FAMILY FRIENDLY WALKS
We’ve teamed up with Laura from The Hiking Household to share five favourite Lake District family friendly walks near to our hotel and Ullswater. Laura lives locally and enjoys getting outdoors with her four children.
The essentials
Warm layers
As you creep further up the hills the weather can turn suddenly, pack numerous layers and hats
First aid kit
Something often overlooked, but truly essential
Snacks
Snacks are crucial, not only for bribery but also for sugar levels, and to power up little legs to the summit.
Correct footwear
Wellington or walking boots would be advised for the walking routes highlighted below as the terrain is quite steady underfoot.
The Hiking Household
Founded by Laura in Cumbria, The Hiking Household’s interactive map shows dozens of family-friendly walks in The Lake District. Laura talked to us about the art of motivating children to go on walks and reveals her favourite family-friendly hikes nearby to the hotel.
The promise of snacks
“A question that I regularly get asked is ‘how do you manage to get your children up and out?’ Truthfully the promise of snacks always helps! We always have a fun snack at the halfway marker – this keeps them motivated on the way there, and full of energy on the way back! I don’t say, “today we are going on a walk” because let’s be honest what child really wants to go on a walk with their parents? Instead, I say things like “shall we go and see the trains”, “let’s go to the woods for an adventure to find the squirrels” or “shall we get your bikes out?”
1. Aira Force
Distance: 1.6 miles
A classic family friendly walk with a stunning waterfall at its core, it’s sure to capture the attention of any child. It is an easy (ish) walk, but not pram accessible due to the number of steps. This walk is, ironically, best seen after some heavy rain – which we often get here in the Lakes.
2. Brothers Water
Distance: 4.5 miles
This route takes you along the shoreline of Brothers Water, a small lake in the Hartsop Valley. The level terrain makes this walk easy– the path is wide, safe and accessible for a single or double pram. Our route is approximately 4.5 miles, but the length is flexible and the path is relatively sheltered, making it a great walk for rainy days.
3. Sandwick to Howtown
Distance: 1.8 miles
This walk follows part of the Ullswater Way and the footpath is clearly marked. Park at Sandwick, CA11 0JS and follow the path from Sandwick to Howtown. Whilst most of this walk is not suitable for pushchairs, the first 0.4 miles are accessible. A wonderful walk following the lakeside with plenty of opportunities to skim stones. Older children can walk from Sandwick all the way to Howtown Pier, and take a ride on the Ullswater Steamer to Glenridding.
4. Hallin Fell
Distance: 1 mile
This was my children’s first Wainwright fell. Hallin Fell is a fantastic route for beginners, it’s simple to follow and has good terrain. You can use the car park opposite St Peters Church in Martindale which sits above the village of Howtown. It’s only accessible via a narrow lane leading from the village of Pooley Bridge, so take care.
The walk 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 the most enthusiastic walker. It really is manageable for younger kids too and the route is wonderful.
5. Lanty’s Tarn
Distance: 1.7 miles
Lanty’s Tarn itself is not suitable for pushchairs as the walk up is a little rocky. At 1.8 miles, the walk isn’t too long. My two boys managed fine at 4 and 6 years old. There is a car park at the bottom of the walk in the village of Glenridding, 13 miles southwest of Penrith, CA11 0PD. There is something incredibly magical about this tarn, my children’s imaginations were running wild!
There is no limit when it comes to walks with children in The Lake District, The Hiking Household helps to showcase the more suitable routes with helpful tips and tactics written from first-hand experience.