Easy Walking Routes in the UK for the Entire Family
From full-length multi-day treks to a range of short breaks there are a number of self-guided walking holidays designed to tailor for those who are looking for that something “extra” while on a hike in the UK.
Moreover, not only can you start on any day you like, stay an extra night at an overnight spot to allow for some rest, or spend more time exploring the locality.
In addition, the country is blessed with some great family walking routes that are immensely rewarding with the kids as well and only require a bit of forward planning to avoid any possible pitfalls.
That said, opting for any of these routes will depend on location, distance, duration, and age. Young children will be capable of less distance, while older kids can venture out a bit further.
Apart from the above, another important factor is promoting motivation by including interesting sights and attractions on the way, with a memorable finale at the end, if possible.
All this can be planned as per your requirements by experts over at Mickledore.
So here is a selection of safe bets you can consider for a family-friendly walking holiday in the UK.
Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland
The best stretch of the entire 86 miles of the Hadrian’s Wall Path is between Lanercost Priory and Corbridge, a distance of thirty miles, of moderate difficulty and which can be covered between three to five days
Besides the well-preserved Roman sites, the dramatic moorland landscape showcases the photogenic Sycamore Gap and Sewingshields Crags.
Walking west to east families will find it easy by taking advantage of the available luggage facilities, public transport, and accommodation options in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
The Great Glen Way, Highlands
Winding past scenic lochs, rivers, and canals, the 79-mile-long Great Glen Way in Scotland extends from Inverness and Fort William.
The easy-to-moderate path is ideal for kids 14+ and takes between five to seven days to traverse.
Since both these highland towns are connected by train, it makes travel easy for both adults and children.
While kids will enjoy exploring the banks of the famous Loch Ness, and maybe the monster too, parents can spot a variety of wildlife and birds on the almost flat route.
Northumberland Coast Path
Generally flat, apart from a few easy accents, the Northumberland Coast Path stretches for about 62 miles and takes three to six days to cover and makes for a perfect family holiday with children of all ages.
To make things easier, the path is well-marked and offers a very easy-going route that passes through nature reserves, beautiful sandy beaches, and low rocky headlands.
Key landmarks on the way are Lindisfarne and the Bamburgh Castle, besides a number of unspoiled villages and towns, with plenty of friendly hotels, B&Bs, and pubs for families to drink and stay.
Gower Coast Path, Wales
A moderately easy long-distance route, the 46-mile-long Gower Coast Path passes through some of the best beaches, marshes, castles, and churches in Britain.
Apart from a few short but steep climbs, the route offers a spectacular view of coastal landscapes, including highlights like Worm’s Head and Three Cliffs Bay.
There is no chance of families losing their way as the route is well marked and a number of family-friendly accommodation and luggage transfer options are available.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Suitable for any fit Walker and in particular for families (not necessarily in one go though), the Pembrokeshire Coast Path covers a massive distance of 186 miles and takes around 16 days to cover in a single or short segment.
The path is not technically difficult, apart from some steep sections. It begins from Amroth and ends in St Dogmaels and is termed as one of the finest long-distance walks in the country.
There are some good accommodation options and families should consider factoring in a day or two of rest, as walking large distances on the trot can be tough for the kids.
From dramatic landscapes, secluded coves, and quaint fishing villages, Pembrokeshire has it all including places where you will be pretty much all by yourself.
The Thames Path
Starting from the rural Cotswolds in Kamble in Gloucestershire and ending at the Thames barrier in London, the 184 miles long Thames Path is another scenic long-distance walk that is suitable for families.
The path winds its way past some of the most historic sites in England such as Oxford and Windsor ending eventually at the sprawling urban areas of London.
Other iconic attractions on the route include Oxford University, Hampton Court Palace, and the Tower Bridge.
While the entire length can be completed in two weeks, family walkers usually opt for shorter and more manageable sections.
The South Downs Way
Stretching from the historic city of Winchester for nearly 100 miles all the way before reaching the English Channel at Eastbourne, the South Downs Way is a very easy-to-follow National Trail that links a number of ancient tracks dating back to the Stone Age, both by traders and travelers.
The entire length of the walk is through beautiful woodlands, picturesque villages, hill forts, and spectacular chalk formations of the Seven Sisters and Devil’s Dyke.
For families, the route is very easy to follow and is linked to many historic tracks. There are very few steep sections, especially while descending for overnight stays in the pretty villages and towns that can be found along the route.
On the whole, the South Downs Way walking holiday will provide a great feeling of space and a sense of solitude for the entire family.
The Cleveland Way Walk
Established in 1969, the Cleveland Way Walk stretches for over 100 miles starting from the town of Helmsley, located on the southern edge of the North York Moors Path, and ending at Filey on the east coast.
From Helmsley to Saltburn-by-the-Sea the path passes over classic moorland scenery like forests and escarpments providing surreal views of the Cleveland Hills to the walker as well as the rest of the National Park.
The second section of the walk from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Filey is along the dramatic coastline and runs parallel to some of the tallest sea cliffs in the country.
This 9-day walk is recommended for families along the entire Cleveland Way Walk route by covering comfortable distances each day and a tremendous way of surveying the land around you, despite the relatively low elevation of just 1000 feet.
This combination of moorland and dramatic coastline makes the Cleveland Way Walk an incredible and hugely rewarding experience for the whole family.