Part 2 Hilbre Islands: A Uninhabited Island Near Liverpool

After my dramatic failed attempt of reaching this Island, I can happily announce I successfully made it over two weeks later.

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It was a glorious sunny week and about to get even warmer as we approached the weekend. I figured if it was sunny there would be a fair chance of other people taking walks out to Hilbre Islands, so I booked my trains for the very next day.

I was absolutely right! I arrived at West Kirby beach at 10.45am as the tide was coming in much later than last time. I was confident, very well equipped and a lot more organised than last time. Nothing whatsoever was going to stop me. Walking out to sea, I could see other people walking out and I could also see the coast guard’s vehicle sitting on Little Eye Island as I approached. It felt much safer than last time.

I had already experienced Little Eye, so didn’t stop here and headed straight over to Middle Eye.

Middle Eye

Middle Eye is a small Uninhabited tidal island located to the South of Hilbre Island.

Over on this Island there are interesting rock strata, caves and seasonal flowers. Many rock pools to explore with lots of crabs, shrimps and tiny fish to find hiding in the shadows.

It seems like everyone loves this natural arched cave here. Not surprising its quite impressive don’t you think?

The rock formations and the views from this island are just surreal.

This was taken whilst heading back to mainland. Most of us were heading back because we could see the tide coming in.

….And I finally made it to Hilbre Island!

At last, I finally made it to Hilbre Island after weeks of hesitation, fear of crossing because of the lack of being unable to swim and one failed attempt. Don’t you just love it when you conquer something you were so fearful of? This felt like a victory for me. 😂

What’s on the Island, things to see and facilities

Houses

There are a few cute houses here, however as I have mentioned I’m my last blog. Nobody has lived here permanently since 2012. However, some of the houses are privately owned.

The last person to live here permanently was a Wirral Council Warden, but since January 2012 it was announced there will be no permanent residents here. This was after the Wirral Council struggled to find a ranger willing to live without electricity or water supply. The rangers now visit on a daily basis.

Could you live here without energy or water supplies?

The Hilbre Bird Observatory

One of the most interesting buildings here is the bird observatory. This is where birds are monitored for the recordings of a national network of observatories. And as a place of nature reserve, you bet you will spot some of the more unique birds.

The Old life boat station and slip way

The old life boat station was built in 1839 and remained in service until 1939 after being abandoned.

It was built here along with a long slipway so the life boats could be used even if the tide was low. But it was abandoned for the tractor that towed the boats across instead.

Enjoy the panoramic views

Enjoy the panoramic views where you can look out to The River Dee Estuary, the mountains of North Wales and the Wirral Coast line.

The views here are breathtaking! You’ll be glad you took the walk out.

Spot the grey Seals

The island has a colony of grey seals. Apparently the best place to spot then is behind the old life boat station. I didn’t know this until I had left the island and unfortunately didn’t get to see any.

Image borrowed from Dragon Tools on pixabay

Bird watching

The island is a prime spot for bird watching. There is an array of different birds all throughout the year. They fall into four groups estuary birds, sea birds, migrating birds and breeding birds.

Facilities

There is a little seating area with a shelter on the island as well as two toilets

If you would like to know more advice and tips on visiting the island stay tuned for my next up and coming post.

Thank you for visiting my blog today

Stay blessed ❤🙏🏾

Apr 08

Hilbre Islands Part1: A beautiful Uninhabited Island near Liverpool

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Travelling to Liverpool? You may want to take an adventure over to these cool islands located between England and Wales.

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The Hilbre Islands are an archipelago made up of three Islands: Little Eye, Middle Eye and the largest of the three, Hilbre. They are located at the edge of the estuary of the River Dee, at the border of England and Wales. The Islands can be reached by foot during low tide from West Kirby on the Wirral peninsula, Merseyside and can take anywhere between around 50 – mins to an hour and a half to get to all three, depending on your own pace.

Once you arrive, it offers amazing photo opportunities of beautiful beach houses, panoramic sea views, and wildlife. If your lucky you may even spot some grey Seals!

Most Challenging trip of my year so far

This adventure has been my favourite adventure so far this year, but it has been my most challenging of the year so far.

I first made the discovery of the Islands back in February. I was super excited so couldn’t wait to do the adventure. Although, I hesitated for around two weeks before booking the trip.

The thought of crossing over was causing me to feel a little nervous. I kept reading about how the tide comes in so quickly and about people who had to be rescued after getting caught in the tide. Also, I was a little confused about the safest times to cross over. I understood it to have a safe journey. You must cross 3 hours after high tide and be back on the mainland at least 3 hours before the tide comes in. The times of low and high tide are stated clearly on the few websites I visited, but the times stated for low and high tide were always six hours apart, which didn’t make sense. Therefore, I wasn’t sure if these were the times I should head out and come back, or wait three hours after the times shown 🤔. I eventually found some really helpful websites that put my mind at ease ,which I’m so grateful I did as the ones shown on the beach were confusing. ( I will share these websites along with other advice and information in a later blog)

It was a little frightening

I eventually booked the trip in the first week of March. I arrived at the beach around 8.45am and started to walk out, but got cold feet when realising no one else was walking out to sea. I headed back and asked a kind man with a dog if I was heading in the right direction. Looking quite worried about my wellbeing, he said “Yes, but have you checked the tide times? Be careful the tide comes in quickly”. His reaction made me want to check to see if a coastal guard was around, but there didn’t seem to be any around. I spotted a lady working near by the lake, so asked her if it was a good time to walk out. She, like the man earlier, had the same reaction. She explained to go immediately, but to not hang around for too long once there. She also told me the safest way to reach all the islands. Well, I am definitely a lot more nervous now. Regardless, I started to head out there.

The further out I got, the more my fears grew to the point of wanting to turn back. It was an incredibly frightening experience for someone who can not swim. 🤣 Nonetheless, I would not allow myself to turn back with the promise to myself of being allowed to turn back after reaching the first tiny little island.

I had tortured myself enough, Therefore, I didn’t want to force myself to reach the other two. Well, not this day anyway, but definitely next time.

Once there, I felt better, but still didn’t feel brave enough to attempt the other two Islands. However, was really proud of myself for facing this challenge.

On Little Eye are the remains of a brick and concrete moorings a long with a substantial iron bolt remaining in place. The island is mostly made up of red bunter sandstone and grass.

I must admit it felt great heading back to the mainland having not been swept out to sea 🤣.

My return journey was much more successful. I will share that in the next blog.

Thanks for reading

Stay blessed 🙏🏾❤

Nov 29

New Brighton: A forgotten place

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If your ever in Liverpool maybe consider giving this place a visit. Its only approximately 22mins by car, 33mins by train or 1 hr 15mins if you enjoy a long walk.

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Liverpool can be seen as you walk halfway along the promenade

New Brighton

New Brighton is a seaside town located on the edge of the Wirral peninsula on Liverpool’s Bay where the River Mersey is joined with the Irish sea. New Brighton was born in 1826 and has been a busy seaside resort for centuries, attracting a million visitors a year.

A bit about the history

New Brighton come about after a Liverpool merchant by the name of James Atherton purchased 170 acres of Land and wanted to build a seaside resort similar and inspired by Brightons resort, which obviously was where it got its name.

During the later half of the 19th century the area become a popular destination and many of the huge houses in the area were converted into hotels. In the 1860s a pier was added and in the 1890s the promenade was opened. In 1900 there used to be a tower which was the tallest in the country at that time however, it was pulled down in 1921 when it couldn’t be maintained throughout world war I.

A forgotten place

New Brighton used to be the the third largest seaside resort in the UK. It now sits at 66th, like a lot of the old sea side resorts it started to decline when people started to go abroad for holidays. This explains why many people along with myself have never heard of it.

It’s being regenerated

As a result of its decline in visitor numbers over the years many of the old attractions in the area have now gone. Thankfully Dan Davies a local businessman who owns the company Rockpoint Leisure has been regenerating the area since 2018 and has got many more up and coming plans to bring the once beloved destination back to life like its more glorious days.

The things I come across here

Dispite it being one of the less popular destinations there is enough here to see and do. Here is a list of things I found of interest:

The Lighthouse

The lighthouse was first constructed in 1683 and goes by the name Perch Rock Lighthouse. It stands at the staggering height of 94ft tall and is an impressive structure to see, especially if you love lighthouses like myself.

Fort Perch Rock

Fort Perch Rock is a coastal defence battery built to protect the port of Liverpool. It was built in between 1825 and 1829 and was built in the location of an are known as Black Rock. It is now open as a museum and opens at weekends between the hours of 11am to 5pm ( With additional hours throughout the school holidays).

The Black Pearl

The black pearl was a piece of artwork made in 2013 with wood by an artist named Frank Lund, Major Mace and a group of pirates. However, earlier this year in March 2021 waves and strong winds battered the ship and this is all that’s left in the picture above. However, hopefully after an inspiring note to Frank from Johnny Depp telling him to retrieve it, the ship named after the ship in The Pirates Of the Caribbean hopefully might return someday.

Even though this is all that is left I still thought it was lovely to see and is well worth the walk up the promenade.

Marine Point Retail And Leisure Park

Marine point has something for people of all ages such as the light cinema, plenty of bars/restaurants, cafes, bowling etc.

There is also Bubbles world of play, which has the largest innovative play frames in the country.

Also there are various hotels for people wanting to stay near by, such as the Travelodge Hotel that offers incredible views over Liverpool bay.

The colourful Benches

There are around 420 colourful benches dotted around the seafront which adds such a lovely touch. However, whats more touching the story behind the project.

Carl Leckey who used to holiday here as a child wanted to bring back the seafront benches he remembered as a child, after discovering they were all gone. Carl set up a project with some local schools and school children to create the environmentally friendly benches. The children helped to identity the safe materials and design the benches, then presented the project to the local council in which it was accepted.

Now they are memorial benches to loved ones that have been purchased by families. Some of the benches are donated to commemorate organisations such as the NHS workers, hospitals and assistance dogs.

Other things to do here:

I’m sure there are plenty more things to do here, but here are just a few.

The Mermaid Trail

*Please note this picture was found on the web as i did not capture any of the mermaids here* However , the mermaids here are just as beautiful.

Do the mermaid trail and find the five identical sculptures at:

Victoria Parade, kings parade, marine promenade, seabank road and Atherton street on Victoria road.

The Victorian Quarter

Have a walk arond the Victorian Quarter where you will find more bars, restaurants and cafes along with quirky independent shops. If your into art, you will also find some amazing street art in this creative area.

Have fun at the funfair

New palace and Adventureland features a number of rides such as the teacups, walzers, circus train etc. The rides are are mostly suited to children aged from toddlers to around 13. There is also a soft play area, an arcade and activity centre.

Adventure land is open at weekends and during the school holidays between the hours of 11am to 6pm. Entry is free, but rides are all individually priced.

Watch a show at Floral Pavilion

This is the Wirrals largest theatre, it is located right on the promenade. It hosts a number of shows, pantomimes and has a dog friendly cafe.

Vale Park

If you wanted some quiet time, you could enjoy this lovely Victorian park with views over the River Mersey.

To visit New Brighton and find out more information visit here

Free Parking

There is plenty of free parking in this area near perch rock, near the seafront and around the area.

Thank you ❤

I hope you have enjoyed my post today, stay tuned for more.

Thank you for reading

Stay blessed x

Nov 10

New Brighton: I never knew about this place/ People watching and a strange but wonderful feeling

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A Session of people watching

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One day I was travelling to Liverpool on a train. In front of me was a guy who looked maybe to be in his sixties and two young girls maybe around sixteen or so. One of the girls was a little more reserved, I observed her to be maybe the other girls friend or partner. I say this as they kept kissing on the lips and hugging. The other girl seemed closer with the gentlemen, maybe he was her relative or friend.

The reason so much attention was paid to them is for my love of people watching, but also because I found them to be endearing. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t watch and listen to them the entire time like a complete weirdo, but every now and then.

I found it so sweet they were going on a day out, just them and him. They had a bag full of food and some beach towels and was talking about what their going to do when they arrive in Liverpool. It was also sweet that the girl who seemed more familiar with the guy would pull his nose and make humorous jokes about him and he would make jokes back with her. Although hers were slightly more brutal, but he was able to take them. They chatted for the entire journey and were just really cute.

I also found it adorable that the two girls would openly show their affection for each other as they should be able to if they wish. Whilst I know there have been incredible strides for LGBTQ like many other communities/groups/individuals but, as we know there are still those discriminations against people of LGBTQ as well as other groups. (By the way can I just express how much I dislike categories! And despise having to tick boxes.) Do any of you readers feel the same? Anyway I just like the way the newer generation are even more free, have more confidence to be who they want to be and this just made me smile.

She helped me discover New Brighton

There was a point when the girl started to talk about a place called New Brighton. I’d never heard of it and assumed it was most probably in Brighton. The girl spoke about it in a positive light to the man, and it seemed both she and him had fond memories of this place.

In my mind I said ‘This is a place I should research through lack of knowledge’ When I got home I did exactly that and discovered it was nowhere near Brighton. It looked like quite a nice place, so I booked a train ticket for the following week. I so glad I did!

The most amazing feeling I have ever felt

Have you ever been to a place that made you feel overwhelmed, you actually cried? This place made me do this! I have no idea what happened! I just felt a huge sense of gratitude for being there. It was just an amazing feel good moment, one I have never experienced ever before and one that I crave to have again.

My Instagram friends have commented how it looks like I’m not even in the UK here

I’m not sure if it had something to do with me being there alone. There was around five people near this side of the beach when I arrived, but they seemed to disappear after a few minutes. As I walked to the end of the sand where the sea met the sky there was not a person in sight. I felt like I was alone on a different planet, like it was the end of the earth. This was when that feeling came over me that I’m not sure I will ever be able to explain. I’d never had a beach to myself. I remember being a bit scared, but not where I would run because there was also a deep excited and happy feeling. So deep I burst in to tears ha. Such an amazing moment!

I will share more about New Brighton in my next post

Thanks for reading 🙂

Stay blessed 🙏🏾

Nov 22

Exploring Liverpool Part3

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Video from my day trip to Liverpool three months ago! Better late than never.

Thanks for watching 🙂 Stay safe x

Oct 04

Exporing Liverpool Part 2

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Hi guy’s! Sorry it’s taken me so long to post part 2. I’m not the most efficient with getting my posts up but I promise to do better.

Before I get started……

I would like to welcome all of the new blog followers. Welcome and thanks for coming over and showing the blog some love. Also, I would like to thank the rest of you guys who have been here supporting … Thank you for your continued support here at Nattytravels, it is well appreciated, I’m truly grateful. Thank you!!

Taking off from where I left off

If you didn’t read part 1, you may want to take a look as this carries on from where I left off.

Albert Dock

We arrive at Royal Albert Dock…. Albert Dock is a construction of docks and warehouse buildings which opened in 1846 and is part of Liverpool’s waterfront World Heritage Site. It was used for the loading and unloading ships from the warehouse. The construction design of the building made it a popular storage for precious item cargoes such as sugar, brandy, cotton, silk and tobacco etc.

As well as dominating the worldwide trade in the 19th century, the docks was involved in a number of things like, events of WWll when the cargoes become the target of German bombers. The bombs hit the docks and warehouses throughout the day and night during the May Blitz in 1941, which left a considerable amount of harm. In addition to this, the building was awarded a grade1 listing post-war, in 1960 and 1966 or was being considered for being demolished, in 1976 it is issued with a conserve and protect, by 1981 it is completely abandoned but is included in the regeneration of Liverpool.

Today the iconic Royal Albert Docks is home to arts and music culture, galleries, museums, restaurants, bars and a floating pop up cinema and attracts visitors of worldwide visitors a year.

Mathew Street

The street is an iconic street in the middle of Liverpool city centre, widely known for the cavern club, where the Beatles performed several times in their early years. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit inside because it was closed.

This street is one of the most popular streets in the world to experience a little Beatles history. The street is filled with a number of other Beatles themed bars in-fact, everything is Beatles themed. It’s just a great, quirky street to walk down and enjoy.

I enjoyed seeing this wall of fame of The wall of fame bar and kitchen.

Hangry and confused by Eleanor Rigby

We’re taken to the monument of Eleanor Rigby. Not going to lie, I had no idea who she was and what her connection was with Liverpool. Nonetheless, I stick around in anticipation, even though I’m starting to feel a little grumpy due to hunger. Here’s what I could make of what I was being told:

Eleanor Rigby is a woman or name which was believed to be an inspiration for one of the Beatles best selling songs.
Paul McCartney has denied this to be true, saying it is a frictional character he made up.
There is a gravestone in Liverpool bearing the name Eleanor Rigby, a women who died in her 40’s in 1939. The gravestone has become a tourist attraction as part of the Beatles memorabilia, even though this lady is not associated with the Beatles
someone purchased the deeds to the gravestone for thousands of pounds

Now I’m stood looking at her monument! Yes! She actually has a monument! I don’t know who the statue is of, but it’s her monument 🤔 Now I’m hangry and confused! 😂

I leave the tour here as it goes overtime and I had a table booked at Cosy Club, which is a lovely little place to stop by if your ever in Liverpool.

The World Museum

Whilst having lunch at the Cosy room, I searched for places to visit as many places were still closed due to the pandemic. I wanted to visit the Slavery Museum or the Tate Liverpool, but neither one of them was open. It was a choice between The Walker Art Gallery Or the World Museum I chose the World Museum. So glad I did.

Spread across five floors, this museum is huge keeping you intrigued for hours. It’s offers such an educational and fun experience with its exhibits that range from live bugs, human anthropology, natural history, dinosaurs to space. In addition to this, there’s also an aquarium and planetarium.

This is probably the most impressive museum’s I’ve visited to date. Although some exhibitions were closed, I could see everything they would usually have to offer. This is a fabulous place for a family day out, there’s something for everyone here. I loved the mummy room!

Time flies when your having fun. This place kept me entertained so much I had lost track of time and it was time for me to catch my coach home. But not without any dilemmas.

My Dilemma

Before I’d arrived at the world museum after recharging my phone earlier using my compact charger, my battery was now low. I didn’t want to film too much as I needed to use Google maps to direct me to the coach station because I don’t take in directions very well.

I come out the museum switched on Google maps within 2 minutes my phone was dead. ‘It doesn’t matter, I’ll find my way’ I thought to myself. Then I suddenly realized my tickets were on my phone. Also I didnt have my bank card, I’d been paying for things using Google pay, so I couldn’t even purchase another ticket.

With 10 minutes to go before my coach is due, I manage to find a shop and convince them to let me use their plug socket to charge my phone. Whilst here, I get chatting to the shop assistant, loose track of time then realise I have two minutes before the coach leaves.

I leave the shop turning google maps back on and embarrassingly run through the city centre. I turned the corner, see my coach and start shouting to the driver as he’s about to step on to the coach…I get there, go to show him my ticket on my phone and my battery dies. Good job he believed I had a ticket and kindly let me board the coach 😂.

Aug 19

Exploring Liverpool UK Part 1

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Like many it’s been such a long time since I’ve been able to travel so, when the UK relaxed it’s locked down rules, I ventured on a day to Liverpool.

With no time to waste I booked a £5 return ticket with National Express . I had no idea what to expect or if many places were going to be open. I was just happy to get out of the house.

There was only around 5 other people on the coach all the way there, and back for that matter. If I’m honest, I really enjoyed that there wasn’t many people on board, It was the most peaceful journey ever!

If your not familiar with Liverpool

Liverpool is a port city and metropolitan district of Merseyside in the North West of England. The Docklands and many other areas of the historic city centre were named a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004. It’s home of the world famous Beatles, Liverpool football F.C, Everton F.C and is an incredible attractive and popular city due to its stunning Albert docks, buildings, museums, culture and it’s witty people.

Whilst I was on the coach, I managed to book myself on a £10 2-hour walking tour of the city on TripAdvisor.

The tour started at 11am and we were to meet at the Beatles statue at pier head. The tour was based around the culture, architecture and of course, the beatles.

I could not resist a selfie with ‘the fab four’

We started at pier head taking in the views of the seaport and rich surrounding buildings, whilst listening to the stories and history behind them.

As you may or may not know Liverpool played a crucial role in the slave-trade. Our tour guide spoke on Liverpool’s slavery links.It was a topic that often popped up during the tour as Liverpool largely earned it’s first wealth through its links with the slave-trade. London, Bristol and Glasgow were other major cities with crucial links in the UK in-fact, the UK earned it’s first Capitalism through it’s links with slavery.

Links to slavery

The city expanded rapidly during the 18th century due to its trade with America and The West Indies. The profitable trades involved the trading of slaves in west Africa, who were traded for spices, sugar and other plantation corps in the West Indies.

The cities Maritime played an important role in bringing Liverpool to be a global force and power. The trading of slavery made the city and it’s slave traders rich off the back of human suffering. Mersey ships forced almost 1.5million African people traded in West Africa into slavery, who were sent to America and the Caribbean.

The slave ships were often built in Liverpool or repaired in-fact, ‘Liverpool Merchant’ was the first slave ship recorded leaving for sail from Liverpool.

Where the ships would pull in to be repaired

Very few slaves passed through Liverpool but, the slave-trade made this city rich and powerful as Liverpool became the number one port, taking over London and Bristol.

This is very evident in the city as we walk around and have the buildings and streets pointed out. Liverpool is filled with rich buildings and grand houses built with slave money, many of the cities prominent streets and buildings are named after slave traders and merchants such as Bold street, named after Jonas Bold a slave merchant who became mayor of Liverpool in 1802, the port of Liverpool Building which has stone carvings of slaves ships on the facade, penny lane is another, named after James Penny a slave trader and many more.

Bold street

We arrive at bold street. Bold street is one of the nicest shopping streets I’ve ever seen.

Full of independent stores, cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants where you can sample food from all over the world, it’s most definitely a great place to visit.

What was most striking to me, was the richness of this street and the architecture of the buildings, they’re spectacular.

We learnt that sailors used the street back in the 18th century, to measure rope for the sailing ships needed for the busy port industry.

Moving on….

We move through the city being shown a number of buildings and monuments, until we reach a more modern Liverpool, where we walk through Liverpool One shopping centre.

Liverpool one is the largest open air shopping centre in the UK. All the shops have been designed by different architects, so every shop has it’s own uniqueness making it quite interesting.

Leaving it here….

In order to not make this blog too long, I’m going to leave it here for now.

A little uncomfortable

Although it is hugely uncomfortable talking about Liverpool’s slave links, Nonetheless I feel I can not write a blog without mentioning it, especially in the times we are living in right now. Despite it’s past history, I find it to be one of the most beautiful, interesting and historical cities in the UK.

Liverpool acknowledgements

In 1999 Liverpool apologised for its involvement and the affects it has had on the black communities.

In 2007, Liverpool opened The Slavery Museum to commemorate and offer education and understanding of the slave legacy.

Thank you for reading 🙂

Best wishes x