Formby Dunes and Red Squirrel Walk

The Formby Dunes and Red Squirrel Walk is a nature walk through pinewoods and coastal sand dunes at Formby, on the Sefton coast about 20 km north of Liverpool in Merseyside, north-west England. The site, reached from Victoria Road, Formby (L37 1LJ), is looked after by the National Trust and is one of the few places in England where red squirrels can still be seen in woodland. The pine plantations behind the dunes provide habitat for the squirrels, and the surrounding coastline is also noted for its wide beach, shifting dunes and wildlife.

The walk is graded easy and suits all ages and fitness levels. Several waymarked trails of different lengths run through the pinewoods and out to the beach, and a typical visit lasts two to three hours. Paths are mostly sandy or firm woodland tracks, though dune sections can be soft and tiring underfoot. No special skills are needed, and children can join with ordinary supervision. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, carry water, and bring waterproofs because the coast can be windy.

The National Trust operates the car park, where charges are typically about GBP 5-8, with reductions or free entry for members. Formby is also on Merseyrail's Northern Line, so visitors can travel from Liverpool by train and walk to the entrance. Red squirrels are most often seen in the pines early or late in the day, and visitors are asked to stay quietly on the paths, avoid feeding the animals and keep dogs under control. Squirrels are wild, and sightings cannot be guaranteed, so patience and quiet movement improve the chances. Some areas of the dunes are protected, and fenced sections should not be entered.

Safety considerations are straightforward: stay on marked paths to protect the dunes, watch for incoming tides if walking along the shore, and take care in strong winds. The beach has a long history of tidal changes, and visitors who find themselves in difficulty should call 999. Conditions to avoid include storms and very high winds, which can bring down branches in the woodland. The walk can be enjoyed year-round, with spring and autumn offering mild weather and good wildlife viewing, and winter days giving the clearest light on the dunes.