Crosby Beach Walk
This walk uses a section of the Sefton Coastal Footpath to explore the coast around Crosby in Merseyside. It's an interesting area with the famous 'Another Place' sculptures by Antony Gormley a notable highlight.
This route runs for just under 5 miles from Waterloo to Hightown, using flat paths. The walk starts and finishes at railway stations so you can catch the train back at the end of your exercise if you like.
The route starts from Waterloo Station, on the Northern Line of the Merseyrail network. From here it is a short walk to the Marine Lake and the coastal path. You then head north to Hightown, passing Blundellsands, the West Lancashire Golf Club and the sculptures. The piece was created in 1997 and consists of 100 cast iron figures facing towards the sea. The figures are modelled on the artist's own naked body which has caused some controversy. As the tides ebb and flow, the figures are revealed and submerged by the sea.
The route finishes at Hightown where there's nice views of the River Alt and a train station where you can return to Waterloo.
Crosby Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Crosby Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Crosby OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Crosby Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Volunteer Canteen is a cosy, friendly pub located close to the beach. They have a real fire and a great selection of cask ales. You can find them on East Street, Waterloo, with a postcode of L22 8QX for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The beach is a fine place for a dog walk and the Volunteer Canteen mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To extend the walk from Hightown continue north along the coast path to visit Formby Beach and the Ainsdale National Nature Reserve. Here you will find some terrific high sand dunes where you can enjoy splendid views to Liverpool and the Welsh Mountains. The route will then take you through the lovely sand dunes at Ainsdale before coming into the popular seaside town of Southport.
In Crosby itself you can also visit the lovely Rimrose Valley Country Park. The park sits by the side of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and includes the delightful Brookvale Local Nature Reserve.
To the east there's more canal side trails around Maghull where you can visit the Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Antony Gormley's 'Another Place'
The Promenade between Waterloo and Crosby. The promenade near Crosby baths on a windy Easter thursday with hardly a soul braving the driving sand. With wonderful views of the Mersey estuary, it is usually popular with people of all ages, especially dog-walkers.
Esplanade, Blundellsands. These houses are on the western edge of the grid square and face out over the beach at Crosby where the sculpture "Another Place" is located.
River Alt, Hightown. The River Alt rises in Huyton and is seen here close to its mouth. The name is of Celtic origin.
Bailey Bridge, Hightown
Firing range danger flag by Alt estuary. View from Hightown across the Alt to the earth bank at the edge of Altcar ranges.