11 long walks within 90 minutes from Liverpool

Lockdown certainly got us walking, taking advantage of the early good weather and the chance to make the most of our regular exercise allowance.

And The Ramblers reckon so many of us have caught the walking bug, especially since the pandemic began, they’ve launched a special #FeelMore campaign, highlighting how they can support and inspire it.

‘Ramblers Routes’ is a great way for anyone to find walks near them. All the shorter walks on it (three miles or under) are fully open to the general public – you don’t need to be a Ramblers member.

But if you fancy being a bit bolder and striding out, we asked Pat Sullivan, chair for Liverpool Ramblers, to share some of her favourite longer walks within an hour or so from the city. So lace up your walking boots and put your best foot forward…

Walks from Liverpool

Waterloo to Hightown

Eddie Jordan Photos

Get the train or car to Waterloo. 

Walk north along the promenade beside the River Mersey passing the 100 statues in the river made by Antony Gormley. Continue on a good footpath to Hightown. 

A varied 5 mile walk with great views. Return by train to Waterloo or on into Liverpool

Lunt Meadows

A fine wetland site offering a variety of walks. Drive to the village of Sefton – just off the M5758. 

Park by the church or the pub, The Punchbowl, and follow the nearby footpath across fields to Lunt Meadows. 

There are information boards telling you about this reclaimed land and showing paths and ponds. You can view different wading birds including avocets. 

Keep the Sefton Church spire in sight to help you get back to your car.

The Dream: Sutton Manor Country Park

Credit: David Dixon

The Dream is the iconic huge statue of a head made by Jaume Plenza visible from the M62 and for miles around. It has a twin in Chicago. 

It stands on a hill on the site of Sutton Manor Colliery, now a country park. 

Take the A57 to Bold Heath and park by the pub then walk back a little along the A57 ( there is a good pavement ) and soon take a footpath off to the right. Follow this through farms and on up to the statue. Explore the hillside walks – there are information boards – then retrace your steps to your car.

Rivington Pike and Lever Park

Credit: Matt Harrop

Take the M6 north to junction 27; A 209 to Standish; B5239 to Aspinall, and B5238 to Horwich where you turn left at the T-junction then soon right for the West Pennine Moors. 

Park by the visitors’ centre and Great House Barn cafe. 

There are plenty of clearly marked paths to choose from. Climb up the hill to Rivington Pike, walk down to the replica of Liverpool Castle built in 1900 and stroll by the reservoirs.

Return to the Great House Barn and car park.

Cartmel in Cumbria

Take the M6 north to junction 35 then 35A then the A6 and next the A590 to Hampsfield where there is a minor road to Cartmel. 

Park in the large car park by the racecourse. 

Cartmel is a beautiful village with a fine priory and nearby forests and hills to explore. 

There is an easy climb up to The Hospice from which there are great views. Walks are well-signed and there are information boards. Just wander and explore.

Wirral and South of The Mersey

Leasowe to Hoylake

Take the Merseyrail train to Leasowe Station. Follow the main road, the A551, towards the coast and soon take the marked footpath off to the left via Ditton Lane Nature Reserve to Leasowe Common and the fine lighthouse. 

Then just walk along the promenade by the River Mersey to Hoylake. Return by train from Hoylake station or walk on along the shore to West Kirby and get the train there.

Hilbre Island

Before you plan your walk check the tides first: www.deeestuary.co.uk

Take the train or drive to West Kirby. Walk down to the shore and again check the tide notices for safety. 

Walk out across the sands at low tide, keeping to the prescribed route.

Head first for the small island then the next and then on to Hilbre itself. 

You’re promised unique views of the River Dee and across to North Wales, sea birds and seals. Gorgeous. 

Set off in good time to walk back to West Kirby which will take you a good hour or so. It is essential to keep an eye on the tides for this walk.

Parkgate

Take the Mersey Tunnel ( for Wallasey ) then M53 to junction 4 then the B5136. Parkgate was formerly, in the 18th century, an important port on the River Dee for crossings to Ireland.

Jonathan Swift crossed to Dublin from here. It now offers unique and beautiful coastal walking with views across to North Wales and many wading birds to spot especially curlews. Park where you can and walk along the coast in either direction – or both!

Thurstaston Common

Head through the Kingsway Tunnel and M53 as above then the A540 to Thurstaston / Telegraph Road. Park at the car park next to The Cottage Loaf pub. Explore Thurstaston Common on well marked footpaths. There are great views and wonderful open hills. You can continue on to Royden Park then head back to the car park the way you came.

Loggerheads Country Park and Moel Famau

Take the M56 then A494 to Loggerheads.  Only an hour’s drive from Liverpool the Vale of Clwyd offers stunning mountain scenery. 

Park at Loggerheads by the information centre (charges for the car park apply ). 

You can get local route maps here. Explore the River Leete and, if you feel up to it, climb Moel Famau to its Jubilee Tower. 

There are stunning views in all directions especially Snowdonia. Retrace your steps down to Loggerheads.

Cheshire

Delamere Forest

A favourite for nature and wildlife lovers, Delamere is home to everything from the small tortoiseshell butterflies to the green woodpecker.

There’s a variety of long-distance footpaths meandering through the forest: The Sandstone Trial, Delamere Way and Baker Way are all worth packing a rucksack and a picnic for and heading off for a stroll.

One, Delamere Forest and Old Pale Hill, (4.5 miles) begins at Delamere railway station and takes in a hill which gives you views to seven counties.

The route takes in a pretty straightforward ascent up Old Pale Hill before you go down and through meadows to Eddisbury Lodge and then into Delamere Forest.

The last part of the walk takes you around Blakemere Moss, a large bog that is home to colonies of gulls and many other bird species.

Also in the forest you will come across a bog known as Black Lake, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to a rare species of Dragonfly. It’s an atmospheric walk, and in the summer the path sides and meadows are full of the colour of hundreds of wild flowers.

Plus don’t forget:

There are two historic, beautiful cities not far from Liverpool both easily accessible by train or car. Each offers great opportunities for walking and exploring.

Chester

A walk around its medieval walls is a great experience. You can also wander its delightful streets, visit the cathedral, the Roman remains or walk along the River Dee.

Lancaster

You can walk here by the River Lune and the Lancaster Canal. There are charming cobbled streets, a fine Priory Church and, of course, the castle.

There are lots of great books describing lovely walks accessible from Liverpool and providing helpful sketch maps. 

Highly recommended are:

50 Walks in Lancashire and Cheshire by the AA

Pub Walks on Merseyside by Bristow and James:  Sigma Leisure

One Hundred Hill Walks from Liverpool by Jim Grindle: Mainstream Publishing

Finally, adds Pat: “If you like walking and want to do more, join a national walking group like The Ramblers. 

“Experienced leaders will take you safely on challenging and exciting hill walks.”

Visit the Liverpool Ramblers website here.

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