West Kirby and Grange Hill 1st January 2020

Brent geese on West Kirby Marine Lake.

Shadows an reflections.

Part of the cleared reedbed as we approached Red Rocks.

On the3 boardwalk.

Looking over the municipal golf course towards the Memorial on Grange Hill.

Looking towards the estuary from Grange Hill.

The Memorial on Grange Hill from my lunch spot.

Enjoying lunch.

Who's that hiding in the bushes?

A headless Grey heron?

More Brent geese on the Marine Lake near the start of our walk.

Distance: 5.9 miles. Climb: 211'.
Group: Martyn, Sue and Michel, Roger, Nigel, David S., Wendy, Celia and Sue Pearson.
We arrived at West Kirby Marine Lake to blue skies and warm sunshine. there was hardly any wind, so the lake was like a mill pond and from the seaward side, the reflection of the apartments could clearly be seen in the water.
 Although there is usually a dingy race on the Marine Lake on the 1st January every year, I rather suspect that today the lack of wind would made it difficult to even get started.
Brent geese, Red breasted merganser and Goosander were the birds of note on the lake as we set off.
 As we set off along the beach towards Red Rocks, Sue P left us and headed homeward, Chester were at home to Southport later in the day.
 On this occasion we decided to follow the upper path through the dunes a good choice at first as the higher elevation gave us better views towards Hilbre Island. However later on much of the path was along a boardwalk that was a little slippery in places- not an enjoyable experience for most of us.
 Following the blue line, we negotiated our way through the Royal Liverpool Golf Course and on to Grange Hill.
 As usual, we enjoyed lunch, taking advantage of the benches around the Memorial on Grange Hill.
 The views towards Hilbre and beyond towards the North Wales Coast from Grange Hill were superb.
 After eating our ration of fortified fruit cake, we set off on our return route via Ashton Park.
 Arriving back at the Marine Lake, it seemed as though everyone on the Wirral had decided that this was the best place to enjoy a strolling the fresh air n the first day of a new year.
 Through out the walk it had been warm enough for me to leave my jacket in my rucksack and thus avoid overheating.
 Birds seen or heard included: Brent goose, Red breasted merganser, Goosander, Herring gull, Black headed gull,Eurasian curlew, Common redshank, Common coot, Moorhen, Grey heron, Feral pigeon and House sparrow.
 After walk drinks were enjoyed at the Wheatsheaf at Raby, wher Brimstage's Trapper's Hat went down well.
 Overall a great way to start 2020.