The legacy of Liverpool's history of international commerce includes a series of wonderful imposing structures that salute its maritime success. Submerge yourself in a walk around a waterfront that's steeped in history and grandeur.

The Grade One Listed Albert Dock was opened in 1846 by its namesake, Prince Albert, who remarked, "I have heard of the greatness of Liverpool but the reality far surpasses the expectation." With such an enthusiastic recommendation, we consider this the perfect starting point for your walk.

Passing through the preserved Conservation areas around Castle Street and Dale Street, you come to the medieval street Hackins Hey which houses the oldest pub in Liverpool, Ye Hole In Ye Wall.

The church of St Nicholas offers you maritime artefacts to peruse in its Green Flag award-winning gardens. The church itself has a turbulent history, hosting burials for Plague victims in 1361, detaining POWs in the English Civil War, having an involvement with the slave trade, and receiving extensive damage in a 1940 wartime air raid.

One of your final encounters will be with the Three Graces - including the famous Royal Liver Building with its copper Birds - which comprise the most famous Grade One and Two listed buildings in Liverpool, together forming one of the most admired waterfront vistas in the world.

The Route

Distance: 6.5 miles
Time needed: 2-3 hours

Enter Albert Dock and enjoy strolling around, leaving by the same entrance. Turn right, past the Maritime Museum, then head for the main road.

Turn left and follow the road, then pass right into James Street. Take Castle Street on the left, where you will see a statue of Queen Victoria on your right-hand side. Turn right down Dale Street, then left into Hackins Hey passing Ye Hole In Ye Wall, where you may want to stop for refreshment. Carry Straight on to Bixteth Street and turn left into Edmund Street.

Take another left into Old Hall Street, then turn right down Fazakerley Street, and left down Rumford Place. Here you should turn left into Chapel Street then right into the iron-gated entrance to Exchange Flags. Pass by the Town Hall and turn right down Water Street and right into Tower Gardens. Passing St Nicholas' Church and gardens, the route will take you onto Chapel Street.

Turn left, cross the main road and head to the riverfront passing the Three Graces on your right. From here, you could head south back to Albert Dock, passing the Three Graces. But if you're feeling more adventurous, head north passing Princes Dock on your right. Meet a busy, wide road and turn left. You'll pass the converted East Waterloo Docks on the left. Continue until you reach the derelict warehouse flanking Stanley Dock, visible from the old raising bridge.

Here's where you about turn, and follow the river back to Albert Dock. Just before you'll pass the Three Graces: the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building. Voila, you're back where you started.