WIRRAL WALKING FESTIVAL

A series of promoted walks of various distances, throughout the Parks and Open Countryside of Wirral

This week of walks is aranged by the Rangers and provides an opportunity for everyone to get out and get active. We all know the benefits of regular walking, but perhaps have fallen out of the habit. Here’s a perfect opportunity, for everyone, of all ages and all levels of fitness.

If you want to go on one of these walks, please take just a few moments to read this important information

For up to date information about the Wirral Walking Festival try the visitwirral web site or here

Once you’ve tried it, you’ll you will want to keep on walking so there's some information on health and guided walks, and other things to do in Wirral, on this page. But if you’d prefer to walk by yourself or with your friends, you can download Wirral walking guides here

You can also join us on our club walks. You can walk with us once or twice without commitment, but after that you need to join Ramblers, or you can join our public Rambles without any commitment. Both options are very popular, and you will need to plan ahead to do this. Check this out using the links at the top of the page under the waterfront photo."

If you live on the dark side you may prefer to walk with the Wirral Ramblers. You can learn about them here.

• Tuesday 1st May

  1. Summer Special Health Walk

     A choice of 3 different routes from a short/easy walk to medium length walk meeting at 11.00am at Dee Lane Car Park West Kirby. Bring a packed lunch. Contact Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre on 0151 652 5197. Longer route may take in Grange Hill/Caldy Hill.

  2. Royden Park

     General guided walk, 1.30pm – 3.30pm.

• Wednesday 2nd May

  1. Port Sunlight Health Walk

     Meet at Port Sunlight station, 11.00am. Contact Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre on 652 5197.

  2. West Kirby Health Walk

     12 noon Meet at Sailing club car park, West Kirby. Contact Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre on 652 5197.

  3. There & back again, Bidston Discovery Walk

     10.00am - 2.00pm, A walk through Bidston Hill to the Local Nature Reserve, with Bidston Rangers Nic and James. Approximately 4 miles taking in points of interest like the Windmill, lighthouse, Observatory Bidston Village and Park Wood’s Rhododendrons and of course the Local Nature Reserve. The walk has a couple of steep climbs and some uneven ground. Walking shoes/boots a must, no dogs please. To book a place telephone 653 9332, places limited to 25 persons.

• Thursday 3rd May

  1. A Guided Walk of Birkenhead Park, Flaybrick Cemetery & Bidston Hill

     10.00am-3.30pm. Join the rangers on a journey through the historic landscapes of Birkenhead Park & Bidston. Discover the links between these areas rich in history & wildlife. Suitable for all walkers of average fitness. Stout footwear essential. Food is available for purchase at Tam o’ Shanter or bring a packed lunch. Meet at Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre, Park Drive, Birkenhead CH41 4HY. Tel: 0151 652 5197 for more information.

  2. Health Walks

     at 12pm meeting in St James Centre Café on Laird Street; walking around Birkenhead Park on the day. Contact 0151 630 8383 for more information.

  3. Royden Park

     2.30pm. Contact Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre on 652 5197.

• Friday 4th May

  1. Birkenhead Park, Landscape and Heritage Walk

     2.00pm. Find out why this park is the only one in the country to have a Grade 1 listed landscape. The walk includes admission to the Grand Entrance Contact Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre on 652 5197. Groups please book in advance.

  2. Talk and slideshow about bats

     7.30pm – 10pm at the Visitor Centre ending in a guided walk looking for bats in Birkenhead Park. £2 Fee Booking essential. Contact Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre on 652 5197.

• Saturday 5th May May

  1. Walk to Hilbre Island

     Wirral RA. 1.00pm. Meet Dee Lane/South Parade, Wirral. Ranger Information talk available on the islands.

• Sunday 6th May

  1. Dawn Chorus Walk

     at Royden Park and Thurstaston Common. This is a booking event so please contact Wirral Country Park to book your place on 0151 648 4371. Starts very early!

  2. Health Walk, Birkenhead Park

     11.00am. Contact Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre on 652 5197.

  3. Wirral Way 50th Anniversary of the last train

     More information will be available about this later, but will probably include a morning natural history walk and/or an afternoon heritage and history walk.

• Other events and dates to be confirmed later could include

  1. Grange Hill/Caldy Hill
  2. The new 16 mile Arrowe Park – Parkgate Circular Walk, possibly a walk of two halves, perhaps using the bus route from Brimstage to Heswall.
  3. Dibbinsdale woods and river walk.
  4. Wheelchair Ramblers hope to arrange a suitable ramble in wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Important Information - Please read this

Please wear suitable footwear and clothing and have a waterproof as the weather is often unpredictable. Walk leaders reserve the right not to take a person who is not properly equipped.Remember to bring along any medication you may need during the walk. In poor weather the walk may be modified by the walk leader and in extreme conditions, it may be cancelled. You may need to bring a packed lunch and it is always advisable to carry a drink. Young walkers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All those taking part do so at their own risk. The itinerary will be periodically updated until the 6th May.