6 of the Best Dog Walks on the Wirral Peninsula

There are a number of beautiful dog walks on the Wirral Peninsula offering a mix of coastal views, countryside paths, and parkland. So whether you want a nice stroll or a more exuberating uphill climb there will be the perfect walk for you and your furry friend. Here are just 6 dog walks on the Wirral that we recommend having tested them all with our own dog.

1. Thurstaston Beach

Location: Thurstaston Station Rd, Thurstaston CH61 0HN
Thurstaston Beach offers a beautiful walk with stunning coastal views and glimpses of the Welsh hills on a clear day. There is a pay and display car park and from there you can take a small walk over the headland and down the steps to the beach where dogs are welcome and can roam off-lead and even have a splash in the sea if they want. Thurstaston beach is one of the quietest beaches on the Wirral and is popular with local dog walkers whereas other Wirral beaches are more popular for families wanting to sunbathe and play in the sand.
This dog walk is also family friendly as your children will love to explore the sand and hunt for the sea glass that often gets washed up her.
If you want to expand your walk you can also access the Wirral Country Park from here, another lovely walk.
There are no toilettes or other amenities down on the beach but there are two cafes near the car park, both dog friendly, should you need refreshments.

2. West Kirby Beach & Marine Lake

Location: West Kirby, CH48 0QG
West Kirby offers a long, sandy beach where dogs can run free. This beach is more popular with families ad small children so great for well behaved dogs.
If you check the tide times you can also walk out to Hilbre Island where you can explore the once inhabited island that’s now a nature reserve and look out to sea and spot seals if you’re lucky. This walk is approximately a 4 mile round trip and dogs are also allowed on Hilbre Island if kept on a lead.
The promenade around Marine Lake is also a popular spot for walking your dog if you want a shorter walk and prefer to keep them on a lead.
Parking is road side parking with time restrictions but it is free.

3. Royden Park

Location:Hillbark Road, Frankby, CH48 1NP
Royden Park is a mix of open fields, woodlands, and a variety of trails, despite its name there is no actual play park. It’s a dog-friendly park where you can explore different terrains and opt for a long or short walk depending on your needs.
The car park is pay and display and there’s a café nearby if you fancy a break, or you can break up a longer walk with a stop at Benty Farm Tea Rooms further into the park, also dog friendly.
If you are wanting to visit Royden Park with children then weekends in summer are great as they have a miniature railway running that you can ride for a nominal fee.

4. Arrowe Country Park

Location: Ivy Farm Arrowe Park Rd, Wirral CH49 5LW
Arrow Park Country Park is a popular destination for dog walkers, it has a mix of open green spaces, woodland areas, and lakes. There are several paths to explore, and dogs can be let off the lead for a run.
If you are looking for dog walks that are also child friendly then this is a good one as there are a few different pieces of play equipment dotted about as well as a fenced off park in the middle and a shallow stream where kids and dogs can paddle.
Parking is pay and display and there are no other amenities here.

5. Birkenhead Park

Location: Park Drive, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 4HY
Birkenhead Park is a historic park with plenty of paths and open spaces for your dog to explore. There are two lakes and various walking routes which make it a peaceful spot for a stroll.
If your dog has good recall this is a beautiful place to visit, especially if you have children with you too as there is a big play park and a cafe selling delicious ice creams. However, it is worth noting that this park does open up onto main roads so be careful if your dog has a tendency to run off.
On street parking is available for free round the perimeter of the park.

6. The Wirral Way

Location: Several places to join
The Wirral Way is a great walk that spans 13.2 miles from Hooton to West Kirby. However, you can join at several points and just walk as far as you want, so perfect for different levels of fitness.
If you do decide to complete the full walk it usually takes 4 hours 30 minutes and is considered moderately challenging.
It is only accessible to pedestrians and cyclists so dogs can be let off leads and roam free.

These dog walks on the Wirral provide a variety of environments, from beaches to woodlands, and most are equipped with dog-friendly amenities like waste bins and accessible paths. Just be sure to check local rules regarding off-lead areas and any seasonal restrictions, tide times and parking charges that might apply. If you have completed all of these Wirral walks then other suggestions include Bidston Hill, New Brighton Beach, Ashton Park and Heswall Dales. The Wirral is full of great places to explore with your four-legged friend.