Walking & Cycling in Southport

Time to explore

Southport lies on the Sefton coast which is nestled within plenty of nature reserves and natural dunes, you can travel around Southport and the surrounding area by bike or by foot, following one of the many walking and cycling routes.

Feel everything melting away as you embrace the big outdoors. Breathe in the sea air by walking from the pier and through Southport's parks and gardens. Along the way you can learn the history of Churchtown and walk through the stunning Hesketh Park and Botanic Gardens.

Delve deeper into the coast, walking the 22 miles of landscape along the Sefton Coastal Path. A mixture of wildlife, sandy beaches and coastal marshes means you can be sure to find something different every time. And you can breakdown into smaller walks so if you have the kids with you the walks can be shortened to suit their little legs.

The Trans Pennine Trail starts on Marine Drive at the seamark feature; it meanders along the Sefton Coastal Path and runs between Southport and Hornsea. The trail is 215 miles long with the Southport to Aintree section being 14.5 miles long and is ideal for both walkers and cyclists.

The whole of Sefton can be discovered through a number of walking routes which include Freshield and Formby, Lydiate, Ince Blundell, Sefton Village. You can also explore nearby Great Crosby in more depth by following a heritage walking trails. There are two walks, Great Crosby Heritage Walk 1 and Great Crosby Heritage Walk 2, which will take you around the historical side of Crosby. 

If you prefer hopping on your bike you there are plenty of different cycle routes with varying difficulty ratings and distances. Each route is themed so you can expect to see different things such as the Natterjack Toad, asparagus, butterflies, swans and the famous Red Squirrel at Formby.

If you don’t want to travel with your bikes, you can hire them at both the Eco Visitor Centre and Southport Train Station.

Once you have explored the area and have built up an appetite, fill your boots at one of the many restaurants in Southport or take the family for the perfect seaside treat, ice cream – well deserved after all that walking and cycling!