Nothing good seems to be said about the North West of England right now. It has some of the highest unemployment rates in the UK, the highest early death rate, and the economic recovery has yet to be felt. However, it is not all grim up north. The North West of England has some of the most beautiful coastlines in England – with rugged cliffs, wild sand dunes, and miles and miles of golden sandy beaches.
West Kirby and Hilbre Island
Distance: 3 miles
This one is for the bird-lover. You can watch rare migrating sea birds, and if you are lucky, you may even catch a peak of some grey seals. Tide times have to be strictly adhered to or you may be stranded. A permit is required to enter Hildre Island. Permits are on a first-come-first-served basis and can be obtained from Coastal Park Ranger Team. If you miss out on heading to Hilbre, take a walk along the dunes and the sandflats of West Kirby Beach.
Formby Point
Distance:Up to 10 miles
With a sweeping beach, windswept dunes, and a gnarled pine forest, this is one of the most beautiful spots on the North West coast. The woods are also home to one of the few remaining red squirrel colonies, and the croaking of natterjack toads can be heard in the dunes. Ran by the National Trust, you can picnic, go for a ride on your horse or bike, and there are miles of walks that take in the dunes, woods and beaches.
Walk through one of the UK’s most beautiful and diverse Sandhills. Formby Point
Birkdale and Ainsdale Sandhills Nature Reserve
Distance: 2.5 miles
The sandhills that lie between the towns of Birkdale and Ainsdale are awash with beautiful wildflowers, and you may even find an orchid or two. Made up of 268 hectares, this is one of the largest areas of wild dunes in the UK. There are many paths that zigzag through the dunes, and one that runs through the wildflower meadows. This little nature reserve is home to natterjacks, rabbits, groundnesting birds and rare flora.
Whitehaven
Distance: 7 miles
Also known as the Colourful coast this is the North West’s only heritage coast. The cliff-top walk starts at Whitehaven’s historic 17th-century harbour, passing the town’s industrial archaeology to join Wainright’s Coast to Coast path. Along the way you’ll find wild, secluded beaches, and discover a series of hidden gems such as Saltom Pit, the Haig Colliery Mining Museum and Fleswick Bay.
Solway Coast
Distance 7.5 miles
There are many trails on the beautiful and rugged Solway Coast. For the most bang-for-your-buck take the Eden Estuary Trail. Start at Burgh by Sands and take in the views of the Estuary, and the many birds that inhabit this historic coast. Along the seven-mile trail you will come across a monument to Edward I, marking the place where he died. Keep a look out for peregrine falcons, merlins, gulls and other salt marsh species that take a break here on their way north in spring or south in the winter.
