Sefton Coastal Path 2: Hightown - Freshfield

Jim Grindle

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This is a varied walk with no problems of altitude! There is a mix of woodland, farmland and open scrub, mostly on good tracks needing no special footwear. The second half of the walk was realigned on a newly built track in 2006.

The beginning is by the River Alt, which is controlled by a pumping station; nevertheless, the area is wet in winter and attractive to thousands of pink-footed geese, lapwings and curlew. The walk then goes alongside the railway, passing sidings that were once used for the rifle range and army camp, before re-entering woodland and the realigned section. This is now very well-signposted and brings you to Victoria Road, the entrance to the National Trust's squirrel reserve. Here you can walk to Freshfield Station or continue the Coastal Path on Walk 326.

The second half of the walk was realigned on a newly built track in 2006 and wheelchair users would find this the best place to join the walk. Go to Formby Station by train and turn right when you come out of the station; the road leads directly to Waymark 13. At the end of the walk turn right; you are on Victoria Road, which leads straight to Freshfield Station for the one stop back to Formby.

England - North England - Merseyside - Coast

Features

Birds, Butterflies, Church, Flowers, Good for Kids, Good for Wheelchairs, Mostly Flat, National Trust, Nature Trail, Public Transport, Sea, Toilets, Woodland

11/15/2012 - Jim Grindle

The footpath from Hightown alongside the railway will be closed until March 2013 when it will be widened and a new bridge built across the Alt. There are suggestions that it may be open over the Christmas holiday. Jim Grindle.

1/14/2008 - Michael and Marian Vaughn

Lovely walk on one of the few dry days recently and not too bad underfoot! We could have gone further but for the constraints of public transport; however looking forward to doing the rest as separate walks thanks to Jim's instructions.