I took to the city immediately when I arrived to study law in 1965, says Alexander. The towering buildings, the fascinating skyline, the spikes and the spires: but this city is about so much more.
Victorian rail hub, Merseyside
Myriad paths wander through woodland in the Halewood Triangle. Photograph: Jennifer Jones
In the 19th century, Halewood Triangle was a hub of railway activity as two main rail lines converged here. Today it is a honeypot for local people and visitors to ramble around. The former railway track hosts the Trans Pennine Trail, superb for walkers and cyclists alike. Other paths snake through woodland rich in gnarled trees. The Ducky Pond is a particularly pleasant draw for a restful break. Verges filled with wildflowers enhance a summer walk. A mini gym provides entertainment for the children. All around there are reminders of this site’s important railway heritage.