Merseyside Accessible Countryside
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Merseyside.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Birkenhead Park - "Opened in 1847, Birkenhead Park was the very first publicly funded public park not only in Britain, but in the world. It was designed by the renowned British landscaper – Sir Joseph Paxton," "The Park consists primarily of flat land, with some steady inclines across the landscape, particularly around the South of the park. The paths and carriage drive around the park are surfaced with tarmac, with some specific sections near entrances surfaced with cobbles, all of which are suitable for wheelchair users." from their access statement
- Download the Access Statement from the Wirral Council website
Brotherton Park and Dibbinsdale Local Nature Reserve - We understand that the park and nature reserve have some surfaced paths suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter access. - "Situated in a picturesque river valley, this 54 hectare site offers a calm and characterful retreat. It includes one of Wirral's largest and finest examples of SSSI ancient woodland, with other notable habitats including wildflower meadows, reed swamps and historic parkland." from the Wirral Council website
- there is more on accessibility on the AccessAble website
Croxteth Hall and Country Park - "Croxteth Hall sits in a traditional beautiful Country Park and is one of Liverpool’s most important heritage sites. Formerly the home of the Earls of Sefton, this stunning building is preserved in time." "Outside on the grounds of the Country Park is the Victorian Walled Garden, all set in over 500 acres of historic parkland. Surrounding the Hall is a beautiful woodland, pasture, and nature reserve." "The entrance to Croxteth Hall is ramped and there is a lift which gives access to the upstairs display rooms. The Cafe area on the grounds of the Hall is also accessible via a ramp – please use the right-hand entrance at the Courtyard to gain entry. This also provides level access to the Toilets and Disabled/Changing places toilets." "The Country Park has miles of estate roads and tracks with tarmac and stone surfacing which makes them easily accessible, whilst the Victorian Walled Garden has slightly ramped access onto fine gravel paths." "Our playground includes a wheelchair swing and is accessible via tarmacked paving. Please ask in the Gift Shop located on the ground floor of Croxteth Hall for a fixing kit (to secure the wheelchair) – a Radar key is required for access." - from the Croxteth Hall website
Eastham Country Park - "Situated on the Wirral bank of the River Mersey, this park provides breath-taking views across the estuary. It also supports an abundance of wildlife and contains some of the finest mature trees to be found on the Wirral" "The cliffs at Eastham Country Park provide superb sites for viewing the flocks of waders and ducks on the estuary." - from the Wirral Council website
- "The path(s) has a / have compact earth, loose wood chippings, tarmac and muddy surface(s). The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users. There are some bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest." - from the AccessAble website
Formby - (NT) - "Discover some of Europe’s best sand dune habitats, where many rare species including natterjack toads thrive. Rich in history, visitors can catch glimpses of the past from spotting pre-historic footprints and shipwrecks to strolling through what was once acres of asparagus fields. Formby’s sweeping pinewoods are also home to the iconic red squirrel" "Mobility car park spaces can be found in woodland and beach car park at Victoria Road and at Lifeboat Road car park. An accessible toilet is available at Victoria Road, accessed via a radar key. Accessible paths in some woodlands and throughout the asparagus trail. The beach can be accessed via a hard standing path and a boardwalk from Lifeboat Road car park. From 06/09/21 this boardwalk will be closed for extensive repairs. At Victoria Road the beach can only be accessed over the sand dunes via a steep, sandy path. The field at Lifeboat Road contains uneven surfaces and may become boggy in wet weather." - from the National Trust website
Southport - Queen's Jubilee Nature Trail - "The Queens Jubilee Nature Trail is a wildlife haven in Southport. The site lies close to the town centre, and has a series of well laid out trails, information boards and picnicking areas." "Access to the site is from the Esplanade at one of two entrances, both of which lead on to circular pathways around the site which are linked with paths through Victoria Park to Rotten Row. Many of the paths around the site and the viewing platform are particularly suitable for disabled access. This platform gives excellent views of the beach and high tide roosts of shore birds." - from the Visit Southport website
Speke Hall, Garden and Estate - (NT) - "A green oasis with a rare Tudor house at its heart, surrounded by beautiful gardens, woodland and glorious views over the River Mersey." "Mobility parking spaces in main car park, 50 yards from ticket office. One accessible toilet at Home Farm and one accessible toilet in the Dairy Courtyard. Grounds - generally flat pathways, with steep gradients leading up to/down from the Bund, in to/out of the Moat and Stream Gardens. Moat garden also has narrow archway under bridge crossing above pathway. Cobbles leading to, and in the Dairy Courtyard. Full access statement and map of accessible route are below, but please note that some parts of Speke may be closed on your visit - from the National trust website
- An access Statement can be downloaded from the National trust website
Stanley Park - We understand there are surfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs - "Stanley Park is a 110-acre, Grade II listed green space just north of Liverpool city centre. Dating from 1870, the park is famous for dividing the home grounds of the two Premiership football clubs" "The park has fishing lakes and a play area, and numerous historical features including, most notably, the Grade II listed Isla Gladstone conservatory." - from the Visit Liverpool website - also see access details on the AccessAble website
Wirral Country Park - "Wirral Way – 12 mile long combined walking and cycle route with separate horse riding route...enjoy a picnic or BBQ overlooking the Dee Estuary" "access for disabled people to the visitor centre, accessible toilet with baby change, access for disabled people to the Wirral Way, no wheelchair access to beach" - from the Wirral Council website
Woolton Woods and Camphill - "The 74 acre Camphill and Woolton Woods sit within a conservation area in South Liverpool. An ideal spot for dog walking, sporting activities and is popular with schools" "Access to the park is via Woolton High Street and adjacent to St Julie's Catholic High School" - from the Liverpool City Council website
- There is an accessible trail to download on the Mersey Forest website