Sefton Coast

If you like to feel the sea breeze in your hair, the Sefton Coast, which extends from Waterloo near Bootle to Southport, will appeal.

A 20-mile footpath spans the Irish Sea coast between these points and, as it's maintained by rangers from Sefton Council, it's clearly marked (with yellow discs in the form of toads) so you can't get lost.

There are lots of smaller walks to do along the route: you can explore the sandhills and pines of Ainsdale and Birkhill (keep an eye out for sand lizards) or walk through Ravenmeols' old asparagus fields and wooded copses. The easiest way to access any part of the walk is by Merseyrail.

Ordnance Survey Map: OS EXP 275