Here's a rough route plan of where we went. We stayed where possible along the coastline, at one point being forced by impassable (and potentially dangerous!) marsh to walk for a mile or so along the Wirral Way until we found a shortcut back onto the beach. We basically tried to avoid roads as much as possible, and were lucky with tides (I say it was well-planned!). It was just great being able to walk such a long way along such a varied, interesting and sometimes desolate coastline, at some points we didn't see hardly a soul! But it was nice to find civilisation too! :)
We started in postcode region CH7 and ended in CH47. North Wales to North Wirral in 11 hours. Jeremy Clarkson wouldn't be impressed but I'd like to see a vehicle get along the majority of the paths we went.
After leaving West Kirby, we walked round Red Rocks to Hoylake... and were persuaded to stop for a quick drink at the Plasterers Arms! A welcome home pint... well nearly home, 2 miles to go!!!
We arrived home in Meols at just before 6pm, foot sore but still smiling! See the pictures below...
15:15 - we arrived at West Kirby for a pit stop and a well deserved ice cream from Sands cafe. And the sun came out for the last 3 to 4 miles on the last leg home. We stopped at the marine lake for a rest.
14:00 to 15:00 -between Thurstaston and Caldy, I hit the pain barrier, cramp in my right thigh, but we were past half way and there was no way we were going to give up.
Some views of the coastline just south of Thurstaston, followed by a picture of Gerald walking up the beach towards Caldy.
View of the A bridge and Wales looking back down the Dee estuary.
We really enjoyed the walk along the Dee estuary. There were some fantastic views, and some amazingly wild but dramatic places. Some people are lucky enough to have a property backing onto the wild marshes here, and have to guard their properties with lions.
... or cross a firing range when the red flag's flying.
We spotted several bones like this. It could have been human... or was it part of a dead sheep? (We saw several grazing in the danger area). We didn't wait to find out...
28 June 2008 09:16 am
Gerald didn't seem to notice the red flag and danger sign!
Actually, we didn't hear any firing, had already see someone on a bike ahead, and thought that walking to the left of the mound (the firing ranges were visible to the right) would be safe.
How wrong we were. We got severly chastised by an annoyed official on his 4 wheel buggy at the end of the path, who said "that wasn't very sensible was it, lads?" We apologised of course, and didn't dare to ask for his picture for the blog. We weren't even halfway and didn't fancy getting locked up by the MOD, especially with the new 42 day rule in place! Seriously, don't do this at home, people! It could have been dangerous, and we did spot some large (used) shell casings on the way. next time we'll find a way round. Next time????!!!!
