Walks you can reach from Fazakerley by train

A largely flat canal route, mainly along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath (a green, tree-shaded ribbon despite nearby roads and industry), with tarmac and earth footpaths and a wildlife area and an aqueduct over the River Alt. Some unavoidable kerbs and narrow cycle barriers. Mostly follows the Leeds and Liverpool Canal; passes the Rimrose Valley / Brook Vale wildlife area and Aintree Racecourse. Can be split at Old Roan, where there are a few shops and cafes near the station.

Waterway: three quarters along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Time: 3h–6h30

Lunch: A short diversion at Old Roan reaches a few shops and cafes near the station.

Warnings: A stepped footbridge over a main road at the Litherland end (avoidable by crossing at the big roundabout instead); several narrow cycle barriers and a slightly muddy path under the railway.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A mixture of paved foot/cycle path and bridleway, mostly on the Kirkby Valley Greenway and through shady wooded areas and with sections running alongside the M57 motorway. A gradual final ascent towards Prescot. Plenty of facilities at start and finish.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 3h–6h

Warnings: Follows a busy road for half of the walk. The final section includes a busy roundabout and motorway sliproad to negotiate; crosses the busy East Lancs dual carriageway.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A route that begins with well-paved, gradually uphill road walking through the suburbs, then becomes a green walk on the tarmac path of an old railway, along a canal and through narrow natural paths in undergrowth and with a steep dip in one place. Part of the route follows the Trans-Pennine Trail along an old railway line; it passes Aintree Racecourse.

Time: 2h30–5h30

Lunch: Shops at the Black Bull on Rice Lane, and shops at the Kirkby end.

Warnings: Follows a busy road for a sixth of the walk. The barriers at the Barlow's Lane crossing are very narrow, and parts of the path have subsidence and a steep dip.

Walk details: Slow Ways.