Looking for a change of scenery? Why not take a trip out and switch off from the world with some woodland walks? There are tons of beautiful routes right on our doorstep.
Whether you want to stay nearer the city or head to the water for some stunning sights, these are the best woodland walks for you to explore near Liverpool.
1. Storeton Woods
🚗 20 minutes
Located in Birkenhead, Storeton Woods is on the site of an old Roman quarry and is a peaceful forest brimming with history and wildlife. It’s a tranquil place for woodland walks and makes for a great escape from the Liverpool city centre.
These woods in Wirral may even have been home to dinosaurs too as fossilised prints of a raptor-like dinosaur were found in the 1920s, but you can now find them in the Liverpool and British Museums.
2. Otterspool Park
🚗 20 minutes
Running alongside the coastline next to the promenade, Otterspool Park is a combination of both majestic woodland and parkland, which has been loved by locals since forever, thanks to its beautiful blooms and vast wildlife.
The 13-hectare woodland and paths have been planted with wildflowers including snowdrops, daffodils and bluebells. There are also oak, ash and beech trees in the woodland. It’s the perfect location for a walk, cycling and other outdoor activities.
3. Upton Meadow
🚗 20 minutes
Situated around eight miles from Liverpool city centre, Upton Meadow Millennium Wood is a 15-hectare woodland area in Birkenhead. If you’re looking for a quiet woodland walk with plenty of fresh air then Upton Meadow is for you.
The site was leased to the Woodland Trust in 1997 and created part of the Trust’s ‘Woods on Your Doorstep’ initiative – since then it has remained loved by the Wirral and Birkenhead.
4. Formby Pinewoods
🚗 45 minutes
There are plenty of different options when exploring Formby with a mix of coastal and woodland routes. For a less challenging walk, why not wind through broadleaf and pine woodlands at Formby before finishing at the sand dunes?
Pack a blanket and flask and watch the winter sun go down…or go up if you’re an early riser. It’s dog friendly and can make for a quick walk or a full-day outing.
5. Delamere Forest
🚗50 minutes
Delamere Forest in Cheshire provides 972 hectares of woodland – officially making it the largest woodland area in the country. There are trees (obviously), three official walking trails showcasing the forest’s ample beauty, and there are even places to stay within Delamere Forest, too.
Opt for a chilled-out picnic with the beautiful surroundings, or go for something more adventurous, like the Go Ape Tree Top Adventure.
6. Dunham Massey Ancient Tree Trail
🚗 50 minutes
Packed full of ancient trees and home to countless wildlife species (including deer!), Dunham Massey’s wood is not only filled with easy-access footpaths for everyone to enjoy but also has a number of tranquil ponds to sit by and take in the calming surroundings.
The dog-friendly woodland walk can take up to two hours – perfect for working up an appetite before chilling on the sofa with a takeaway all night.