Hilbre Island route map: Dee Lane to Hilbre via Little Eye and Middle Eye

Route map

Indicative route

Indicative only · not for navigation

© OpenStreetMap contributors, © CARTO

Waypoints and distances

The numbers match the markers on the map. Distances are measured along the drawn route and rounded to 0.1 km and 0.1 mile, so they are approximate and a total can differ from the sum of its rounded legs by 0.1.

1. Dee Lane slipway

   The recognised start, beside West Kirby Marine Lake. Read the Dee Lane noticeboard before you set out.

   Start · 0 km

2. Little Eye

   The first island on the route. Keep to the recognised line across the sands rather than taking a shoreline shortcut.

   Leg 1: about 1.2 km (0.7 miles) from Dee Lane slipway · Total: about 1.2 km (0.7 miles)

3. Middle Eye

   The second island, also known as Little Hilbre. The channel between the Eyes is where the RNLI has reported people cut off.

   Leg 2: about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from Little Eye · Total: about 2.4 km (1.5 miles)

4. Hilbre Island

   The main island and the end of the route, in the Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve. Start back by the calculated leave-by time.

   Leg 3: about 0.7 km (0.4 miles) from Middle Eye · Total: about 3.1 km (2.0 miles)

Dee Lane to Hilbre along the drawn route: about 3.1 km (2.0 miles). The drawn line continues a little further, to 3.3 km in all, as it passes Hilbre. Most walkers take 45 to 60 minutes each way. Allow longer for wet sand, pools and rocks.

What to watch for along the way

These hazards come from the safety guide and the RNLI and Wirral Council advice it cites.

• Do not head straight for Hilbre from the slipway. Keep to the recognised line via Little Eye and Middle Eye, and do not take shortcuts. Water fills channels behind walkers before it reaches the visible route.
• Gutters and channels fill first. The low channels between the islands hold water longest and fill first as the tide returns, so the route can close while the sand ahead still looks dry. How tides work on Hilbre.
• The tide comes in around the islands. The West Kirby RNLI says the tide loops around the islands and advances quicker than expected. RNLI reports include people and dogs cut off between Little Eye and Middle Eye. What to do if you are cut off by the tide.
• Mud and wet sand. The walk is over wet sand and rocks, and mud can be slippery. Sharp objects can be hidden in the sand. Never start from Hoylake, Red Rocks or Caldy: a deep muddy channel blocks the crossing there, and Dee Lane is the recommended starting point.
• Rocks slippery with weed. Rocks and seaweed can be slippery. Wirral Council advises against walking barefoot, so wear sturdy footwear that can get wet. What to bring.
• Darkness and fog. The RNLI advises against walking to the islands in the dark or in fog. Wirral Council advises leaving the islands before light fades, with 8pm as the latest time on the islands. Weather, surge and fog.