10 winter walks less than a hour from Liverpool

Looking for great views and a clear head? From longest to short car rides away, wrap up warm, and walk this way.

1 – Coed Moel Famau – Mold, Flintshire, Wales (55 mins via A494)

This large forest is home to the highest hill on the border between Flintshire and Denbighshire. Moel Famau has a variety of footpaths to prove your boots were made for walking, and children’s play areas and tracker trails keep little ones happy. Spectacular views over Wirral and Wales guarantee an appreciation of The Great Outdoors.

Read more about Coed Moel Famau here.

2 – Delamere Forest – Frodsham, Cheshire (41 mins via M53)

Pull on your wellies, grab your gloves and enjoy the dense, pine-scented woodland of Delamere Forest. Choose from three long-distance walking trails, including less demanding sandstone paths for families and children, or take Old Pale for incredible views of the Liverpool skyline from a different perspective. We’re biased, but what a view!

Discover Delamere Forest here.

3 – Southport Pier – Southport, Merseyside (38 mins via A565)

An ideal seaside trip for tiring out the kids, head to Southport Promenade for a brisk walk along famous, Grade II listed Southport Pier. Offering views across to North Wales, on a clear day you’ll spot Blackpool Tower. Reward your walk with a visit to the penny amusement arcade at the pavilion, or stop off at Ocean Plaza for dinner and a movie.

More about Southport Pier here.

4 – Fairy Glen – Parbold Hill, Wigan (37 mins via M58)

Shaded by surrounding cliff faces, find streams, wooden bridges and even waterfalls as you follow the woodland trail of Fairy Glen. A magical adventure for younger explorers, watch their imagination feast on fresh air, flora and fauna. For a relaxing respite, take a seat on the wooden benches on top of Parbold Hill for sprawling views of Lancashire.

Find more on Fairy Glen here.

5 – Formby Red Squirrel Walk – Formby Point, Liverpool (36 mins via A565)

This unspoilt sheltered woodland is made for leaving your worries behind. If that doesn’t sound enticing enough, it’s a Red Squirrel nature reserve, so there’s always a chance of spotting these beautiful creatures hoping across the towering trees overhead. Plenty of open expanses for kids to run free and dogs will adore the sensory overload. 

Map your walk here.

6 – Ainsdale Nature Reserve – Ainsdale, Southport (32 mins via A565)

If it’s the raw beauty of nature you’re after this winter, seek out Ainsdale Nature reserve for pinewoods, sand dunes and a rugged rural escape from the city. Follow the footpaths or make your own way to discover wildlife, wildflowers and a walk through the wilderness any adventurous pooch will lay contently by the fireside for.

Explore Ainsdale Nature Reserve here.

7 – Billinge Plantation – Billinge, Lancashire (29 mins via East Lancs/A580)

Billinge Hill, is the highest point in Merseyside with a beacon tower at the summit, where you’ll find outstanding views across Snowdonia, Manchester and the Derbyshire Peak District. Follow one of three public footpaths into Billinge plantation, marked by a kissing gate, to discover the verdant expanse of Bluebell woods.

Take a closer look here.

8 – Heswall Dales – Heswall, Wirral (25 mins via A59 & M53)

Peace, quiet and panoramic views are to be found when you head to Heswall and escape into acres of wild countryside. One of Wirral’s highest points, look out to the mountains of North Wales, seek shelter in woodland valleys, and reward yourself with a warm-up back in cosy Heswall village.

Head for the Heswall Dales here.

9 – Crosby Coastal Walk – Sefton Coastal Path, Crosby (16 mins via A565)

Park up at Crosby Leisure centre and head left towards Marine Lake for a brisk stroll along Crosby promenade, alongside the gateway to the Mersey Estuary. Enjoy Antony Gormley’s Iron Men, the 3-mile art installation looking out to sea from Crosby beach, as you head towards Lakeside adventure centre, and grab a snack at the Bar & Bistro. 

Discover this walk here.

10 – Pier Head – From yours to town (Right on your doorstep)

A UNESCO World Heritage Status site, start off at our world famous waterfront to admire the Three Graces, Albert Dock, and head past the M&S Bank Arena, en route to Otterspool prom. You’ll stroll past the former garden festive site, set for a £10m renewal in 2020, with views to Wirral along the banks of the River Mersey. Simply stunning.

Discover this walk right here.

Tweet your favourite Winter walks to the team @TheGuideLpool

More of a runner? Here are some great running routes in and around Liverpool.