Those present: Margaret Baldock, Christine Beeston, Andrew Croughton, Dave Dillon, Roger Dyke, Jim and Sandy Gregson, Martin Heaton, Alan (L) Jones, Phil Ramsbottom, Zoë Talks, Brian Taylor, Chris Thickett, Peter Walker, Frank and Margaret Williams, Dave Wylie.

This is a very late meet report, and I am very sorry - I hope I haven't missed anyone - thanks to Roger for his great photos, which allowed me to identify people.

This was supposed to be a climbing meet to Dovestones Edge, but Foot and Mouth meant I had to cast around for something else to do, so a walk to Hilbre Island was the alternative. There was a good turnout despite the short notice, and it was even better when we reached Hilbre and found Andrew, Dave and Margaret looking out for us from the watchtower. Restrictions were lifted just in time for us to add a coastal walk and return through the scenic delights of West Kirby and the Wirral Way (top tip, when organizing walks through built up areas, check loos are available to avoid delays) as well as the walk out to the islands and back. The walk to Hilbre is lovely and well worth a repeat around February for the birds, so I'm told, and it was nice to at least be in wide open (if flat) spaces for a change. Thanks to all for coming along, and special thanks to Alan Jones for providing such an excellent spread with cakes and endless tea!

The meet this Sunday has been changed, as Dovestones Edge is still inaccessible.

Instead I propose a walk to Hilbre Island, incorporating a scenic tour of West Kirby. Hilbre is a small island off the NW corner of the Wirral peninsula, which can be walked to at low tide.

Meet at 9am in the carpark by the Thurstaston visitor's centre (Grid ref SJ 237 835, turn left about 1½ km after Heswall on the A540).

We'll be walking along the beach to the Marine Lake, striking out to the islands and then back for a scenic tour of West Kirby (Views of the Wirral from Caldy Hill) and returning to the visitor's centre on the Wirral Way.

Total distance around 11 miles, with a good 50m of ascent!

I have a permit for 15 people, which should be fine, and I don't think they are checked very often, but please let me know if you're planning to come anyway.

Hope to see you there,