Formby Squirrel Walk and Pinewoods
Merseyside
The pinewoods at Formby, planted in the nineteenth century to stabilise the dunes and later to supply pit props for coal mines, are one of the last strongholds of the native red squirrel in England, managed by the National Trust alongside the wider dune system on this stretch of Sefton coast. A dog needs a lead in the signed squirrel reserve sections, but the shaded, sandy paths make an easy ramble the rest of the way. This roughly 3km loop from the Victoria Road car park follows the waymarked Squirrel Trail through dense pine and birch woodland, looping back without dropping onto the open beach or dunes, which lie a short walk further on for those who want to extend the route. The paths are flat and mostly sandy, easy underfoot in dry weather though softer after rain.
This is a dog friendly woodland where dogs are welcome throughout, but the signed squirrel reserve areas ask for dogs to be kept on a lead, to protect one of the last significant red squirrel populations in England. Outside those sections a dog with good recall can enjoy more freedom among the pines. There is no natural water on this loop, so bring some for a warm day, and the sandy paths can be soft going for a dog after rain. The National Trust cafe near the car park has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, and parking is pay and display, free for National Trust members.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.0 km (1.9 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 55 min
- Walk Type
- Woodland, Forest
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- National Trust cafe near the Victoria Road car park (dogs welcome outdoors); toilets.
- Parking
- National Trust Victoria Road car park (L37 1YH), pay and display, free for NT members.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Formby Squirrel Walk and Pinewoods, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Meadow Cottage At Swarbrick Hall Farm
Sleeps 10 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £1,917 / 7 nights
Sycamore Cottage - North Wales
Sleeps 8 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £1,070 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Formby Squirrel Walk and Pinewoods dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome throughout the pinewoods and it scores a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The shaded, sandy paths make for a comfortable walk, and the National Trust café near the Victoria Road car park has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome too.
Can dogs be off lead at Formby Squirrel Walk and Pinewoods?
It depends on where you are on the route. The signed squirrel reserve sections require dogs to be kept on a lead, in order to protect one of the last significant red squirrel populations in England. Outside those areas, a dog with good recall can enjoy more freedom among the pines and birch woodland.
What should I know before visiting Formby Squirrel Walk and Pinewoods with my dog?
There is no natural water on this loop, so bring your own on warmer days — the sandy paths can also be softer going underfoot after rain. Parking is pay and display at the National Trust Victoria Road car park (L37 1YH), free for NT members, and the roughly 3km Squirrel Trail is flat and easy to follow from there.
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National Trust Victoria Road Car Park, Victoria Road, Formby, Liverpool L37 1YH
53.5669, -3.0728
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