6 Country walks less than an hour from Liverpool

With bank holidays in abundance this Spring, we’re ready for a little fresh air adventure just down the road. Who’s coming?

According to NHS England, “a brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise” and here in the north west, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful parks and waterfront to stroll. With plenty of bank holidays and better weather heading our way, we’ve scouted around to find the best places to enjoy a quiet walk, bike ride or dog walk, less than an hours drive from the city, for a change of scenery this Spring. If you fancy staying a little closer to home.

Here’s 6 country walks to enjoy, less than an hour from Liverpool….

1 – Delamere Forest, Cheshire

A favourite in winter time as we all go mad for its beautiful Christmas trees and grotto, Delamere Forest is less than 45 minutes drive away and has mile upon mile of paths, bike trails and woodland to explore. Parking is pay & display – currently cash only, and there’s a café and toilets on site too. Delamere is a great playground for kids and dogs alike so don’t forget to pack your poop bags (for the dog obvs).  Click here to check out the local pubs and stop in for a bite to eat after all that fresh air. More on Delamere Forest opening hours and directions here. 

2 – Moel Famau, Ruthin, North Wales

Did you know that Moel Famau isn’t actually a mountain, its a hill! Good job no one mentions that when we’re all breathless and sweating by the time we reach the Jubilee Tower at the top! With unrivalled views over the Wirral, North Wales and even as far as our beloved Liverpool, it’s just a couple of quid for parking and you can make a start on the clearly marked pathways to the top. Click here to find out more about Moel Famau and to get directions.

Oh and don’t forget to stop in at Loggerheads for an Ice-cream before you head home! Directions and info here. 

3 – Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston, Lancashire

Brockholes Nature Reserve is a fab wetland with play parks, trails and tonnes of wildlife to discover. With a floating visitors centre, Brockholes invites you to explore the 250 acre site, packed with woodland, lakes, pathways and of course a café serving up energy boosting snacks and tasty lunches too. Alright it’s £5 to park all day, but it’s well worth it when you see just how much is on offer. Just 45 mins away and you can literally get lost in the countryside. Click here to check out the website. 

4 – Lymm Dam

Photo Credit: Photography of England Facebook

Lymm Dam is right in the heart of luscious greenbelt land near both Warrington and Altrincham and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city noise. A Green Flag award winning area, Lymm Dam is more than just tranquil water. There’s meadows, woodland bursting with wildlife and if you enjoy a good bike ride, a peaceful walk or even a bit of fishing, the Dam makes for a great day out for all ages and abilities. Click here to get directions and find out more about Lymm Village. 

5 – Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve

Photo Credit: John Kevin Bannon

Did you know that wintertime is the best time to visit Ribble Estuary Nature Reserve near Lytham as more than 250,000 ducks, geese, swans and wading birds call this area home. Alongside all these feathered friends, you’ll be able to see tonnes of sheep and over 700 cattle that basically get this national nature reserve ready for the birds returning in winter. If you’re after a blast of fresh air, wrap up warm and head north to explore Ribble Estuary. More on the nature reserve here. 

6 – Beacon Country Park

We’re staying north of Merseyside for our last country walk and heading to Beacon Country Park near Skelmersdale, a haven for butterflies and the perfect place to take a picnic as well as a quiet stroll. Another Green Flag Award winning space, Beacon Country Park invites you to get lost amongst the wildflower meadows, fish for frogspawn in the natural ponds and let the kids burn off steam at the play park. There’s toilets, a cafe and breath-taking views over Lancashire too. Click here for directions and more info. 

Where’s your favourite place to take a wander away from the city? Drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook or tag us in your adventures on Instagram and we’ll share your suggestions on our socials.