Another Place

Mike Trippitt and ‘George’ steal a few of days in the northwest, and discover miles of beaches, mysterious men looking out to sea, a nineteenth century pier and a gem of a museum

- Mike Trippitt

Although a northerner, I’m unfamiliar with England’s northwest coast. Until a fellow campervan owner recommended it recently, Formby Point Caravan Park, and the beauty of the beaches here had passed me by.

On arrival, expectations are exceeded. The site sits pleasingly in woodland just off Lifeboat Road. Its touring pitches give easy access to paths through sand dunes to the sea. Once my VW T6 camper George is pitched, the beach calls.

Soft, fine sand bound with course marine grass makes the 500-metre walk over dunes arduous at times, but it’s worth the effort. The undulating landscape gives way to a sandy beach and vast sky. Wind turbines stand out white on the horizon against a cloudless blue. For a mile or so along the shore the occasional dog walker and jogger shares the vast space. Although The Wirral and Merseyside, seven miles south are in view, the isolation is tangible. By the time George and I are reunited a rich golden sunset has eased into a deep purple twilight.