Starting at New Brighton, the north Wirral shore typifies the Estuary area's distinctive blend of coast, countryside and urban environment, along with its rich maritime heritage.

Poised at the point where the Mersey meets the sea, the resort of New Brighton is being transformed. Now its recreational possibilities are being re-discovered. Spacious proms, unlimited parking, grassed play areas, activities and watersports of every kind are making it ever more popular as a day-out destination.

The North Wirral Coastal Park offers open vistas of sea and sky backed by windswept sand dunes, promenades and golf links. At times the quiet of the shore is broken only by the crunch of shells beneath your feet, the cries of the waders across the wet sand and the distant roar of the sea. Then the tide will come sweeping round the sandbanks to set the small boats bobbing at anchor and bring the whole scene to life. The promenade that helps defend this shore from the sea also allows you to walk right round past Leasowe Lighthouse to Meols and Hoylake.

Hoylake is home to Britain's second oldest seaside course, the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, which hosted The Open Championship in 2006 after nearly 40 years.

Both Hoylake and neighbouring West Kirby offer sweeping sea and coastal views plus lively centres with smart wine bars, pubs and restaurants. West Kirby's massive salt water Marine Lake is popular with windsurfers and dinghy sailors, being ideal for both learners and the experts who regularly head here for national and international competitions.

This is the starting point for the popular 2 mile walk across the sands to Hilbre Islands in the mouth of the Dee. Careful planning is required as all three islands are cut off by the tide for hours at a time.

Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre itself have a charm all their own and are local nature reserves rich in wildlife, including the area's largest seal population. They are also noted as a stopping offpoint for the twice-yearly migration of birds along Britain's west coast and Hilbre's bird observatory regularly reports the visits of rare species. Closer to the shore and easily reached from either Hoylake or West Kirby lies Red Rocks, also known as Bird Island.

Re-shaping of the shoreline has helped restore the broad sandy beaches all along this coast, while the Estuary clean-up has paid dividends with water quality results that a number of more famous seaside resorts must envy.

For the energetic, a walk or cycle ride along the Wirral Way - a 12 mile stretch of reclaimed and landscaped former railway line between West Kirby and Hooton - is a rewarding experience. You can enjoy open views to the Welsh Coast, spot all sorts of wildlife and even treat yourself to an award-winning ice cream from Nicolls on Parkgate's historic quayside. As the old railway line turns to the south east, you can rest your legs on a platform bench at the restored Hadlow Road Station in Willaston.