Winter is the perfect time to wrap up warm, throw on some wellies and go for an invigorating walk. Blow away the cobwebs along blustery coastal paths for a Christmas walk, or take a frosty New Year’s Day stroll. We look after lots of places where you can feel refreshed on crisp winter walks in Liverpool.
Allerton Country Walk
Allerton Country Walk is around seven miles long (if you include the optional route around Childwall Woods) through the countryside atmosphere of Liverpool’s diverse parks, woodlands, open spaces and public footpaths. During the two to three hour walk, you will pass through a landscape full of historical interest along with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Follow the walking guide and map to discover more. To help you along the route, signage has been placed periodically as a guide.
Everton Park
This route connects Everton Park – with its fantastic panoramic views of Liverpool, the Mersey and beyond – to the towpaths of the Leeds-Liverpool canal, and eventually through to the rapidly transforming docklands of the River Mersey.
Download a walk guide from our friends The Mersey Forest.
Princes Boulevard Artwork Trail
Following its stunning £4m makeover, take a stroll down Princes Boulevard – and discover Liverpool’s newest art trail.
In the heart of Toxteth, explore the unique story of how this community was shaped and reacted to the rise and fall of the British Empire.
Download the illustrated map and take an illuminating walk through a fascinating tale of activism and hope.
Croxteth Hall Country Park
Enjoy a peaceful stroll in the country, surrounded by magnificent woodland, grazing livestock and traditional cottages. The landscape here has changed little in over a century, even though it’s just six miles from Liverpool City Centre.
This walk begins in Croxteth Hall Country Park. It’s the heart of was once a great country estate stretching hundreds of square miles and was the ancestral home of the Molyneux family, the Earls of Sefton. After the death of the last Earl it was given to the City of Liverpool.
As well as Croxteth Park itself, the Country Park is also home to a real working Home Farm, a Victorian Walled Garden and a 500 acre nature reserve – all open to the public. It’s an excellent place to explore to see wildlife and hints of a forgotten feudal past.
Download a walk guide from our friends The Mersey Forest.
Otterspool Promenade
The promenade makes a great change of scenery for walking your dog or cycling, with wide, traffic-free space, and wonderful views over to Wirral. If you keep walking, you’ll end up at the Royal Albert Dock which is always a wonderful sight to see.
Be sure to wrap up warm at this time of year because it’ll probably be a little windy, but refreshing nonetheless.
Liverpool Loop Line
This wonderful green corridor runs through east Liverpool and provides a tranquil escape from the city.
The Loop Line was abandoned in 1964 by British Rail and became quite derelict until 1986 when plans were drawn up for its conversion to a walking and cycling route. The railway path provides a flat, well surfaced green corridor through the urban environment of east Liverpool, and forms part of the award-winning Trans Pennine Trail. Even though you are so close to a city it feels like you’re out in the countryside. The route is managed like a linear woodland park. It runs through rocky cuttings and high on embankments with wide views across the city.
For more information and a route map visit sustrans.org
Childwall Woods
Childwall Woods has remained virtually unchanged since they were planted in the 1700s, however, through the years their name has changed as have their owners. The woods were originally the grounds of Childwall Hall the seat of a wealthy landowner and were known as The Grounds. They extended from Childwall Abbey Road to The Black Woods, and from Countisbury Drive to Woolton Rd. The owners of the hall owned vast amounts of land and planted much of it as woodlands, some of it still existing today as Childwall Woods.
The Local Nature Reserve of Childwall Woods and Fields is a wonderful place for a walk in the countryside without leaving the city.
Speke Garston Coastal Reserve
Speke-Garston Coastal Reserve is a haven of tranquillity carved out of the old Speke Airport site. It consists of 70 acres of land stretching from Garston Docks to Liverpool John Lennon Airport on the banks of the Mersey Estuary. There are fine views over the Mersey and the silence is broken only by the calls of sea birds and waders – and the occasional plane making its approach to John Lennon Airport.
Sefton Park
There are lots of beautiful walking routes you can take around Sefton. Choose to make your own trail up through the 235 acres, or follow the perimeter and get the best views of the frosty lake on the Aigburth side of the park and the stunning Palm House.
The winding pathways and 2 mile perimeter trail are perfect for working up a sweat or taking a leisurely stroll.
