Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve Amble
This walk takes you from the Coastal Road in Ainsdale to Freshfield train station and back again on the same path. The walk is approximately 6 miles and will take between 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on your walking pace. It's an easy walk, suitable for dogs.
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There is no parking at the entrance to the walk, nor on the busy Coastal Road it's next to. There is parking available very close by on Pinfold Lane, postcode PR8 3QL. Once parked, walk back to the Coastal Road towards the bridge, follow it along till you see a pathway on your right hand side. Take that path.
Walk past the wooden fence and the sign for Freshfield and Formby train station. After a little way, the path splits left and right. Turn right following the sign with the butterfly symbol.
In a short distance you will walk past a wooden sign telling you that you are on the Sefton Coastal Path. Soon after that there is a Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Reserve sign with information about the reserve. Keep following the Butterfly route signs.
Once you have reached the gate, cross through and continue on the path. The train tracks will be on your left.
On a nice summer's day, watch the butterflies fluttering by.
Keep an eye out for RAF Woodvale on the left hand side. There are picnic tables further down on the right hand side if you wish to stop for a while. It's a peaceful area, even with the trains whizzing by.
Some of the views...
The path splits left or right, turn left here and continue till you see a metal gate with a sign for Freshfield train station. Cross through the gate following the Direction the sign is pointing. As you are stood facing the gate, there is an information sign behind you.
The path takes you through the middle of a golf course. Dogs must be kept on a lead at this point and cyclists should dismount. Keep an eye out for golf balls hurtling towards you.
You will meet the train tracks at a footpath crossing. Please take great care when crossing here and be sure to shut both gates behind you. Once you have reached the other side, turn right. The tracks will be on your right hand side.
The path gives way to a road. It's very quiet, but do keep an eye out for cars. Towards the end of the road, Freshfield train station car park is on the right hand side. Walk past this to the junction, The Level Crossing can be seen on the right. This is the end of the path. Turn around and return the way you came.
The Good Catch chip shop, you have just walked past, does great chips if you are feeling peckish. The opening times are Monday to Saturday 11.30 am till 2 pm and 4.30 pm till 8.30 pm. If it's a nice day, sit and enjoy your chips on the tables outside.
Some more photographs from the walk.
