days out

Wirral: Spring has sprung

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When the first signs of Spring show, my instinct is to get out of the city and enjoy some fresh air.

A few weeks ago this took me from Manchester to the Wirral Peninsula near Liverpool, a place I’ve visited many times.

The little town of West Kirby on Wirral’s western edge is blessed with water, wide beaches and open skies. Is this a good place to end your winter hibernation? CONTINUE READING BELOW

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The first place I visited in West Kirby was the war memorial, an energetic walk uphill. The site, which offers views across the peninsula and Irish Sea, was bathed in buttery yellow gorse blossom.

One place that I always visit and photograph is the Marine Lake and the walkway that encircles the water. Little figures of walkers and a huge bright sky always create memorable frames.

To the north at the mercy of the tide is Hilbre Island and expanses of sand alongside shifting waters.

I also took my sun-kissed walk around the corner of the peninsula, skirting Hoylake promenade and sands which have been rewilded from beach to greenery.

This is an outing that never fails to energise and lift the mood, especially when it felt like an end to a long winter.

Walkers enjoy an early Spring walk around the Marine Lake path in West Kirby, Wirral.

West Kirby walkers enjoy Spring skies

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Cumbria: Little island trip

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When you have a friend with a car who suggests a last-minute trip to Cumbria’s lesser known islands, you fetch your camera and hop in.

The sun was shining in an early Spring sky blobbed with fluffy white clouds and the two-hour journey from Manchester passed swiftly.

The highlights of the Furness Peninsula include tiny Piel Island, accessible only by ferry boat which had a lot of passengers waiting for a ride. I’d taken this commute back in 2018 on a quieter weekday.

Instead we looped through the industrial town of Barrow to visit Walney Island. Its rock-strewn beach was practically empty and proved a haven for beachcombing and enjoying the seascape. A blissful retreat from the city.

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On a day trip of spontaneity, we decided to make a homeward detour to the pretty little town of Kirkby Lonsdale, just as dusk was beginning to sink in.

There was a much-needed pub pitstop and a swift wander around the honey-coloured houses and charming little shops of a place straddling the Lake District and Yorkshire Moors.

With just time to take a couple of photos, it was clear Kirkby warranted its very own grand day out another time.

A late afternoon view of the churchyard at Kirkby Lonsdale.

Birds gathering on chimneys and rooftops at dusk in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria.

Wales by the sea

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The British summer has been a disappointment, with cool temperatures and a lot of rain.

So when a warm sunny day was forecast, I travelled by train to Colwyn Bay on the north Wales coast – a place I’d never visited.

What did I think? And did the weather hold up? FIND OUT MORE BELOW

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My first sight was this lovely stretch of coast under blue skies and warm sunshine. I wasn’t the only one who had decided to flock to the seaside, but there was room for everyone.

Colwyn Bay has a short but perfectly formed Victorian pier which was remodelled and restored in 2021 with swathes of pink ironwork which looked stunning against the sky.

I wandered north to Colywn’s smaller neighbour Rhos-on-Sea with its stone harbour and stretches of stony coastline less intended for human habitation.

After a hearty lunch the weather had closed in, with swathes of grey cloud masking the sun. But somehow this added atmosphere to the coastal landscape and day trippers carrying on regardless.

This part of north Wales coastline sits between the brash resorts of Rhyl and Prestatyn, with the eternally popular Llandudno further north.

I’m glad I decided to explore the area and make the most of a break in our dank northerly summer. Does it look good to you?

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Two seasons on the reservoir

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Entwistle Reservoir in Lancashire is just a 30 minute train journey from Manchester. It’s a beauty spot that changes greatly with the seasons. Enjoy the photographs and read more below

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My first visit to Entwistle was on a chilly February morning. The area was cloaked in a ghostly blanket of fog while the reservoir’s levels were very healthy.

Fast forward to July and a summer heatwave with piercing blue skies. The waterways were noticably depleted and green blooms of algae were taking hold. It looked a very different place to the winter.

A walk to the magnificent Entwistle Viaduct on both visits was a real contrast. In winter it reflected perfectly in plump waters. By summer the scene was drought-ridden and tainted by algae.

No matter what the season is, Entwistle and the adjacent Wayoh reservoir is a popular place for walkers and their dogs, with the calm waterways and surrounding tranquil forests.

Back in the heat of July, I had to stop for a refreshing drink and hearty pub lunch at the Strawbury Duck before heading back to Manchester.

Entwistle Reservoir is a place I’d go back to for a good walk with my camera and to observe the changing seasons.

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Five glorious gardens to visit and enjoy

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The Easter holidays are with us and it’s a time to get out and about. Spring is also the time to visit some beautiful public gardens for fresh air and gorgeous views. Here are my five top tips – share yours by leaving a comment below.

DUNHAM MASSEY
Cheshire, UK

This stately pile just outside Manchester is a popular spot for walkers and day trippers. Aside from the acres of parkland there are sumptuous woodland and formal gardens with carpets of seasonal flowers – in April you may see swathes of colourful tulips. Tap/click image to see more

Dunham is renowned for its seasonal flower displays

YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK
Near Wakefield, UK

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is less of a delicate garden, more a spectacular playground. The extensive countryside grounds have water, woodlands and are studded with large artworks and changing displays. This place will definitely fill a day out. Tap/click image to see more

Landscape artworks at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a garden on an impressive scale

WALKDEN GARDENS
Manchester, UK

Walkden Gardens is tucked away in the south Manchester suburbs. It’s small but packs in value above its weight. The maze-like space has its own folly, a pergola walkway and many pretty plants. Definitely a lovely little escape if you’re in the area. Tap/click image to see more

Pergola walk at Walkden Gardens, Manchester

The cultivated walkway is one of Walkden’s little gems

BODNANT GARDEN
Near Llandudno, Wales

Bodnant Garden has to be one of the gems of north Wales. It boasts carefully manicured and planted grounds, not to mention a lot of space to roam around and relax. The Pin Mill (below) is a total delight – not to mention your Instgram post of any visit. Tap/click image to see more

Pin Mill at Bodnant Garden in north Wales

Bodnant Garden: A place for reflection

TERRA NOSTRA
Sao Miguel, Azores Islands

This far-flung garden may take a little more effort to visit, but if you happen to visit these mid-Atlantic Portuguese islands, it’s a must-see. A stunning place packed with sub-tropical flora, palm trees and even medicinal bathing waters. Tap/click image to see more

Water lily bloom at Terra Nostra gardens, Azores

Terra Nostra is replete with floral delights

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