My favourite Wirral walks, the best walking routes in Wirral

The Wirral Peninsula has many walking routes, including coastal routes, country parks, woodland trails, and even a walk to Hilbre Island.

I love that most of Wirral can be explored on foot! You can wander through the countryside, explore the pretty towns and villages, or escape along miles of beautiful beaches. Therefore, you will find a walk suitable for you and your abilities. Here is a selection of my favourite Wirral walks.

Coastal Walks in Wirral

Marine Lake, West Kirby loop route – 2.1 miles / 3.3 km

• An easy lake path loop route.
• This walk takes roughly 30 minutes to complete.
• Wheelchair accessible.
• Pram-friendly walk in Wirral.
• Dog-friendly.

A path loops around Marine Lake in West Kirby, separating the lake from the beach. This loop lake walk is one of my all-time favourites for a morning or afternoon stroll. Whenever I catch up with my close friends, we often meet here for a walk and catch up on our chats. Sometimes, we watch the sunset with fish and chips from Marigolds, too.

It’s incredible how walking around this lake, surrounded by the beach and North Wales in the distance, improves my mood and mindset. I say it a lot, but I love where I live!

There are plenty of lovely places to eat and coffee shops in West Kirby, so grab a drink or some snacks and enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake. We enjoy watching people take part in water sports on the lake.

This walk is ideal for children and features plenty of spots for crabbing. There’s also West Kirby Beach to play on afterwards.

There are toilets at the start of the walk, opposite Morrison’s car park. Currently, you can park for free alongside the beach and the Marine Lake promenade.

Marine Lake, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 0QG

Leasowe to Hoylake – 3.5 miles / 5.6 km

• An easy coastal path route.
• It takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.
• Wheelchair accessible.
• Pram-friendly walk in Wirral.
• This walk is ideal for families and children, as it’s away from the road; just be wary of fast cyclists passing by!
• Dog-friendly.

This easy coastal walk is another of my go-to evening walks in Wirral. This is a flat route along a concrete coastal path; it’s not too strenuous but long enough to feel like you’re getting some good exercise!

Sunset views from here are stunning, especially in Summer, and I love hearing the sounds of the waves as I walk.

North Wirral Coastal Park has a car park near Leasowe lighthouse that leads onto the coastal path and is an excellent place to begin the walk. Then, walk along the promenade by the River Mersey towards Hoylake.

The Green Hut is an outdoor café and takeaway in this car park. It’s perfect for picking up a gorgeous cake, coffee, or fish and chips, which are fantastic, by the way!

Hoylake has pubs and restaurants when you reach the town.

You can extend this walk

To extend this walk further, you can continue onto the beach at the end of the coastal path in Hoylake. You will be able to see West Kirby in the distance, and you can make that your final destination. Just continue until you reach West Kirby.

Please be aware that this area is a beach and coastal nature reserve, so suitable footwear is needed. Always check the tide times.

North Wirral Coastal Park Car Park, CH46 4TA

Leasowe to New Brighton – 3.2 miles / 5.1 km

• Easy coastal path route.
• This walk takes roughly 1 hour to complete.
• Wheelchair accessible.
• Pram-friendly walk in Wirral.
• Dog-friendly.

You can begin this route at the same place we mentioned above, the North Wirral Coastal Park car park. Once you get to the coastal path, turn right for New Brighton instead of turning left and heading towards Hoylake.

This is an excellent choice for families with children as it is flat and easily manageable. This route features views of Liverpool Docks. 

Once you reach New Brighton, there is plenty to do there. There is a cinema, plenty of restaurants and pubs, adventure golf, bowling, laser quest and arcades. Regular buses run from outside Morrisons in the town, and there’s a nearby train station, too, if you prefer not to walk back. 

I love the Marino Lounge in New Brighton for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious breakfast, brunch, or evening meal options. Children and dogs are more than welcome here.

North Wirral Coastal Park Car Park, CH46 4TA

West Kirby Beach to Hilbre Island – 2 miles / 3.2 km

• Easy beach route.
• It takes roughly 1 hour to reach Hilbre Island.
• This route is not suitable for prams or wheelchair users; the sand at points is thick and challenging to push through.
• Crossing over from West Kirby 3 hours after high tide is safe, and you must leave the island at least 3 hours before the next high tide.
• Dog-friendly.

The best way to reach Hilbre Island is by starting at the slipway at West Kirby Beach and heading towards the smallest of the three Islands in sight, Little Eye. After that, you can cross to Middle Eye and continue to Hilbre Island. It takes roughly 1 hour to reach Hilbre Island from West Kirby; however, this time can vary depending on the weather and individual abilities.

The islands are an archipelago and are one of just 43 unbridged tidal islands in the UK that you can reach on foot from the mainland. Once you get there, Hilbre Island is a haven for spotting wildlife. I have some of my best memories of visiting here as a child, spotting common and grey seals.

Before attempting this walk, it is essential to check the tide times and follow the recommended safe crossing route. It is easy to get caught by the tides if you are unprepared. Therefore, never venture away from the foreshore unless you know the time of the next high tide, and always be back on dry land at least two hours before high tide.

Please note that tide tables do not take into account weather conditions, which can significantly affect the height and timing of high water.

There are compostable toilets, but there are no shops or fresh water on the islands, and minimal shelter, so it’s vital to prepare accordingly. Wear suitable footwear and always carry waterproofs and warm clothing.

Hilbre Island, Wirral CH47 1HZ

Click here for a review of walking to Hilbre Island and further information.

Port Sunlight River Park, Shorefields Circular Route – 4.5 miles / 7.4 km

• It is generally considered a moderately challenging route.
• This walk takes roughly 1-2 hours to complete.
• Dog-friendly.

Port Sunlight River Park has evolved from a former landfill into a vibrant 28-hectare park, offering a community space filled with diverse walkways, wildlife, wildflowers, and wetlands.

This trail is well-loved for both running and walking, yet you can still find moments of peace during less busy times of the day.

It’s accessible throughout the year and is wonderful to explore during any season. You can enjoy a picturesque stroll alongside the River Mersey with scenic views of Liverpool.

For those interested in history, The Rock Park offers some architectural highlights to see.

At Port Sunlight River Park, there are toilets, a cafe and parking for 10 cars. Additional parking is available on Dock Road North.

You can follow the whole route here.

Port Sunlight River Park, Birkenhead, Wirral CH62 4TQ

Parkgate Circular Route – 3 miles / 4.8 km

• Easy circular route, mostly path.
• It takes roughly 1 hour to complete.
• Dog-friendly, some roads and horse fields where dogs must be kept on a short lead.

We could not end our coastal walk section without including Parkgate! One of our favourite places in Wirral to visit. The fish and chips, as well as the ice cream, are famous among the locals. It’s a lovely place to begin and end a walk.

This route takes you along Parkgate Parade, where there is free parking, and then guides you onto a section of the Wirral Way before you return to Parkgate Parade.

This flat and easy walk is an excellent option as it first explores Parkgate Village. Look out for birds here. There are large numbers of wildfowl and waders; also sighted are grey herons, egrets, peregrine falcons, and merlins.

Parkgate is a great place to watch the sunset and try delicious food. The Boat House has an outdoor terrace and offers stunning views while you enjoy your drinks or meals. It is dog-friendly, too.

You can find the full route here.

You can extend this walk

A few miles north, Heswall Dales is full of wildlife to discover and heathland trails. To the East is Neston, where you can continue to explore the Dee Marshes and Ness Botanical Gardens.

Parkgate, Neston

Woodland Walks in Wirral

Royden Park Circular Route – 3.4 miles / 5.4 km

• Easy woodland circular route.
• It takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.
• Dog-friendly, some roads and horse fields where dogs must be kept on a short lead.

Royden Park is a lovely park with large ponds, vast woodland and areas of wildflowers bursting with life and colour. The site is popular with cyclists, runners, hikers and dog walkers.

There is a miniature train for children run by volunteers. They regularly update their Facebook page with running times, so you can check that before visiting to avoid disappointment!

You can take many routes around this park. There are good facilities, toilets, and an on-site cafe where you can enjoy refreshments after exercising.

We enjoy taking part in this easy route to unwind after a busy week. It is mostly on level ground, paths, tracks, fields, and some roads. The trail takes you from Royden Park to Montgomery Hill and Frankby Mere, then to Frankby Green and back to Royden Park.

There is parking at Royden Park. There is a charge of £1 per hour for the car park or £5 for all day. You can find further information here.

You can extend this walk

Royden Park is a brilliant starting base for walks in Wirral; from here, you can climb Thurstaston Hill for views of the River Dee estuary. The hill is also the location of Thor’s Stone, a large sandstone outcrop we loved climbing as children.

West of Royden Park is Caldy Hill, a large area of heathland and woodland perfect for extending your walking.

Royden Park, Hill Bark Rd, Frankby, Wirral CH48 1NP

Wirral Country Park and Thurstaston Common Circular Route – 5.5 miles / 8.8 km

• Easy woodland circular route with coastal views.
• It takes roughly 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete.
• Dog-friendly.

This route is longer than my previous suggestions, but it’s brilliant for spotting birds and other wildlife. However, it can get busy at the park and common, so I suggest an early morning or an evening walk if it’s wildlife you’re interested in. I also like to run this route.

The route begins and ends at Wirral Country Park. We often drive here to have a picnic, watch the sunset, or play on the beach; it’s a great location to spend time exploring before or after going for a walk.

There are ponds, benches and designated BBQ areas. There is also a cafe near the car park, which is excellent.

This trail guides you from Wirral Country Park through the Dungeon Woods, passes through Thurstaston village and then takes you to Thurstaston Common.

You return along the Greasby Brook, a pretty riverside walk and end at Wirral Country Park. This route is great if you enjoy a variety of scenery.

There is also parking at the Wirral Country Park.

You can find the full route directions here.

Wirral Country Park, Station Rd, Thurstaston, Wirral CH61 0HN

Brotherton Park and Dibbinsdale – 2.2 miles / 3.5 km

• Easy woodland circular route.
• It takes roughly 1 hour to complete.
• Dog-friendly.

Brotherton Park and Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve is great to explore. There is a visitor centre, walled gardens, plenty of car parking, a pretty river valley, and a fishing pond.

This is an easy circular route that is popular with runners. However, the woodland is beautiful and fun for children to explore.

This waterside woodland trail takes you past Brotherton Pond, Otter Tunnel, Dibbinsdale Brook, and the nature reserve. It is a peaceful route full of wildlife. Be sure to take care in wet conditions and wear appropriate footwear, as the paths can become flooded and muddy.

You can follow the entire route here.

Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve, 191 Spital Rd, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 2AF

Bidston Hill Circular Walk – 2 miles / 3.21 km

• Easy woodland circular route slightly uphill.
• It takes roughly 1 hour to complete.
• Dog-friendly.

I often do this walk after visiting Tam O’Shanter Farm in Birkenhead with my son. It’s an excellent way to burn off energy through ancient woodland. This route is great because it’s easy and passes Bidston Lighthouse, a 16th-century Windmill, and the grade II-listed Observatory.

This route begins and ends at Tam O’Shanter Farm, which has a car park. The farm also has a cafe and toilets. It is free to enter and small enough to walk around before or after your walk.

The route guides you along King Georges Way; you cross a footbridge on Vyner Road. Next, turn right and go up towards the Windmill at the top of Bidston Hill. There is open space here and benches to rest and enjoy the views. You will see the Observatory and Lighthouse in the distance, so continue towards them.

Once you reach the Observatory and Lighthouse, you can continue towards Bidston Hall. Follow the path that will then loop around behind the Observatory and Lighthouse. Carry on towards the bottom of Bidston Hill and walk in front of the Windmill. Head over the footbridge and turn left to return to Tam O’Shanter Farm.

You can extend this walk

Nearby is Birkenhead Park, which is lovely to walk around. Here, there are nearly 140 acres of historic parkland to enjoy. It also features bridges, a boat house, beautiful woodlands, ponds and play parks.

Tam O’ Shanter Farm, Boundary Rd, Bidston, Prenton CH43 7PD

Fancy a longer Wirral walk?

The Wirral Way, West Kirby to Hooton – 12.2 miles / 19.6 km

• The Wirral Way is 12.2 miles (19.6 km)
• Completing the entire route takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on fitness level and walking speed.
• You can walk small sections of it, getting on and off along the way.
• Parts are pram and wheelchair friendly; access depends on where you begin your walk on the Wirral Way.
• Dog-friendly.

The Wirral Way is a coastal path that stretches across the Wirral Peninsula. Originally an old railway line, this 12.2-mile trail connects West Kirby to Hooton in Chester.

I’ve walked the Wirral Way countless times, and now I’m also using it to help my son learn to ride his bike. The trail is flat and away from traffic, making it perfect for beginners.

Established in 1973 after the railway line between Cheshire and Wirral closed in 1962, the Wirral Way offers an excellent experience for both walkers and cyclists.

There are numerous stopping points along the way, including popular spots like West Kirby, Thurstaston, and Parkgate.

If you are going to tackle the entire trail, it’s always a good idea to plan your route ahead of time and bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you fueled during the walk.

Several car parks and picnic areas are located along the Wirral, and toilet facilities are available at certain points. Several pubs and cafes are also located near the route.

Click here for The Wirral Way, West Kirby to Wirral Country Park walk

West Kirby, Wirral Way Entrance

Why not take part in the Wirral Coastal Walk? – 12.5 miles / 20.11 km

The Rotary Club of North Wirral organises the Wirral Coastal Walk annually. It allows walkers to raise money for chosen charities. Of course, you can walk this route at any time. However, I think this is lovely to take part in and raise money for good causes. It is a fun event suitable for all ages and abilities.

It’s a great way to admire Wirral’s incredible coastline!

I participated last year and raised money for Action on Pre-eclampsia (APEC). Both my son and I survived pre-eclampsia, and I wanted to give back to this wonderful cause.

You can find the entire route and register to take part here.

I hope this article has given you a few ideas for your next Wirral walk! I feel so fortunate to have all these routes on my doorstep. Let me know your favourite Wirral walking route in the comments.