The Lake District is a breathtaking destination that offers a wealth of opportunities for families to explore the great outdoors. From picturesque lakeside strolls to challenging fell hikes, the region boasts a diverse range of family-friendly walks that cater to all ages and abilities. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best Lake District hikes for kids, providing essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Family-Friendly Walks in the Lake District
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and there are numerous hikes that are well-suited for families with children. Here are some of the top picks:
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Aira Force: This classic walk features a stunning waterfall and is suitable for children, though it may not be accessible for prams due to the presence of steps (1.6 miles).
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Brothers Water: A level, wide path along the shoreline of Brothers Water, making it an excellent choice for families with prams or pushchairs (4.5 miles).
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Sandwick to Howtown: A lakeside walk with opportunities to skim stones, partially accessible for pushchairs (1.8 miles).
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Hallin Fell: A simple, level path suitable for beginners and younger children (1 mile).
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Lanty’s Tarn: A magical walk with a tarn, though not suitable for pushchairs due to the rocky terrain (1.7 miles).
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Sale Fell: A small fell with stunning views, great for little legs (359 meters).
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Castlerigg Stone Circle to Low Rigg: A walk with a Neolithic stone circle and peaceful tarn, accessible for families (distance varies).
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Latrigg: A small fell with easy access from Keswick, suitable for families and pushchairs (distance varies).
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Ravenglass and Eskdale: A scenic walk with a railway and Japanese garden, suitable for families (distance varies).
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Catbells: A popular fell with stunning views, suitable for families but with some scrambly bits (distance varies).
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Orrest Head, Windermere: A relatively easy climb with stunning views, not suitable for pushchairs but accessible with a baby carrier (distance varies).
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Gummer’s How: A great starter hike for families with stunning views over Lake Windermere (distance varies).
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Friars Crag, Derwentwater: A short, wheelchair-friendly walk along the Derwentwater foreshore (2-5 km).
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Buttermere Lake: A picturesque loop around the lake, partially wheelchair-friendly (7.4 km).
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Latrigg Fell from Underskiddaw: A short, wheelchair-friendly walk with stunning views over Derwentwater (2 km).
Essential Tips for Lake District Hikes With Kids
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, here are some essential tips to keep in mind when planning Lake District hikes with kids:
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Warm Layers: Pack numerous layers and hats to adapt to the changing weather conditions in the Lake District.
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First Aid Kit: Always carry a well-stocked first aid kit to be prepared for any accidents or minor injuries.
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Snacks: Bring a variety of snacks to keep energy levels up and to use as motivation for children during the hike.
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Correct Footwear: Wear wellington boots or walking boots to handle the diverse terrain of the Lake District.
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Baby Carriers: Use baby carriers for walks that are not suitable for pushchairs or prams.
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Motivation: Incorporate fun activities and snacks to keep children engaged and motivated throughout the hike.
Additional Resources
If you’re looking for more information and inspiration for your Lake District hikes with kids, here are some helpful resources:
- The Hiking Household: An interactive map showcasing dozens of family-friendly walks in the Lake District.
- Herdwick Croft: Offers detailed guides to family-friendly walks in the Lake District.
- North West for Kids: Provides guides to family walks, including pram-friendly options, in the Lake District.
Remember to always check the weather and terrain before embarking on a walk, and plan accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Happy hiking in the beautiful Lake District!
References:
– The Hiking Household
– Herdwick Croft
– North West for Kids