The beautiful Hilbre Island stands at the mouth of the River Dee overlooking the Irish Sea, surrounded by inquisitive grey seals; I challenge you to find a more peaceful way to watch the setting sun.
Many people walk out to Hilbre Island, but few stay for sunset. This walk takes in the beauty of this little island off the coast of West Kirby, with views out across the Irish Sea and up and down the North West Coast. Watch the sunset, listen to the haunting sounds of the seals, and take beautiful photographs!
Across this two hour workshop we’ll cross the sands exploring the rocky sandstone islands, talking compositional tips and camera settings. The workshop is suitable for all skill levels and camera equipment including camera phones. Walks advertised as Free/Gratuity are offered for no upfront fee, just book and head out with us as we explore this beautiful location together, then as we return to the start simply give whatever you feel the workshop was worth to you in the form of a tip.
The route starts from West Kirby Sailing School at the end of Dee Lane and follows the Coastguard-approved route out to Little Eye, we then turn towards Hilbre Island making our way across the seaweed-covered rocks to Middle Eye.
During the summer months, we’ll stay around here for Golden Hour, taking shots of Hilbre before finishing the evening at the old Lifeboat Station as the sun sets far out to sea.
We then make our way back to our starting point via Middle Eye.
In Winter the route is much the same, however, we return across the beach a little earlier, watching the sunset from Little Eye / West Kirby.
So whether it’s your first time picking up a camera or you know every setting in detail we’ll find great shots together as the sun sets in one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I know.
Are dogs allowed on this walk? – Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome but they must be kept on a lead once we reach the islands as there are nesting/migrating sea birds in the area.
How far is this walk? – Appoximately 4.5 miles in total
How long does it take to walk to Hilbre Island? – It takes about 30-45 minutes to walk to Hilbre in most conditions, but when I’m leading a photography walk I like to take my time. The walks are designed to time in with Sunset so you’ll get a front row seat at the sun sets across the Irish sea.
Will we have to walk in the dark? – We will depart Hilbre just after sunset walking in twilight for most of the walk back, it is usually dark by the time we reach West Kirby.
Is this walk safe? What about the tide? – All my walks are planned around the tides to ensure we are not cut off and return safely to shore. I run these walks year round taking hundreds of people a year out to Hilbre ensuring I know the latest tidal conditions and safest routes. I do point out to every group that there are some slippery rocks and cliffs on the far edge of Middle Eye that you need to be aware of but generally the route is across flat tidal sands so relatively safe.
What if it’s raining, will the walk still go ahead? – I monitor the weather forecast in the run up to every walk and will cancel if the weather is not suitable, please keep an eye on your email inbox for weather updates the day before your walk. If light rain is forecast then come down in suitable clothing, I will run the walk as long as everyone wants to head out and as long as it’s safe to do so.
Are there toilets available on Hilbre Island? – Yes, there are composting toilets on Hilbre, however I cannot guarentee they will be open in low season (Autumn/Winter)
How much is a suitable tip? – This is completely up to you but please consider the time it takes to organise and run these walks as well as the knowledge and experience you gain during the evening. As a guide most people tend to give between £10-£15pp.
By booking and attending a Neon Light Photography Walk you signal that you agree to the following terms and conditions:
My walks are adult only, all participants must be over the age of 18 to take part.
Although I will be leading the route we walk, you are responsible for your own safety and equipment for the duration of the route. I cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage of equipment or injury to self.
To ensure safety, if adverse weather conditions are forecast the walk may need to be cancelled/postponed. This will be detailed by email so please check before heading down to the start location.
Along with checking weather conditions before the day, I will also review conditions throughout the walk and may decide to change the route if the weather/tide requires it. There are some routes that are not safe in some conditions and so I cannot guarantee visiting any requested location.
Though offered for Free, cancellations at short notice are very difficult to fill, therefore if cancelling within 5 days of the walk / workshop please can I ask you to consider a £5pp donation to cover my costs, this is voluntary but encouraged.
Covid-19 Restrictions – For the safety of all attendees, expecially those with pre-existing health conditions, I ask that you do not attend a walk or workshop if you have tested positive for COVID19 within 5 days of the walk.
I'm Liam, you're local photography guide, I've been running walks and workshops now for over 5 years, helping hundreds of walkers experience the great outdoors and always wearing my distinctive gold/yellow jacket!
I started this journey wanting to help those struggling with their mental health following the 2019 pandemic to get out into our countryside, using their cameras as an excuse to explore and I'm now heading into my 5th year!
My workshops are for everyone, beginners to experts, we'll always find something amazing to photograph together!
So whether you're new to photography or an experienced shooter, book one of my walks today, follow the golden jacket, and lets take great photos!
Nestled at the mouth of the River Dee, a few miles off the coast of the Wirral Peninsula , lie the islands of Hilbre, Middle eye and Little Eye. Home to migrating sea birds and a sizable grey seal colony, these little islands have a long and storied history.
From Saxon and medieval pilgrims seeking a contemplative spot to modern day wanderers the islands have welcomed visitors for centuries.
The name Hilbre is old english in origin, formed from Hildeburgh ‘ey or island (St Hildeburgh’s Church still stands in Hoylake).
There is suggestion that there were religious structures on the islands as early as the year 905 but most certainly by 1081. John Leyland, the King’s Antiquary, who visited in about 1540 wrote :
“This Hillebyri at the floode is al environid with water as an isle, and then the trajectus is a quarter of a mile over, and 4 fadome depe of water, and at ebbe a man may go over the sand. There was a celle of monkes at Chestre, and a pilgrimage of Our Lady of Hilbyri”
In 1692 Dr Charles Leigh was granted a lease on the island from Chester Cathedral to build a small salt works erecting pans to produce granulated rock salt, sailors wishing to purchase salt on their way through to Liverpool or Chester were advised to “repair to Mr Richard Seddon at the said island or to Alexander Norris Esq. Present Mayor of Liverpool who will use them reasonably for the same”
By the early 1800’s the only inhabitants of the island, a couple, gave safe harbour and access to their “tap room” showing evidence of a small public house on the island, the man and his wife who lived there were reported to be of sizable wealth… whether this was from a legitimate business or rumoured smuggling is up for debate.
At the far end of Hilbre is the remains of the old Hilbre Lifeboat Station, a low tide launching point for the crew of the Hoylake Lifeboat from 1839 – 1949. Across it’s 90-year history this lifeboat station saved 21 souls across 44 launches but closed when Hoylake received a launching tractor in the 1940s.
Today Hilbre is a peaceful retreat once again, with an old abandoned warden’s cottage, bird hides, and privately owned wooden cabins.
*Free Neon Light Photowalks are offered for no upfront fee, all I ask is that participants consider paying whatever they feel the walk was worth to them at the end of the walk with no expectation. This gratuity-based system allows guests to ensure that the walk fits within their expectations, and within their budget. To cover the cost of late cancellations, if you are unable to attend a walk you have booked please can I ask you to consider a £5 donation. Details on how to give this donation are included in your booking confirmation and booking cancellation emails.
