Churchtown and Botanic Gardens Walk
About 2 miles north of Southport, is the historic and carefully preserved village of Churchtown, which is listed in the Domesday Book and which dates back to early Anglo-Saxon times. We start our walk by the village green near St Cuthbert’s church and the Hesketh Arms public house and restaurant. By the old grammar school, now the local Conservative club, are the village stocks, erected in 1741 and last used in 1860, when one John Rimmer was placed in them for drunkenness. The Hesketh Arms was formerly called the Black Bull and the landlord was William Sutton, founder of ‘South Port’, when he…
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Coast to Countryside Walking Route
We start at Hall Road Coastguard Station, where with adequate precautions a vehicle can be left in the promenade car park for collection later. Turning left into Hall Road we pass the entrance to the West Lancashire Golf Club just before the level crossing at Hall Road station and continue straight on down Dibb Lane, where Hall Road turns right at 90 degrees. Dibb Lane is an ancient green trackway and takes us over open fields towards the village of Little Crosby in the distance, with Linnets, Skylarks and Curlews for company. At St Mary’s Church we turn right into Back Lane and continue past…
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Cheshire Lines Path
The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is a 346 km (216 mile) multi-user route from Liverpool to Hull, with extensions to Southport on the Irish Sea coast and to Hornsea on the shores of the North Sea. The starting point is adjacent to the TPT Seamark on Southport’s Promenade and for most of the next 23.2 km (14.5 miles), the route follows the trackbed of the former Cheshire Lines Railway. The old station frontage, complete with clock tower, still survives as the front entrance of Morrisons supermarket. Elegant Lord Street, with its Victorian ironwork, restored parks and gardens and hundreds of shops…
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Exploring Ince Blundell
Ince Blundell is a rural parish close to the floodplain of what was once the tidal River Alt and the surrounding low-lying land is often flooded in winter by the River Alt. There are now plans to allow planned flooding in the area, creating a large wetland, which will not only help with avoiding the effects of unplanned floods, but also create valuable habitat for flora and fauna…so we all benefit. Ince Blundell Hall was built in 1729 to replace the 15th century Old Hall, the current building is now a nursing home. Until 1959, when Col. Joseph Weld moved to Dorset, there was a very fine…
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Formby Walks
ROUTE ONE This circular walk of 6.8 km (4.25 miles) starts at and returns to Freshfield Station, on the Merseyrail Liverpool to Southport Northern line. The route from the station to Southport Road passing through the Green Lane Conservation Area is on hard surfaced footpaths and roadways, whereas the other footpaths, bridleways and byways can get very muddy after rain . From Freshfield Station, cross Victoria Road into Freshfield Road and then turn left into Grange Lane. The distinctive buildings on the right are Tower House and Tower Grange, claimed to incorporate part of a 13th century…
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Sefton Village and the Meadows Walk
The circular walk of some four km (2.5 miles) starts at the Punch Bowl Inn, with its excellent food, drink and toilet facilities at the very centre of historic Sefton village, and is generally level throughout. Like Maghull on the other side of the River Alt, Sefton’s name reflects its geographical location and in Old Norse means the ‘hamlet where the rushes/reeds grow’. Sefton was well established before registration in the Domesday Book, when it was listed as ‘Sextone’. The Molyneux family held the manor of Sefton from the 12th century right up to 1972, when the last Earl died. The moat of…
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The Lydiate Loop
The walk starts and finishes at the Running Horses pub (OS Ref: 336403) adjacent to the Leeds–Liverpool Canal at Sumners Turn Bridge on Bell’s Lane. Patrons may leave their vehicles here or at the site of the former Lydiate Station (OS Ref: 335404). The Lydiate Loop Walk is approximately 9.6 km (6 miles) long and is generally level throughout. Turn left out of the pub car park and follow the footpath signed Green Lane around the field edge, crossing Maghull Brook at the footbridge and continue straight on to Green Lane. Turning right, follow the track signed Cheshire Lines Path/Trans Pennine…
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The Maghull Trail
Maghull is another local town that dates back to the Domesday book, where it is listed as ‘Magele’. The route is fairly level and at just under 6.4 km (4 miles) makes a pleasant halfday stroll and passes several sites of local history interest, including the churchyard where Maghull’s most famous former resident, Frank Hornby is buried. From Maghull Station (OS Ref: 33840) turn right along Station Road and then turn left after 200 metres on to Rutherford Road, to gain access to the Leeds–Liverpool Canal at Drapers Bridge. We then turn left (south) along the towpath, heading under the railway…
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The Sefton Coastal Path
The Sefton Coastal Path is a stimulating journey through a wonderful variety of landscapes with a rich biodiversity of wildlife and a fascinating history. Sandy beaches, coastal marshes, pine woodlands, heathery heathland and tidal estuaries with invigorating vistas across the Irish Sea to North Wales, Snowdonia and even the Lake District on a clear day. The Sefton Coastal Path can be walked throughout and parts are cycle-friendly. It can easily be completed over a weekend based in Southport, or it can be broken up into individual short walks as desired. The suggested stages are summarised…
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Thornton & Little Crosby Walk
Starting at the old stocks and sundial in Thornton village centre (OS ref: 333696), carefully cross Lydiate Lane towards the Nags Head pub. After 200 metres at the Gamekeeper’s Cottage turn right onto a cobbled track between hedges, which shortly turns left to cross the edge of a field leading to Back Lane. Turn left and after 50 metres the ‘Brooms Cross’ is reached. This is another of the medieval wayside crosses on the ancient ‘corpseway’ from Hightown to Sefton Church, where traditionally bodies washed up on the coast were given a Christian burial. Continuing on this pleasant byway, Gates…
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'Another Place' by Antony Gormley
Another Place is an art installation on the coast. 100 spectacular cast-iron, life-size figures by Anthony Gormley spread across three kilometres of the foreshore and stretch almost one kilometre out to sea. The Another Place figures - each one weighing 650 kilos - are made from casts of the artist's own body standing on the beach, all of them looking out to sea, staring at the horizon in silent expectation. Having previously been seen in Cuxhaven in Germany, Stavanger in Norway and De Panne in Belgium, 'Another Place' is now a permanent feature in the UK, at Crosby Beach. Gormley…
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Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Nature Reserve
The Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Nature Reserve includes the stunning Ainsdale Hills, Birkdale Hills, Frontals, Sands Lake, Velvet Trail and Birkdale Beach and is home to rare dunes, beach and woodland habitats. There are marked footpaths to follow, and so tranquil and wild is the place that you will forget within minutes that you are surrounded by one of the most urban areas in England. This local Nature Reserve is one of the largest areas of wild dunes left in Britain and is home to a vast diversity of rare, special and beautiful species that you might not have noticed. There is…
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Ainsdale Beach
Ainsdale Beach is now recognised as one of the premier beaches in the UK for extreme kite activities, with zones set aside for kite buggy and landboard use and kitesurfing taking place on the sea. It has been awarded International Blue Flag on a number of occasions. The QCA award tells visitors that the standards of beach management are of the highest quality in the UK. A permit is required before you use a power kite in the kite zone. The Ainsdale Discovery Centre, situated adjacent to the beach and Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve, provides local information, a…
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Asparagus Cycle Route
This circular route, from Formby Train Station passes through Formby village, the National Trust site along the picturesque Formby coast famous for its Red Squirrels and Asparagus fields. Asparagus has been grown here possibly since the 1600’s and in its heyday, in the 1900’s, was world renowned. Today it can still be bought at Larkhill Farm. You will also pass St Lukes Church, the site of an ancient burial ground, home to the Godstone. Locally believed to be a rebus to converting Vikings to Christianity. From the station’s south bound platform go straight across the…
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Butterfly Cycle Route
This circular route, from Freshfield Railway Station, goes along the north of Formby and then passes through or near several Nature Reserves. You will pass through the home of butterflies, sand lizards and natterjack toads at the Ainsdale Sand Dunes Reserve before reaching Formby Golf Club and Freshfield Dune Heath Nature Reserve. You will also pass RAF Woodvale and Burrough’s Wood. From the railway station, travel along Victoria Road before turning left onto Gores Road and then right onto Massam’s Lane, going past the awarding winning public house, ‘The Freshfield…
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Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach is now the permanent home to ‘Another Place’, the sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist, Antony Gormley. The beach has been awarded the Quality Coast Award by Keep Britain Tidy. The QCA award tells visitors that the standards of beach management are of the highest quality in the UK. Visitors can walk along Crosby Beach and the Coastal Path and take in views of the sea, the Wirral and North Wales. Access to this strip of coast is good with four train stations and free car parks at Crosby Marine Lake, Mariners Road and Hall Road. The 22 mile Sefton Coastal Path…
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Curlew Cycle Route
This circular route begins at the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre and will take in the sights of the Crosby Coast. You will pass through the Crosby Coastal Park with views of Wirral and North Wales coasts and Antony Gormley’s 'Another Place' statues. You will also pass the Royal Hotel, Blucher Street and Wellington Street which recognise the close links the area has with the 1815 Battle of Waterloo. Go straight out of the Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, crossing the access road and head towards Great Georges Road. Turn left onto Marine Terrace, opposite the Royal…
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Formby Beach
Formby Beach is ideal for families, with a large car park, picnic areas and waymarked paths to the beach, dunes and woods. The high dunes afford excellent views across the Irish Sea and on clear days after rain, even the mountains of Cumbria can be seen. The coast here is undergoing erosion and the tides often reveal prehistoric mud layers, some of which contain human and animal footprints. Look out for these the length of Formby Beach from Lifeboat Road northwards of the National Trust property. The dune slacks are important for the Natterjack Toad, a nationally endangered amphibian. The many…
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Formby Red Squirrel Reserve
Red squirrels, natterjacks, prehistoric footprints and miles of coastal walks are just waiting to be discovered - part of National Trust Formby's amazing and ever changing landscape. Enjoy breathtaking sea views; head out on a bracing coastal walk or find out about Formby's fascinating coastal history with links to asparagus growing and the early days of aviation. Whether you want to walk, run or ride there's something for everyone at Formby, the perfect place to get outdoors and active. There is a fantastic variety of events to enjoy at Formby. Now you can book your tickets…
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Kestrel Cycle Route
Along this route you will enjoy the resorts varied urban landscapes and the newly developed community woodland. You will pass through King’s Gardens, Portland Street playing fields and then Newlands, the Community Woodland. This is home to a variety of wildlife and Kestrels can regularly be seen hunting over head. Heading back into the town you will pass through the grounds of the hospital and across the playing fields at Meols Cop, adjacent to KGV College and Southport Football Club. The route also takes you past Hesketh Golf Club with the RSPB bird reserve at Marshside close by. Turn…
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Lapwing Cycle Route
This circular route will take you through a wildlife rich area in the heart of agricultural West Lancashire. Starting at Burscough Wharf the route goes through the north of Burscough and then passes through or near several nature reserves. You will pass through the home of lapwings, dragonflies and butterflies at the Martin Mere Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre before reaching Tarlscough Moss and Burscough Wharf. You will also pass Windmill Animal Farm and Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve. Begin at Burscough Wharf, turn right onto the canal. Follow the towpath and continue to the…
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Maghull to Aintree Leeds-Liverpool Canal Walk or Cycle
This pleasant canal-side walk or cycle ride of some 5.8 km (3.6 miles) is entirely level throughout on the well-surfaced and maintained towpath of the Leeds–Liverpool Canal. From the green suburbs of Maghull, we travel southeast through farmland and open countryside, under two motorways before our route loops back northwest, alongside one of the world’s best known racecourses. Parking is widely available in Maghull and starting from Maghull Station if you wish, will shorten the walk. We start at Green Lane (OS: 373025) to follow the towpath southwards, first under the concrete Westway Bridge…
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Mallard Cycle Route
This circular route boasts spectacular panoramic views that include North Wales and the Lake District. You will pass the Marine Lake and Bird Reserve at Marshside, a popular nesting spot for many birds including avocets and lapwings. You will also pass through Churchtown, a pretty village, north of Southport, with its numerous small boutiques and specialist shops. It is also home to Botanic Gardens, a park nationally renowned for its floral displays and numerous other attractions such as its lakes and museum. You will return back to the Eco Centre having past through Southport Town Centre…
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Marram Cycle Route
This short route is a relaxing cycle ride that takes in areas of outstanding natural beauty and offers great seaside views of the Southport coast. You will cycle past Queen’s Jubilee Nature Reserve and Victoria Park, home to Southport’s Flower Show, along Esplanade. You will travel along the disused Cheshire Lines Railway, passing the site of the old Birkdale Palace Station, up to Birkdale Local Nature Reserve and the world famous Royal Birkdale Golf Course. The route passes through an area of housing that was historically referred to as the “Castles in the Sand”and…
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Meanders Around Melling
‘Melinge’, as it is listed in the Domesday Book, once overlooked the marshes, woodlands and reed beds of the River Alt. At the time of the Domesday census, Godiva the widow of Leofric, was the lady of the manor and a forest stretched from Waddicar to Wood End in Maghull. Start by turning left out of the car park at Maghull Station, across the level crossing and walk 450 metres along Melling Lane to the M58 overbridge, where we turn left on a signposted path through amenity woodland, with the green fence of the motorway embankment on the right and playing fields to the left. Reaching the bridge…
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Natterjack Cycle Route
This ride begins on the old Cheshire Lines Railway and follows a circular route through Ainsdale, Birkdale and Southport Town centre. You will pass Birkdale Nature Reserve, the home of the rare Natterjack Toad and Sand Lizard, Birkdale Sands, the site used as training gallops by Red Rum and Royal Birkdale Golf Course. The route continues through the centre of Ainsdale, passing the site of the old Ainsdale Mill, the Millstone is now housed in the Library garden and around the eastern edge of Birkdale. Travelling back into Southport you will pass St. Paul's Church, built in 1864, with its…
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Netherton to Crosby Marine Park
This new combined cycling and walking route starts at the Aldrins Lane swing bridge on the Leeds–Liverpool Canal and proceeds westwards along the canal towpath to link up with the tarmac pathway through Rimrose Valley Park. The route then crosses the Liverpool–Southport railway between Seaforth and Waterloo stations to finish on the banks of the Mersey at Crosby swimming pool. We start at the Aldrins Lane swing bridge to follow the towpath for the next two km (1.25 miles) through the suburban housing estates of Netherton and Buckley Hill. The place name Netherton, comes from the Old English…
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Shrimp Cycle Route
This is an ideal route to enjoy some of Southport’s best landmarks and it is clearly signed in both directions. Along the sea front you will have views out to the Irish Sea and pass a variety of interesting sculptures including the Trans Pennine Trail's Sea Mark. You will pass under the second longest pier in Britain, with its cafes and penny arcades. You will pass the Marine Lake, home to a variety of watersports and the Southport Belle, a Mississippi style paddle steamer, and through Kings Garden, the home of the model railway village. Turn right from the Eco Centre…
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Southport Beach
Do you prefer coastal views to city skyscrapers? Do you love to feel the sand between your toes and wind through your hair? Does relaxing on the beach sound appealing? If you answered 'yes' to these then Southport beach is perfect for you! You can leave the hustle & bustle of the town behind, walk five minutes and be standing at the end of the country’s second longest pier with nothing but coastal views and the peace, tranquillity and relaxation this brings. Stunning coastline and amazing views! Southport beach really does boast some of the most amazing views…
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Southport Pier
The Southport Pier is temporarily closed. A survey is being carried out on Southport Pier which involves a thorough and intrusive assessment of the 3,600ft structure. Due to the detailed nature of this assessment and the complexity of Southport Pier's structure, the survey will take time to complete. The Pier will remain closed until fruther notice. We appreciate this is a frustrating time for everyone but health and safety remains our priority Are you looking for a traditional seaside holiday? Or perhaps you want to breathe the fresh sea air deep into your lungs? Not only…
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Southport Seaside Stroll
Southport is a seaside town of sophisticated charm and character, yet with plenty of activities and events on offer, right throughout the year. This short walk (2 miles) takes in some of the main landmarks and attractions and starts and finishes at the Tourist Information Centre at the Lord Street/Eastbank Street junction, near the Library and Town Hall. Crossing the road, we walk northwards on the left side of Lord Street under the ironwork canopies. Our first stop is Wayfarers Arcade, a beautifully restored shopping arcade, full of specialist shops, cafes and a Grade-II listed building…
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Squirrel Cycle Route
This linear route links Southport to Formby and passes several Nature Reserves. You will travel along the line of the old Cheshire Lines Railway, passing the Queens Jubilee Nature Trail, Birkdale Nature Reserve, the Sands Lake Nature Trail and Pontins Holiday Park. You then pass through Ainsdale Sand Dunes Nature Reserve, the home of the sand lizards and natterjack toads, before reaching Formby Golf Club and Freshfield Dune Heath Nature Reserve. You will also pass RAF Woodvale before reaching the end of the route at the entrance of the National Trust site, famous for its Red Squirrel…
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Swan Cycle Route
This circular route takes in the sights and sounds of Southport’s many famous landmarks. You will pass Victoria Park, home of the renowned Southport Flower show every August, and along the picturesque boulevard of Lord Street with its Victorian shop fronts and tranquil gardens. The route continues past the well manicured Hesketh Park, open since 1868, with its numerous attractions including a conservatory, an observatory, lakes and cafe. You will ride along Park Crescent with the rich heritage views of its large Victorian houses, pass the Marine Lake, home to various species of Swan and…
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