If you are on the lookout for activities that you can do with the whole family, why not go on a walking day out? Walking is one of the best ways to properly experience the beauty of the British countryside, and you will also be able to get some exercise while you are at it. If this isn’t enough to interest you in walking, you might be pleased to know that walking doesn’t cost a penny, so you can have a great day out without spending any money.
No matter where you live in the UK, you will be within reach of a public footpath or, even better, part of a national trail. National trails are long distance walking routes that often stretch right the way across the country. You don’t have to follow the entire route though – you could just walk a couple of miles of the trail before heading home.
Some of the most famous national trails include the Pennine Way, the South West Coast Path and Offa’s Dyke Path, but there are 15 in total.If you have especially young children that are still buggy-bound you will be able to find walks that are buggy-friendly, so you won’t need to call a babysitter. Even young children will enjoy walking in the countryside as long as you turn the day out into an adventure and there are many ways that you can do this.
For instance, you could visit one of the UK’s historic castles or houses and take a walk around the grounds after you have toured the exhibits and attractions. There are also loads of nature walks available throughout the country and as children love to get close to nature they would be ideal. You could visit the Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve in Castleford, Yorkshire, or The Habitat Trail in Alice Holt Woodland Park, near Basingstoke, to check out all of the animals and insects living in the woods.
Of course, no walk would be complete without a picnic, so you should take along some of your kids’ favourite sandwiches, enough water for everyone and some after-lunch snacks that will keep your children’s energy levels up during the walk. Whether you are looking for ingenious ways of encouraging your children to get more exercise or you just want to experience the UK’s amazing landscapes as a family, walking is one of the best ways of doing it.
You can find lots of different walking routes that are suitable for children by looking online now.
Explore the British countryside with a walking day out