This was an escape from Manchester to the Merseyside coast.
Formby isn’t your usual jolly seaside resort, but a haven of tall sand dunes, gnarled pine trees and a broad stretch of beach.
Wind turbines stand tall out to sea and the mighty city of Liverpool is in view.
It’s a place to clamber, walk and inhale the bracing air – not to mention capture in photographs.
I’ve lived in the north of England for 18 months now. There’s a great deal to explore here, from industrial cities to the natural beauty of the Lake District.
Here’s a scattering a 12 shots from my northern discovery so far. There is a lot more to discover…
It didn’t take me long to return to the Wirral Peninsula after being bowled over by the seaside and estuary town of West Kirby.
On the opposite of this nub of land is the resort of New Brighton, which sits at the mouth of the mighty River Mersey and close to the great city of Liverpool. In Victorian times it was a coastal mecca with a pier, mighty tower and many visitors.
That period magnificence may have disappeared, but this area has engaging views, open seas and industrial colour, fishermen and a landmark lighthouse. It’s a northern spot well worth visiting.
This memorable day trip started with a train from Manchester to Liverpool and then my first ride on the ‘Scouse Metro’ which takes you beneath the Mersey to Birkenhead and deeper into the Wirral peninsula. At the end of the line is the town of West Kirby.
It sits on the estuary of the River Dee as it flows into the Irish Sea, with the north Wales coast across the water. But for much of the day there’s little water as the tide is out, creating a vast expanse of open sand. This was a day of rain and leaden skies, making the sense of space even greater.
West Kirby also has a marine lake circled by a road – a natural place for walks. It adds to the sense of place in this distant part of a great northern peninsula.
Click to enlarge
