Hilbre Island – Safe Crossing Times
To stay on the island over high water it is necessary to reach the island TWO HOURS before high water. You must then stay on Hilbre Island until THREE HOURS after high water (i.e. five hours in total) before returning to the mainland.
To visit the island between two successive high waters, it is advisable to follow the tide out starting from TWO HOURS after high water. Then, to return to the mainland it is necessary to leave the island TWO to THREE HOURS before the next high water (depending on the actual height of the tide on the day of interest, i.e. Springs or Neaps).
WARNING: The tide comes in very quickly.
Remember that tide tables do not take account of weather conditions that can change the height and time of high water significantly.
Approximate time required to walk from the mainland to Hilbre Island, via Little Eye, is ONE HOUR - from the starting point at Dee Lane, West Kirby.
Spring Tides = High high waters i.e. 9.0m at Hilbre Island (approx.)
Neap Tides = Low high waters i.e. 7.2m at Hilbre Island (approx.)
It is strongly advised:
- Never venture away from the foreshore unless you know the time of the next High Tide.
- Always be back on dry land at least two hours before high tide.
As a general rule High Tide at Hilbre Island is approximately 15 minutes before High Tide at Liverpool.
This information or advice is given in good faith and is believed to be correct, but no responsibility can be accepted by the National Oceanography Centre for any consequential loss or damage arising from any use made of it.