Birkdale is well placed for dog owners who want access to the Sefton coast without always heading straight for a busy beach entrance. The sandhills, dune trails and links towards Ainsdale give you plenty of scope to vary distance, terrain and pace.

Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills

The Ainsdale and Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve covers a large area of dunes, beach and dune slacks. It is one of the most varied local options for dogs that enjoy sandy paths, grassland and a more natural landscape.

Dogs should be kept under control and out of dune pools and protected areas. The reserve supports rare wildlife, including natterjack toads, so following signs and keeping dogs away from sensitive habitat is especially important.

Read Sefton Council’s reserve information.

The Velvet Trail

The Velvet Trail is a circular route through the reserve, following the Green Beach from Weld Road before winding back through the dunes. It is a useful option when you want a defined route rather than simply choosing paths as you go.

The trail passes through several dune habitats, so it is a good example of why dogs need to stay under control around wildlife and grazing areas.

Linking Birkdale with Ainsdale

Way-marked paths connect the local reserve with Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve, so stronger dogs can enjoy a longer outing that changes from open dune landscape to woodland and more sheltered paths.

For a shorter outing, simply using the Birkdale side of the sandhills can still give far more variety than a normal residential loop.

Wildlife and seasonal care

The Sefton coast is used by large numbers of birds and other protected species. In autumn and winter, large flocks can gather on the sands around Birkdale, so dogs should be kept well away from resting and feeding birds.

Where conservation grazing animals are present in enclosed areas, dogs must be kept on leads in line with local restrictions and signage.

Before you set off

Use the marked paths where possible.
Keep dogs out of dune pools and slacks.
Give birds and livestock plenty of space.
Take a lead even if your dog is normally walked off lead.
Expect sand and uneven ground on dune routes.

Need a dog walker in Birkdale?

Kay9 Adventures provides regular and one-off dog walking in Birkdale, with home collection and walks adapted around age, energy, confidence and temperament.

See the full dog walking and adventure options or contact Kay9 Adventures to arrange a free initial meet-up.