Wirral is home to many circular walks to explore, including one in the tranquil village of Thornton Hough, which includes a cosy thatch pub.
I love walking, but I’m even more content if there’s a pub nearby to enjoy a cold pint or a glass of wine halfway through my walk, or as a reward afterwards. Especially when the sun is shining, you can’t beat a circular walk which includes time to relax in a beer garden.
In Thornton Hough there’s a short circular walk that begins in the village and takes you round a peaceful field and a stunning woodland area with tall trees. The Wheatsheaf Inn is situated halfway around the trail, the perfect place to stop off and quench your thirst.
READ MORE: Best remote walks in the North West to enjoy the peaceful countryside
Start the walk at the Thornton Hough car park located on Neston Road near the grassy playing field. Standing in the car park facing the village, head right towards a small gate into a field. After passing through the gate, you’ll be on the footpath and can turn left or right, but I’d recommend turning left and following the footpath around the field.
Along the way you’ll come across a variety of trees and will be able to hear birds tweeting and singing as you lose yourself in the peacefulness of your surroundings. After about 20 minutes, you’ll approach the top of the field where Raby Road lies, and here there will be a passage leading out onto the road. If you wish to visit The Wheatsheaf Inn, walk onto the road and head towards the white thatch pub.
There are a few benches outside, but round the back there’s a large beer garden area with plenty of tables. If you’re doing the circular walk on a colder day, The Wheatsheaf Inn has plenty of seating in its cosy indoor area.
Once you’ve finished your drink and are ready to continue the walk, head back to the road and re-enter the field where you exited. Turn left to continue on the circular footpath around the field, and you’ll soon reach a stunning woodland area on your left, which features a pathway lined by tall, thin trees. You can walk around here, but will need to re-join the original pathway to continue the circular walk around the field.
Once you’ve re-joined, follow the path round until you reach the first gate leading back to the Thornton Hough car park. If you include a trip to The Wheatsheaf Inn into the circular walk, it’ll take approximately an hour and a half, depending on how long you stop off for.
The Thornton Hough circular walk begins near the car park at 9 Neston Road, Birkenhead, Thornton Hough, Wirral, CH63 1JE.
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