Thurstaston Common and Coast

5 miles (8 km)

This walk explores Thurstaston Common before heading to Wirral Country Park on the coast. It's a varied walk with woodland trails, pretty heather, hill climbs and wonderful coastal scenery to enjoy.
You can start the walk from the car park in Royden Park and then pick up the footpaths heading south across the common.... Here you'll find woodland, heathland and a viewpoint at Thurstaston Hill. There's lovely views over the Dee Estuary, the city of Liverpool and the Welsh coast from here. Also look out for the striking Thor's Stone, a large sandstone outcrop and a place of romantic legend.
After taking in the views the route descends to Thurstaston Hall where you follow Station Road to Wirral Country Park.
The coastal park is the first designated country park in Britain, opening in 1973. You can climb the 60 feet high, boulder-clay cliffs where there are splendid views of the Wirral Peninsula. There's also a visitor centre and a number of pretty ponds where you can look out for a variety of wildlife.
Follow footpaths south east through the park and you will see another path leading off to the north east. This will take you to 'The Dungeon', a wooded ravine with a small waterfall. Turn left here and you will soon arrive back at the village and the common.
This walk uses a section of the Wirral Way long distance trail near the coast. You can extend the walk by picking up the popular route. Heading north will take you to West Kirby, while heading south will take you to Heswall and Neston.
Pubs and More Info
There's a cafe and other facilities in Royden park just to the north.
If you fancy a pub lunch you could head into nearby Irby and visit the historic Irby Mill. The pub is set in the old miller's cottage for the mill that once stood on this site. After being disused since about 1878 and in a very dilapidated condition, the mill was demolished in 1898. The pub has a charming interior with thick sandstone walls, low beams and a real fire. There's a small L-shaped, stone-floored bar and a lounge used mainly by diners. They serve good quality locally sourced home-made food and have a nice garden area for warmer days.
You can find the pub at postcode CH49 3NT for your sat navs. They are dog friendly.
Just a couple of miles to the south there's another of the walking highlights of the area at Heswall Dales. The pleasant area of heathland has some interesting wildlife, fascinating geological features and fine coastal views. It is located on the western side of the town of Heswall. Near here you can pick up the Parkgate Circular Walk and explore the area around the delightful village of Parkgate. There's another nature reserve here with marshland, lots of wildlife and a fine coastal pub to relax in afterwards.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Merseyside Walks and the Wirral Walks pages.