Some of the best scenery is on our doorstep in the North West
The view from Billinge Hill in Billinge, St Helens
With the Easter bank holiday weekend upon us, it’s the perfect opportunity to make the most of the extra time and head out on a nice walk. The North West of England is home to some of the most beautiful scenery the UK has to offer, but some of the best walks are actually right on our doorstep in Merseyside.
If you don’t fancy a drive out to the Lake District, there are plenty of options around Liverpool to take the family out for some fresh air this bank holiday weekend. The short walk up to Billinge Hill, also known as “Billinge Lump”, will actually take you to the highest point in Merseyside.
Located in Billinge, St Helens, the walk up to Billinge Hill offers breathtaking views of Merseyside and the whole of the North West. It is a popular walking route among families, leading up to 587ft which makes it the highest point in Merseyside.
Billinge Lump offers panoramic views of the North West
You can park up at Bankes Park, which offers free parking, and start your walk next to Billinge Bakehouse, perhaps grabbing a coffee on route, or even an ice cream if the weather brightens up.
The walk from Bankes Park (WN5 7HR) to the summit of Billinge Hill is relatively short. The direct walk is around one mile and takes around 20-30 minutes.
There are other walking routes available, including from Orrell Water Park, which offers a 4-mile route.
In this case, the path from Bankes Park will lead you down the side of the park and up through Beacon Road. You will pass through a housing estate and into the woods.
The path begins on Beacon Road
After walking down a narrow woodland path, you will reach a huge field and a bench, where you can sit to take in the views.
The path then bends round to the right, where it is a short climb up to the summit. When you reach the top you will find the Beacon Tower.
Built in 1788, the structure sits at the top of Billinge Hill. You can look out onto the stunning panoramic views of the region.
On a clear day, you can see views of the whole of the North West, and can spot some of our famous features including Liverpool Docks, the Manchester skyline, Winter Hill, North Wales and often Blackpool Tower.
Billinge Beacon Tower
You can walk the same way back down, and back to the car park at Bankes Park. If you didn’t beforehand, now you can treat yourself to a coffee, cake or ice cream to finish off the day.