Hilbre, Middle Eye and Little Eye lie off north-west Wirral in the Dee estuary in line abreast, three islets marooned in a vast saucer of sand. They are a famous staging post for migrating birds: swallows, martins, pipits, warblers, goldcrests, finches. Take binoculars and a sense of adventure — and keep an eye on the tides.
Map OS Explorer 266 The walk Walk to islands from foot of slipway (OS SJ 210868). Tide times and route advice are shown; follow prescribed route. Hilbre Islands are cut off for 2½ hours either side of high water. Before crossing, check conditions (0151-648-4371; deeestuary.co.uk/hilbre/plan.ht