The best hikes from bus stations 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

"Oglet is a small area of Liverpool, England, and the city's most southernly point. The area is entirely rural and virtually unpopulated, save for a couple of farms. For most of its known history, Oglet was classed as a hamlet in the township of Speke. Nowadays however, "Oglet" or "The Oglet" is typically used in reference to the entire area of land (which includes the remainder of the hamlet) located sandwiched between Liverpool John Lennon Airport in Speke to the north and the River Mersey in all other directions, except for a short land border with Hale to its east. It has been described as "Liverpool's last piece of countryside"; it is situated on low-lying, flat, mostly arable land featuring field ponds, hedge rows and tree belts, falling sharply to densely vegetated cliffs at the shoreline. Oglet is noted for supporting diverse habitats home to locally rare wildlife, flora, bats, and particularly birds, be it farmland birds, or wading birds which use its saltmarshes for roosting and feeding. Officially, it is designated as an "Undeveloped Coastal Zone" and part of the city's green belt by Liverpool City Council" 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

It is worth taking a slight detour down to this viewing point. Great views of Oglet Shore and the River Mersey from here.

It is possible at low tide to walk along the shore rather than along the original route aling the higher ground. I would not recommend walking along the shore. The sand is covered, almost uniformly, by a layer of very slimy mud. The rocks are covered in moss/seaweed and are equally as slippery. Both options produce hazardous under foot conditions. As you can see by my route I did try to walk along the shore but common sense prevailed (eventually 🙄) and I turned back and retraced my steps back to the original route.

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.