The Best Cycling Routes In Liverpool

Liverpool is a fantastic city for cycling, offering a mix of urban routes, scenic coastal paths, and peaceful countryside escapes. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist looking for a long-distance challenge or a casual rider seeking a leisurely afternoon spin, there's a route for you.

As cycling fanatics here at Liverpool Cycle Tours, we decided to put together this guide exploring five of the best cycling routes in and around Liverpool. Each one has been chosen for its unique appeal, from waterfront views to historic landmarks and lush green spaces. We’ll cover distance, difficulty level, estimated duration, and what you can expect along the way.

So, pump up your tyres, grab your helmet, and let's set off! 🚴‍♂️💨

1. Liverpool Waterfront & Otterspool Promenade

Distance: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30-45 minutes (leisurely pace)

One of the most enjoyable and accessible routes in Liverpool is the Waterfront & Otterspool Promenade ride. Starting at The Royal Albert Dock, this scenic ride takes you along the Mersey River with fantastic views of the city skyline, the Wirral Peninsula, and passing ferries.

You'll cycle past The Beatles Statue, the Museum of Liverpool, and the iconic Pier Head before heading south along the well-paved Otterspool Promenade. This route is perfect for families, beginners, or anyone who enjoys a flat and traffic-free ride.

At Otterspool Park, you can take a break at the café, enjoy the riverside breeze, or even continue further towards Garston and Speke if you're feeling energetic. It's a great ride for soaking up Liverpool’s maritime charm.

You can visit some of these locations on our tours of Liverpool!

2. Sefton Park & Calderstones Loop

Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour

For those who enjoy a mix of urban cycling and nature, the Sefton Park & Calderstones Loop is a fantastic choice. Beginning at Sefton Park, one of Liverpool’s most beautiful green spaces, this ride takes you through tree-lined paths, past the picturesque Palm House, and around the park's peaceful lake.

From here, you’ll head towards Calderstones Park, a lesser-known gem with beautiful gardens, a lake, and historic stone monuments that predate Stonehenge! The paths are well-kept, but there are a few slight inclines that make this a moderate ride rather than an easy one.

This route is ideal for those who want a leisurely yet slightly challenging ride with plenty of scenic spots to stop and take in the surroundings. Plus, both parks have great cafés if you fancy a mid-ride coffee or snack!

If you'd like to visit these parks, why not book one of our Beatles Tours today?

3. The Liverpool Loop Line (Part of the Trans Pennine Trail)

Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours

For those looking for a longer and more varied route, the Liverpool Loop Line is a fantastic traffic-free option. This route is part of the Trans Pennine Trail, a vast cycling network stretching across northern England.

Starting near Aintree, this converted railway line is now a leafy green corridor cutting through Liverpool's suburbs. It’s a peaceful escape from the city's traffic, with long, straight paths that are perfect for picking up a bit of speed. You’ll pass through areas like Childwall and Broadgreen, with plenty of opportunities to stop at parks and local cafés.

The terrain is mainly flat, but the length makes it slightly more challenging than a casual ride. If you're up for it, you can continue along the Trans Pennine Trail towards Warrington or Southport for an even longer adventure!

From the Liverpool Loop Line you can also access the Leeds Liverpool Canal cycling route which can take you all the way to Yorkshire. You can head here to see our dedicated guide.

4. Crosby Beach & Formby Pinewoods

Distance: 14 miles (22.5 km)
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Duration: 2 – 3 hours

For those who love coastal rides, the Crosby Beach to Formby Pinewoods route is a must. Starting in Liverpool city centre, you’ll cycle north along the Mersey past the docks and up to Crosby Beach, home to Antony Gormley’s famous "Another Place" statues – an eerie yet stunning art installation of life-size iron figures gazing out to sea.

From Crosby, the ride continues along quiet roads and pathways towards Formby, a stunning area of sand dunes and pinewoods. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the rare red squirrels that call the area home!

The terrain varies, with some sections being smooth tarmac and others featuring sandier trails, making it slightly more challenging than other routes on this list. The return journey can be done via train if you want a more relaxed ride back.

5. Wirral Circular Trail

Distance: 25 miles (40 km)
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 3.5 – 5 hours

For those looking for an all-day adventure, the Wirral Circular Trail is one of the best long-distance cycling routes near Liverpool. This fantastic loop takes you around the Wirral Peninsula, offering coastal views, countryside lanes, and peaceful villages.

Starting from Seacombe Ferry Terminal, you’ll cycle along the Wirral Way, a scenic path following an old railway line through parks and nature reserves. Highlights include Thurstaston Beach, the Dee Estuary (with views across to Wales), and the charming town of Parkgate, where you can stop for famous homemade ice cream or fish and chips.

The trail is a mix of well-maintained paths, quiet roads, and some challenging hills, making it suitable for experienced cyclists. If you're up for a full-day cycling adventure in Liverpool, this is one of the most rewarding routes in the region.

Our Summary Of The Best Cycling Routes in Liverpool

If you’re looking for the perfect cycling route in Liverpool, here’s a quick recap of our top picks:

• Liverpool Waterfront & Otterspool Promenade (6 miles, easy) – A relaxed and scenic riverside ride, great for families and beginners.
• Sefton Park & Calderstones Loop (8 miles, moderate) – A lovely urban nature ride through two of Liverpool’s most beautiful parks.
• The Liverpool Loop Line (10 miles, moderate) – A peaceful, traffic-free route on a converted railway path.
• Crosby Beach & Formby Pinewoods (14 miles, moderate-difficult) – A stunning coastal ride with unique artwork and wildlife.
• Wirral Circular Trail (25 miles, challenging) – A full-day cycling adventure with spectacular coastal and countryside views.

No matter your experience level, Liverpool has a cycling route for you. Whether you're after a quick spin along the river, a ride through the parks, or a long-distance coastal journey, the city offers some truly fantastic cycling experiences.

So, which route will you try first? Get your bike ready, and happy cycling! 🚴‍♂️💨