Formby Beach Dog Walk: Red Squirrel Reserve, Pinewoods and Off-Lead Sandy Beach
Formby, Merseyside
Red squirrel sightings at Formby are almost guaranteed in the pinewoods on a quiet morning, which makes the Formby Red Squirrel Reserve walk one of the few places in England where a dog owner can share the experience with one of the country’s rarest mammals. The route combines those pinewoods with wide sandy beach, soft dunes, and the distinctive asparagus field trails that give Formby a character unlike anywhere else on this coast. The beach is off-lead and open to dogs year-round, except for a section from Cafe Cove to the Kingsway sea defences between 1 May and 30 September. Along the Squirrel Walk itself, dogs must be kept on leads to protect the population; this is the rule that makes reliable sightings possible. The paths through the pinewoods are firm compacted stone and mud; the dune crossings are loose sand and noticeably harder going. The car park fills rapidly on busy days and the National Trust recommends arriving by train: Formby station is 1 km from the reserve entrance on the Merseyrail Northern line from Liverpool Central.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed on Formby Beach?
Yes, dogs are welcome on Formby Beach year-round, but there is a seasonal section ban. Between 1 May and 30 September, dogs are not permitted on the stretch of beach between Cafe Cove and the Kingsway sea defences. Outside that section and outside those dates, the beach is fully open to dogs off-lead. The seasonal ban is a Sefton Council PSPO; the boundary markers are signed on the beach.
Can I take my dog on the red squirrel trail at Formby?
Yes, but dogs must be kept on leads along the Squirrel Walk (the designated red squirrel viewing trail through the pinewoods). The lead rule is what makes reliable squirrel sightings possible - off-lead dogs would disturb the population. Dogs are welcome on leads on the Squirrel Walk; the rest of the pinewood paths are more relaxed but check National Trust signage on the day.
Is the Formby car park suitable for a dog walk?
The National Trust Victoria Road car park is close to the reserve entrance, but it fills extremely quickly on weekends and bank holidays. The National Trust recommends arriving by train: Formby station on the Merseyrail Northern line from Liverpool Central is approximately 1 km from the reserve entrance and avoids the parking problem entirely. If you do drive, arriving before 9am on busy days gives the best chance of a space.
What is the terrain like at Formby for dogs?
The pinewood paths are firm compacted stone and mud - easy going for most dogs. The dune crossings are loose deep sand and noticeably harder work, particularly for older dogs or those with joint issues. The beach itself is wide and firm at low tide. Check dogs for ticks before leaving the car park - the woodland has a tick population from spring through autumn.
Plan this walk with live weather and dog-safe route info