Enjoy walking with all the family – half term ideas for walks with children

Wish you could get the children walking more? Let us help you enjoy miles of smiles this half term. 

Here are our top tips: 

Pick a route that is flat and easy to follow. Starting with big hikes (or getting lost and making it twice the length) run the risk of putting them off for the foreseeable future.  Look for reservoirs and small lakes – the distance is pre-determined; the route is normally easy (if you can see the water, you can get your bearings). Generally, these recreational areas have well-made paths which is especially useful if you have littler ones in prams or carriers. Riverbanks are another great place for easy (flat) walks with lots of wildlife around the water, and you can find exciting features such as waterfalls. 

In the North West some top favourites are:

• Entwistle reservoir (include Wayoh for a longer walk) between Bolton and Darwen,
• Brockholes Nature reserve (plenty of parking and a cafe) near the M65/M6 interchange,
• Calf Hey near Haslingden which also has parking and a cafe.  

A bit further afield:

• Ingleton - fairly easy walking and dramatic water falls.
• Swaledale - waterfalls walks around Askrigg (route description in our Little Book of walks), and nearby are the better known Aysgarth Falls
• Watersmeet in North Devon (National Trust) - walkable from Lynton/Lynmouth or park nearby
• Derwent Water & Lodore Falls - pick the length of the walk you would like, the lake is flat and straight forward with a slight detour to the falls. The Launch will take you part way round the lake (or back home) to keep it manageable. 

Entwistle Reservoir, Lancashire

Use activities as a way to distract from the miles passing by. The benefit of being outdoors is there's plenty of (free!) things to see and do. Look out for wildlife (big or small) - from hairy centipedes to herons fishing for dinner - it's even possible to spot owls in the daytime if you look up in the trees. Or try hunting for unusual colours – especially during the Autumn when the colours are dramatically changing all around. This is a great way to engage in some screen free time. Children (particularly primary age) learn about wildlife at school, e.g. at time of year, hibernation - so they might even be able to teach you a thing or two!

Views over Calf Hey reservoir, Lancashire

The coast also provides ready many activities. If you are lucky enough to live (or be holidaying) near the coast, rock pools can provide hours of entertainment. All sorts of unusual creatures can be found (here is a helpful guide from Countryfile), as well as treasures like sparkly rocks and shells. Crabbing (all you need is a line and a bit of bacon) can be exciting - when you find the sweet spot there are loads! Remember to not harm the animals and put them back where you found them before going home. 

Lodore Falls, Derwentwater, Lake District 

Take plenty of snacks and drinks – this is important for grown-ups too! Nothing puts a downer on a walk like the ‘hanger’ kicking in. Encourage children to carry their own bag so they can have responsibility for their own yummy treats.  

Finally – don't forget to relax and let them go at their own speed! It might take ages to walk – but if you are exploring and wildlife spotting, it isn’t about beating the world record. Everyone taking their own pace (and plenty of snack stops) will help to emphasise the fun and wonder.  

For bags, lunch kits and activity cards, learn more in our shop 

For more tips check out

Sustrans Tips for walking with children and toddlers

Ramblers tips for walking with children