A fab walk whether you live in Liverpool or visiting from further away. It is accessible by public transport.
Mixing sandy beaches, enchanting woodlands and art just a stone-throw from Liverpool city centre.
Stats
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Length | 11.5 mi – 18.7 km |
| Total elevation | 673 ft – 205m |
| Highest point | 44ft – 13m |
| Walking time | 4h20 |
| Terrain | Sand, paths and Streets |
| Equipment | Water-shoes if you fancy walking in the water. Beware it some places are more mud than sands. Enough water to last you 11 miles or 5 hours. There may be an ice-cream van half way but it is not a guarantee. |
View route (Click on menu to reveal the image)
Getting there
- Driving: Park at Formby Merseyrail station (free for rail users; and you will be getting the Merseyrail back)
- Public transport: Formby Merseyrail station
- From Preston: X2 bus to Southport then merseyrail to Formby (c. 1h45)
- From Manchester: Train from Piccadilly to Lime Street, then Merseyrail from Central to Formby (c.1h40) or Train from Victoria to Southport then Merseyrail to Formby
- From Chester: Merseyrail to Moorfields then to Formby
Watering Holes
- Unfortunately, there are no pubs en route of this walk. You may find an ice-cream van about half way through.
However, make a long day or week-end of it and get into Liverpool. The world becomes your oyster !
Make a week-end of it – Where to stay and eat
Liverpool is an amazing city with everything you could wish for: beaches (along this walk), vibrant culture and history, plenty of options to wine and dine. And most important of all: it’s people ! I have worked in Liverpool and always loved the Scouse mentality. Very down to earth, welcoming and friendly.
For the small budgets: YHA Albert Dock
I am often reluctant to stay in YHAs in city-centre. But this particular one is fab. It offers dorm rooms as well as comfortable doubles. The kitchen is usually very clean, the staff incredibly welcoming and it is located in a fab part of the centre. There is a comfy TV room if you are exhausted at the end of the day and the bar is usually quiet.
The reason I usually avoid city-centre hostels are party-groups. I know this one can get a bit more rowdy at week-ends but is a haven of peace during the week. You will mostly find school-groups and families staying there.
To combine with a night out at the Rope Walk: The Resident Liverpool
At the heart of the trendy Rope Walk the place remains a heaven of peace.
Excellent value and rooms have kitchenettes; allowing you to stock your packed lunches and cold drinks for the walk.
For some luxury: InnSide by Melia
Very central but away from the hustle and bustle. Perfect for a comfortable week-end of hiking combined with museums and sightseeing. Some rooms have views on the water and all rooms are very comfortable. Just one downside for me … Open-plan bathrooms still seem to be in trend but personally, this is a huge turn-off for me.
Peregrinating the North West and Beyond 
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