Liverpool Queen's Dock -Cressington Park - River Mersey

Andy Hibbert

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Liverpool Queen's Dock to Cressington Park down the River Mersey (2009)

Although Liverpool has had its European City of Culture Year (in 2008) it is still a great time to explore this exciting city. 'Liverpool One', a huge new retail and residential development, now dominates the river aspect of the city. It is hard to miss such a large commercial venture, but we will try. Two cathedrals, innumerable bars and restaurants and a music culture encompassing all tastes combine to give the visitor an unforgettable time.

This walk starts from Albert Dock, accessed across the Dock Road (A5036) from the Paradise Street bus station and Liverpool One. There are so many ways to access the centre, by car, train, bus and ferry, that it is easier to start at the entrance to Albert Dock and leave walkers to find their own point of entry. One word of warning, however: parking at Liverpool One (Chavasse Park) is eye-wateringly expensive, so much so that you cannot easily find a price on the internet; even the three-monthly application forms ask you to enter a price quoted on the phone, so shy are they of publicly announcing their prices.

We will be walking down the Liverpool bank of the Mersey and the best time to see the river is over high tide – the Mersey has one of the highest ranges in the UK, well over 30m. Usually the highest tides occur from about 10am to around 3pm, the actual time of high water occurring about forty minutes later each day. At these times you will see the larger tankers entering and leaving the river. They all come past the Pierhead, usually berthing just south, across the river at Tranmere. However, there is always activity on the river and a ferry trip from the Pierhead is a wonderful way to see the city. As a complete contrast, for those with a head for heights, a climb up the Anglican Cathedral tower reveals another aspect, offering views across to the Welsh mountains and the Lake District fells. Unfortunately the nearby St John's Tower is not open to the public and spends its time beaming pop music and radio phone-ins over Merseyside – a sad fate indeed.

Please note this walk guide has had a significant revision in June 2009. Please print out the full pictorial guide and map from the website. Previous versions will no longer be relevant.

England - North England - Merseyside - Coast