Few parts of the country can rival the opportunities the shores of the Mersey present to walkers and cyclists. If you're keen to enjoy the attractions of the Mersey Estuary and coastline at close quarters, the choice ranges from modern and Victorian promenades to woodland walks, open heath and miles of firm, sandy, open beaches. A feature of the urban stretch of the estuary is the series of broad concrete promenades that offer unlimited river and seafront access for both walkers and cyclists.

From Liverpool's Pier Head almost down to Garston and, again, running north from Waterloo, you can enjoy the freedom of the river with everchanging perspectives of the tidal Mersey and its colourful activity.

The new canal link through Liverpool Docks and Pier Head will connect the 127-mile Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the Liverpool Waterfront and allow boats to travel past the world-famous Three Graces into the Albert Dock.

You can explore the Mersey shore further via the various paths which form part of the long-distance Trans-Pennine Trail. In the Upper Estuary area, the Trail follows the Mersey Way, a system of paths running close to the river through Speke, Widnes, Hale, Warrington and beyond. On the Wirral shore the promenade from Seacombe follows the Mersey to its mouth then sweeps round the peninsula past the dunes and commons of the North Wirral Country Park to link with the seaside promenades of Meols and Hoylake. This then joins up with the Wirral Way, Cheshire and North Wales.

Inland the walking facilities are just as rewarding. The woods and heaths of The Wirral Peninsula are laced with public footpaths, while the sand dunes, pinewoods and nature reserves of Sefton's natural coast are opened up by a network of footpaths linked by the through route of the Sefton coastal path. Although the southern shore of the estuary offers fewer opportunities for access, there are ample walks that explore the remote marshland areas and historic villages such as Ince and Stanlow. You can also gain access to the Estuary via Eastham Country Park.

In addition to offering a continuous long-distance route, the Mersey Way is an ideal stopping-off point for local leisure facilities and landmarks linked to the area's industrial past. Similarly, both the Liverpool waterfront and the urban stretch of the Wirral shore afford the opportunity to combine a healthy stroll with stop-off visits to features of historic and architectural interest.

Cyclists too are particularly well catered for. Both the wide range of waterfront promenades and such inland routes as the old Liverpool Loop Line, also part of the Trans-Pennine Trail, provide miles of safe, off-road cycling. Even the main road network offers many quiet country routes free of heavy traffic.

For a start, you could explore inland from the Sefton coast where you'll find easy flat roads meandering from one quiet Lancashire village to the next. Or cross to the Wirral and discover a whole network of peaceful leafy lanes hidden between the busy main routes that cut through the peninsula. You'll find most locations are easily accessed by the Merseyrail network - a particular advantage for visitors without a car.