# HilbreTides

> Safe crossing times for Hilbre Island, West Kirby, Wirral. Real-time tide data from the Admiralty UK Tidal API (Crown Copyright).

## About

HilbreTides provides tide-based safe crossing windows for Hilbre Island, a tidal island in the Dee Estuary accessible on foot from West Kirby on the Wirral Peninsula. The crossing rule: depart 3 hours after high tide, return 3 hours before the next high tide. The 2-mile (3.2km) walk takes 45-60 minutes each way.

## Key Pages

- [Home](https://hilbretides.co.uk/): Current crossing status with real-time countdown
- [Today's Tides](https://hilbretides.co.uk/today): Detailed hourly tide view and safe crossing windows
- [7-Day Forecast](https://hilbretides.co.uk/forecast): Week-ahead crossing outlook with weather
- [Safety Guide](https://hilbretides.co.uk/safety): Essential safety information and the walking route
- [FAQ](https://hilbretides.co.uk/faq): Common questions about walking to Hilbre Island
- [About](https://hilbretides.co.uk/about): History, data sources, and how HilbreTides works

## Blog

- [Best Time to Visit](https://hilbretides.co.uk/blog/best-time-to-visit): Best seasons and conditions for visiting
- [Seal Watching Guide](https://hilbretides.co.uk/blog/seal-watching-guide): Grey seal colony viewing guide
- [What to Bring](https://hilbretides.co.uk/blog/what-to-bring): Essential packing list for the walk
- [Photography Tips](https://hilbretides.co.uk/blog/photography-tips): Capturing photos of Hilbre Island
- [Understanding Wirral Tides](https://hilbretides.co.uk/blog/understanding-wirral-tides): How tides work at Hilbre
- [Walking Route Explained](https://hilbretides.co.uk/blog/walking-route-explained): Step-by-step route guide

## Key Facts

- Location: West Kirby, Wirral, Merseyside, UK (53.3936, -3.2024)
- Distance: 2 miles (3.2km) each way
- Walking time: 45-60 minutes each way
- Safe departure: 3 hours after high tide
- Must return: 3 hours before next high tide
- Emergency: Call 999, ask for Coastguard
- Data source: Admiralty UK Tidal API (Crown Copyright)