Peregrinating the North West and Beyond

Tag: Sefton

  • Another Place: a sunny coastal walk in Merseyside with Anthony Gormley’s statues

    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.

    A very sunny day walking from Formby to Crosby in Merseyside. A mix of sandy beaches and dunes, some woodland and the wonderful art of Anthony Gormley's 100 statues ! Nearly 12 miles but flat. Accessible by public transports.
    Click on the picture to see the full slideshow and route video

    Stats
    DifficultyModerate
    Length11.5 mi – 18.7 km
    Total elevation673 ft – 205m
    Highest point44ft – 13m
    Walking time4h20
    TerrainSand, paths and Streets
    EquipmentWater-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)
    A very sunny day walking from Formby to Crosby in Merseyside. A mix of sandy beaches and dunes, some woodland and the wonderful art of Anthony Gormley's 100 statues ! Nearly 12 miles but flat. Accessible by public transports.
    Send me a message on social media or email to request the GPX file, AllTrails or Komoot link

    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.