2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral

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2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
Wirral
Walking
Festival
2020
         Take part in one of
         the many walks on
       the peninsula in May
          there’s something
               for everyone!
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
Wirral Walking
Festival 2020
   Coordinated by Wirral Council’s Parks and Countryside
   Service, the Wirral Walking Festival highlights the variety
   of walks that take place on the peninsula in May each year.

Many of the walks in this brochure       out! We hope that you enjoy the 2020
are part of an annual programme -        Wirral Walking Festival and will look
like the Buggy Park Fitness Sessions     at the contributors’ websites and
or Walking for Health Walks and both     perhaps join one of our local groups
the Ramblers and Wirral Footpaths        and continue to discover the historic
and Open Spaces Preservation             towns and villages and diverse
Society offer a full calendar of walks   landscapes that make the Wirral
that take place throughout the year.     Peninsula such a wonderful place.
For those who want an opportunity to
                                         Feedback is important to allow us to
go just a little bit faster we include
                                         continue to improve the programme
the Run in Wirral programme (aimed
                                         so please contact the Wirral Walking
at beginners and now celebrating 10
                                         Festival Coordinator at:
years) and Nordic walking sessions
that will give you a full body work           josefhanik@wirral.gov.uk

Many thanks to Hazel Thomson who once again has allowed us to use
several of her paintings to illustrate the festival brochure. Hazel has been
an artist in residence at Wirral Country Park and on Hilbre Island and last
year won her fourth ‘People’s Choice’ Award. To see more of Hazel’s art
please visit her website at:
                      http://www.hazelthomsonart.com/
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
Wirral Walking Festival 2020
ACCESS POLICY
Many of the walks in this             Also, if you are unable to
brochure are accessible to            attend the walk at the times
people with limited mobility.         shown, again please contact
                                      the walk leader who will be
                                      able to advise of alternative
However it is recommended             meeting points for you to join
that you check with the walk          the walk at a different location
organiser for each event if you       later on. Dogs are welcome on
have specific requirements            all walks unless shown. The
including wheelchair access           responsibility for the dog lies
or are unable to step over            with the dog owner who must
stiles. In many cases the walk        ensure that their dog remains
route can be adapted to               under close control at all
provide access for all.               times.

AccessAble, originally called         community. We can't be a 'best
DisabledGo, was set up in 2000        kept secret', we know our work
by Dr. Gregory Burke as a result      makes a massive difference, and
of his own experiences as a           we need to reach more people.
wheelchair user and disabled          The name AccessAble is just one
walker. Gregory was frustrated        of the ways we are looking to do
to find that the best-case            this, we are a service for every
scenario when he looked for           disabled person and carer,
accessibility information was a       regardless of impairment. We
few unhelpful words that only         also want to help people who
resulted in more uncertainty.         face access issues for other
Working alongside over 100            reasons.
different     disability     groups   To find accessibility information
Gregory launched DisabledGo's         for Wirral sites please visit:
first website in 2002. Since then
the organisation has grown and
developed, continually meeting        www.accessable.co.uk
and    listening   to    its   user
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
Cherry Wood Circular
 Friday 1st May, 12.45pm – 3.45pm
 Cost: FREE
 Booking essential
 Walk length: 6 miles
 From Hadlow Road Station we take in two
 of Wirral’s delightful villages and make our
 way through little known ‘Cherry wood’.
 Photo opportunities in Raby and Willaston.
 Please note that this walk could be muddy
 in places. Please bring money for
 refreshments in Willaston. Dogs on leads
 please.
 Event Postcode: CH64 2UQ
 Contact: 0151 482 3456
 Meet at: Hadlow Road Station,
 Willaston

Bluebells Galore!
Friday 1st May, 2pm – 4pm
Cost: FREE (Donations                            Red Rocks Evening Walk
welcome)                                         Friday 1st May, 8pm – 10pm
Walk length: 2 miles                             Cost: £7 per person
                                                 Walk length: 2 kilometres
We will walk through                             Booking essential
some of the lesser-known parts of                To book please go to:
Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve to admire       www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/events
the displays of spring flowers in this ancient
woodland including bluebells, wood               Join members of Cheshire Wildlife Trust on
anemones, celandines and many more and           an evening walk at Red Rocks with a
will also explore some local history, birds      chance to listen out for singing natterjack
and bees.                                        toads.
Event Postcode: CH62 7AL                         Event Postcode: CH47 1HN
Contact: 07855 053210                            Contact: 019488 20728
E-mail: info@wirralwildlife.org.uk               Email: info@cheshirewt.org.uk
Meet at: Outside Bromborough Rake                Meet at: Stanley Road, Hoylake
Railway Station
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
Oxton History Walk (West)                       Hoylake and Meols
Saturday 2nd May, 11am – 1pm                    Monday 4th May, 12.45 pm – 2.15pm
Cost: FREE                                      Cost: FREE
Walk length: 1.5 miles                          Walk length: 3 miles
Booking essential                               Booking essential
A guided history walk around Oxton              This will be a circuit taking in Meols
Village exploring its development from its      Parade, nearby streets and Queen’s park
early agricultural origins to the place it is   along the way. Please bring some money
today and the events and characters who         for refreshments after the walk. Sorry,
helped to shape it. This walk includes          registered assistance dogs only.
Village Road, Bidston Road and                  Event Postcode: CH47 3AG
Wellington Road.                                Contact: 0151 482 3456
Event Postcode: CH43 5SF                        Meet at: Outside the Parade Hoylake
Contact: 0151 652 0202                          Community Centre
Email: paul.smith437@btinternet.com
Meet at: Centre of Oxton Village
adjacent to Home Cafe
                                                Bidston
                                                Tuesday 5th May, 7.30pm - 9.15pm
Wildflowers in the Woodland                     Cost: FREE
Sunday 3rd May, 10.30am – 12.30pm               Walk length: 3.5 miles
Cost: FREE                                      From the car park we will walk to
Walk length: 1.3 miles                          Bidston Hill via Wirral Ladies Golf Club.
Join the Rangers for a walk around Eastham      We will then take the higher path to
Country Park at this special time of year       Bidston Hall before returning on the lower
when wildflowers begin to bloom on the          path passing Bidston Windmill and
woodland floor. Of particular note are the      returning to the Wirral Hundred. Sorry,
wonderful displays of native bluebells. Dogs    registered assistance dogs only.
must be kept under control at all times.        Event Postcode: CH43 9JE
Event Postcode: CH62 0BH                        Contact: 0151 605 0591
Contact: 0151 327 1007                          Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com
Email: christopherwerney@wirral.gov.uk          Meet at: The car park at the back of the
Meet at: The Rangers Office, Eastham            Wirral Hundred Pub
Country Park

                                                Ramblers Mid-Wirral Explorer
                                                Wednesday 6th May, 9.30am – 4pm
                                                Cost: FREE
                                                Walk length: 11 Miles
                                                Leaving the famous village of
                                                Thornton Hough, we pass through the
                                                Leverhulme Estate and descend with fine
                                                views over the Dee Estuary to Parkgate
                                                and lunch. Public toilets and ice creams
                                                are available here. We return initially along
                                                the Wirral Way before passing the historic
                                                Wheatsheaf Pub in Raby village. Sorry,
                                                registered assistance dogs only.
                                                Event Postcode: CH63 1JD
                                                Contact: 0151 605 0591
                                                Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com
                                                Meet at: Manor Road. Thornton Hough
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
Wirral Walking
Festival 2020
Buggy Park Fitness
Cost: £5.60 per session
Invigor8 members: FREE
Looking to get back in shape, make new friends and get fit at the same time?
Have a go today! We cater for all levels of fitness and offer a choice of times and
locations to suit—plus no babysitter needed! Assistance dogs only.
Please note: No sessions on Bank Holidays
Mondays              Ashton Park             10.30am - 11.30am
Tuesday              Oval Leisure Centre     10.00am - 11.00am
Wednesdays           Ashton Park             10.30am - 11.30am
Contact Fiona Hanik: 07769 674 718 Email: fionahanik@wirral.gov.uk

Run in Wirral
Cost: £4 per session
Invigor8 members: FREE
Ideal for anyone who would love to start running and wants some support and
encouragement. Qualified run leaders will motivate and help you start your running
journey off. We know that most people are very nervous when starting out but don’t
worry as the group have all been there. We also understand that people have busy
lives and everyone can dip in and out. You don’t need any special equipment at this
stage—just turn up dressed ready to exercise with your trainers on and you might
want to bring a small bottle of water. Assistance dogs only.
Please note: No runs on Bank Holidays
Mondays                  West Kirby Concourse            6.30pm - 7.30pm
Tuesday                  West Kirby Concourse            9.30am - 10.30am
Wednesdays               Oval Leisure Centre             6.15pm - 7.15pm
                         West Kirby Concourse            6.30pm - 7.30pm
Thursdays                West Kirby Concourse            9.30am - 10.30am
                         Frankby Cemetery*               5.30pm - 6.30pm
Saturdays                Birkenhead Park                 9.45am - 10.45am
Sundays                  West Kirby Concourse            8.30am - 10.30am
* Absolute beginners
Contact Fiona Hanik: 07769 674 718 Email: fionahanik@wirral.gov.uk
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
The Manor Walking Club provides weekday walks in the countryside
and on the hills and mountains of areas such as North Wales,
Cheshire, Lancashire and the Peak District.
Our website will tell you about our walks and our membership which is
open to those over the age of 18. We are a midweek group, so our
programme is particularly suitable for part-time workers, home
workers, shift workers and retirees. We vary the days on which we
walk but anyone in a position to manage their weekday leisure time
could join our walks by joining our club. We are a mixed, friendly and
welcoming club. If you are considering joining us then the website will
answer many of your questions, but if there is anything else then
please get in touch via our 'Contact' page and one of our committee
members will get back to you. Alternatively come and join us on our
walk from Thurstaston to the Dungeon and Caldy Hill as part of the
Wirral Walking Festival on Wednesday 20th May.

      www.manorwalking.com
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
The History of Little                           History Walk
Neston and Ness                                 Thursday 7th May, 10am – 12.30pm
              th
Wednesday 6 May, 10.30am – 1.30pm               Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE                                      Walk length: 2 miles
Walk length: 5 miles
Booking essential                               Join the Rangers and Friends of
                                                Dibbinsdale for a walk around Dibbinsdale
A pleasant easy walk, mainly on footpaths,      Local Nature Reserve, looking at the
with plenty of local history and including a    ancient and recent history of this hidden
stretch of the Dee Estuary. Bring a picnic      gem. There are some hills and steps along
lunch if the weather’s good!                    the route. Dogs must be kept under control
Event Grid Reference: SJ 306 775                at all times.
Contact: 0151 677 4594                          Event Grid Reference: SJ345 826
Mobile: 07950018784                             Contact: 0151 334 9851
Email: geoffholland99@gmail.com                 Email: alansmail@wirral.gov.uk
Meet at: Lees Lane Car Park, (Wirral Way)       Meet at: The Rangers Office, Dibbinsdale
                                                Local Nature Reserve

Irby, Royden Park and
Thurstaston
Thursday 7th May, 10am - 3pm                    Bats in Brotherton Park
Cost: FREE                                      Thursday 7th May, 8.45pm – 10.45pm
Walk length: 8.8 miles                          Cost: FREE
Booking essential                               Walk length: 1.5 miles
Walking along tracks and through woods and      Booking essential
fields we visit Royden Park, Thurstaston        Join the Rangers for a walk around
Common, Thor’s Stone, Thurstaston Hill          Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve, looking
Wirral Country Park and Harrock Wood which      and listening for the bats that live in and
includes 2.5 miles of road walking. We will     around the valley. There are some hills on
stop for refreshments in Royden Park and        site and sturdy footwear is recommended.
lunch at Wirral Country Park - please bring a   Children are welcome but must be well
packed lunch and drinks. Total ascent will be   supervised. Sorry, registered assistance
800ft with a few stiles to negotiate. Sorry,    dogs only.
registered assistance dogs only.                Event Grid Reference: SJ345 826
Event Grid Reference: SJ265 848                 Contact: 0151 334 9851
Contact: 01244 881660                           Email: alansmail@wirral.gov.uk
Mobile: 07928 541540                            Meet at: The Rangers Office, Dibbinsdale
Email: ramblerschester@hotmail.co.uk            Local Nature Reserve
Meet at: Thingwall Road, Irby
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
Birkenhead Park
Parkgate and Neston                              Saturday 9th May, 1pm – 3pm
Friday 8th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm                  Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE                                       Walk length: 2 miles
Walk length: 3.5 miles                           Booking essential
A flat, easy walk following roads, paths and     History, flora and fauna walk of
part of the Wirral Way. Sorry, registered        Birkenhead Park. The walk will be at a
assistance dogs only.                            slow/medium pace stopping throughout for
Event Postcode: CH64 6QJ                         information. There will be opportunities to
Contact: 0151 605 0591                           drop out earlier at points on the tour if
Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com                     needed.
Meet at: The Old Quay Car Park (£2) or           Event Postcode: CH41 4HY
park nearby                                      Contact: 0151 652 5197
                                                 Email: birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk
                                                 Meet at: Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre

Thurstaston and Caldy
Friday 8th May, 10.30am – 3pm
Cost: FREE                                       Wirral Nature Walk
Walk length: 7 Miles                             Sunday 10th May, 10am – 4pm
Join the Rangers for a                           Cost: £10 per person
walk featuring interesting habitat, local        Booking Essential
history and spectacular views. We’ll visit the   Walk Length: 9 miles
Dungeon Woodland, Thurstaston Common             A guided walk from Parkgate to Red
and Caldy Village with a short break at          Rocks Nature Reserve with spectacular
Royden Park. There are steep hills, steps        views of the Dee Estuary and regular
and uneven ground along the route. Sturdy        opportunities to spot wildlife.
footwear is essential.                           Event Postcode: CH64 6RL
Event Postcode: CH61 0HN                         Contact: 01948 802728
Contact: 0151 648 4371                           Email: bookings@cheshirewt.org.uk
Mobile: 07767 474478                             Meet at: Parkgate
Email: christopherwerney@wirral.gov.uk
Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor
Centre, Thurstaston

                                                 Discover Wirral Country Park
                                                 Sunday 10th May, 1pm – 2.30pm
                                                 Cost: FREE
                                                 Walk length: 2.5 miles
                                                 Booking essential
                                                 Join the Rangers for a walk along the Dee
                                                 Cliffs, Thurstaston Beach and the Wirral
                                                 Way. Great if you’re new to the park and its
                                                 surroundings. There are steep hills, steps
                                                 and uneven ground along the route. Sturdy
                                                 footwear is essential.
                                                 Event Postcode: CH64 0HN
                                                 Contact: 0151 648 4371
                                                 Email: wcp@wirral.gov.uk
                                                 Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor
                                                 Centre, Thurstaston
2020 Wirral Walking Festival - Take part in one of the many walks on the peninsula in May there's something for everyone! - Visit Wirral
The delightful Wirral conservation village of Oxton will host its 20th Secret
Gardens of Oxton event on Sunday 10th May, 2020. This award-winning
event showcases about 20 private gardens not normally open to the public
and all within walking distance of each other.
Since 2001, supported by over 400 volunteers, the event has raised over
£320,000 for local charities. The 2019 charities, The Birkenhead Woodcraft
Folk, The Vikes Youth Club and the Oxton Society, shared over £20,000
proceeds. Secret Gardens won a Britain in Bloom (RHS) Award in 2017.
secretgardens.theoxtonsociety.co.uk/2020-secret-gardens-programme
                   Information Line: 07962 248 268
              Email: secretgardens@theoxtonsociety.co.uk
If you enjoy really good company, want to stay healthy, and like
the outdoors, why not join Wirral Ramblers? You are sure to
receive a very warm welcome from the largest Walking Group in
the region.
We lead over 400 walks a year ranging from the strenuous to the leisurely.
Every Sunday, our coach takes us to our favourite haunts, including the four
National Parks. Our Wednesday walks go to North Wales and Cheshire. All
our walks cater for the varied needs of our members.

In the summer, we run our Evening Walks twice a week. We hope you will
join us on at least one of our eight walks in the Festival, and in the bar at the
end. There is no charge for any of our Festival walks.

The Group has a very active Social Programme, with guest speakers at our
clubroom and a wide variety of external visits. In February each year, 90
members fly to Spain to enjoy walking in the sun.
For further information on all we have to offer, do have a look at our website

            www.wirralramblers.org.uk
                  We hope to see you soon
Wirral Walking
Festival 2020
Walk On: Wirral Health Walks
Our walks are fun, free and friendly - perfect to help you get active and meet
new people. If you'd like to take part, all you need to do is come along to the
start point of one of our walks 10 minutes early, so that one of our trained
leaders can take your details. Alternatively you can register on our website.
Then you're free to take part in as many walks as you like. (Sorry, registered
assistance dogs only). If you want to know more before you start or are
interested in training to become a Health Walk Leader contact us on:
            0151 929 7823 or email fionahanik@wirral.gov.uk
Please note that parking charges are now in place at Eastham Country Park
and Royden Park: £1 for 2 hours and that there are no walks on Bank Holidays

Mondays
Bromborough Library                         10.30am - 11.30am
Some inclines and uneven surfaces on various routes to Dibbinsdale or Eastham Country Park
Meet at Bromborough Library, Allport Road
Wallasey Village Library                    11.00am - 11.40am
A short walk along pavements avoiding steep inclines and accessible for all with views of the
coast. Meet at Wallasey Village Library, St. George’s Road
Birkenhead Park                             11.00am - 12noon
Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at the Visitor Centre
West Kirby                                  12noon - 1pm
This walk is not suitable for beginners. Meet at the Reception at the Concourse Leisure Centre

Tuesdays
Arrowe Country Park                         10.30am - 11.30am
A faster walk of up to 3 miles. Meet at the Redrooms Café, Arrowe Country Park
Port Sunlight River Park                    10.30am - 11.30am
A choice of walks from 1—2 miles with views of Wirral and the Liverpool Skyline. The longer
route has some inclines. Meet at Port Sunlight River Park Car Park, off Dock Road North,
Bromborough
The Warrens                            11am - 12noon (1st & 3rd Tuesdays)
An easy walk around Arrowe Country Park. Good footwear advisable. Meet at the Warrens
Medical Centre, Arrowe Park Road
Wallasey                                    7.15pm - 8.15pm
Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at Grove Road Station
Wednesdays
Wallasey Village Library                    11am - 11.40am
A short walk along pavements avoiding steep inclines and accessible for all with views of the
coast. Meet at Wallasey Village Library, St. George’s Road
West Kirby                                  12noon - 1pm
Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at West Kirby Concourse
Port Sunlight                               11am - 11.40am
A superb listed landscape. Meet at Port Sunlight Railway Station
Eastham Country Park                        1.30pm - 2.30pm
Superb views across the River Mersey. Meet at The Visitor Centre
Port Sunlight River Park                    5.30pm - 6.30pm
A choice of walks from 1—2 miles with views of Wirral and the Liverpool Skyline. The longer
route has some inclines. Meet at Port Sunlight River Park Car Park, off Dock Road North,
Bromborough

Thursdays
Commonfield Road Surgery                    12noon - 1pm
A short walk around Arrowe Country Park or Woodchurch. Meet at Commonfield Road Surgery
Royden Park                                 2.30pm - 4pm
A longer than usual walk—not suitable for beginners. Meet at Royden Park Car Park

Fridays
Wallasey Village Library                    11.00am - 11.40am
A short walk along pavements avoiding steep inclines and accessible for all with views of the
coast. Meet at Wallasey Village Library, St. George’s Road
West Kirby Macmillan                        12noon - 1pm
A short walk especially for beginners with a choice of longer or shorter routes. Meet at West
Kirby Concourse

Sundays
Birkenhead Park                             11.00am - 12noon
Particularly suitable for beginners. Meet at the Visitor Centre

Walking for Health is England’s largest network of health walks with over
360 active walking schemes, helping people across the country lead a more
active lifestyle. We’ve done this with great success for over 14 years,
improving the mental and physical well-being of thousands of people.
1,800 weekly walks are supported by around 5,000 friendly, specially trained
volunteers who are on hand to provide encouragement and support, and make
sure no one gets left behind. We currently reach on average 70,000 walkers,
supporting them to experience the benefits of getting and staying active.

        https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/about-us
Health Walk Leader Training
Become a Wirral Walk On Health Walk Leader. This FREE training will
include a short health walk, route planning, risk assessments and
information about the national Ramblers Walking For Health scheme.
Participants must have been on a Health Walk and be prepared to lead
or assist in future Health Walks. Drinks will be provided. Sorry,
registered assistance dogs only.
                                at Birkenhead Park
                                 Thursday 7th May
                                   9.30am—1pm
                 Booking is essential. Contact 07910 960 316
                   or Email: alitherland@virginmedia.com

Short Health Walk at
Birkenhead Park
Friday 29th May, 10.45am – 12noon
Cost: FREE
Booking essential
Walk length: 3 miles
This walk will be made up of three routes
around the Lower Park. Along the way there
will be the chance to see the Grand
Entrance and the Swiss Bridge. Please
bring money for refreshments after the walk.
Sorry, registered assistance dogs only.
Event Postcode: CH41 8AU
Contact: 0151 482 3456
Meet at: Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre
Deeside Midweek Rambling Club is
    looking for new members
A friendly Club, meeting weekly for walks between 4-10 miles in
      Cheshire, Merseyside, North Wales and the local area
We meet weekly at 9.20am at the Heswall Football Club car park
    on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in rotation
           We organise a variety of social activities
               and an annual walking holiday
            Annual Membership subscription of £10

   If you are interested please contact the Club Secretary on
                        0151 648 7792
Birkenhead Park                                Parkgate
Tuesday 12th May, 10am – 12noon                Wednesday 13th May, 7pm – 8.30pm
Cost: FREE                                     Cost: FREE
Walk length: 2 miles                           Walk length: 3 miles
Booking essential                              Booking essential
History, flora and fauna walk of               A flat and easy walk following roads, paths
Birkenhead Park. The walk will be at a         and tracks. Good views over the Dee Estu-
slow/medium pace stopping throughout for       ary, later returning along a section of the
information. There will be opportunities to    Wirral Way. Sorry, registered assistance
drop out earlier at points on the tour if      dogs only.
needed.                                        Event Postcode: CH64 6SA
Event Postcode: CH41 4HY                       Contact: 07818 076793
Contact: 0151 652 5197                         Email: prestonposse@gmail.com
Email: birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk            Meet at: The Donkey Stand, near the
Meet at: Birkenhead Park Visitor Centre        Ship Hotel, Parkgate Parade

Meols                                         Flaybrick Memorial Gardens
Tuesday 12th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm             Tree Walk
Cost: FREE                                    Thursday 14th May, 10am – 12noon
Walk length: 4 Miles                          Cost: FREE
This circular walk takes us via               Walk length: 1.5 miles
Dovepoint Road to the prom and heading        A Ranger-led walk looking at the various
south west to King’s Gap and along the        specimen trees found in Flaybrick Memorial
coast to Red Rocks. Return is via Stanley     gardens.
Road and the Green Lodge back to the          Event Postcode: CH43 7PD
station with no ascent involved. Sorry,       Contact: 0151 653 0762
registered assistance dogs only.              Email: neilmutch@wirral.gov.uk
Event Grid Reference: SJ 233 897              Meet at: Flaybrick Chapels, Bidston
Contact: 0151 605 0591
Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com
Meet at: Meols Station Car Park
                                              Willaston Bluebell Walk
                                              Thursday 14th May, 10.30am – 1.30pm
                                              Cost: FREE
Heathland Wildlife                            Walk length: 6 miles
Wednesday 13th May, 1.30pm – 3.30pm           Booking essential
Cost: £1 per person                           After leaving the station car
Walk length: 2.5 miles                        park we walk along the Wirral
Discover the lowland heath at Thurstaston     Way towards Neston then
Common; its magic and uniqueness to this      through fields and bluebell woods using
part of Wirral, what lives there and why      footpaths and bridleways back to the village.
some birds and animals find this habitat an   Good footwear is required (ideally boots).
excellent place to stay or move through.      Please bring your own refreshments. There
Sorry, registered assistance dogs only.       are toilets at the station and the café may be
Event Postcode: CH48 1NP                      open.
Contact: 0151 677 7594                        Event Grid Reference: SJ 330 773
Mobile: 0773 3012437                          Contact: 0151 327 4125 (Please
Email: midwirralrangers@wirral.gov.uk         announce yourself as ‘Wirral Festival’)
Meet at: Courtyard/Coach House,               Email: jp.townsend@hotmail.com
Royden Park                                   (Please add subject heading ‘Bluebell
                                              Walk’)
                                              Meet at: Hadlow Road Station, Willaston
Eastham Country Park
Pleasure Gardens                                  Bidston Hill Heritage Walk
Thursday 14th May, 2pm – 3.45pm                   Friday 15th May, 10am – 12noon
Cost: FREE                                        Cost: FREE
Walk length: 3 miles                              Walk length: 4 kilometres
Booking essential                                 Booking essential
Join the Eastham Archive Group and the            A Ranger-led circular
Eastham Country Park Ranger to discover           walk taking in the history and heritage of
the story of the former Victorian Pleasure        the hill. Features include the windmill,
Gardens including a lake, four fountains, a       observatory and rock carvings.
bear pit, a water chute and more! Learn           Appropriate footwear is required as the
about the history of the site and our             ground is rocky and steep in sections.
proposed restoration project for the future of    Please note that the route is not suitable
the gardens. Please note that the route is        for wheelchair users. Toilets and
not suitable for wheelchair users. Sorry,         refreshments will be available at Tam
registered assistance dogs only.                  O’Shanter Farm.
Event Postcode: CH62 0AU                          Event Postcode: CH43 7PD
Email: robert.corlett13@btinternet.com            Contact: 0151 653 0762
Meet at: The Pier, Eastham Ferry,                 Email: neilmutch@wirral.gov.uk
opposite the Tap Pub                              Meet at: Bidston Hill Car Park

 Come and join The High Tidiers for one of our beach cleans and
litter picks taking place during the Wirral Walking Festival in May
       Sunday 3rd and Sunday 17th May 10.00am - 12.00pm
       West Kirby Beach (Meet at Hilbre Tides Notice Board)
 It's a fantastic feeling of achievement caring for this beautiful area. Our friendly and
enthusiastic group of volunteers will be clearing rubbish before it becomes a hazard to
  birds and marine life. We separate the glass bottles and cans for recycling as well.
 Let's prevent the plastic that accumulates on the beach from being washed into the
                           ocean. For details of other litter picks:
                        www.facebook.com/hightidiersWestKirby/
The Ron Williams Memorial                           Spital
Walk                                                Friday 15th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm
          th
Friday 15 May, 10.30am – 3pm                        Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE                                          Walk length: 3.5 miles
Walk length: 6.5 miles                              A circular walk starting from the
An annual walk which starts and finishes in         station, through Brotherton Park and Spital
Arrowe Country Park taking in Irby,                 Dam towards Bebington Village along the
Thurstaston Common and Royden Park                  disused Lever Railway Line by the back of
where there will be a stop made for lunch           the Croft Retail Park before crossing the
and hot and cold drinks at the Barking Mad          A41 and back through Brotherton Park. You
Café or take a packed lunch (toilets                may wish to bring a torch for the short
available) before returning to Arrowe               tunnel section! Sorry, registered assistance
Country Park. Sorry, registered assistance          dogs only.
dogs only.                                          Event Grid Reference: SJ339 829
Event Postcode: CH49 5LW                            Contact: 0151 605 0591
Contact: 07803 460 449                              Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com
Email: mushypea47@gmail.com                         Meet at: Spital Station Car Park
Meet at: The Redrooms Café, Arrowe
Country Park

Bromborough Pool:                                   Arno History Walk
Price’s Garden Village                              Saturday 16th May, 11am – 1pm
          th                                        Cost: FREE
Friday 15 May, 2pm – 4pm
                                                    Walk length: 1.5 miles
Cost: FREE
                                                    Booking essential
Walk length: 2 miles
                                                    A guided history walk exploring Arno Hill,
From Price’s Candle Works to the present
                                                    the Arno and part of Oxton and how it has
day, this gentle guided walk will look at
                                                    developed from its early agricultural origins
historic features and will delve into the further
                                                    to the place it is today and the events and
past with a visit to the Old Courtyard site
                                                    characters who helped to shape it. The walk
which may be muddy. Find out about Heritage
                                                    includes Duck Pond Lane, Birch Road and
Lottery funded digs run by Big Heritage and
                                                    Fairview Road.
the role of Autism Together. Sorry, registered
                                                    Event Postcode: CH42 8PQ
assistance dogs only.
                                                    Contact: 0151 652 0202
Event Grid Postcode: CH62 4TT
                                                    Email: paul.smith437@btinternet.com
Contact: 07587 550 060
                                                    Meet at: The noticeboard next to
Email: river.park@autismtogether.co.uk
                                                    Sainsbury’s petrol station
Meet at: Bromborough Pool Garden Centre

                                                    Greasby History
“Excellent history                                  Saturday 16th May, 3pm – 4.30pm
                                                    Cost: FREE
guide, informative,                                 Walk length: 1 mile
                                                    Booking essential

funny and interesting.                              A guided history walk exploring the historic
                                                    village of Greasby including the Coach and
Perfect”                                            Horses Public House and Greasby Old Hall.
                                                    Sorry, registered assistance dogs only.
                                                    Event Grid Postcode: CH49 3AT
Wirral Walking Festival Feedback                    Contact: 07419 337064
                                                    Email: spcave16@gmail.com
                                                    Meet at: Greasby Library
Heswall Dales and Dungeon                       Thurstaston, The Dungeon
Woodland                                        and Caldy Hill
Sunday 17th May, 10.30am – 1.30pm               Wednesday 20th May, 10am – 2pm
Cost: FREE                                      Cost: FREE
Walk length: 5 miles                            Walk length: 7 miles
Join the Rangers for a walk that takes in the   Booking essential
Dungeon Woodland, Heswall Dales, the            This walk takes in views of the estuary and
Dee Estuary shoreline and the dramatic          woodland tracks of The Dungeon and
clay cliffs at Thurstaston. There are steep     Stapledon Wood. Sections are very
hills, steps and uneven ground along the        uneven including the stepped descent at
route and it may be muddy so sturdy             the Dungeon. There will be a coffee stop
footwear is essential. Dogs must be kept        and lunch stop. The route crosses the
under control at all times.                     A540 twice. Parking is available at the
Event Postcode: CH61 0HN                        Cottage Loaf for customers. Sorry,
Contact: 0151 648 4371                          registered assistance dogs only.
Mobile: 0776 747 4478                           Event Postcode: CH61 0HJ
Email: christopherwerney@wirral.gov.uk          Email: manorwalking@gmail.com
Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor            Meet at: The Cottage Loaf, Thurstaston
Centre, Thurstaston

                                                Sunset Walk to Hilbre
Heswall Dales                                   Friday 22nd May, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
            th
Tuesday 19 May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm                 Cost: £5
Cost: FREE                                      Walk length: 4 miles
Walk length: 3.5 Miles                          Booking essential
We meet at the entrance to the                  Join the Rangers and the Friends of Hilbre
Dales in Oldfield Road, past Dale Farm          for a relaxed evening stroll across the
down through the Dales to Pipers Lane           sands to the Hilbre Islands. We’ll stop
and onto the Wirral Way near to                 regularly to learn more about the natural
Sheldrakes Restaurant. We go up through         and maritime history of this unique island
the Dungeons and back to Oldfield Road.         at the mouth of the Dee Estuary, hopefully
This walk is mostly flat except for the         enjoying a stunning sunset as we return to
stepped climb at the Dungeons. Sorry,           the mainland. Suitable footwear and
registered assistance dogs only.                clothing essential. Sorry, registered
Event Postcode: CH60 6SN                        assistance dogs only.
Contact: 0151 605 0591                          Event Postcode: CH48 0QA
Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com                    Email:
Meet at: Junction of Oldfield Road and          westkirbyhoylakemeolsparks@wirral.gov.uk
Quarry Road West, Heswall                       Meet at: Dee Lane Slipway, West Kirby
Cestrian Ramblers
(Chester)
If you enjoy hiking and would like to share your day with others,
come and join our friendly group of like minded people. Based in
Chester, we attract members from all around the region
including Wirral, North Wales and Cheshire.

We have a full day walk every Sunday, two Thursday walks each month (one
with a pub lunch) and evening walks during the summer. Special interest,
slower walks are occasionally organised to observe flora and fauna.

Check out our website for our programme of walks, all our social activities
and further information of our group.

           www.cestrianramblers@org.uk
                   Email: ramblerschester@hotmail.co.uk

                             0151 648 8956
Storeton                                        Williamson Walk
Friday 22nd May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm                Sunday 24th May, 11am – 1pm
Cost: FREE                                      Cost: FREE
Walk length: 4 Miles                            Walk length: 2 miles
From Marsh Lane we walk south through           Booking essential
Storeton Wood and Hancock Wood to               A guided history walk starting at the
Bracken Lane before descending through          Williamson Art Gallery and exploring the
fields to Brimstage Lane. Here we turn right    development of parts of Claughton and
through fields and pass the cattery to          Oxton and its architecture and the lives of
Storeton, returning via Lever Causeway to       some of the people who developed the
the start. Sorry, registered assistance dogs    area or who came to live there. The route
only.                                           includes Caroline Place, Devonshire Place
Event Postcode: CH63 5PP                        and Alton Road.
Contact: 0151 605 0591                          Event Postcode: CH43 4UE
Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com                    Contact: 0151 652 0202
Meet at: Top of Marsh Lane, near                Email: paul.smith437@btinternet.com
Storeton Road, Higher Bebington                 Meet at: Williamson Art Gallery and
                                                Museum

A Family Nature Walk at                         Port Sunlight River Park
Wirral Country Park                             Tuesday 26th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm
             rd
Saturday 23 May, 10.30am – 12.30pm              Cost: FREE
Cost: FREE                                      Walk length: 4 miles
Walk length: 1.5 Miles                          In the park we pass the lake with
Booking essential                               excellent views of the Mersey,
Join the Rangers for a closer look at the       Liverpool and the Welsh hills. We return to
wildlife of Wirral Country Park. We’ll start    Port Sunlight via Bolton Road East. Take
with pond dipping and a look at the cliff top   your camera! Sorry, registered assistance
meadows before taking a short walk to           dogs only.
Dawpool Nature Reserve. This is a family        Event Postcode: CH62 4UW
friendly event and accessible for all—feel      Contact: 0151 605 0591
free to attend just for the pond dipping!       Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com
Event Postcode: CH61 0HN                        Meet at: The Bridge Inn, Port Sunlight
Contact: 0151 648 4371                          Village
Mobile: 07767 474478
Email: christopherwerney@wirral.gov.uk          The History of Shotwick Park
Meet at: Wirral Country Park Visitor            Wednesday 27th May, 10.30am – 1.30pm
Centre, Thurstaston                             Cost: FREE
                                                Walk length: 4.5 miles
                                                Booking essential
                                                A pretty walk around one of the
                                                most historic parts of Wirral,
                                                but that many residents know little or
                                                nothing about! There’s plenty to see
                                                including views over the Dee Estuary and
                                                the remains of Shotwick Castle and your
                                                walk leader will explain particular points of
                                                historic interest.
                                                Event Postcode: CH1 6EN
                                                Contact: 0151 677 4594
                                                Mobile: 07950018784
                                                E-mail: geoffholland99@gmail.com
                                                Meet at: The Vernon Institute, Seahill
                                                Road, Saughall
Ness and Little Neston                          Oxton History Walk (East)
Wednesday 27th May, 7pm - 9pm                   Saturday 30th May, 11am – 1pm
Cost: FREE                                      Cost: FREE
Walk length: 3.7 miles                          Walk length: 1.5 miles
Booking essential                               Booking essential
We start with a pleasant stroll along the       A guided history walk around Oxton Village
estuary with far reaching views. Turning        exploring its development from its early
inland, using paths, the Wirral Way and         agricultural origins to the place it is today
quiet lanes, we gradually walk up to the        and the events and characters who helped
highest point above Ness before                 to shape it. This walk includes Fairview
descending back to The Harp. Sorry,             Road, South Bank and Arno Road. Parts
registered assistance dogs only.                are on unmade roads.
Event Postcode: CH64 0TB                        Event Postcode: CH43 5SF
Contact: 0151 648 8956                          Contact: 0151 652 0202
Email: ramblerschester@hotmail.co.uk            Email: paul.smith437@btinternet.com
Meet at: The Harp Inn, Little Neston            Meet at: Centre of Oxton Village adjacent
                                                to Home Cafe
Past, Present and Future at
River Park
Friday 29th May, 1.30pm – 3pm                   Wetland Walk at Dibbinsdale
Cost: FREE                                      Local Nature Reserve
Walk length: 2 miles                            Sunday 31st May, 1pm – 3pm
Discover the park, recently reclaimed from a    Cost: FREE
landfill site and the future with Heritage      Walk length: 2 miles
Lottery funded Heritage Centre, staff and       Booking essential
local archaeology. The park has woodlands,      Join the Rangers for a walk alongside the
wetlands and amazing views of Wirral, north     River Dibbin and explore this rich wetland
Wales and the Liverpool skyline. This walk is   habitat. Try your hand at pond dipping for a
on surfaced paths with some slopes. Dogs        closer look at the aquatic wildlife. There are
must be under close control at all times.       some steep hills and steps along the route.
Event Postcode: CH62 4TQ                        Dogs must be kept under control at all times.
Contact: 07587 550 060                          Event Postcode: CH62 2BJ
Email: river.park@autismtogether.co.uk          Contact: 0151 334 9851
Meet at: Port Sunlight River Park, Dock         Mobile: 0776 7474478
Road North, New Ferry                           Email: christopherwerney@wirral.gov.uk
                                                Meet at: The Rangers Office, Dibbinsdale
                                                Local Nature Reserve
Thurstaston
Friday 29th May, 7.30pm – 9.15pm
Cost: FREE
Walk length: 3.5 miles
From the car park we climb
Thurstaston Hill then descend
past Thor’s Rock to Royden Park. We
take the exit path to Montgomery Hill
and cross the road. Taking the footpath
to the main road we make our way into
Caldy woods before returning via fields
to the car park. Sorry, registered
assistance dogs only.
Event Postcode: CH61 0HJ
Contact: 0151 605 0591
Email: dbeacher@waitrose.com
Meet at: Thurstaston Hill Car Park,
near to the Cottage Loaf Pub
Walk this May
             #Try20 for National Walking Month!
A brisk 20-minute walk is an easy way to improve your health, helping
to reduce the risk of a number of health conditions, including certain
cancers, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Walk for an extra 20
minutes every day throughout May and observe the big differences
small steps can make.
Living Streets, the UK charity behind National Walking Month, has lots
of tips and resources to help you fit 20 minutes of walking into a busy
day, available at livingstreets.org.uk/NWM
This year, the charity will be looking at the ways walking can boost
your happiness and wellbeing. Wander over to their website for inspi-
rational stories about people who took steps to improve their mental
health.
Living Streets’ National Walking Month also plays host to Walk to
School Week (18 – 22 May) with families across the UK swapping the
school run for a school walk. Visit livingstreets.org.uk/wtsw to find out
how your school can get involved! Share your #Try20 journey on social
media, follow @livingstreets on Twitter and Instagram
Nordic Walking
FREE Taster Sessions
Nordic walking was originally a summer training regime for cross-
country skiers. It is based on using specially designed walking poles in
a way that harnesses the power of the upper body to propel you
forward as you walk.
It's now a recognised way to turn a walk into whole-body exercise that can be
done by anybody, anywhere. Regular Nordic walking can lower your risk of
chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and
some cancers. Nordic walking, like any other form of exercise, can also be
used as part of an exercise programme to lose weight.
As part of the 2020 Wirral Walking Festival you are invited to come along to a
free introductory session to learn the basic Nordic Walking technique. The
75 minute session will include an introduction and training as well as a two
mile walk, starting and finishing at Wirral Country Park.
                     Monday 11th May, 11am - 12.15pm
                       Thursday 14th May, 6 - 7.15pm
                     Thursday 21st May, 11am - 12.15pm
                        Tuesday 26th May, 6 - 7.15pm
Sorry, registered assistance dogs only. Places are limited and restricted to
one free session per person so booking is essential. To book your place
                               please go to:
                  dancingintherain.gettimely.com/book
            visit the website www.dancingintherain.co.uk
                         or call 07717 393805
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