Otterspool Park and Promenade
Ideal for cycling and walking. Also wide areas of grassy parkland and woodland. Today it's hard to believe it was enterprisingly built on a former rubbish tip with rock excavated from the first Mersey Tunnel in the 1930s. Pub. Play area. Picnics. Buses from city centre.
St Michaels, Aigburth

Speke & Garston Coastal Reserve to Hale beach and lighthouse
Breezy walks with views to Helsby Hill and the Clwyd range in North Wales. Teal, dunlin and redshank reward the birdwatchers, while wildflowers such as teasel and yellowwort thrive along the cliffs. Pubs and shops in Hale village.

Hale
Ancient village noted for the grave of John Middleton, the Childe of Hale, a 9ft 3in giant who astounded the court of James I. From the village you can reach the Mersey Way footpath via Church Lane and Within Way. Extend the walk to Garston (3 miles).

Speke Hall (Pay)
One of the country's most famous and historic Elizabethan half-timbered houses with fine gardens and extensive woodlands. This National Trust property makes a fascinating day out for the whole family. Tea room. Picnics. 0151 427 7231.
Buses to Speke Hall Avenue, then 15 mins walk.
WC

Pickerings Pasture
Local nature reserve. Wildflower meadows with panoramic views of the Estuary. Walks, picnics and wildlife. Ranger station. 0151 425 4706.
WC

Eastham Country Park
Woodland walks and river views on site of ancient Mersey river crossing. Adjoins lock entrance to Manchester Ship Canal. Tea gardens. Visitor Centre. Buses from Birkenhead. 0151 327 1007. Ranger Station.
Bromborough (1 mile)
WC

Helsby Hill
Spectacular view of the Mersey Estuary and a good starting point for country walks.

Frodsham marshes
A prime location for birdwatchers. Enthusiasts are welcome but must keep to the roads as much of the area is private or farm land.

Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port (Pay)
Enjoy a taste of life afloat at Europe's leading canal heritage centre. Set in an old dock complex overlooking the Mersey Estuary. More than 60 boats afloat plus indoor exhibitions, working engines, lock demonstrations and boat trips. Cafe and shops. 0151 355 5017.
Ellesmere Port
WC

Runcorn Hill and Heath Park
Local nature reserve with extensive heath and woodland.

Stadt Moers Country Park
A newly-landscaped park with formal and informal areas including nature reserve and wildflower meadows. 0151 489 1239. Picnics.
WC

Halewood Triangle Country Park
One of Merseyside's few remaining areas of native woodland, together with pools and meadows. This area has been recolonised by nature within a former railway junction. Offers walkers and cyclists a network of footpaths and bridleways at southern end of footpath following the former Liverpool Loop Line. 0151 488 6151. Picnics.

Pex Hill Country Park
A small peaceful park on a sandstone outcrop with oak, heathland and gorse. Astronomical observatory open by appointment. Picnics. 0151 495 1410.
WC