Hesketh Park to Marshide RSPB Reserve

About

Hesketh Park was created in 1864 and has recently, been completely refurbished. A very pleasant walk around ornamental lakes, complete with fountains and flowerbeds, which in summer are a riot of colour. Lots of mature trees attract woodpeckers and sometimes Red Squirrels, there’s also a café and large play area for children.

The park also features a historic observatory; a conservatory; aviary; waterfalls and cascade; American, herbaceous and mixed flower gardens and don’t miss the clock garden, where a carefully restored floral cuckoo clock ‘calls’ the hours. Leave the park by the north entrance and turn left into Park Crescent with it’s large Victorian houses, carefully cross the road and turn right into Argyle Road and walk 300 yards to the next roundabout. Turn left into Hesketh Road, pass Fleetwood Road on the right to reach a footpath marker on the right after another 250 yards.

The concreted area here was once the site of Southport’s first aerodrome. The information board at the entrance to the footpath across Hesketh Golf Course tells you all about the history of Southport’s ‘Sun, Sand and Silver Wings’. Beyond the golf course to your left are the wetlands of Marshside RSPB Nature Reserve, now home to many wading birds and wildfowl, including around 20 pairs of noisy Avocets, the symbol of the RSPB.

The half mile walk along an old seawall ‘cop’ (embankment) brings you to Marshside Road, with the playing fields of Stanley High school on your right. On reaching Marshside Road, turn left and walk between the open, often flooded, pastures, full of birds to reach the Marine Drive. The RSPB visitor centre and hide is on your right, overlooking the marshes and is clearly signposted.