Wrap up warm and head to the coast this weekend for a refreshing walk by the sea
Head to Crosby beach for a refreshing walk this weekend (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
For families the first weekend in January marks the end of the school holidays with parents breathing a sigh of relief that the kids are returning to school, for others it signifies the end of the party season and the start of new resolutions. For some, it’s just a weekend like any other.
One thing that is certain for everyone, is that this first weekend of the year is going to be very cold indeed. But in a way that’s fitting for a fresh start and it’s set to be bright and clear, too.
According to the latest forecasts from the Met Office, temperatures will hover just above freezing in the North West this weekend. Quite literally perfect weather for blowing the cobwebs away.
Crisp and cold weather like this calls for a bracing walk outside. Of course, lots of layers are needed – time to put on that hat you got for Christmas to use – but it’ll be worth is as the cold air will leave you feeling invigorated.
The beach has amazing views across the Wirral(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
For the ultimate refreshing walk to kick off your New Year, head to the coast. A trip to the seaside isn’t just for summer, in fact there’s something rather special about empty beaches, salty air and crashing waves during the winter.
Around an hour’s drive from Manchester, Crosby Beach is a vast stretch of sand just north of Liverpool. It boasts incredible views across the Wirral to the mountains of North Wales. In the distance you’ll be able to see off-shore wind turbines and watch the comings and goings of large container ships.
Crowds take to Crosby Beach on Boxing Day (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
At around two and a half miles long, the beach is separated from an area of parkland with sloping sand dunes. It’s a beautiful place to stretch your legs on a fresh winter’s day, although thermals are a must given the icy sea breeze. For a longer walk you can pick up a section of the Sefton Coastal Path, a 22-mile long route which stretches from Crosby to Southport.
What makes Crosby a bit different from other beaches nearby are the dozens of cast-iron, life-sized statues which stand in the sand looking out at the sea. They are in fact a permanent art installation entitled ‘Another Place’, created by the artist Antony Gormley, the sculptor behind the Angel of the North.
Crosby Beach has incredible sunsets (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
In total there are 100 figures spread out along three kilometres of the foreshore and the furthest is located nearly a kilometre out to sea. The statues are all casts of the artist’s own body and the installation is about exploring man’s relationship with nature as waves lap around them. They’re an impressive sight and make for a brilliant photo, especially at sunset when the sky is transformed with shades of red, orange and yellow.
If you do visit Crosby Beach it’s important to know that there are areas of soft sand and mud so you’re warned not to go out to the furthest statues. Visitors are advised to stay within 50 metres of the promenade at all times and Crosby is a non-bathing beach.
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