West Kirkby, Wirral Sunday 30th January 2011

Today’s Walks

Strenuous Leader: Keith Taylor   Distance: 9-10 miles

Please note the Strenuous team will leave the coach in New Brighton for a bracing walk along the promenade and beach past Leasowe and Hoylake and Red Rocks to West Kirby. A flat easy walk with wide views out to sea.

Moderate Leader: Leo & Jean Keenan   Distance: 8.5 miles

We start the walk along the Wirral Way and then comes a short climb (100 metres) to Mariners Beacon view point on Caldy Hill. From here woodland paths (can be muddy) lead to lunch stop at Royden Park (toilets). Then through Thurstaston Common with wide ranging views across the Dee to North Wales. We visit Wirral Country Park (toilets) and then make our way back either along the edge of the Dee Estuary or the Wirral Way, finishing off around the Marine Lake. Lovely views on a clear day!

Leisurely Leader: Joan McGlinchey   Distance: 6.5 miles

Our route takes us through the park, along Caldy Hill and then Thurstaston Hill where there are fine views of the Dee Estuary and across the Wirral Peninsula. We then go down a country road to meet the Wirral Way. Here there will be an opportunity to use the toilets at the visitor centre. We then take a footpath alongside Wirral Way and come back to town via the headland and promenade where there are numerous benches to tarry a while if the weather is kind. Apart from about 25 steps up Caldy Hill and a short steepish rise to the summit of Thurstaston, the walk is flat or gently undulating with no stiles.

Easy Leader: Ruth Melling & Cynthia Prescott   Distance: 4.5 miles.

A pleasant walk through woodlands, mainly easy terrain but with a few gentle inclines. Worth it though for the great views of the estuary and Hilbre Island.