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The islands are cut
off from the mainland by the tide for up to 5 hours out of every 12 hours.
When planning your journey you must find out the time of high water and
allow sufficient time to complete your visit to the islands and your
return journey to West Kirby safely. It is possible to visit the islands
over high water, in which case allow for a stay of at least 5 hours whilst
the tide is in, or alternatively, you can walk there and back over one low
water period.
When visiting over high water set out from West Kirby leaving the Dee Lane
slipway at least 3 hours before high water, or 3½ hours on large tides 9.5
metres or higher, to allow for a stay of 5 hours or more on Hilbre. It is
safe to leave Hilbre 2½ hours after high water to walk back to West Kirby.
If visiting Hilbre
over the low water period leave West Kirby Dee Lane slipway at least 3
hours after high water. When departing from Hilbre Island you must allow
yourself sufficient time so that you leave Hilbre at least 3 hours before
high water or 3½ hours on large tides 9.5 metres and higher.
Allow 1 hour for the 2 mile crossing, allocate more time if you walk
slowly, or have small children. Leave Hilbre no later than the latest
crossing time, or you may be trapped by the tide. Be aware that strong
winds may bring the tide in early or suddenly.
The tides are different every day – see
Hilbre Island predictions for the coming week
(on the
Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory web site), also tide tables can be
bought locally and are on display on the notice board at Dee Lane slipway.
Contact Wirral Country at Thurstaston, for advice on tide times and
crossing safely to Hilbre.
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The
Safest Route to Hilbre Island
-
Start from
Dee Lane Slipway, which is adjacent to the Marine Lake, West
Kirby.
-
Walk
toward Little Eye, the smallest of the three islands, keeping
it on your right.
-
As soon as
you pass Little Eye turn right and continue on the sand
passing Little Hilbre {or Middle Eye} on your left.
-
Between
Little Hilbre {also known as Middle Eye} and Hilbre take the
rough track over the rocks towards the south end of Hilbre
where there is a footpath leading onto the island.
DO NOT CROSS DIRECT TO HILBRE
DO NOT CROSS FROM HOYLAKE
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- Facilities: There are
no shops, public toilets or fresh water on the islands, and very little
shelter.
Toilets are available at Dee Lane slipway 10am – 6pm in the summer
months.
- Clothing: Always carry
waterproofs, and warm clothing, and food and hot drinks in winter.
- Footwear: Wear
sensible footwear as rocks, barnacles and broken glass can cause injury.
- Overnight stays: are
not allowed.
Please help Protect the
Wildlife:
 All
plants and animals in the Local Nature Reserve are protected.
Please
do not collect any living creatures, pick or damage the plants.
Please
avoid disturbing the roosting birds in winter.
Please
keep to the paths or rocks to avoid trampling plants or eroding soil.
Please
take your litter home with you.
Fires
are not allowed on the Islands, if
you see a fire please contact the Ranger or dial 999.
Dogs
must be kept on a lead at all times on the Local Nature Reserve
Access to
the Local Nature Reserve is free of charge. Groups are restricted to 50
people per day and permits are required in advance for any group of 6 or
more persons. Permits are available from the Visitor Centre, Wirral
Country Park, Station Road, Thurstaston, Wirral, CH61 OHN. The Visitor
Centre is open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Contact
nos. for Information & Advice: Wirral Country Park 0151 648 4371/3884
Hilbre Island Local Nature Reserve: 0151 632 4455
e-mail Wirral Rangers on:
coastalpark@wirral.gov.uk
PLEASE RESPECT THE
WILDLIFE
ON THE HILBRE ISLANDS LOCAL NATURE RESERVE
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