8 festive walks you can enjoy across Liverpool this Christmas

Christmas can often be a time for over indulgence and keeping cosy indoors.

So if you need to blow away the cobwebs with a winter walk you have an array of options in our region. You can see famous landmarks, breathtaking countryside and stunning coastal views.

Here are eight of the best festive walks to enjoy this Christmas.

Boxing Day at Wirral Country Park

Join this guided walk along the Wirral Way, through Dawpool and onto the beach, which will take approximately one and a half hours.

Walkers will leave the beach at Tinkers Dell walking up the newly refurbished steps, then take in the view from the cliffs before returning back our starting point at the visitor centre.

Wirral Country Park, Station Road, Thurstaston, CH61 0HN

Find out more and reserve a spot here.

Hilbre Island

Credit: Sue Burton Photography / Shutterstock

Blow the cobwebs away with this unique walk to Hilbre Island.

Start from the slipway at West Kirby and head out to Little Eye, navigating around to Little Hilbre and then onto Hilbre Island. It’s roughly a two mile walk across and walking time will depend on your speed. Make sure you check out the tides in advance though and don’t get caught by the incoming water.

Find out more about Hilbre Island here.

Savour the views from Bidston Hill

This circular route starts and ends at Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm where you can park, and takes you to one of the highest points in Wirral.

You will pass some stunning landmarks like the Bidston Lighthouse, Windmill and the grade II listed Observatory.

Find the full route instructions here.

Walk from Waterloo to Hightown

The Sefton coastal path is very popular and for good reason.

For this walk you can catch the train to Waterloo and head for Marine Lake.

From there make your way to the beach and enjoy the wonderful spectacle that is Antony Gormley’s Another Place, the iron men who look out towards the Irish Sea. If it’s a clear day you will also be able to enjoy views of the hills of North Wales.

Turn right, head along the sand or the path towards Crosby coastguard station. Here you will start to follow the path that heads along the back of the sand dunes towards Hightown.

When you reach the village, head inland and visit the newly refurbished Hightown Inn for a bite to eat, a refreshing drink or warming coffee, before jumping on the train home from Hightown station.

Spot some wildlife in Southport

RSPB Marshside is a stunning wetland site just north of Southport town centre, with some of the best wildlife in the region.

There are three trails to take, which go past saltmarsh, pools and right into the estuary itself.

In winter you might spot pink-footed Geese and Wigeons, a Kestrel or a Peregrine.

Afterwards, head towards nearby Churchtown and enjoy the delights of the traditional village of whitewashed cottages. There are pubs like the Hesketh Arms for lunch, or if you prefer great Italian food dine at La Tabella or enjoy lighter bites and great coffee at Remedy Churchtown.

Blow away the cobwebs by the Mersey

Otterspool Prom offers some of the views of Wirral and even North Wales on a clear day.

Start off at the most southerly tip of the prom and follow the pathway right along, and all the way to the Albert Dock and onto the waterfront next to the Three Graces.

Enjoy the Lydiate Loop

This generally flat walk is suitable for most abilities and stretches to approximately six miles.

Start off at the Running Horses pub next to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in Bell’s Lane, turn left and follow the footpath that is signed Green Lane.

You will cross Maghull Brook at the footbridge and head onto Green Lane before turning right onto the Cheshire Lines Path/Trans Pennine Trail to Maukin Farm after 600 metres, where you take a right turn onto the Cheshire Lines Path before reaching the Trans Pennine Tail.

This old railway line leads to the former sight of Lydiate station, where you will find a carpark and information point. You will then follow the path to Southport Road and past the ruins of Lydiate Hall before eventually reaching the ruins of St Catherine’s Chapel.

You can stop for a warming drink in the gorgeous Scotch Piper Inn, the oldest pub in Lancashire and Merseyside. Rejoin the main road, then take the canal path back to the Running Horses.

Find more details on the route here.

Take a stroll round Carr Mill Dam

You will find Carr Mill Dam north of St Helens on the A571 and you can enjoy the lakeside trail in an easy walk.

The route should take you less than an hour to complete and you can take your dog, just make sure they stay on the lead.

Stop for lunch at The Dam Bar and Grill.

Find out more and see the menu here.