Crosby beach and Marine Park
Here you have the choice of promenade, beach or watersports. Keen walkers can continue along the coastal path close to the shore towards Hightown.
Visit Antony Gormley's 'Another Place'.
Waterloo, Blundellsands & Crosby, Hall Road
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Hightown dunes and meadows
Near the sailing club car park a short detour from the coastal path will bring you to the remains of a submerged forest.
Hightown or Hall Road

Alt Estuary
A key location for watching shore birds and just as popular with small-boat sailors. Footpath from the Alt Centre leads to the saltmarsh and a bird hide.
Hightown (0.5km walk)

Ravenmeols Local Nature Reserve
Reached via well-marked paths close to Formby Point among quiet expanses of sand dunes and pinewoods.

Lifeboat Road
This popular spot recalls Britain's first lifeboat house built in 1776. Also a great place to watch red squirrels in their natural habitat.
Formby

Freshfield dune heath
A mix of lowland dune heath, woodland and grassland restored by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust in 2005. Site offers paths around the 17ha site. Site is managed by LWT 0151 920 3769.
Freshfield

Fisherman's Path
Ancient right of way that provides one of the area's most popular walks. After following an avenue of scented pines through the Ainsdale National Nature Reserve, you encounter a huge dune of blown sand before reaching the beach. Alternatively turn left on to Dune Path South, part of the 20-mile coastal footpath.
Freshfield

National Trust Reserve Formby
The rare red squirrels have thrived in recent years at this National Trust reserve and are tame enough to be fed. 01704 878591. www.nationaltrust.org.uk. (pay)
Freshfield
(pay) WC

Ainsdale National Nature Reserve
Established by English Nature in 1965 to protect the special wildlife of the Sefton sand dunes. Take the circular route and see such rare, protected species as the natterjack toad and sand lizard. Wide, well-marked paths and attractive woodland walks. 01704 578774.
Freshfield or Ainsdale

Rimrose Valley Country Park
This green corridor bounded by the Leeds and Liverpool canal has been developed for recreation.
Waterloo

Brookvale Local Nature Reserve
Includes reedbeds and ponds supporting wildlife such as water voles and reed warblers.
Waterloo

Martin Mere (Pay)
At the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust near Burscough you can feed species of rare and exotic ducks, geese, swans and flamingoes. Visitor centre. Cafe. Gift shop. 01704 895181. www.wwt.org.uk/visit/martinmere.
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