9 Winter Walks on Merseyside to help get rid of the January Blues

If the January blues are hitting you hard and you are still feeling the effects of an over excessive Christmas, a bit of fresh air would probably do you the world of good.

Merseyside is blessed with tonnes of green spaces, beaches and nature walks just begging to be explored and what better way to spend a day in Liverpool than at the park! We’ve rounded up 9 of the best to help you rid yourself of the blues and get some exercise in the process.

Which is your favourite?

1 – Otterspool

Photo Credit: eatlandscape.com

It doesn’t get fresher than down on the waterfront at Otterspool! If your kids got bikes, rollerblades or even kites for Christmas, Otterspool is the perfect place to spend bank holiday in Liverpool with an hour or two burning off a bit of steam. The tarmacked pathway from Otterspool, right along to the Britannia pub and into the city is a handy cycle path that’s safe for all the family too. (Might want to take a hat if you want to avoid having Bridget Jones hair!). Find out more about facilities here.

2 – West Kirby

Another seafront option for a walk, but over on the Wirral this time, and an entirely different view. On a clear day, like today the scenery is absolutely breath-taking with clear views to Hilbre Island and the North Wales mountains. West Kirby also offers tonnes of coffee shops and restaurants for a warming hot chocolate or bite to eat to get warmed through afterwards. Find out more about visiting Wirral here.

3 – Freshfield Nature Reserve, Formby

Where else can you run among the pine trees (sounds like a Pocahontas song this) and roll in the sand dunes before taking a paddle in the sea (not sure we’re that brave to be honest)? Freshfield Squirrel Reserve is the best place on Merseyside for kids to go scrambling about and generally get back to old school playing. Sword fighting with sticks, building sandcastles and there’s always an ice cream truck knocking about for a little treat too. Good, old fashioned fun!

4 – Stanley Park

Stanley Park is one of the most beautiful greenspaces in the city suburbs and only looks more stunning when its covered in frost. This little winter wonderland has inspired some of our greatest sportsmen and women who have used jumpers for goal posts in the shadows of the mighty Anfield and Goodison Park stadiums. A couple of laps around the park and you’ll be well ready for a roast and an afternoon kip for definite. Click here to find out more.

5 – Croxteth Park

Another gem out in the suburbs is Croxteth Country Park. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering its many pathways and trails and take in the stables, home farm, play parks and café. With plenty of parking and loads of dirt tracks and bridal paths, its another great choice for adventurous kids and dog walking couples alike. Find out more here.

6 – Sherdley Park, St Helens

Spread over 336 hectares, Sherdley Park is bursting full of perfect footy-playing grassland, woods, a lake and an unmistakeable statue of local lad, Johnny Vegas! Just a 15 minute drive from Liverpool, Sherdley Park hosts a series of events through-out the year from impressive fireworks to the 2016 Reminisce Festival! From wandering peacocks on the farm to boss swings and a sandpit, find out more here!

7 – Birkenhead Park

Birkenhead Park is a jack of all trades and ticks all the boxes when it comes to spending a few hours outside. With a fitness trail, lakes for fishing, beautiful ornate bridges for selfies and generally feeling all sparkly with your loved one, plus a playground, visitors centre and café, what more could you ask for? It’s little wonder the magnificent Central Park in New York was inspired by this Wirral wonder! Find out more here.

8 – Crosby Beach, Burbo Bank

Few people haven’t visited Crosby Beach but if you’re yet to venture there we suggest parking your car up at Burbo Bank and taking in the spectacular view of the Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’. 100 cast-iron figures are placed on the beach at varying depths and make for a thought-provoking sight. Each one looks out to see in ‘silent expectation’ and have become the focus of more selfies, footy scarfs and seagull resting places than the artist could ever have imagined. The coastal walk along to Crosby Marina is also not to be missed. Read more here.

9 – Sefton Park

photo credit:gerryco23

We can’t bring you a write up about the best parks and outdoor spaces for a winter walk without including our beloved Sefton Park. It just wouldn’t be right! We all know and love that huge lake on the Aigburth Vale side of the park and it never looks more stunning than with a touch of frost (in our humble opinion). The winding pathways and 2 mile perimeter trail are perfect for working up a sweat or taking a leisurely stroll with a loved one. And it only a hop skip and jump to Lark Lane for a coffee or glass of wine afterwards. Spend your bank holiday in Liverpool and discover more about Sefton Park here.

Do you have a favourite park or beach that you think should be on our list? Drop us a line and we’ll spread the word! Tweet us @TheGuideLpool or email us info@theguideliverpool.com.