The benefits of a family walk

Going for a ramble with the whole family can be a great adventure. But you’ll need to consider everyone’s needs when planning your route. Older family members may prefer a slow and steady pace, while children often want to run ahead and explore at the start but can tire quickly. If you get it right, going for regular walks can be one of the most rewarding, inspiring and connecting things you can do as a family. You might instil a love of walking in the next generation, while you’re at it.

Walking together can have lots of health benefits too. Walking releases endorphins, keeps us fit and is gentle on the joints, making it an ideal way to exercise for all generations. For older family members, walking can help lower cholesterol, reduce symptoms of arthritis and even reduce the risk of dementia. For little legs, walking can be a great way to build muscle, improve balance and burn off excess energy.

Planning your family walk

Kids enjoy going on adventures, so use the planning stage of your walk to get their imagination going. Spread out some maps, show them photos of where you’re going, tell them about the wildlife they might spot and the fun things they can do while walking. Get them excited at this stage, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a great family day out.

When you have children with you, choosing a walk with easy access to transport and toilets is often essential. You might want to factor in benches, picnic spots or a place to stop for a tasty treat at the end of the route. Consider whether there may be stiles, steps or stepping stones on route that could be a barrier for buggies or for family members with limited mobility too. Turning back near the end of a walk can quickly increase the distance you need to cover. And the problem is more common than you might think: the Ramblers are campaigning to remove unnecessary barriers in the countryside to help everyone enjoy walking, but our research shows that 56% of people with physical and/or sensory disabilities say physical barriers prevent them from using the path network in England.

When to go walking

Aim to walk when conditions are settled and the temperatures mild. Even on a short stroll, the cold or heavy rain will dampen youngsters’ enthusiasm. That said, if you’re up for the challenge, there is plenty of great wet weather gear for kids – from snowsuits for babies to puddle suits for toddlers and rain jackets and colourful wellies for children. In the height of summer, an early morning or evening walk will be cooler and much more enjoyable than walking in the hottest part of the day. Make sure to pack hats, sunscreen and take extra water on hot days, to keep everyone well protected and hydrated.

What to pack for a family walk

If you’re walking with a baby or toddler, you’ll need the usual essentials like baby wipes, nappies, milk, lots of snacks such as oat bars or chopped fruit, and bottles of water or juice. It’s also worth carrying a small first aid kit, including blister plasters, and bringing a change of clothes. And even if the weather looks beautiful, it’s always a great idea to pack some waterproof jackets and spare socks, just in case.

A rucksack worn on your back with the straps on both shoulders is the best way to carry everything, as it will free up your arms and offer you full movement when walking. Children often love the idea of carrying their own backpack at the start, but keep the contents light, avoiding heavy toys or games, as you may end up carrying that too. A great way to get kids interacting with the natural environments around them is to get them seeking out all the best sights and sounds as part of a game.

Sharing the Countryside Code

The best way to help everyone understand the Countryside Code and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code is by setting a great example and teaching this as you go. Before you set out, make your little ones aware of how important it is to be mindful and respectful of farms and farm animals, especially during the spring when cows and sheep are rearing their young. If walking with a dog, it’s always best for an adult to take the lead when walking through fields of cattle, while keeping children close. Asking older children to help open and shut the gates you go through can help them understand the importance of leaving gates as you find them too.

Where to walk with the family

Start out with a shorter walk until you know your group can complete a longer walk comfortably. Picking a spot with a mix of longer and shorter trails that interlink can help you shorten the walk quickly if little legs get tired, or offer longer adventures if finish your walk early and want to explore some more. We’ve pulled together some of the best places to find something that will interest everyone on your walk, and that offer a mix of short and longer routes, so you can pick the perfect fit for your family adventure.

Castle Ring Loop, Cannock Chase

Around 2,500 years ago a mighty hill fort was built on top of Castle Ring. It’s the highest point within Cannock Chase at 240m above sea level and is steeped in history. It has been significantly weathered over the years but is still an impressive and intriguing site. It’s the perfect place to let imaginations run wild and weave games of knights, dragons and fairytales into your walking adventure to keep small children entertained.

There’s a car park right by Castle Ring, leading to a short half-mile circuit of the hill fort itself. You can also explore further afield, taking in the defensive banks and ditches while looking for wildlife like common lizards and butterflies. The views are stunning and there are plenty of places to pause and admire them. For a longer loop, start at Beaudesert Old Park, where a 3.5 mile circuit takes in woodland and lily ponds too.

Grizedale Forest, The Lake District

Sprawling between the waters of Windermere and Coniston, Grizedale Forest is both an outdoor playground and a living art gallery. As well as numerous walking trails, there are around 80 sculptures scattered amid the trees here. Some are easy to find, some need to be searched out. Some are being reclaimed by nature.

Pick up a map from the visitor centre and head out on a walk. The moderate, 4-mile-long Grizedale Tarn Trail, which rises east out of the valley, is a good choice. It takes in many striking sculptures, including Some Fern, with its huge fronds poking from a rocky outcrop, and the musical Clockwork Forest. It also crosses the smart Centenary Bridge and visits Grizedale’s only natural tarn (mountain lake).

Fforest Fraw, Cardiff

Explore a mix of short and long trails around this beautiful woodland, which features the ‘3 bears caves’, a sculpture trail and a castle. There are three waymarked routes to choose from, ranging from 1.1 miles to 2.5 miles in length. Wildlife can be spotted around the woods and some of the routes open up into stunning views over the mountains nearby. The location regularly features in TV productions, including Merlin and Sherlock, as the landscape is so atmospheric. Paths can be muddy at times, so waterproof footwear is usually advised but the paths are barrier free, making it easy to access with buggies and prams although there are no free toilets available at this site.

Pollok Park, Glasgow

Easy to reach by public transport, this urban oasis features woodland and riverside walks along with a free museum, children’s play area and waymarked trails. It’s Glasgow's largest park and the only Country Park within the city boundary. The former estate is also home to Highland Cows, known as Hairy Coos, which are sure to be a big hit with all the family. Flat, accessible trails make exploring the park easy, and there plenty of places to stop, get refreshments and free toilets on-site. For anyone looking to start with shorter walks and build up to bigger adventures, this country park offers lot of walking routes to choose from year-round.

Brancaster Beach and Boardwalk, Norfolk

Explore a mix of walks across windswept sand dunes and across a raised boardwalk, which is fully accessible for all the family, dogs included. The 2km boardwalk forms part of the King Charles II England Coast path and winds through lush reeds and trees, giving you close-up views of the local wildlife. There plenty of places to pause and sit on route to just admire the stunning views too. For the youngest members of the family, the sandy beach offers plenty of space to run ahead while staying in view and beachcombing could reveal all sorts of shells, feathers and other nature finds to collect while walking. With seasonal kiosks and other cafes nearby, there are plenty of places to stop and get refreshments or even pick up a picnic to enjoy mid-walk. There are toilets and a car park nearby.

Walking with younger children

If your walk includes little legs, a bit of extra planning can go a long way. Children often start out with bundles of energy, but it’s not unusual for tiredness or boredom to set in quickly especially if the route isn’t engaging or the weather turns.

Choosing a walk with things to look at, spots to explore, or even a story to tell along the way can make all the difference. It also helps to take regular breaks, bring plenty of snacks, and let them take the lead now and again – even if it means slowing things down.

For more ideas on keeping young walkers motivated, have a look at our guide to how to ramble with your kids and ensure they love it, which is packed with tried-and-tested tips.

Looking for more family walks to try

You’ll find even more ideas using our route finder tool – or by joining the Ramblers. Membership gives you access to thousands of walking routes across Britain, from gentle rambles to adventurous hikes, with plenty of family-friendly options included.