Brick and stone footbridge at the Dell in Port Sunlight Garden Village, Wirral, Merseyside — crossing a shaded stream amid landscaped gardens

Merseyside – Coast Paths, Estuaries, and Waterfront Walking

Sandy shores, tidal marshes, and urban greenways between the Irish Sea and the Mersey Estuary

Beaches, dunes, and estuary shorelines shape Merseyside, where walking routes follow the England Coast Path and link the Sefton Coast, the Mersey waterfront, the Wirral shoreline, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Liverpool, Southport, Formby, Crosby, Birkenhead, and West Kirby.

Much of the terrain is level and firm underfoot. Promenades, coastal paths, canal towpaths, and parkland trails allow steady progress with minimal ascent, making walking accessible across both urban and natural landscapes.

The landscape changes across the county. The north includes wide sandy beaches and dune systems along the Sefton Coast, while central Liverpool follows the Mersey’s historic docks and waterfront parks. To the west, the Wirral peninsula combines estuary marsh, low farmland, and open shoreline paths with broad views across the Dee and Mersey.

Towns and districts sit close together, creating frequent access points and flexible start and finish locations for short walks and longer point-to-point routes.

Trails and Routes Through Merseyside

England Coast Path

Follows the shoreline around the Sefton Coast, the Mersey Estuary, and the Wirral, linking beaches, marshland, promenades, and waterfront towns.

Sefton Coast paths

Dune and pinewood trails between Southport, Formby, and Crosby through nature reserves and coastal woodland.

Wirral Way

A traffic-free walking and cycling route along a former railway between West Kirby and Hooton crossing parks, farmland, and the Dee estuary edge.

Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath

Level waterside walking connecting Liverpool with Aintree and Maghull along continuous canal corridors.

Mersey waterfront paths

Urban promenades and dockside routes linking Liverpool city centre, Albert Dock, Otterspool, and surrounding parks.

Walking Character

• Wide sandy beaches and dunes
• Tidal estuaries and saltmarsh
• Canal and waterfront promenades
• Urban parks and green corridors
• Flat, accessible terrain
• Coastal and city-edge scenery

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Merseyside located?

Merseyside lies in North West England around the lower Mersey Estuary, bordered by Lancashire and Cheshire and centred on Liverpool and the Wirral.

What defines walking here?

Coastal paths, estuary shorelines, canal towpaths, and urban waterfront routes create mostly level and accessible terrain.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The England Coast Path and the Wirral Way provide continuous longer-distance walking routes.

Is the terrain steep?

No. Most walking is flat with minimal gradients.

When is the best time to visit?

Walking is possible year-round, with spring through autumn offering drier conditions and clearer coastal views.