National Park Walks with Kids: The Lake District

WALKING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

We LOVE May in our household; any excuse to get outdoors and enjoy what is right here on our doorstep. National Walking Month is a fantastic initiative to aid people to get outside more and we cannot wait to join Little Trekkers in their National Parks Challenge.

Living so close to The Lake District National Park we are acutely aware of how important it is to look after our National Parks and so we jumped at the chance to help raise money, alongside Little Trekkers, for The UK National Parks Foundation a charity that helps to support and protect all 15 UK National Parks.

It is no easy task motivating small children to get outside for a hike and so I have highlighted some of my favourite walks in the heart of The Lake District that I think your youngsters will love! Before I begin it is important to note that correct equipment, and footwear, is essential when heading out for your family hikes. Sometimes my children wear their wellington boots, on other occasions they wear walking boots. For the walks mentioned below walking boots aren’t essential, as the terrain is steady under foot, however my two girls recently trialled the Cotswold Ducklington walking boots and, wow, what a difference! We tackled a small fell walk and we didn’t hear any complaints of sore feet or cold feet, we then enjoyed the delights of Rookery Wood, an outdoor playground found in Keswick, and the girls were able to climb, run, jump and balance with ease in their new boots! For anyone undecided as to whether you need to invest in a pair of walking boots for your little ones I can confidently say it is absolutely worth it!

1 – AIRA FORCE:

Distance: 1.6 miles.

A classic family friendly walk to reach a stunning waterfall, which is sure to capture the attention of your children. Aira Force is not pram accessible due to the amount of steps to get down to the waterfall however; it is an easy (ish) walk and very family friendly. This walk is, ironically, best seen after some heavy rain – which we often get here in the Lakes!

2 – KESWICK TO THREKELD CYCLE PATH:

Distance: 3 miles

This 3 mile route to Threlkeld is absolutely fantastic for children of all ages as you are able to use your bikes, scooters, rollerblades and prams! It is such an easy path to access yet it still covers a good distance to help tire those children out! A lovely, safe day out for children and a wonderful change in scenery for adults. The large tunnel always creates great excitement!

3 – CATBELLS:

Distance: 4 miles, walking boots highly recommended.

A classic fell walk of the Lake District with some incredibly breathtaking views. The ‘picnic route’ that we take is often quieter and involves much less scrambling – far better for little legs or those carrying babies. This route is approximately four miles long and, while it is steep in parts, our three year old managed it no problem. A wonderful family walk, with breathtaking views.

4 – HALLIN FELL

Distance: Approximately 1 mile.

This was my children’s first Wainwright! Hallin Fell is a fantastic route for beginners as it is simple to follow and has good terrain. You are able to park at the car park opposite St Peters Church, Martindale. This sits above the village of Howtown and it should be noted that it is only accessible via a narrow lane leading from the village of Pooley Bridge so please do take care.

The walk itself is approximately 1 mile and the terrain is a level, wide, grassy path with some moderately steep sections. My two year old was able to manage to walk up and down this Fell with very little help, and she isn’t often the most forthcoming to walk, so it really is wonderful for the younger kids too.

5 – LANTY’S TARN

Distance: 1.7 miles.

Lanty’s Tarn itself is not pram accessible; the walk up is a little rocky at times. That being said it isn’t an overly long walk at 1.8 miles and my two boys managed fine, they are 4 and 6 years old. There is a car park at the bottom of this walk in the village of Glenridding, 13 miles south west of Penrith, postcode CA11 0PD. There is something incredibly magical about this tarn; my children’s imaginations were running wild!