RUNNING HORSES

Two reasons for that title, which will become obvious as we go along. Last time, I left you in Waterloo; now we're just to the north at Crosby. Here we can find the Crow's Nest, a fine old pub.

 

Not far away, Blundellsands & Crosby station, L&YR. 

Here it's seen in 1962 (Ben Brooksbank, Creative Commons License).

Outside, an AEC motor bus of the Waterloo & Crosby Motor Services.

We're now approaching Aintree, one reason for the title. If you're lost here's the map. Aintree Sefton Arms station was on the L&YR electrified system.

Sefton Arms station is now just called Aintree. 

The Sefton Arms itself is still in business.

The L&YR had an engine shed at Aintree.

Aintree MPD survived into BR days.

Here's the race course. To be exact, The Lord Sefton and Earl of Derby stands (Creative Commons License).

The Old Roan pub in Aintree is no more. Here it is, many moons ago.

Moving on, to the north is Maghull. The station was served by L&YR electric trains.

Maghull Coaches was based in the village. 

Only a mile or so away, beside the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the Running Horses at Lydiate. 

Suitably refreshed, we head back to the coast and to Formby station, long served by electric services.

Here are a couple of postcards of Formby, from my collection.

Further to the north and we have our first sight of a Southport Corporation bus, at Shore Road, Ainsdale.

Next stop, Birkdale, really a suburb of Southport. Here's Weld Road.

A more modern view of the village (Creative Commons License).

Birkdale railway station was photographed by Ben Brooksbank in 1964 (Creative Commons License).

Birkdale level crossing was controlled by this fine signal box in 1992.

508 137 arrives at Birkdale in 2014.

The Fisherman's Rest in Birkdale sells a decent pint.

We'll end this post at the nearby Up Steps, recently reopened.

Next time, we'll be in Southport.

THE LEAVING OF LIVERPOOL

No, I'm not going to play you a song by the Dubliners! We are, however, going to set forth out of Liverpool city centre, but not before finding a few pubs before that. A really good one is the Ship & Mitre.

In a Grade II listed building is Thomas Rigby's, an Okell's pub when visited in 2011. Through the arch was The Lady of Mann.

The Black Horse & Rainbow used to brew its own beer. Brewing ceased in 2004 and I think that the pub no longer exists.

Doctor Duncan's is no longer a Cain's house, but still serves loads of real ales.

The Lion Tavern is renowned for its real ales.

Ma Boyle's is a long established hostelry.

The Pig & Whistle is expected to reopen soon after refurbishment (Autumn 2025).

The Richmond is worth a visit.

Sadly, the United Powers has served its last customers.

Thankfully, the Victoria Cross is still seeing pints being pulled.

The Welkin is a city centre Wetherspoons.

Not far from the football stadium, in Anfield, is The Breckside, AKA The Flat Iron.

On the line towards Kirkby is Kirkdale station, seen here in 1982.

Kirkdale station and adjacent depot in 2011.

Moving onwards to Bootle. Arriva was the principal bus operator here in 2000.

Comfybus and Norbus also provided services.

Alpha Coaches were based in Bootle.

This ex Southdown Bristol RE, belonging to Magull Coaches, was found in Bootle in 1984.

Here's the L&YR station in Bootle, newly electrified.

On the same line, just to the north, Bootle New Strand station.

Further north, Seaforth & Litherland station, where the Liverpool Overhead Railway met the L&YR.

The Liverpool Overhead Railway had its car shed here and this steam loco was used to shunt the cars.

Onwards to Waterloo - not that one - the suburb to the north of Liverpool. Some Liverpool trams are seen at Five Lamps.

Stagecoach operate buses through Waterloo.

Merseyrail has a station here.

The Marine at Waterloo is no longer a Higson's house, but it is still open.

Another ex Higson's pub, the Volunteer Canteen, not to be missed.

There's a Wetherspoons in Waterloo, the Queens Picture House.

A newish addition was Stamps Too. It's still going, but now called the Shipwreck.

We conclude theis post by looking at the Anthony Gormley "Another Place" sculptures on Waterloo Beach (Creative Commons License).

Next time, we're off to the races and beyond. Don't forget, you can follow the route here.