W8064 : Dry moat at Fort Mitchel, Spike Island

Spike Island

24m Elevation
24m Prominence
I Country
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W8064 : Dry moat at Fort Mitchel, Spike Island

Mike Pennington Photo source

Explore routes near Spike Island

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Spike Island Loop

A pleasant loop around Spike Island allowing you to experience its lush greenery and beautiful riverside views.

1.5 km ~0.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

SIB

Elevation

24m

79 ft

Prominence

24m

Coordinates

51.8330, -8.2850

W804645

OS Map

81

At the Summit

The island is flat and lacks a prominent summit feature, but offers various walking paths and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy and paved paths with some areas of wetland.

Spike Island is composed of sedimentary rock with soft clay and silt deposits, typical of the Mersey estuarine environment. The area is shaped by the tidal forces of the River Mersey.

Views & Scenery

Lovely views of the River Mersey, Widnes, and the surrounding landscapes.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Spike Island is derived from the former industrial usage of the site, where 'spiking' refers to a method of handling shipping barrels.

Historical Significance

Historically, the island was an important site during the industrial revolution, serving as a coal depot.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking available near the entrance-point at Spike Island. Accessible via local roads.

Public Transport

Frequent bus services connect Widnes and Runcorn to the island, typically running every 30 minutes.

Nearby Facilities

There are public toilets available near the island entrance, and cafes can be found a short distance away in Widnes.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Watch out for muddy paths after rain; it's not the best for white trainers!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Spike Island?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Spike Island through the maps

Are there other walkers around Spike Island?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Spike Island search or of course create your own walk for Spike Island

Can I organise a walk to Spike Island?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Spike Island.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Spike Island?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Spike Island here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: W804645

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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