected]

The Manor Walking Club provides weekday walks in the countryside and on the hills and mountains of areas such as North , Cheshire, Lancashire and the Peak District.

Our website will tell you about our walks and our membership which is open to those over the age of 18. We are a midweek group, so our programme is particularly suitable for part-time workers, home workers, shift workers and retirees. We vary the days on which we walk but anyone in a position to manage their weekday leisure time could join our walks by joining our club. We are a mixed, friendly and welcoming club. If you are considering joining us then the website will answer many of your questions, but if there is anything else then please get in touch via our 'Contact' page and one of our committee members will get back to you. Alternatively come and join us on our walk from to the Dungeon and Hill as part of the Wirral Walking Festival on Wednesday 20th May.

www.manorwalking.com

The History of Little History Walk and Ness Thursday 7th May, 10am – 12.30pm Wednesday 6th May, 10.30am – 1.30pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 2 miles Walk length: 5 miles Booking essential Join the Rangers and Friends of Dibbinsdale for a walk around Dibbinsdale A pleasant easy walk, mainly on footpaths, Local Nature Reserve, looking at the with plenty of local history and including a ancient and recent history of this hidden stretch of the Dee Estuary. Bring a picnic gem. There are some hills and steps along lunch if the weather’s good! the route. Dogs must be kept under control Event Grid Reference: SJ 306 775 at all times. Contact: 0151 677 4594 Event Grid Reference: SJ345 826 Mobile: 07950018784 Contact: 0151 334 9851 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Lees Lane Car Park, (Wirral Way) Meet at: The Rangers Office, Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve Irby, and Thurstaston Thursday 7th May, 10am - 3pm Bats in Brotherton Park Cost: FREE Thursday 7th May, 8.45pm – 10.45pm Walk length: 8.8 miles Cost: FREE Booking essential Walk length: 1.5 miles Walking along tracks and through woods and Booking essential fields we visit Royden Park, Thurstaston Join the Rangers for a walk around Common, Thor’s Stone, Thurstaston Hill Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve, looking Wirral Country Park and Harrock Wood which and listening for the bats that live in and includes 2.5 miles of road walking. We will around the valley. There are some hills on stop for refreshments in Royden Park and site and sturdy footwear is recommended. lunch at Wirral Country Park - please bring a Children are welcome but must be well packed lunch and drinks. Total ascent will be supervised. Sorry, registered assistance 800ft with a few stiles to negotiate. Sorry, dogs only. registered assistance dogs only. Event Grid Reference: SJ345 826 Event Grid Reference: SJ265 848 Contact: 0151 334 9851 Contact: 01244 881660 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07928 541540 Meet at: The Rangers Office, Dibbinsdale Email: [email protected] Local Nature Reserve Meet at: Road, Irby

Birkenhead Park Parkgate and Neston th th Saturday 9 May, 1pm – 3pm Friday 8 May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 2 miles Walk length: 3.5 miles Booking essential

A flat, easy walk following roads, paths and History, flora and fauna walk of part of the Wirral Way. Sorry, registered . The walk will be at a assistance dogs only. slow/medium pace stopping throughout for Event Postcode: CH64 6QJ information. There will be opportunities to Contact: 0151 605 0591 drop out earlier at points on the tour if Email: [email protected] needed. Meet at: The Old Quay Car Park (£2) or Event Postcode: CH41 4HY park nearby Contact: 0151 652 5197 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre

Thurstaston and Caldy Friday 8th May, 10.30am – 3pm Cost: FREE Wirral Nature Walk Walk length: 7 Miles Sunday 10th May, 10am – 4pm

Join the Rangers for a Cost: £10 per person walk featuring interesting habitat, local Booking Essential Walk Length: 9 miles history and spectacular views. We’ll visit the Dungeon Woodland, A guided walk from Parkgate to Red and Caldy Village with a short break at Rocks Nature Reserve with spectacular Royden Park. There are steep hills, steps views of the Dee Estuary and regular and uneven ground along the route. Sturdy opportunities to spot wildlife. footwear is essential. Event Postcode: CH64 6RL Event Postcode: CH61 0HN Contact: 01948 802728 Contact: 0151 648 4371 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07767 474478 Meet at: Parkgate Email: [email protected] Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Thurstaston

Discover Wirral Country Park Sunday 10th May, 1pm – 2.30pm Cost: FREE Walk length: 2.5 miles Booking essential

Join the Rangers for a walk along the , Thurstaston Beach and the Wirral Way. Great if you’re new to the park and its surroundings. There are steep hills, steps and uneven ground along the route. Sturdy footwear is essential. Event Postcode: CH64 0HN Contact: 0151 648 4371 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre, Thurstaston

The delightful Wirral conservation village of Oxton will host its 20th Secret Gardens of Oxton event on Sunday 10th May, 2020. This award-winning event showcases about 20 private gardens not normally open to the public and all within walking distance of each other. Since 2001, supported by over 400 volunteers, the event has raised over £320,000 for local charities. The 2019 charities, The Birkenhead Woodcraft Folk, The Vikes Youth Club and the Oxton Society, shared over £20,000 proceeds. Secret Gardens won a Britain in Bloom (RHS) Award in 2017. secretgardens.theoxtonsociety.co.uk/2020-secret-gardens-programme Information Line: 07962 248 268 Email: [email protected]

If you enjoy really good company, want to stay healthy, and like the outdoors, why not join Wirral Ramblers? You are sure to receive a very warm welcome from the largest Walking Group in the region.

We lead over 400 walks a year ranging from the strenuous to the leisurely. Every Sunday, our coach takes us to our favourite haunts, including the four National Parks. Our Wednesday walks go to North Wales and Cheshire. All our walks cater for the varied needs of our members.

In the summer, we run our Evening Walks twice a week. We hope you will join us on at least one of our eight walks in the Festival, and in the bar at the end. There is no charge for any of our Festival walks.

The Group has a very active Social Programme, with guest speakers at our clubroom and a wide variety of external visits. In February each year, 90 members fly to Spain to enjoy walking in the sun. For further information on all we have to offer, do have a look at our website

www.wirralramblers.org.uk We hope to see you soon

Wirral Walking Festival 2020 Walk On: Wirral Health Walks

Our walks are fun, free and friendly - perfect to help you get active and meet new people. If you'd like to take part, all you need to do is come along to the start point of one of our walks 10 minutes early, so that one of our trained leaders can take your details. Alternatively you can register on our website. Then you're free to take part in as many walks as you like. (Sorry, registered assistance dogs only). If you want to know more before you start or are interested in training to become a Health Walk Leader contact us on:

0151 929 7823 or email [email protected]

Please note that parking charges are now in place at and Royden Park: £1 for 2 hours and that there are no walks on Bank Holidays Mondays

Bromborough Library 10.30am - 11.30am Some inclines and uneven surfaces on various routes to Dibbinsdale or Eastham Country Park Meet at Bromborough Library, Allport Road

Wallasey Village Library 11.00am - 11.40am A short walk along pavements avoiding steep inclines and accessible for all with views of the coast. Meet at Village Library, St. George’s Road

Birkenhead Park 11.00am - 12noon Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at the Visitor Centre

West Kirby 12noon - 1pm This walk is not suitable for beginners. Meet at the Reception at the Concourse Leisure Centre

Tuesdays

Arrowe Country Park 10.30am - 11.30am A faster walk of up to 3 miles. Meet at the Redrooms Café,

Port Sunlight River Park 10.30am - 11.30am A choice of walks from 1—2 miles with views of Wirral and the Skyline. The longer route has some inclines. Meet at Car Park, off Dock Road North, Bromborough

The Warrens 11am - 12noon (1st & 3rd Tuesdays) An easy walk around Arrowe Country Park. Good footwear advisable. Meet at the Warrens Medical Centre, Road

Wallasey 7.15pm - 8.15pm Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at Grove Road Station

Wednesdays

Wallasey Village Library 11am - 11.40am A short walk along pavements avoiding steep inclines and accessible for all with views of the coast. Meet at Wallasey Village Library, St. George’s Road

West Kirby 12noon - 1pm Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at West Kirby Concourse

Port Sunlight 11am - 11.40am A superb listed landscape. Meet at Port Sunlight Railway Station

Eastham Country Park 1.30pm - 2.30pm Superb views across the . Meet at The Visitor Centre

Port Sunlight River Park 5.30pm - 6.30pm A choice of walks from 1—2 miles with views of Wirral and the Liverpool Skyline. The longer route has some inclines. Meet at Port Sunlight River Park Car Park, off Dock Road North, Bromborough

Thursdays

Commonfield Road Surgery 12noon - 1pm A short walk around Arrowe Country Park or . Meet at Commonfield Road Surgery

Royden Park 2.30pm - 4pm A longer than usual walk—not suitable for beginners. Meet at Royden Park Car Park

Fridays

Wallasey Village Library 11.00am - 11.40am A short walk along pavements avoiding steep inclines and accessible for all with views of the coast. Meet at Wallasey Village Library, St. George’s Road

West Kirby Macmillan 12noon - 1pm A short walk especially for beginners with a choice of longer or shorter routes. Meet at West Kirby Concourse

Sundays

Birkenhead Park 11.00am - 12noon Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at the Visitor Centre Walking for Health is ’s largest network of health walks with over 360 active walking schemes, helping people across the country lead a more active lifestyle. We’ve done this with great success for over 14 years, improving the mental and physical well-being of thousands of people. 1,800 weekly walks are supported by around 5,000 friendly, specially trained volunteers who are on hand to provide encouragement and support, and make sure no one gets left behind. We currently reach on average 70,000 walkers, supporting them to experience the benefits of getting and staying active. https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/about-us

Health Walk Leader Training Become a Wirral Walk On Health Walk Leader. This FREE training will include a short health walk, route planning, risk assessments and information about the national Ramblers Walking For Health scheme. Participants must have been on a Health Walk and be prepared to lead or assist in future Health Walks. Drinks will be provided. Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. at Birkenhead Park Thursday 7th May 9.30am—1pm Booking is essential. Contact 07910 960 316 or Email: [email protected]

Short Health Walk at Birkenhead Park Friday 29th May, 10.45am – 12noon Cost: FREE Booking essential Walk length: 3 miles

This walk will be made up of three routes around the Lower Park. Along the way there will be the chance to see the Grand Entrance and the Swiss Bridge. Please bring money for refreshments after the walk. Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH41 8AU Contact: 0151 482 3456 Meet at: Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre

Deeside Midweek Rambling Club is looking for new members

A friendly Club, meeting weekly for walks between 4-10 miles in Cheshire, , North Wales and the local area We meet weekly at 9.20am at the Football Club car park

on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in rotation We organise a variety of social activities

and an annual walking holiday Annual Membership subscription of £10

If you are interested please contact the Club Secretary on 0151 648 7792

Birkenhead Park Parkgate Tuesday 12th May, 10am – 12noon Wednesday 13th May, 7pm – 8.30pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 2 miles Walk length: 3 miles Booking essential Booking essential

History, flora and fauna walk of A flat and easy walk following roads, paths Birkenhead Park. The walk will be at a and tracks. Good views over the Dee Estu- slow/medium pace stopping throughout for ary, later returning along a section of the information. There will be opportunities to Wirral Way. Sorry, registered assistance drop out earlier at points on the tour if dogs only. needed. Event Postcode: CH64 6SA Event Postcode: CH41 4HY Contact: 07818 076793 Contact: 0151 652 5197 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: The Donkey Stand, near the Meet at: Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre Ship Hotel, Parkgate Parade

Meols Flaybrick Memorial Gardens th Tuesday 12 May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Tree Walk Cost: FREE Thursday 14th May, 10am – 12noon Walk length: 4 Miles Cost: FREE This circular walk takes us via Walk length: 1.5 miles

Dovepoint Road to the prom and heading A Ranger-led walk looking at the various south west to King’s Gap and along the specimen trees found in Flaybrick Memorial coast to Red Rocks. Return is via Stanley gardens. Road and the Green Lodge back to the Event Postcode: CH43 7PD station with no ascent involved. Sorry, Contact: 0151 653 0762 registered assistance dogs only. Email: [email protected] Event Grid Reference: SJ 233 897 Meet at: Flaybrick Chapels, Bidston Contact: 0151 605 0591 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Meols Station Car Park Willaston Bluebell Walk Thursday 14th May, 10.30am – 1.30pm Cost: FREE Heathland Wildlife Walk length: 6 miles Wednesday 13th May, 1.30pm – 3.30pm Booking essential

Cost: £1 per person After leaving the station car Walk length: 2.5 miles park we walk along the Wirral Discover the lowland heath at Thurstaston Way towards Neston then Common; its magic and uniqueness to this through fields and bluebell woods using part of Wirral, what lives there and why footpaths and bridleways back to the village. some birds and animals find this habitat an Good footwear is required (ideally boots). excellent place to stay or move through. Please bring your own refreshments. There Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. are toilets at the station and the café may be Event Postcode: CH48 1NP open. Contact: 0151 677 7594 Event Grid Reference: SJ 330 773 Mobile: 0773 3012437 Contact: 0151 327 4125 (Please Email: [email protected] announce yourself as ‘Wirral Festival’) Meet at: Courtyard/Coach House, Email: [email protected] Royden Park (Please add subject heading ‘Bluebell Walk’) Meet at: Hadlow Road Station, Willaston

Eastham Country Park Bidston Hill Heritage Walk Pleasure Gardens th Thursday 14th May, 2pm – 3.45pm Friday 15 May, 10am – 12noon Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 3 miles Walk length: 4 kilometres Booking essential Booking essential

Join the Eastham Archive Group and the A Ranger-led circular Eastham Country Park Ranger to discover walk taking in the history and heritage of the story of the former Victorian Pleasure the hill. Features include the windmill, Gardens including a lake, four fountains, a observatory and rock carvings. bear pit, a water chute and more! Learn Appropriate footwear is required as the about the history of the site and our ground is rocky and steep in sections. proposed restoration project for the future of Please note that the route is not suitable the gardens. Please note that the route is for wheelchair users. Toilets and not suitable for wheelchair users. Sorry, refreshments will be available at Tam registered assistance dogs only. O’Shanter Farm. Event Postcode: CH62 0AU Event Postcode: CH43 7PD Email: [email protected] Contact: 0151 653 0762 Meet at: The Pier, Eastham Ferry, Email: [email protected] opposite the Tap Pub Meet at: Bidston Hill Car Park

Come and join The High Tidiers for one of our beach cleans and litter picks taking place during the Wirral Walking Festival in May Sunday 3rd and Sunday 17th May 10.00am - 12.00pm West Kirby Beach (Meet at Hilbre Tides Notice Board)

It's a fantastic feeling of achievement caring for this beautiful area. Our friendly and enthusiastic group of volunteers will be clearing rubbish before it becomes a hazard to birds and marine life. We separate the glass bottles and cans for recycling as well. Let's prevent the plastic that accumulates on the beach from being washed into the ocean. For details of other litter picks: www.facebook.com/hightidiersWestKirby/

The Ron Williams Memorial Spital Walk Friday 15th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Friday 15th May, 10.30am – 3pm Cost: FREE Walk length: 3.5 miles Cost: FREE Walk length: 6.5 miles A circular walk starting from the

An annual walk which starts and finishes in station, through Brotherton Park and Spital Arrowe Country Park taking in Irby, Dam towards Village along the Thurstaston Common and Royden Park disused Lever Railway Line by the back of where there will be a stop made for lunch the Croft Retail Park before crossing the and hot and cold drinks at the Barking Mad A41 and back through Brotherton Park. You Café or take a packed lunch (toilets may wish to bring a torch for the short available) before returning to Arrowe tunnel section! Sorry, registered assistance Country Park. Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. dogs only. Event Grid Reference: SJ339 829 Event Postcode: CH49 5LW Contact: 0151 605 0591 Contact: 07803 460 449 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Spital Station Car Park Meet at: The Redrooms Café, Arrowe Country Park

Bromborough Pool: Arno History Walk th Price’s Garden Village Saturday 16 May, 11am – 1pm th Cost: FREE Friday 15 May, 2pm – 4pm Walk length: 1.5 miles Cost: FREE Booking essential Walk length: 2 miles A guided history walk exploring Arno Hill, From Price’s Candle Works to the present the Arno and part of Oxton and how it has day, this gentle guided walk will look at developed from its early agricultural origins historic features and will delve into the further to the place it is today and the events and past with a visit to the Old Courtyard site characters who helped to shape it. The walk which may be muddy. Find out about Heritage includes Duck Pond Lane, Birch Road and Lottery funded digs run by Big Heritage and Fairview Road. the role of Autism Together. Sorry, registered Event Postcode: CH42 8PQ assistance dogs only. Contact: 0151 652 0202 Event Grid Postcode: CH62 4TT Email: [email protected] Contact: 07587 550 060 Meet at: The noticeboard next to Email: [email protected] Sainsbury’s petrol station Meet at: Bromborough Pool Garden Centre

Greasby History “Excellent history Saturday 16th May, 3pm – 4.30pm Cost: FREE Walk length: 1 mile guide, informative, Booking essential

funny and interesting. A guided history walk exploring the historic village of including the Coach and Horses Public House and Greasby Old Hall. Perfect” Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. Event Grid Postcode: CH49 3AT Wirral Walking Festival Feedback Contact: 07419 337064 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Greasby Library

Heswall Dales and Dungeon Thurstaston, The Dungeon Woodland and Sunday 17th May, 10.30am – 1.30pm Wednesday 20th May, 10am – 2pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 5 miles Walk length: 7 miles Booking essential Join the Rangers for a walk that takes in the Dungeon Woodland, , the This walk takes in views of the estuary and Dee Estuary shoreline and the dramatic woodland tracks of The Dungeon and clay cliffs at Thurstaston. There are steep Stapledon Wood. Sections are very hills, steps and uneven ground along the uneven including the stepped descent at route and it may be muddy so sturdy the Dungeon. There will be a coffee stop footwear is essential. Dogs must be kept and lunch stop. The route crosses the under control at all times. A540 twice. Parking is available at the Event Postcode: CH61 0HN Cottage Loaf for customers. Sorry, Contact: 0151 648 4371 registered assistance dogs only. Mobile: 0776 747 4478 Event Postcode: CH61 0HJ Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Meet at: The Cottage Loaf, Thurstaston Centre, Thurstaston

Sunset Walk to Hilbre Heswall Dales Friday 22nd May, 6.30pm – 9.30pm Tuesday 19th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Cost: £5 Cost: FREE Walk length: 4 miles Booking essential Walk length: 3.5 Miles

We meet at the entrance to the Join the Rangers and the Friends of Hilbre Dales in Oldfield Road, past Dale Farm for a relaxed evening stroll across the down through the Dales to Pipers Lane sands to the . We’ll stop and onto the Wirral Way near to regularly to learn more about the natural Sheldrakes Restaurant. We go up through and maritime history of this unique island the Dungeons and back to Oldfield Road. at the mouth of the Dee Estuary, hopefully This walk is mostly flat except for the enjoying a stunning sunset as we return to stepped climb at the Dungeons. Sorry, the mainland. Suitable footwear and registered assistance dogs only. clothing essential. Sorry, registered Event Postcode: CH60 6SN assistance dogs only. Contact: 0151 605 0591 Event Postcode: CH48 0QA Email: [email protected] Email: Meet at: Junction of Oldfield Road and [email protected] Quarry Road West, Heswall Meet at: Dee Lane Slipway, West Kirby

Cestrian Ramblers ()

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.

Check out our website for our programme of walks, all our social activities and further information of our group.

[email protected] Email: [email protected] 0151 648 8956

Storeton Williamson Walk Friday 22nd May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Sunday 24th May, 11am – 1pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 4 Miles Walk length: 2 miles Booking essential From Marsh Lane we walk south through Wood and Hancock Wood to A guided history walk starting at the Bracken Lane before descending through Williamson Art Gallery and exploring the fields to Lane. Here we turn right development of parts of Claughton and through fields and pass the cattery to Oxton and its architecture and the lives of Storeton, returning via Lever Causeway to some of the people who developed the the start. Sorry, registered assistance dogs area or who came to live there. The route only. includes Caroline Place, Devonshire Place Event Postcode: CH63 5PP and Alton Road. Contact: 0151 605 0591 Event Postcode: CH43 4UE Email: [email protected] Contact: 0151 652 0202 Meet at: Top of Marsh Lane, near Email: [email protected] Storeton Road, Higher Bebington Meet at: Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

A Family Nature Walk at Port Sunlight River Park Wirral Country Park Tuesday 26th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Saturday 23rd May, 10.30am – 12.30pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 4 miles

Walk length: 1.5 Miles In the park we pass the lake with Booking essential excellent views of the Mersey, Join the Rangers for a closer look at the Liverpool and the Welsh hills. We return to wildlife of Wirral Country Park. We’ll start Port Sunlight via Bolton Road East. Take with pond dipping and a look at the cliff top your camera! Sorry, registered assistance meadows before taking a short walk to dogs only. Dawpool Nature Reserve. This is a family Event Postcode: CH62 4UW friendly event and accessible for all—feel Contact: 0151 605 0591 free to attend just for the pond dipping! Email: [email protected] Event Postcode: CH61 0HN Meet at: The Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight Contact: 0151 648 4371 Village Mobile: 07767 474478 Email: [email protected] The History of Park Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor Wednesday 27th May, 10.30am – 1.30pm Centre, Thurstaston Cost: FREE Walk length: 4.5 miles Booking essential

A pretty walk around one of the most historic parts of Wirral, but that many residents know little or nothing about! There’s plenty to see including views over the Dee Estuary and the remains of Shotwick Castle and your walk leader will explain particular points of historic interest. Event Postcode: CH1 6EN Contact: 0151 677 4594 Mobile: 07950018784 E-mail: [email protected] Meet at: The Vernon Institute, Seahill Road,

Ness and Little Neston Oxton History Walk (East) Wednesday 27th May, 7pm - 9pm Saturday 30th May, 11am – 1pm Cost: FREE Cost: FREE Walk length: 3.7 miles Walk length: 1.5 miles Booking essential Booking essential

We start with a pleasant stroll along the A guided history walk around Oxton Village estuary with far reaching views. Turning exploring its development from its early inland, using paths, the Wirral Way and agricultural origins to the place it is today quiet lanes, we gradually walk up to the and the events and characters who helped highest point above Ness before to shape it. This walk includes Fairview descending back to The Harp. Sorry, Road, South Bank and Arno Road. Parts registered assistance dogs only. are on unmade roads. Event Postcode: CH64 0TB Event Postcode: CH43 5SF Contact: 0151 648 8956 Contact: 0151 652 0202 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Meet at: The Harp Inn, Little Neston Meet at: Centre of Oxton Village adjacent to Home Cafe Past, Present and Future at River Park Friday 29th May, 1.30pm – 3pm Wetland Walk at Dibbinsdale Cost: FREE Local Nature Reserve Walk length: 2 miles Sunday 31st May, 1pm – 3pm

Discover the park, recently reclaimed from a Cost: FREE landfill site and the future with Heritage Walk length: 2 miles Booking essential Lottery funded Heritage Centre, staff and local archaeology. The park has woodlands, Join the Rangers for a walk alongside the wetlands and amazing views of Wirral, north River Dibbin and explore this rich wetland Wales and the Liverpool skyline. This walk is habitat. Try your hand at pond dipping for a on surfaced paths with some slopes. Dogs closer look at the aquatic wildlife. There are must be under close control at all times. some steep hills and steps along the route. Event Postcode: CH62 4TQ Dogs must be kept under control at all times. Contact: 07587 550 060 Event Postcode: CH62 2BJ Email: [email protected] Contact: 0151 334 9851 Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park, Dock Mobile: 0776 7474478 Road North, Email: [email protected] Meet at: The Rangers Office, Dibbinsdale Thurstaston Local Nature Reserve Friday 29th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm Cost: FREE Walk length: 3.5 miles

From the car park we climb Thurstaston Hill then descend past Thor’s Rock to Royden Park. We take the exit path to Montgomery Hill and cross the road. Taking the footpath to the main road we make our way into Caldy woods before returning via fields to the car park. Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. Event Postcode: CH61 0HJ Contact: 0151 605 0591 Email: [email protected] Meet at: Thurstaston Hill Car Park, near to the Cottage Loaf Pub

Walk this May #Try20 for National Walking Month! A brisk 20-minute walk is an easy way to improve your health, helping to reduce the risk of a number of health conditions, including certain cancers, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Walk for an extra 20 minutes every day throughout May and observe the big differences small steps can make. Living Streets, the UK charity behind National Walking Month, has lots of tips and resources to help you fit 20 minutes of walking into a busy day, available at livingstreets.org.uk/NWM This year, the charity will be looking at the ways walking can boost your happiness and wellbeing. Wander over to their website for inspi- rational stories about people who took steps to improve their mental health. Living Streets’ National Walking Month also plays host to Walk to School Week (18 – 22 May) with families across the UK swapping the school run for a school walk. Visit livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw to find out how your school can get involved! Share your #Try20 journey on social media, follow @livingstreets on Twitter and Instagram

Nordic Walking FREE 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. As part of the 2020 Wirral Walking Festival you are invited to come along to a free introductory session to learn the basic Nordic Walking technique. The 75 minute session will include an introduction and training as well as a two mile walk, starting and finishing at Wirral Country Park. Monday 11th May, 11am - 12.15pm Thursday 14th May, 6 - 7.15pm Thursday 21st May, 11am - 12.15pm Tuesday 26th May, 6 - 7.15pm Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. Places are limited and restricted to one free session per person so booking is essential. To book your place please go to: dancingintherain.gettimely.com/book visit the website www.dancingintherain.co.uk or call 07717 393805