Yahoo News Beautiful and picturesque cycling routes to explore around Liverpool
Merseyside boasts a wide variety of picturesque cycle routes to explore.
Everything from gorgeous forest paths and hidden gems to rougher routes for mountain bikers and those perfect for a family day out are all available - making Merseyside somewhat of a cyclist heaven.
With the long days of sunlight which summer affords, it's the perfect opportunity to make the most of one of the beautiful and scenic cycling paths located across the region.
READ MORE: Liverpool in the 1940s captured in 40 fascinating photographs
Below, we've compiled a varied list of bike routes to appeal to everyone's preferences.
Formby Beach
Formby Beach is in the top 10 beaches in the UK for cycling, with 17,000 average monthly searches. Less than an hour away from Liverpool, the beach's miles of sandy shores make it a must-visit destination for some summer sun, beach picnics and leisurely strolls.
Where: Formby Beach
Distance: 3.5 miles
North East Cycle Route
The ride from Seacombe Ferry Terminal to New Brighton is a great way for beginners and families who want an easy, traffic-free cycling experience with scenic views of the Liverpool Waterfront. The scenic path takes cyclists past city landmarks and iconic buildings ending at New Brighton, which has a range of activities waiting for you upon your arrival.
Where: Seacombe Ferry terminal - New Brighton
Distance: 5 miles
North West Cycle Route
This five-mile route is an easy ride with stunning vistas across the coastline on what is mostly flat surfaces. Starting and finishing at Wirral Country Park in Thurstaston with Wirral Way on the way, the relaxed route follows the track bed of the former Birkenhead Railway route from West Kirby to Hooton.
Where: Thurstaston – West Kirby - Thurstaston
Distance: 5 miles
Squirrel Cycle Route
The route passes by several nature reserves where you can stop and see the local wildlife in their natural habitats. The 7.5-mile route will take around an hour to complete and is mostly off-road.
Where: Southport - Formby
Distance: 7.5miles
Curlew Cycle Route
Enjoy riding past the former homes of John Smith, Captain of the Titanic, and Thomas Henry Ismay, founder of the White Star Line shipping company, eventually leading onto Burbo Bank Road North.
At this point you can either extend the ride by heading into Crosby to enjoy its many bars and restaurants or ride back along the prom, passing Antony Gormley’s Another Place statues which make an impressive sight in their beach setting.
Where: Crosby circular
Distance: 4.5 miles
Otterspool Promenade
Take in the gardens and lakes as you travel alongside the River Mersey. Once you arrive at Sefton Park, you can either unwind and take in the greenery or continue on this eight-mile scenic route.
Where: Otterspool circular
Distance: 7.44 miles
Delamere Forest
The well-maintained routes make for a cosy and secluded journey with some hidden gems located through the trees. Delamere Forest, in Cheshire, is a 40-minute car ride from Liverpool and provides an authentic experience for mountain bikers to enjoy.
Where: Delamere Forest
Distance: 4 miles
Butterfly Route
This gorgeous route boasts butterflies, sand lizards and natterjack toads, as well as a view of the iconic RAF Woodvale.
Beginning from Freshfield Railway Station, the path weaves its way past the million-pound houses on Victoria Road, over the Formby Bypass, and past the old Formby Hall which was built in 1523.
It eventually makes its way to the Nature Reserve before passing the edge of RAF Woodvale which opened in 1941 during World War Two, and past the Lancashire Wildlife Trust site and the Freshfield Dune Heath Nature Reserve before arriving back at Freshfield Station.
Where: Freshfield Circular
Distance: 7 miles
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