Hilbre Island and the Dee Estuary
Despite foul tides, foul water and a narrow time window this remains the classic novice and winter paddle .
| HWLB | Spring |
| Embark | -2hr 15 min HWLB |
| Egress | +2hr 15 min HWLB |
| Distance | 10 km |
The egress is from the sailing club slipway located at the south end of the Marine Lake at west Kirby. Access by road is along the one way street (south) past the lake. Parking is on the road side along the promenade. If the parking is quiet then drive down the slip and unload quickly then drive back around the loop to park.
From the promenade look across the estuary and locate the ship moored at Llannerch-y-mor, follow the coast down stream and locate the faint red lights of Mostyn Quay. It is in this direction that the first mile or so will be paddled. From the slipway look along the sea wall of the lake for about 100m. From the short wooden platform a ditch runs into the estuary. This ditch offers an extra 15 mins or so of water which general purpose kayaks may wish to make use of.
As soon as water is available paddle out into the estuary for about 1.5km. At a point where open water can be clearly seen up the outside of Hilbre turn and head down the estuary. From here it is also worth noting the position of Grange Monument and War Memorial on the skyline also the two large discs of the former baths on the shoreline to aid navigation on the return. Use them for transit points, particularly on the return leg novices may need convincing that progress is being made! After about 1km look ahead for breaking wavelets or steepening chop that may indicate that you are heading for the shallow water off Little Eye.
The normal route is to paddle clockwise around Hilbre Island then stopping for lunch on the beach at the south end. If good progress has been made then a playful Clapotis may found running NW from the end of the seaward island. Just off the old life boat slip a very strong head current may be encounted. Head down and just keep going! Plastic boats may egress here or at the slip below the houses. Most paddles continue to the beach.
The classic route is to return anticlockwise around the island, which by now should be calm and to find the shallow cave in the cliff and attempt to turn the boat through 180 deg. inside. However we often just take the short route back. General purpose kayaks must turn back before HWLB.
The estuary is notorious for the fickle chop. The inexperienced may not be able to cope with the prolonged movement. Do not assume that travailing with the chop will be quicker that battling into it. For many this variability makes this journey one that can be repeated often.
Please note that the islands are private property, owned by a bird trust. Kayaks are generally welcomed but from mid September to mid of March we are asked to clear of the islands, particularly on spring tides and in cold weather. The islands are use by many birds for overwintering. Once disturbed birds taken to the air will take 2 hours to land, consuming valuable energy in flight. Please respect this request and avoid potential access problems found on many of our rivers.
Variations
In winter cross the estuary heading for the ship at Llannerch-y-mor. A ditch on the upstream side of ship provides easy egress. You could even visit Abakhan Fabrics.
Head out for the Point of Ayr and camp overnight in the sand dunes by the Old Lighthouse, returning on the rising tide the following day.
Thurstaston Slipway
A slip running from the sailing club at Thurstaston enables water to be paddled for about 30 mins longer each side of HW than at West Kirby. Unfortunately the slip in need of repair, it is only just usable. From the A540, follow signs for the 'Wirrall Country Park'. At the park turn right and drive all the way through the caravan park until the sailing club is reached. Public parking is available. Ensure your car is clear of the slip say 3hr. before HWLB.
From Thurstaston, Hilbre Island is a pleasant and I consider a more complete paddle, providing an additional 10 mins at Hilbre.
Planned but not yet paddled, is to cross the estuary from Thurstaston and paddle with the flow to Flint. Egress at Flint being either at a ditch on the upstream side of the castle or at the picnic table outside the LB Station which is a 100m further on. This is a long paddle relying on a good tidal flow through the navigation channel to achieve the distance on the tide.
J04 Nov. 97