Seal Watch and Open Days
Enjoy the walk to Hilbre on one of our Open Days. Buildings are open for visitors, there are informal talks about Hilbre, you can watch the seals, explore the Island and buy refreshments.
Access to Hilbre
Access to Hilbre Islands depends on the tides. The Seal Watch and Open Day times listed take account of the tide times and the safe walking period.
You can View tide times for Hilbre Islands on line and they are also displayed on the noticeboard at Dee Lane, West Kirby.
Access to Hilbre is on foot only
The only recommended safe crossing point from the mainland is from Dee Lane West Kirby
You can reach West Kirby by bus or train and there is a pay and display car park on Dee Lane
How challenging is the walk to Hilbre?
It takes about an hour, at a steady walking pace, to walk the 2.5 miles from West Kirby to the main island.
Many videos of the walk across have been shared on YouTube and may help you decide whether this walk is for you.
Join Shayle Hollie on their walk to Hilbre Island https://youtu.be/c4rWPWP_yoY
The first part of the walk out to Little Eye is across sand with some pools of water. This may be as far as you want to go. After that the terrain is more rocky and uneven.
Walking onto Middle Eye and the main Island means negotiating slippery rocks and some steps. Suitable footwear (with grip on the sole) is essential and, as it can be cold and windy, we would advise that you wear warm and waterproof clothing. Weather conditions can make the walk more challenging.
You may benefit from using walking poles to help with balance and prevent slipping and walking with someone able to help / guide you over the difficult sections.