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Main Instructor:

Click to View: WALX Preston Instructor Page

Hosted By:

Susan Spall

Walk Description:

 Join us on a 7.5 km walk around some of Birkenhead on the Wirral. We had a quick look earlier on in the year when we explored Birkenhead Priory but this visit, we will walk round Hamilton square, the largest grade II Victorian square outside of London.

Through one of the villa areas, Clifton Park, built by wealthy merchants who could commute easily across the Mersey and round Birkenhead Park, which was the idea for Great Central Park in New York. Lunch on the way and a cafe at the end. 

Hamilton square railway station - opened in 1886. when it was built together with St James station, they were the deepest in the world.  With the platform being at deep level, three hydraulic lifts were provided. Held up to 100 passengers each and took 45 seconds to travel in each direction. Artwork on platform 1 depicting old posters. 

Hamilton sq - is the largest grade II listed Victorian square outside of London. Houses were designed by the Scottish Architect James Gillespie (1776 – 1855) famous for his work in Edinburgh New town. Was named after Lairds wifes maiden name  

Clock tower - memorial to the reign of King Edward VII, designed by Edmund Kirby, an important figure in Birkenhead. Worked on churches, faith schools and hospitals, but also private houses, including mansions for wealthy gentlemen on the outskirts of Birkenhead and cottages for factory workers in Port Sunlight. 

Clifton park - wealthy merchants of Liverpool, who were able to commute to their offices using the Mersey steam ferries. The park itself and many of its houses were designed by Birkenhead architect Walter Scott. 

Birkenhead Park - was opened in 1847 and known as the people's garden, then municpal park for everyone to enjoy regardless of class was a revolutionary idea. Funded by public money. The basic layout style is copied in Great central Park in New York.   

Walk speed guide:

Gentle stroll - Gear 1 - Nice pace that you can do for extended periods. 2-2.5mph (these generally are our Wellness walks)   Easy walk - Gear 2 - Faster pace gained through technique. Expect Gear 2 at times throughout the walk with occasional photo stops. 2.5mph (Most of our 1-hour Explorer walks)   Moderate walk - Gear 2/3 - Faster again using technique and with less recovery. Very little stopping. 2.5mph-3mph+ (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks)   Strenuous walk - gear 3/4  (these are generally Total Body Walx, but also explore this pace on our Explorer and Adventure walks).

You are asked to contact your WALX Guide by phone, leaving a voicemail or sending an sms text to the number listed below, if you are likely to be delayed as we do start classes promptly.

Whilst we do understand that sometimes it is not possible to make a class, please be aware that we do operate a no refund policy if you give us less than 2 hours’ notice.

All activities are undertaken at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any injuries or accidents incurred. We undertake to deliver all classes with qualified staff and have made every effort to risk assess all WALX. On occasions it is necessary to make dynamic risk assessment decisions when there is a localised incident such as trees fallen en route, flooding, traffic changes, etc.

Please ensure your PARQ is up to date and notify us in writing if you have any change to your medical records, or physical or mental wellbeing. This should include any surgery, falls, knocks, or accidents. Thank you.

Contact details (only contact to notify if late or cancelling)

Matt 07530 813225

 

Location Notes:

Will start the walk from Hamilton Sq railway station.