The information in this part of the site is drawn from a leaflet published by the Chester City Council. For further information, including some of Hilbre's history, take the panoramic tour.

Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve

The three tidal islands lying at the mouth of the Dee Estuary, Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre, are designated a Local Nature Reserve.

Access to the Local Nature Reserve is free of charge. Groups are restricted to 50 people and permits are required in advance for any group of 6 or more persons. Permits are available from the Visitor Centre, Wirral County Park, Station Road, Thurstaston, Wirral, CH61 0HN. Tel: 0151-648-4371/3884. The Visitor Centre is open daily from 10am-5pm.

Access to Hilbre is by foot, across the two miles from West Kirby. The Islands are cut off from the mainland by the tide for up to five hours out of every twelve. If you are planning a visit to the Islands you must find out the time of high water, and allow yourself enough time so that you can leave Hilbre at least three hours before high water, or 3 and a half hours on large tides 9.5 metres or higher, even longer if you have small children or walk slowly, when your crossing time for the 2 miles may take more than the 1 hour allowed for in the above times.

Alternatively, you must set out from West Kirby at least three hours before high water, or 3 and a half hours on large tides 9.5 metres and higher, to allow for a stay of five hours or more on Hilbre. Strong winds may bring the tide in early or suddenly. Please ring 0151-648-4371/3884 for advice on tide times. Tide tables can be bought locally and are on display at Dee Lane slipway.

There are no shops, public toilets or any fresh water on the Islands, and very little shelter. Toilets are available at Dee Lane slipway, West Kirby; open 10am-6pm (summer only). During bad weather some shelter may be available for parties visiting Hilbre, but this cannot be guaranteed, so please allow for this in your preparations. Always carry waterproofs and extra or warm clothing, and in winter food and a hot drink are essential. Always wear some form of footwear when visiting the Islands, preferably Wellingtons, as rocks, barnacles and broken glass can cause serious injury. The commonest cause of injury is slipping on the seaweed/mud covered rocks. The weather can change very quickly, and exposure can occur even in summer.

The recommended safest route to Hilbre Island is to start from the slipway at Dee Lane, next to the Marine Lake. Walk towards Little Eye, the smallest of the three islands, keeping it on your right. As soon as you pass Little Eye turn right and continue on the sand passing Middle Eye on your left. Between Middle Eye and Hilbre take the rough track over the rocks towards the south end of Hilbre.
Do not cross direct to Hilbre Island, and do not cross from Hoylake.

Help Protect the Hilbre Islands

Protect Wildlife: All plants and animals in the Local Nature Reserve are protected.
Please do not collect any living creatures, pick or damage any plants.
Please avoid disturbing the roosting birds in winter.
Please keep to the paths or rocks to avoid trampling plants or eroding soil.

No Overnight Stays: Camping or overnight stays are not permitted on the Nature Reserve.

Don't Leave Litter: Litter not only looks unsightly, but can be dangerous to both humans and animals. Take your litter home.

Dogs: Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times whilst on the Nature Reserve.

Fires: Fires are not permitted on the Islands. Please be careful to ensure you do not cause one. If you see a fire please contact the Ranger or Fire Brigade.

Paths: Please keep to the main path or the short mown areas on Hilbre.

Private Gardens: Please respect private gardens and do not any fences off areas.