Nothing signals the arrival of autumn quite like a walk in the fresh air. Wrapping up warm and heading out into nature can leave you feeling refreshed and boost your well-being.
There’s lots of great walks you can do this autumn right here in Greater Manchester, from pretty Victorian parks to stunning woodland. But if you fancy an autumn walk with a difference then a trip to the beach may be what you’re looking for.
An hour’s drive from Manchester, Crosby Beach is a huge stretch of golden sand north of Liverpool with views across the Wirral to the mountains of North Wales. It's separated from an area of parkland with sloping sand dunes.
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The beach is around two and a half miles long with breath-taking views out to sea. In the distance you can even spot off-shore wind turbines and watch the comings and goings of container ships.
One of the unique features of Crosby is the permanent art installation on the shore. Dozens of cast iron, life-sized statues stand in the sand looking out at the sea.
There are 100 figures in total spread out along three kilometres of the foreshore, and the furthest is positioned nearly a kilometre out to sea. Entitled ‘Another Place’, the installation was created by the artist Antony Gormley, the sculptor behind the Angel of the North.
Each of the figures weighs 650kg and they are all casts of the artist’s own body. According to the artist, the installation is about exploring man’s relationship with nature as the tide ebbs and flows around the statues.
Whether you’re into art or not, the statues are a sight to behold as they stare ominously out to sea. They also make brilliant photo-opportunities with many visitors to the beach trying out different poses inspired by the figures.
One thing you do need to know when you visit Crosby Beach is 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.
But when the tide’s in you can still soak up all of the coastal atmosphere with a walk along the promenade and watch the statues as the water rises up around them. For a more challenging walk you can take on a section of the Sefton Coastal Path, a 22-mile long route which stretches from Crosby to Southport.
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