Distance 3 miles (4.8km)
Classification Easy
Duration 1 hour 30 minutes
Begins Home Farm courtyard
OS grid reference SJ421824

Walk in a nutshell
A glorious tour of the Tudor hall and gardens, its woodland crossed by hidden paths, with views across the Mersey to the Wirral and north Wales, and up the shore to Liverpool's distinctive skyline. The walk incorporates gravel paths, fields and short, steep slopes.

Why it's special
Barely 8 miles from the Liver Building, you can stroll through a stretch of bluebell-carpeted woodland in the spring, hunt for rare pyramidal orchids in the summer, or nose around the maze and the intriguing Tudor architecture of Speke Hall.

Keep your eyes peeled for
The construction of Speke Hall was a long, laborious process, its final phase only completed after many decades by its owner Edward Norris. You can sense his relief in the inscription above the gatehouse: "This worke 25 yards long was wholly built by Edw: N: Esq: Ano. 1598." Its interior, however, is not what you'd expect. Though some of the original Tudor features remain, it was extensively refurbished in the 19th century.

Recover afterwards
The Home Farm restaurant at Speke Hall serves snacks, meals and teas, placing an emphasis on northern specialities.

If it's tipping down
Seek refuge in the nearby Hardman's House , the erstwhile home of renowned portrait photographer Edward Chambré Hardman and his wife Margaret.

How to get there
By rail, make your way to Liverpool South Parkway. On weekends and bank holidays (between April-September) you can catch a shuttle bus directly to Speke Hall grounds.

Step by step

1 Start your walk in the courtyard with the buildings behind you, facing out across the maze and the river Mersey. Take the path to the right around the bottom edge of the restaurant.

2 Follow the path around the orchard and go left at the end of the path.

3 Walk down towards the small timber-framed stable block. Take the path straight ahead into the formal gardens.

4 This path takes you around the edge of the south lawn, which has recently been restored to its Victorian glory. When you reach the monkey puzzle tree, go left across the grass and through wooden gates into the Dell.

5 Follow the path to the right through the woodland known as the Clough and up the west side of the grounds, through more woodland.

6 Looping back around, walk down through the Stream Garden. Mind your head through the sandstone tunnel. You will come out on the North Lawn with Speke Hall on your right – a beautiful view whatever the season. Follow the diagonal path across the lawn to the metal gates.

7 Go through the gates and to the left. When you come to a crossroads with the main drive ahead of you, head straight for a short distance and then take the marked path through the woodland on the right.

8 Follow the path straight ahead through Stockton's Wood.

9 Turn left along a woodland trail heading north-east.

10 Emerging from the woodland, cross over the main drive into a field. Continue straight on to the corner of the field and then turn left, following the field edge back down towards the hall.

11 At the bottom of the field turn left, then left again, following the field edge which marks the south-western boundary of the estate.

12 Shortly you will come to a path running along the Bund on your right. Follow the curving path then the estate walk signs that mark the route back to the courtyard, running between the maze and the play area. On returning to the courtyard you can take an optional loop through the bee and butterfly wildflower meadow – the start of the path is just behind the engine shed building.