Thurstaston Hill is a large sandstone outcrop with fantastic views both across to North Wales and Liverpool. I’ve been coming here since I was a child, the lure of the giant sandstone rock (more on that later) always meant I could easily be persuaded to go out for a walk on a Sunday afternoon.
There is a large free car park (although it does get filled up on a busy weekend afternoon) just off the A540.
The path starts by the information board on the left side of the car park. From there it’s an obvious sandstone path that leads up the hill with the Dee Estuary on your left. It’s not pushchair friendly but isn’t a long walk and with the reliable aid of a tube of Pringles our 3 year old manages it no problem.
There are a couple of benches along the way to stop and admire the stunning views of the River Dee and North Wales. I could sit here for hours and watch the world go by. There’s an orientation table to help you get your bearings. See if you can spot the lighthouse at Talacre beach!
Not too long after the orientation table take a right and follow the path until you come to the pièce de résistance of Thurstaston Hill - Thor’s Rock. If you’re not sure where the turnoff off the main path is you can always track yourself on Google Maps.
For the uninitiated Thor’s Rock is a big lump of sandstone which over the years has been weathered so that tiny pathways curl around it, allowing it to be easily climbed. Legend has it that the stone was a Viking place of worship to the Nordic god Thor, hence the name Thor’s Rock! I’ve no idea if its true, but it certainly makes for brilliant fun.
When I was a child I thought this rock was absolutely humongous, so when I returned as an adult I was slightly put out that it wasn’t quite the mega structure I remembered it to be! Still at 50 feet in length and 25 foot high its bigger than most houses! But the first time I brought the kids here they had that same look of complete excitement I felt as a child. Cue lots of climbing, sliding and fun… and yes I always have a climb myself!
There are various paths that lead back to the car park. As long as coming back you keep the Dee Estuary on your right, you’ll find your way! It’s about a 10 min walk to Thor’s Rock from the car park so a nice easy walk if you’ve younger children with you.
On a nice day you’ll be able to find a nice spot to sit and have a picnic, or a few minutes walk from Thor’s Rock you can cut across to Benty Farm Tea Rooms for a light lunch/cake and coffee.
If you’re looking for a longer adventure then Roydon Park adjoins Thurstaston and has a lake, miniature railway, lake and cafe. You can wander across the heathland to it or drive about 5 mins. Alternatively if you want a coast and countryside combo head to Thurstaston beach again about 5 min drive away.
