Easy family walk near Liverpool with lizards, a secret beach, fairytale trees and sweeping sea views
This family stroll takes in pinewoods, sand dunes, red squirrels, Natterjack toads and ends at a secluded beach with stunning views to North Wales and the Lake District.
Liverpudlians are well aware of the sweeping coastline that stretches along the Merseyside seashore, but this walk offers something extra, taking in everything from coffee shops to sand lizards and ending at a deserted beach.
Apart from the scramble up the sand dunes at the end, its navigates along well-surfaced paths, meaning you could even cycle or bring a big-wheel pushchair before locking them up at the bikerack that unexpectedly emerges in the middle of the wilderness.
The walk begins at Freshfield Sation, on the main Northern line from Liverpool, in Formby. You can grab a coffee at The Kiosk, or a bite to eat at The Good Catch chippy, before strolling the few miles through heath, pinewoods and sand dunes before eventually reaching the sea.
Try to spot the red squirrels and sand lizards along the way and be sure to pack some snacks, bucket and spade and a kite to enjoy your time on the beach after emerging from a forest line of gnarled and twisted trees like something out of a brothers Grimm fairytale.
The walk begins at Freshfield Sation, on the main Northern line from Liverpool, in Formby. You can grab a coffee at The Kiosk, or a bite to eat at The Good Catch chippy, before strolling the few miles through heath, pinewoods and sand dunes before eventually reaching the sea.
5. Fisherman’s Railway Path - border crossing station
The Fisherman’s Patch level crossing over the railway line has been made much safer with the addition of pedestrian lights to ensure walkers know when it is safe to cross. The pinewoods, beach and sand dunes await on the other side.
6. Formby Golf Club
After passing over the level crossing, the path meanders across the idyllic golf course at Formby Golf Club and heads towards the edge of the woods. Watch out for low flying golf balls.
7. The pinewoods
The path cuts deep into the pinewoods as it leads you towards the coast. You can catch glimpses of red squirrels leaping through the tree tops or foraging on the ground.
8. The giant’s bench
Unfortunately, the oversized giant’s bench has been replaced by a new bench of normal size but it’s still a great place to stop for a quick brew or a snack in the quiet of the pinewoods.