Wirral Walking Guides

Wirral’s rich and diverse landscape lends itself perfectly for outdoor adventures and is highly popular with walkers from across the country.

To celebrate our fantastic mix of coast and countryside, we have developed some walking guides below which help you explore these scenic elements of our landscape. From coastal strolls with awe-inspiring views, to countryside walks with miles of unspoilt green land. Walking in Wirral is not to be missed.

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Walks in North West Wirral

Our North West walking guides take you around some of the best, unspoilt countryside that our beautiful peninsula has to offer. 

 

Irby & Thurstaston - 3.5 miles with option to extend route by further 2 miles

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This walk through Irby and Thurstaston will set your mind free of the stress of everyday life. Starting in Thurstaston, you are rewarded for the climb up Thurstaston Common with breath-taking views across to Wales, and on a really clear day, you can even pick out the Blackpool Tower far away to the North.

Download detailed directions here and the map here.

 

Royden Park to Frankby via former RAF Camp - 4 miles

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This walk is perfect for those who love to explore different landscapes. Part of the trail goes through Royden Park where you'll roam through a grand forest to lovely meadows and pass by one of Wirral’s hidden treasures, Hilbark House. If your there on a Sunday, take a trop on the miniature railway at Royden Park. 

Download detailed directions here and the map here.
 

West Kirby & Caldy Hill - just over 4 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The final North West Wirral walk takes you through West Kirby and Caldy Hill, a sandstone outcrop full of lush greenery which offers stunning views out to Liverpool Bay and the River Dee.

Download detailed directions here and the map here.

 

Walks in North East Wirral

The North East of Wirral offers some great walks, with both coastal paths and routes around the historic wonders of Birkenhead, including Hamilton Square - a Georgian square, designed by Edinburgh architect James Gillespie Graham, which has the most Grade I listed buildings outside of London. 

 

Bidston Hill & River Fender - 4.5 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This route will take you through the lovely area of Bidston, passing Bidston Windmill along the way which was believed to have been built back in 1596.

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

The Wonders of Birkenhead - 2 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Get to know Birkenhead on this walk taking in picturesque Hamilton Square as well as a history of the town.

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

The River Birket, Leasowe Lighthouse & the Coast - 5 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Last of our walks in North East Wirral and by no means least, this trail offers a stroll alongside the River Birkett before arriving back at the coast. Look out for Leasowe Lighthouse along the way - this historic building which was built in 1763.

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

Walks in South West Wirral

South West Wirral offers some lush green landscape and picturesque villages making it the perfect place for families and adventure-seekers alike.  

 

Brimstage & Thornton Hough - Approx 3 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Take your time on this walk - starting at Brimstage Hall, you'll be transported back in time to Thornton Hough, a charming Tudor village full of history and character. Formally known as Toritone at the time of the Domesday Book, this quaint village is a prime example of old English village life.

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

Parkgate & Gayton - Approx 3 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This walk through Parkgate and Gayton boasts sweeping views across the Dee Estuary to North Wales. The Estuary is home to several rare species of birds making spring and summer a stunning time to walk this route. Along the way you'll find quiet country tracks and lanes as you trabel through Parkgate - a good place to stop for a bite to eat. 

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

Heswall Dales & Fields - 4-5 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This walk shows off the diverse landscape of Wirral, with coastal pathways giving way to inland trails through stunning ancient woodland. You'll even spot some waterfalls along the way! 

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

Walks in South East Wirral

Walking in South East Wirral gives you lots of opportunity to enjoy our beautiful landscapes and views. 

 

Storeton Village - 3 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This circular trail begins and ends in Storeton Village. A popular route with dogs and their owners, this walk will take you through the enchanting Storeton Woods.

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

Willaston & Eastham - Around 6 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This route through Willaston and Eastham can get a little wet and muddy in autumn and winter, or after heavy rain, so don't forget your wellies (just in case!). It’s also the longest walk in South East Wirral but offers some real gems, including Willaston windmill.

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

Eastham & Bromborough - 5.5 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This walk brings together two more areas of real natural beauty on Wirral - Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve and Eastham Country Park. A longer route than most of our other walks, you can make a day out of it by having a picnic along the way.

Download detailed directions here and map here.

 

For general information on Public Rights of Way in South East Wirral, please click here.

Longer walks

If you like a challenge then these are for you! Wirral has so much to offer, from hills and forests to beaches and quaint hamlets and the below walks explore them all.

Arrowe Park to Parkgate Circular walk - 15 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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If you’re a keen walker looking for a nice long walk in Wirral, the Arrowe Park to Parkgate Circular Walk is the perfect choice! Taking in many of the beautiful areas mentioned above, this 15 mile walk takes you to many places including Storeton, Brimstage, Thornton Hough, Arrowe Park and many more.

Download our route guide: Arrowe Park to Parkgate Circular Walk Guide

 

The Wirral Circular Trail - 35 miles

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Wirral is famous for it's coastline, and this 35 miles trail navigates the whole penninsula for the ultimate explorer in you! Tackle this signposted trail by bike or by foot as you navigate through every corner of our fabulous peninsula. 

For more information please click here.

 

More Activities in Wirral