Formby: A wonderful winter beach

January 9, 2022January 9, 2022 / mikeosbornphoto / 6 Comments

Formby on the Merseyside coast is one of north-west England’s most popular seaside spots.

But there’s no glitzy resort town, built-up promenade or lines of beach huts. Just acres of sand, rolling dunes and pine forests to explore.

More than three years after my first visit, I returned on a chilly winter’s day and in the wake of Storm Arwen, which felled large pine trees on the roads leading to the beach.

My walk along the sand blew all the cobwebs away, while epic clouds began to fill the sky. So long as you’re wrapped up warm, a winter beach is wonderful, don’t you think? Please leave your comments below

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Wirral: Back to the beach

November 28, 2021November 24, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 4 Comments

The Wirral Peninsula is a favourite destination of mine. It’s a train ride from Manchester to Liverpool and then a quick hop on Merseyrail’s bright yellow shuttle.

The last stop is the town of West Kirby, familiar to me since moving north. I walked to neighbouring Caldy Beach for the first time, a sandy expanse with views of north Wales.

It was a luminous day of bright sunshine, the odd shower and cloud plumes filling the big sky. The light changed rapidly, making photography joyful and exciting.

I walked around West Kirby’s Marine Lake and walked uphill to the town’s striking war memorial – a great viewpoint.

This is a place I would return to time and again. Would you like to visit? Please leave your comments below

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Spurn Point: End of the world

October 31, 2021October 31, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

Spurn Point is an exposed slither of land between the Humber estuary and the North Sea in East Yorkshire.

I’d always noticed this slim spit of territory on maps and was lucky enough to visit on a warm, sunny August day.

It’s a 7.5 mile (12km) hike to the tip of Spurn and back again, taking in beach, heathland and a few buildings including the totemic black and white lighthouse.

Spurn is peacefully desolate. You can see wildlife, look towards the city of Hull and Grimsby, photograph the landscape or just decompress.

This is a memorable place to wander around – but be aware of tide times and wild weather which could affect your visit. For me it was a touch of sunburn! Would you like to experience wild Spurn?

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Heysham: Village by the sea

October 3, 2021September 29, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 2 Comments

Visitors to Lancashire in north-west England flock to its seaside resorts of Blackpool and Morecambe.

But it’s worth stopping at Heysham (pronounced Hee-sham) which is a charming little village perched on the cliffs with beautiful sea views. CONTINUES BELOW

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However, there’s another side to Heysham which is hard to ignore – a nuclear power station and ferry terminal which support a large population beyond the quaint village.

I’m quite fond of industrial facilities but failed to find any redeeming features about the power plant. But on this side of Heysham you can see The Ship sculpture, a truly intriguing landmark.

My advice is to concentrate on the village, the remains of St Patrick’s chapel and enjoy those commanding views over the bay.

Manchester moments

June 20, 2021June 19, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 8 Comments

Here’s a gallery of recent moments here in Manchester, from walks, passing the time of day and appreciating this vibrant city.

On a warm summer’s morning I laid down in the shadow of Deansgate Square, our tallest buildings.

There was a dusk walk along the Manchester Ship Canal when the sky was dramatic and reflections pristine. A stunning, vibrant sunset and capturing a city centre robin complete the set.

Do you think the best things in life are free?