WALKERS are being offered the chance to see one of Wirral’s most famous natural sites from a different perspective.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the Hilbre Islands – Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre – being bought by Hoylake Council, a precursor to Wirral Council, the popular Hilbre Island Explorer boat trips have been resurrected.
Globe photographer Paul Heaps and senior reporter Emma Rigby took to the water to see exactly what is on offer and were blown away by the breathtaking views and history the tour gave.
AS we boarded the “Dee Tour” dinghy at West Kirby, I was excited to get my first glimpse of the famous Dee Estuary seals.
In fact, the Explorer boat trip – led by Liz Gilliver and Mike Bird from Wirral Sailing Centre – was to be my first up-close look at the iconic Hilbre Islands.
The tours give visitors the chance to take to the waves on a natural voyage of discovery for an interesting and in-depth look at the history of the site.
The tour gives visitors a different view of Hilbre Islands. Picture by Paul Heaps.
“Normally walkers see Hilbre when the tide is out,” explained Liz.
“The Explorer boat trip takes us to the far side of Hilbre on the high tide, so passengers can enjoy a very different view of the islands. We almost always see seals.
“They are very curious animals and it’s a special experience to see them so close to the boat – they are as interested in us as we are in them.”
We spent close to two hours sailing around Hilbre Islands, down the Dee Estuary to Thurstaston and Heswall before heading back to West Kirby.
During that time, we saw a number of Atlantic grey seals, jelly fish and Oystercatchers.
Photobombed by one of Hilbre's famous seals. Picture by Paul Heaps.
Liz added: “This is a unique chance for people to enjoy an exciting ride on our boat, Dee Tour.
“It’s a beautiful estuary and we’ve had amazing feedback. Most people have said it’s informative and it’s fun. It’s great to see the wildlife.
“A lot of people just like being on the water and seeing the islands from a different perspective.”
Liz said the tour - run by Wirral Council - is perfect for older people who may not be able to walk out to the islands anymore.
She said: “It’s the chance to see the views without having to walk out.
“The phone hasn’t stopped ringing – I think it’s going to be a very busy season.”
The Explorer offers a different take on the islands and people will be able to see them at their wildest, with all of their wildlife on show.
The tours – which cost £35 for adults and £25 for juniors and OAPs – run until the beginning of October.
Children must be eight years or older.
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For more information, and to book your place on the trip, call Wirral Sailing Centre on 0151 625 3292.
- For more pictures, visit our gallery here.
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