This slideshow requires JavaScript.

For today’s walk, we took the train to Leasowe Station for a circular along the River Birkett and the sea front. A short stretch along Reeds Lane took us to the Wirral Circular Trail along the bank of the River Birkett. We passed the former Typhoo Tea Factory (which closed in 2023) and the Moreton Bakery – Home Of The Mini Roll. With the recent sunny dry spell, there wasn’t much water in the Birkett and although the sky was cloudy today, it was dry and wind free – ideal walking weather. We crossed Pasture road to continue along the river and passed through a canopy of trees before making our way to Lingham Lane and Leasowe Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1763 by The Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and is the oldest lighthouse built from bricks in the United Kingdom, using 660,000 handmade bricks. The lighthouse became obsolete and was closed in 1908. It fell into disrepair but in the 1990s the Friends Of Leasowe Lighthouse restored it. A plaque on it shows “MWC 1763”. I contacted the F.O.L.L. to ask about “MWC” and was told it refers to the Mayor at the time. The Mayor was William Gregson, so maybe it’s MWG. We made our way through the car park to the front and headed towards New Brighton with the Seaforth cranes in the distance. The tide was out and an egret was peering into the pools left behind for prey. We had a short break at the Green Hut Café, before rejoining the prom passing Leasowe Castle and Beach. We then left the prom and took a path above, through dunes, alongside Leasowe Golf Club. The path rose to give views of the Liverpool skyline and then dipped to take us through trees to the Gunsite Meadow. An anti aircraft gun was sited here in WW II manned by the Army and later the Leasowe Home Guard. Green Lane took us to a path alongside smallholdings with horses grazing. Crossing Leasowe Road led us to Links View Playing Fields and then back to the River Birkett. We followed the river for half a mile and crossed a bridge to continue on the other bank for another half mile back to Reeds Lane and Leasowe Station.

Thanks to Lynne and Anne for organising, recce-ing and leading the walk.