10 Most Famous Hikes in Liverpool in Europe

Planning a trip to Europe and looking for outdoor adventures? Explore some of the most beautiful hikes in Liverpool that combine stunning natural landscapes with rich historical sites. Whether you're traveling with family, kids, or solo, these trails offer something special for everyone.

Before you start exploring a Europe Tour Package, check these carefully curated list of the best hikes in Liverpool that offer scenic waterfront walks to peaceful park trails. Get ready to discover hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking views!

List of Best Hikes in Liverpool

Explore the best hikes in Liverpool, below:

1. Hale Park and River Mersey

Treat your eyes to stunning views of the River Mersey, featuring Dungeon Banks wetland and surrounding farmlands. This scenic trail leads you to Hale Head Lighthouse, which has guided ships since 1906. Watch for wading birds like redshank and curlew along the way, making it one of the best photo spots in Liverpool.

As you explore Ice House Plantation, discover a hidden 19th-century ice house from the old Hale Hall estate. The trail combines wildflowers and coastal views, making it one of the top hiking trail picks in Liverpool.

At the walk's end, find the Child of Hale statue commemorating John Middleton, a legendary nine-foot-three-inch giant. Some sections can be muddy, so wear proper footwear and stay alert on road crossings.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 8.2 km
• Elevation: 75 m
• Approx. Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

2. Allerton Country Circular

The Allerton Country Circular, as the name suggests, is a circular route starting from Calderstones Park, making it one of the best Liverpool walking routes. From the park, you will be able to witness a playground, a botanical garden, and places of historical interest.

Moving forward, you will come across Allerton Towers, which used to be a part of the Manor of Allerton. The Clarke’s Garden is said to be home to Allerton Hall, which is a Grade II listed building.

Your next stop, while having the best hiking near Liverpool UK, will be an Iron Age Fort, which is located on the crest of Camp Hill. The Reynolds Park and the Black Woods will give you the taste of history and nature altogether.

Your last stop will be the Childwall Woods, which is said to have been unchanged since the 1700s, making it a perfect choice for top hiking trails around Liverpool.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Distance: 11.6 km
• Elevation: 241 m
• Approx. Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes

3. Lydiate Circular

The Lydiate Circular takes on a section of the Trans Pennine Trail, the Leeds Liverpool Canal, and plenty of other field tracks and minor lanes.

This Trans Pennine Trail is quite a long-distance route, starting from Southport to Hornsea near Hull. Here, you will witness that the trail uses the Old Cheshire Railway lines, which have been closed since the year 1952.

It is one of the perfect Hikes in Liverpool because the route is relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of age groups and fitness levels. If you are planning to go during the monsoon season, be careful because the paths can be muddy and slippery. Ensure you have proper footwear. Overall, the Lydiate Circular is one of the top hiking trail picks in Liverpool.

While those seeking mountain hikes near Liverpool may need to venture further afield, this flat, accessible trail offers a perfect outdoor experience for all fitness levels.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 8.4 km
• Elevation: 65 m
• Approx. Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

4. Sefton Park Loop

If you are looking for one of the easiest hiking trails in Liverpool, head to the Sefton Park Loop. It is one of the easy-going routes, suitable for most people who like trekking but are not into hardcore trekking, allowing a wonderful opportunity to hit the outdoors.

Even if you are a local, there are still some hidden gems here that you might have missed. Since it is an easy hiking trail, it is suitable for both kids and families, and for beginner-level hikers.

Choose your time and date wisely because it is quite common and may remain crowded during weekends; no wonder it is one of the best walks and hikes around Liverpool.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 4.3 km
• Elevation: 85 m
• Approx. Duration: 1 hour

5. Liverpool Waterfront and Parks Circular

This is one of those hikes in Liverpool that is in two halves. First, go exploring the famous waterfronts, with all the attractions present there, and while on your way back, discover the green parks in the city.

The hike starts at Liverpool Lime Street Station, heading straight to the waterfront. The Liverpool Waterfront features the iconic Pier Head, with the Cunard Building, Port of Liverpool Building, Liverpool Museum, Albert Dock, and Merseyside Maritime Museum. Moving forward, you'll reach Otterspool Promenade.

Once done with the waterfront, visit Sefton Park, formerly part of Deer Park, featuring a memorial for William Rathbone and a Palm House restored in 2001.

On your way back, the route takes you through Princess Park and Liverpool Cathedral, believed to be the largest Anglican Cathedral in the world. You'll pass through Chinatown and Bold Street, leading back to the city centre, where your best walks and hikes around Liverpool come to an end.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Distance: 16.1 km
• Elevation: 246 m
• Approx. Duration: 3 hours 41 minutes

6. Croxteth Park Circular

Another one of the best hikes in Liverpool, if you want something that’s not too hardcore, is the Croxeth Park Circular. It is easy-going but one of the best hikes near Liverpool, which is suitable for most abilities, offering a wonderful outdoor opportunity.

Some parts of the trail can get muddy during the monsoon season, so it’s advisable to come prepared with appropriate footwear so you don’t slip and fall, and make the most of the hike.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 5.8 km
• Elevation: 152 m
• Approx. Duration: 1 hour 33 minutes

7. Brunswick To Aigburth Cycle Trail

Among the best Liverpool walking routes is the Brunswick to Aigburth Cycle Trail. Spanning over four miles along the River Mersey banks, the trail offers some of the most amazing local amenities, including transport links and some places for quick bites along the way.

It is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Liverpool, and it is kid and dog-friendly, offering plenty of options to extend or shorten the trail the way you want it to, making it one of the best places to visit in Liverpool.

This hike is popular amongst walkers, cyclers, and runners alike, with plenty of benches on the side to take rests and the views that surround the trail, making it one of the easygoing hiking trails in Liverpool.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 6 km
• Elevation: 55 m
• Approx. Duration: 1 hour 12 minutes

8. Sefton Park Circular

Explore one of the most beautiful hikes in Liverpool, offering a lovely trail around Sefton Park, which is an 81-hectare Grade I listed park in Liverpool. From the parking, follow the path through the trees along the park’s perimeter, which will lead you all the way around Boating Lake.

Now, what makes this trail one of the top hiking trails around Liverpool is that you can take a detour and visit the statue of Peter Pan, which is a replica of the one received by Kensington Gardens by J.M. Barrie.

You can choose plenty of paths to extend or shorten the trail according to your choice.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 3.7 km
• Elevation: 94 m
• Approx. Duration: 58 minutes

9. Sefton Park Boating Lake Circular

Enjoy the family-friendly loop around Sefton Park. Take in the scenic paths along the water’s edge of the lakes and ponds, and between the lush green trees that make it among the most beautiful hiking Trails in Liverpool.

What makes Sefton Park Boating Circular one of the best hiking near Liverpool UK? Well, there are several points of interest along the way, including Eros Fountain, The Palm House, and the Bandstand.

If you are planning to go for one of the best walks and hikes around Liverpool with children, ensure that you are careful around the rougher sections, as well as near the water, while walking with children.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Distance: 3.1 km
• Elevation: 70 m
• Approx. Duration: 46 minutes

10. Calderstones Park and Clarkes Garden Circular

If you are not up for easy hiking trails in Liverpool, then you can even head to the Calderstone Park and Clarkes Garden Circular, which is a gentle trail with a moderate difficulty level, taking you through Clarkes Garden, past Allerton Towers.

You will pass through the golf course and Calderstone Park, and you may want to think that this is among the best walks and hikes around Liverpool. Treat your eyes to the scenic paths and breathtaking views on the way.

If you want to relax and take a break, you can sit under the trees, admire the beauty, and connect with nature. You can even go for an invigorating jog, but be careful while crossing the golf course, where you need to be a little aware of the golfers.

While not technically mountain hikes near Liverpool, it is undoubtedly one of the best hiking trails in Liverpool.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Distance: 7.4 km
• Elevation: 144 m
• Approx. Duration: 1 hour 48 minutes

Tips for Hiking in Liverpool

Below are the best travel tips for hiking in Liverpool:

1. Choose a route: Research trails like Lydiate Circular, Allerton Country Circular, Sefton Park, or Croxteth Park.
2. Check the forecast: Look at weather conditions before heading out.
3. Plan for hydration and snacks: Bring nuts, dried fruit, and one liter of water per two hours.
4. Inform someone: Tell a friend or family member your plans and return time.
5. Wear appropriate gear: Use proper shoes and clothing; break in new boots beforehand.
6. Stay on the path: Follow designated trails for safety and environmental protection.
7. Pace yourself: Take short, frequent breaks instead of one long stop.
8. Be responsible: Stay on trails, dispose of trash properly, and respect wildlife.

Popular Hikes in Liverpool - Quick Wrap Up!

Liverpool offers an impressive variety of hiking trails that cater to every fitness level and interest. From the scenic waterfront walks showcasing iconic architecture to peaceful park loops perfect for families, these hikes in Liverpool provide the perfect blend of urban exploration and natural beauty.

Whether you're seeking historical landmarks along the Allerton Country Circular, enjoying lakeside views at Sefton Park, or cycling the River Mersey banks on the Brunswick to Aigburth trail, there's something for everyone.

Most trails are easily accessible, well-maintained, and offer excellent facilities nearby. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and discover these incredible hiking trails in Liverpool that promise unforgettable outdoor adventures.