Quite a simple and short section today as I made the short drive to park in Hoylake on the Wirral.
Todays walk would hug the coast all the way to the Woodside ferry terminal at Birkenhead and would be tarmac all the way along a level sea wall path. With a lovely sunny day and a nice breeze I set off towards Liverpool. I could see the docks ahead at Seaforth across the Mersey.
My legs felt really good as I decided to keep up a good fast pace. Besides the multitude of cyclists and dog walkers there was little of interest until I came into New Brighton. Shops began to appear as well as increased traffic and pedestrians. At Fort Perch, at the NW tip of the Wirral peninsular I turned east and headed downstream of the Mersey.
The majestic and familiar waterfront of Liverpool began to open up as I passed into Wallasey. I pass the “Black Pearl” a play-boat for children made from old driftwood on the sand, its crew made up of kids and adults. I could hear a terrific boom – boom from across the river towards an old dock area. It seemed like a rock concert was going on. I passed the iconic Wallasey town Hall which stands prominent guarding the Mersey from a small hill. The Stena Line ferry passes me en route to Belfast. I can see little other activity as i pass the first of the Mersey Ferry terminus at Seacombe.
To get to the Woodside ferry and Birkenhead, I must detour inland a short distance to get around old docks and the Stena Line terminal. I am now following the Wirral Circular route which guides me through old quays and jetties and is very helpful. I passed many many plaques, providing information on ships lost at sea, built at Cammel Laird or saw action in either of the two Great wars. It is a testament to the role Liverpool played in trade and a memorial to all those that their lost lives at sea.
I arrive at Woodside Ferry Terminal in a quick time of 3 hors for the 11.5 miles.
Distance today = 11.5 miles
Total distance = 1759.5 miles
Walking the Coast of Great Britain 
Have you done the walk from Chester yet? I’ve nearly finished the Wales Coast Path and wondering what to do after Chester. No clear coast path 😦
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Hi Ruth, I initially walked from Chester to Flint and passed under the railway bridge closeby Shotton. When I came to continuing north I parked in Shotton and walked down to the railway bridge and crossed the Dee there. I then followed the Cycle route NCN 568 which took me through the industrial estate, around the firing range and marsh towards Neston. You are then set to continue up the west coast of the Wirral. I don’t think you need to walk back out of Chester again as 95% of the walk would be a repeat.
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That’s very helpful, Alan, thank you. I’m home now, but reached Chester on Saturday. Like you, I don’t fancy walking back along that incredibly boring river path. So when I start again I will go back to Shotton and pick up the cycle route as you suggest. And I’ve realised there’s a train service between Shotton and Neston, so that takes care of the journey back. Excellent.
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Hi Ruth, there is a car park just opposite the Wetherspoons in Shotton (cost £1 for the day). If you could manage to walk to Hoylake, you could get the train back to Shotton via a change at Bidston. At Hoylake you get onto Merseyrail which iselectrified up to Southport. Merseyrail is abit like the tube, but mostly above ground, the trains are very regular.
I’m off to Scotland in the early hours for a 2 day jaunt, which should see me reach Newton Stewart.
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