The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Hale

This monument, a beautifully crafted statue of a great man, takes the viewer back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. It is dedicated to "Childe of Hale" (which is also the name of this highlight), but his real name was John Middleton.

"The earliest known human activity at Oglet is in prehistoric times possibly Mesolithic and Bronze Age, based upon flint artefacts found in the area. Furthermore, a Roman coin (a Denarius of Septimus Severus) and a brooch are amongst other pre-medieval archaeological discoveries. However, its history does not intensify until the late middle ages. Based on the etymology of Oglet, it's believed that the area was oak woodland late into the Anglo-Saxon period. Unlike neighbouring Speke, Oglet is not mentioned in the Domesday Book; it first appears by name in written records of the late 1200s. It is thought to be a case of a shrunken medieval village. An abundance of archaeological finds, particularly pottery, as well as evidence of medieval strip fields in the wider proximity of the hamlet, suggests that it was originally a larger settlement during the later Middle Ages that shrunk during the post-medieval period ending up concentrated on just a single no through road, Oglet Lane. Records from the 14th century through to the 16th century chronicle areas of Oglet being regularly transferred between different local aristocrats of the time, frequently involving the Norris, Molyneux and Ireland families; in 1334, they came together in making Oglet/Speke's eastern boundary official, going by a medieval feature known as the "Ditch of Spek". Many years of agricultural developments have destroyed any evidence of earthworks from those times, however." Source: Wikipedia You can read more here; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oglet

Given the close proximity of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, this is a lovely peaceful walk in an area with so much history. As well as the views across the fields on one side there are the views of the river on the other.

"John Middleton (1578–1623) was an English giant who was born in the village of Hale and is commonly known as the Childe of Hale. He was allegedly 9 feet 3 inches (2.82 m) tall, and legend tells that he slept with his feet out of the window of his small house, and tales credit him with great strength. He was employed as a bodyguard by the sheriff of Lancashire." Source: Wikipedia

I would suggest starting from here rather than Speke. The route from the original start point to here doesn't add anything to the walk. There is limited, on road parking in Bailey's Lane.

Watching the tide rush in. There are a number of benches on this leg of the walk to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet disturbed only by the sound of the river pouring in.

Good for gravel and mtb if you're on a road bike ok with gatorskins. Some rocks and pebbles, but a nice view from Hale light house.

Worth a stop on the beach it's only small you would have to climb down. But well worth for pictures.