Marshside and Crossens sit beside one of the most wildlife-rich parts of the Sefton coast. The area is excellent for longer walks and wide-open views, but it is also a place where dogs need to be managed carefully because of nesting, feeding and roosting birds.
RSPB Marshside
RSPB Marshside has three main trails through wetland and coastal habitat. Dogs are welcome on the reserve but must be kept on leads, and only assistance dogs are allowed inside the hides.
Check the latest RSPB Marshside information.
Sutton’s Trail
Sutton’s Trail is the longest of the main reserve routes at around 3 miles. The RSPB describes it as rough and unsurfaced with narrow entrances and a stile, so it is better suited to dogs and owners comfortable with more uneven ground.
Rimmer’s Trail
Rimmer’s Trail is around 2 miles and also uses rough, unsurfaced paths. It includes kissing gates and road crossings, so dogs should stay securely on lead throughout the route.
Redshank Road
Redshank Road is the shortest option at around half a mile, crossing tidal marsh on an uneven track. Because it is tidal, the RSPB specifically advises checking tide times before using this route.
Walking towards Crossens
The wider coastal landscape continues north towards Crossens, giving you scope for a longer outing beyond the reserve itself. This is an important area for wintering and migratory birds, so dogs should be kept well away from flocks and under close control at all times.
Why leads matter here
Marshside is not simply an open field. It is a working nature reserve used by breeding and wintering birds throughout the year. Keeping dogs on leads protects wildlife and also makes the walk more predictable around other reserve users, roads and grazing areas.
Before you set off
- Dogs must be kept on leads within RSPB Marshside.
- Assistance dogs only are allowed in the hides.
- Check tide times before using Redshank Road.
- Expect rough and unsurfaced ground on the longer trails.
- Keep well away from feeding, roosting and nesting birds.
- Follow any additional conservation or livestock signage.
Need a dog walker in Marshside or Crossens?
Kay9 Adventures provides home collection for dog walking in Marshside and dog walking in Crossens, with regular and one-off options available.
See the full dog walking and adventure options or contact Kay9 Adventures to arrange a free initial meet-up.