Sunrise on the Solstice – One-Off Hilbre Island Winter Walk

Celebrate the Winter Solstice in a way few ever experience – standing on Hilbre Island as the first light of the shortest day of the year breaks over the Dee Estuary. This special one-off walk offers a rare chance to capture the island at dawn, timed perfectly with the tides to witness an unforgettable sunrise.

We’ll set out across the sands from West Kirby in pre-dawn darkness, making the peaceful crossing as the sky begins to shift in colour. Once on Hilbre, there’s time to explore the rugged coastline and work on low-light compositions – from the glow of the horizon to reflections in the tidal pools – before heading back as the tide turns.

Why join this walk?

• A unique, once-a-year opportunity to photograph Hilbre in truly magical conditions.

• Guided by an experienced leader familiar with the tides and routes – essential for safe crossing.

• Perfect for practising sunrise and long exposure photography in a friendly, small group setting.

Practical & safety notes

• This walk is timed with the tides – we must leave Hilbre by 9:30am and expect to return to West Kirby by around 10:30am.

• Do not attempt this route alone at this time of day – knowledge of the tides is vital for safety.

• Dress warmly and be prepared for winter conditions; sturdy boots or wellies are essential.

• A tripod and headtorch are strongly recommended for low-light photography.

• The walk covers approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km); participants must be confident walking this distance at a steady pace.

• As with all my walks, a minimum of three bookings is required for the event to go ahead and it will be weather-dependent.

• This walk is 100% weather dependant, I will only run this session if the weather is suitable and the conditions are safe to do so.

Spaces for this walk are limited – join me for this rare opportunity to witness the solstice sunrise from one of the most striking locations in North Wales.

*Free Neon Light Photowalks are offered for no upfront fee, all I ask is that participants consider giving whatever they feel the walk was worth to them at the end of the walk with no expectation. I’ll never pressure you to tip; I believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the walk and the budget of those attending. It’s a kind of satisfaction guarantee, if you don’t enjoy the walk, just walk away, no questions asked.