If you suddenly get the hill walking itch and you have to take your young children hiking with you, you might struggle if you try and drag them up your favorite routes. The steep gradients of Devil’s Dyke, Ben Nevis or Snowdonia might be your cup of tea, but you can’t be sure your children will be quite as able as you are. There are some routes much more suitable for entire family, and you’ll still be rewarded at the top of the hill with some stunning countryside views.
1 – Ben Ledi – Trossachs, Scotland
Ben Ledi is a very popular hill in the Trossachs, Scotland. The path up to the top is clearly laid out and not too steep. The countryside views open up nice and slowly allowing you to take in the stunning surroundings. The path is known to get a little boggy in places. It’s nothing a sturdy set of footwear can’t handle. There are circular routes you can take, but the walk can be made shorter by simply retracing your steps once you’ve reached the top.
2 – Catbells – Lake District, England
Although it gets particularly busy during the peak tourist months, the walk up to Catbells in the Lake District is slightly steep but very simple. Once you reach the top, you’ll understand why it gets so many visitors, with an unsurpassed view of Derwent Water, and the surrounding towns and villages. You can start the walk in the delightful little hamlet called Little Town with a lovely white chapel and plenty of parking spaces.
3 – Fan y Big – Brecon Beacons, Wales
Known as the Diving Board, Fan Y Big is an impressive and dramatic part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Perhaps a little challenging for the very young, Fan Y Big isn’t the perfect walk for those who let their nerves get the better of them. However, push those nerves aside and you’ll find suitable routes up to the top for people of any age.
4 – Hallin Fell – Ullswater, England
Considered by many to give you the biggest thrills while taking the least amount of effort to scale, Hallin Fell is the perfect first walk for any budding little hikers. Because it is positioned on the back end of Ullswater, Hallin Fell is scaled less than the other popular hills in the area. Although this might put you off at first, just think of sharing the views with nobody but the rest of the family once you reach the top, wrapped up nice and warm in your walking clothing.
5 – Ben A’an – Trossachs, Scotland
One of Scotland’s smaller hills, but still one of its most popular with tourists looking to go on a good long hike, Ben A’an, is positioned right at the center of the Trossachs. Although the path is a little bit steep and slightly worn, it’s a very short walk to the top. It might be tough in certain sections for very young children, but those tough sections don’t last for long. A car park at the foot of the hill makes access to it extremely easy, so you’ve got no excuse.
Mary Phillips is a mother of three and a keen walker. She enjoys helping other people in her situation to make the most of their time with their little ones.
I don’t consider myself a hiker but the views and descriptions definitely make me want to become one. If you feel the same way please give this article a thumbs up. Thank you.
