Cycling, Walking and Riding in Merseyside

Merseyside offers a surprisingly diverse mix of coastal paths, reclaimed railway lines, and lush woodlands. Here is a breakdown of the best spots to get moving.

The Sefton Coastal Path (Sefton)

Stretching from Crosby up to Southport, this is a massive 21-mile route, though most people tackle it in smaller sections.

• The Surface: A mix of paved promenade, sandy tracks, and some woodland paths.
• What to See: The absolute highlight is Another Place by Antony Gormley at Crosby Beach—100 iron statues standing in the sand. It’s more of an “interesting” sight than an “entertaining” one, but it’s a must-see. Further north, you hit the Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills.
• Refreshments: Loads of options in Waterloo, Formby, and Southport.
• Vibe: It’s great for adults and teenagers who like photography or a brisk sea breeze. Young kids might find the long beach stretches tiring, but the Formby Red Squirrel Reserve (part of the route) is a great “bribe” to keep them moving.

The Cheshire Lines and Sefton Loop (part of the Trans Pennine Trail)

The Cheshire lines is a fantastic stretch of greenway that follows an old disused railway line. It primarily runs through Sefton, Merseyside, connecting areas like Maghull, Aintree, and Southport. The Cheshire Lines can be extended to form the Sefton Loop. The Cheshire lines can link with the Leeds-Liverpool canal to navigate to Rimrose Valley park. This park can then take you to the seafront where you can travel back to Ainsdale and Birkdale along the coast with fabulous views forming a circular route.

• The Surface: Mostly flat and paved, very easy going.
• The Route: Circular loops are easy to navigate here.
• Vibe: It’s a bit of a “hidden gem” but honestly, it’s mostly just for exercise. If you aren’t local, it might not be worth a massive detour unless you’re combining it with the nearby Leeds-Liverpool Canal path.

Leeds-Liverpool Canal (Multi-County)

The section running through Maghull, Melling, and into Liverpool is a cyclist’s dream for distance.

• The Surface: Mostly flat towpaths. Some bits are cobbled or a bit bumpy under bridges, so road bikes might struggle more than hybrids or mountain bikes.
• Nearby: You can cycle right into the heart of the Stanley Dock area in Liverpool to see the massive tobacco warehouses.
• Refreshments: Numerous “canalside” pubs along the way provide the perfect excuse for a break.
• Vibe: It’s very much a linear route. Teenagers might find it a bit “samey” after a few miles, but for a long-distance adult ride, it’s brilliant.

Rimrose Valley Country Park (Sefton/Liverpool Border)

A large green lung (2.2 miles long) that’s popular with locals for a quick blast on a bike or a long dog walk.

Otterspool Promenade (South Liverpool)

A 4-mile linear riverside walk or ride that offers some of the best views of the Mersey.

• The Surface: Fully paved and very wide.
• Points of Interest: It leads directly to the Festival Gardens, which has lovely oriental gardens and water features—great for a quiet stroll.
• For Kids: There is a large adventure playground and an active woodland area. It’s a “hands-off” spot for parents where kids can burn energy while you watch the ships go by.
• Vibe: Perfect for a 2-hour visit. It’s very popular, so expect it to be busy on weekends.

Planning Tips

• Parking: Most coastal start points (Crosby, West Kirby) have large car parks, though some require payment. Woodland areas like Formby can get very expensive and full during peak summer days.
• Discounts: Look out for Cycle Merseyside initiatives or local bike hire schemes like those in Southport, which often have family day rates.
• The “Boredom” Factor: For teenagers, Otterspool is your best bet because there are actual “destinations” (cafes, shops, or parks) at the end. The canal is better for those who just want to put their heads down and pedal.