Parkgate Circular Walk
This fine circular walk explores the village of Parkgate on the River Dee estuary. It's a splendid place for a stroll with great views across the marshes and a wide variety of birdlife to look out for. This includes huge numbers of wildfowl and waders. Keep your eyes peeled for grey herons, egrets, peregrine falcon, merlin, hen harrier and short eared owl.
The route heads along the Parkgate Parade and then follows a section of the Wirral Way cycling and walking trail. It's a flat, easy walk with great views of the village parade on the coastal section and lots of wild flowers and butterflies along the disused railway line.
To extend your walk you can head north along the Wirral Way to Wirral Country Park for more great views across the estuary.
Parkgate Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Parkgate Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Parkgate Circular Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Parkgate Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Boat House is located in a great spot on the reserve. They have a lovely terrace where you can relax and enjoy some seafood with fine views over the estuary. You can find them at 1 The Parade, CH64 6RN.
Dog Walking
The estuary is a great place for a dog walk and the Boat House mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just a few miles to the north there's Heswall Dales to visit. The nature reserve is another great place for wildlife with pleasant heathland trails, pretty heather and fine views from the elevated position.
Just to the east is neighbouring Neston where you can further explore the Dee Marshes and visit the Ness Botanical Gardens. There's 64 acres of beautiful gardens with show gardens, Victorian-style potager, Alpine house and cafe to see here.
The Burton Marshes Greenway starts just south of Neston train station. The shared cycling and walking trail will take you south through the RSPB's Burton Mere Wetlands where you can look out for a wide variety of birdlife on the River Dee Estuary.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
View across the River Dee marshes from South Parade
Beyond South Parade
The Old Watch House
Channels on the saltmarsh, Parkgate
The Ship Hotel
Towards The Old Baths
Parking and Picnic Site, Gayton Sands Nature Reserve. This is one of the quietest spots on the Parkgate front, situated just north of The Parade. This image looks northwest along the shoreline of the silted River Dee. The brick wall separates dry land from the silted marshland, with about a two metre drop down onto the marsh. In the distance, the path leads towards Gayton Cottage.
The Boat House