Hilbre Island

Hilbre Island is a few miles off the Wirral coast from West Kirby. It is the largest of three islands - Little Eye, Big Eye and Hildre itself form an Archipelago. The only way of reaching these uninhabited islands is by walking out at low tide - so 4.5 - 5 miles round trip. Paddling through the wetter areas and managing not to slip on the seaweed is challenging.

We had worked out our timings and set off on the walk when the tide was well down. This gave us time to do the distance - including the return - and still have a good look at the islands. The rock arch blip is on Hildre Island.

During the morning I had time to look around a lot of derelict and abandoned boats spread across the saltmarsh at Heswell. Although there is a boatyard at Heswell, these boats are not ever putting to sea, but extremely useful for gatherings of starlings.

Very tired now and heading home in the morning for a rest!