7 best family hiking holidays in the UK
Traveling together with the whole family can be an unforgettable experience, especially if it is on a well-crafted walking trip in the UK. From charming country houses to exploring castles and wildlife, you can sit back and watch how the kids react in the great outdoors and the world surrounding them.
In reality, almost any destination in the UK can be adapted for family walking. There’s a reason why so many people from Europe and around the world pay visits here, even though they have wonderful landscapes at home, too. In fact, many even learn about the UK ETA plans before coming so they can really prepare.
However, since you are traveling with young ones, traffic-free routes and amiable weather conditions should be kept in mind. Here is a selection of seven epic routes that are not only family-friendly, but enjoy some of the best locations in Great Britain.
Hadrian’s Wall Walk
Grade: Moderate
Distance : 89 miles
Age: 12+
The Hadrian’s Wall and it’s ramparts are said to be one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the country standing against the backdrop of the stunning Northumberland landscape. The Hadrian’s wall walking holiday provides a memorable experience for families, with great picnic spots and plenty of historical sights to enjoy with your loved ones.
If your kids are the adventurous types the four-mile circular loop from Steel Rigg Car Park which incorporates the famous Sycamore Gap and Milecastle 39 of the Hadrian’s Wall offers great rewards. Again if you are looking for a quick walk to show a nice stretch of the Hadrian’s Wall to the family, then pack some lunch and head to the amazing picnic spot at Cawfields Quarry. Climb the steps and admire the views of Milecastle 42.
The Yorkshire Dales
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 81 miles+ and up
Age: 8+
With many long walks and short hikes as well, the Yorkshire Dales is a wonderful area for family walking as many of the walks are pushchair-friendly. The 3.5 miles waterfalls of Askrigg are a delight for young walkers. There are a number of spots to have a picnic and admire the views in the backdrop of the three flights of waterfalls cascading down the hillside.
The footpaths pass through picturesque wooded valleys, all with stunning views of the waterfalls and the river. The visitor’s center is a great place to buy souvenirs and learn a bit of the history of this beautiful region. The hike is not strenuous at all and is in fact very pleasant. The walk covers the traditional Dales landscape and skirts past the lovely Howgill Fells, one of the most peaceful areas in Cumbria.
The Great Glen Way
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 73 miles
Age: 14+
While there are several sections of 500-700m ascent, some easy to moderate walking can be enjoyed by the whole family along the canal towpaths all of which are clearly defined and waymarked. The walk connects a string of towns between Fort William and Inverness, with the Caledonian Canal having many points of interest along its route.
Visitors can walk in comfort along the natural fault line which acts as a border between the coasts of Scotland. Children will love the stunning spots of Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, the forests around the legendary Loch Ness and the towpath along the Caledonian Canal. The paths are well-marked and without any major ascent. The hike provides some of the best views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain of Britain.
Walking in the Lake District
Grade:.Easy/Moderate/Challenging
Distance: 96 miles
Age: 12+
When the famous poet William Wordsworth, a resident of the area called it ” the loveliest spot that man hath ever found” he was not far away from the truth. The Lake District is one of the most unique of all walking regions in the United Kingdom and attracts walkers from all over the world and rightly so. It is full of dramatic valleys, gushing rivers and teeming wildlife.
There are a number of low level walks, ideal for a self-guided family holiday which you can explore with the family on your own. The walks cover the literary heritage of the Lake District or perhaps your children would like to enjoy the excellent haute cuisine at some of the famous eateries.
Northumberland Coastal Path
Grade:. Easy/Moderate
Distance: 64 miles
Age: 8+
An easy and mainly flat walk on mostly well-marked and good roads, where there is no need for exertion makes the Northumberland Coastal Path an ideal hike for families with slightly older children. Designated an ” Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” the complete Northumberland Coast runs from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Alnmouth.
The best route to cover with kids is from Bamburgh to Boulmer, a distance of 20 miles which can be completed in several hours. The route can be done in sections as well, is dog-friendly and ideal for families. The ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle can get the kids interested as it is supposed to be haunted by a ghostly knight looking for his long-lost maiden.
Thames Path
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 184 miles
Age: 12+
Though a long distance walk, there is a superb selection of shorter circular and linear walks on the Thames Path. The total length of the trail along the best known river in England is 184 miles from its source in the Cotswolds, into London before joining the sea in Woolwich. The path is on the whole a gentle trail and suitable for adults and children with a wide range of abilities.
A popular walk is the 60 miles steady walk from the source of the Thames to the famous regatta town of Henley. The easy six-day hike uncovers the sights and smells of the quintessential English countryside as the Upper Thames meanders its way through historical sites, its banks lined with old inns, weirs, wildlife in the pasture meadows.
Peak District Family walking adventure
Grade: Easy/Moderate
Distance: 188 miles
Age: 12+
Long distance walkers can try to navigate the entire length, but there are stages that can be completed in day walks.
The easy five mile circular Tittersworth walk stretch has gentle gradients and excellent views, especially near the Tittersworth Reservoir on the way back. Here you will hike on trails that provide sweeping scenes of the expansive moorland and interact with some of the most diverse flora and fauna of England.
Along the path you will pass through beautiful stretches of woodland at the rim of the reservoir. You can enhance the fun by taking a fun picnic with the family on the edge of the water and an opportunity to come across local wildlife. This is the best walking country, with something for everyone, individuals, families or groups. Some other suitable walks are in the region of Upper Derwent, Goyt Valley, and Macclesfield Forest.
