Walk this way... the Sefton coast, Merseyside

The route: Begin at the car park on Cambridge Road in Waterloo, Merseyside, and follow the path that edges the lake to Crosby Beach. From the promenade, you can view Antony Gormley's installation, Another Place. (Stay within 50 metres of the prom to avoid adverse tidal conditions.) Follow the prom north - for a short walk, stop at Hall Road Station and take the train back. To see more of the coast, continue to Hightown. Turn right at the River Alt, skirt the rifle range and cross the river again to return to the beach via Hoggs Hill Lane. Walk north along the dunes or beach to Formby Point, before turning right into Lifeboat Road and heading to Formby Station, to travel back to Waterloo by rail.

Why go? The iron statues created by Antony Gormley are now a permanent fixture at Crosby Beach, and stretch two miles along the shore. Many are encrusted with shellfish, their outlines becoming knobbly with age. Depending on the tide, the figures are fully visible, semi- or totally submerged - a visually arresting starting point for an exploration of the Sefton Coast, which is the largest area of sand dunes in England.

How long will it take? The walk to Formby is eight to ten miles and takes around three-and-a-half to four hours, but, as the coast path runs parallel to the railway line, you can break the journey earlier and train it home (see ‘Getting there', right). For guided walks in the area, contact Gordon White, Coast and Countryside Officer at Sefton Council on 0151 934 2967 (see also www.sefton.gov.uk, www.seftoncoast.org.uk and www.seftonsnaturalcoast.com). 

Stamina required? The going is easy on the first section, as far as Hall Road, where the path is well surfaced and flat. Beyond Hightown, it becomes an uneven sandy trail, so take care.

Refuelling options In Waterloo, sink a pint at The Volunteer Canteen (0151 928 4676). A real-ale pub, it is Antony Gormley's favourite.

What else is there to see? From Crosby Beach, there are views of North Wales and Snowdonia, and Liverpool Docks. Further north, from the sands of Formby, you can make out Blackpool Tower and the Cumbrian Hills on a clear day. Southport, at the far end of the Sefton Coast, is an attractive Victorian seaside town. Check out the pier, complete with tram and penny-slot machines, and, in town, the world's only Lawnmower Museum (01704 501336, www.lawnmowerworld.com).

Wildlife highlights? North of Hall Road, it's possible to see estuarine birds, such as knots and dunlin, in large numbers. As you reach Formby, look out for red squirrels, which have one of their few British strongholds on this coastline, or visit the Red Squirrel Reserve (01704 878591, www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

And for kids? Ainsdale Beach, north of Formby, is a good stretch of sand for kite-flying.

Getting there Trains to Southport depart every 15 minutes from Liverpool Central Station. For details, contact Merseytravel on 0871 200 2233 or see www.merseytravel.gov.uk.

Where to stay Pamper yourself at Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool, with 48 individually designed rooms (0151 709 3000, www.hopestreethotel.co.uk). From £150 per room per night.

Southport TIC 01704 533333, www.visitsouthport.com.

OS maps Landranger Map 108: Liverpool, Southport and Wigan; Explorer Map 285: Southport and Chorley. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service