INTRODUCTION

Walking – as a family, extended family or group of friends – is a fantastic way to spend time together. Far from the urban and indoors worlds that so many of us, and our children, spend much of our lives inhabiting, walking outdoors in all weathers and on every kind of terrain brings a level of exhilaration, engagement and immersion in our surroundings that occurs nowhere else. Getting outside and sharing the challenges, joys, sights and sounds of a place with other people forms bonds and memories that last a lifetime.

Walks are almost always an education, but not the kind you’ll find sitting in a classroom. A walk can explore the history of the Earth through its rocks, or the history of humans by visiting the places where people have left their mark, from remains in caves and hilltop forts to castles and country estates. Every wild place is buzzing with its own unique blend of nature – from birds and mammals to the tiny worlds of invertebrates. Gazing up at the dark skies that hang speckled with stars over many of Britain’s National Parks is a magical way to learn about the universe and our place within it. Seeing conservation projects in action, and the changes – both good and bad – happening across so many of our landscapes, brings immediacy and relevance to issues such as climate change, biodiversity and land use.

THE DOORSTEP MILE

Every child is different, with some relishing the idea of going for a walk while others will do anything to avoid it. Regardless of age or inclination, forcing kids to go on walks does little besides creating tension and conflict, and you’ll end up never wanting to do it again. Getting kids on board with the idea of a walk really is all about how you pitch it to them. If you can, get them involved in planning the day. Is there anywhere they’d really like to go? What are they learning about at school that could be enhanced by seeing it in real life? Do they have any special interests, such as steam trains or rock climbing? And, often most importantly, is there a café at the finish where you can all enjoy a hot chocolate together?

It’s often hard for children to imagine the day ahead, particularly if it’s somewhere they’ve never been before, so waymarking it with more familiar things that they know they enjoy helps them to understand what’s going to happen and why it’ll be fun. Arranging to meet their friends for a walk is a fantastic way to combine something they’re likely to find exciting with getting outside and exploring. However you go about it, even if the distance covered is exactly the same, kids will always view an ‘adventure’ with far more enthusiasm than a ‘walk’.

SEASONAL VARIATIONS

Nature can be a great guide when it comes to planning walks. Beech woods blaze with colour and woodland floors are filled with fascinating fungi in autumn. Snowdrops appear in early spring, with primroses, daffodils and bluebells soon after. Winter brings its own special type of fun, from muddy puddles to ice crystals and even snow. On a hot summer’s day, a shady trail alongside a stream is perfect for cooling down with a paddle and brings a whole new perspective from which to spot wildlife. In late summer, foraging 9 for blackberries from the hedgerows and bilberries from forests and mountainsides is a great way to sow the seeds of self-sufficiency, and an excellent source of free, healthy and delicious snacks as you go.

FOOTWEAR AND CLOTHING

Children are literally finding their feet when they start out, so footwear is one of the most important considerations when it comes to helping them to build the foundations for a life of confident and enjoyable outdoor exploration. Shoes or boots should fit well, have excellent grip and be breathable or waterproof enough for the conditions. A good pair of socks – Merino wool is perfect where possible – will add warmth, breathability and comfort to any pair of shoes.

When it comes to clothing, choose multiple lightweight layers that can be added or removed as required. Children vary much more than adults in their activity levels and lose heat more rapidly, so easy clothing adjustment is important. A good waterproof to go over the top of everything – all-in-ones work brilliantly for younger children while a jacket and salopette-style trousers are ideal when they’re bigger – keeps everything as dry and clean as possible.

BUGGIES AND CARRIERS

Walking with really young children is a great way for new parents to get outside and spend some much-needed quality time together. A good off-road buggy with suspension, rugged tyres and decent brakes can make a walk in the woods an enjoyable excursion, and the good ones will handle rough terrain with ease. Many shops will let you take one out on a trial run – essential for making sure it works for all of you – and there’s usually a wide selection available second-hand.

Our own adventures take us up mountains and over stiles, so we opted for baby carriers when our kids were little. If you find the frame-style carriers a little heavy and bulky, it’s well worth giving the softer, structured carriers such as the Ergobaby a try. These can be worn on the front, back or side and keep the child close so you can monitor – and share – body heat. They also enable you to carry your child’s weight close to your centre of mass, which is efficient and safer over rough terrain. Soft carriers and slings pack small enough to fit easily into a rucksack and, if you’re up for carrying them, will transport a child up to around the age of four, so they’re a useful item to take along on a walk in case a child wants to be carried any distance. You can also buy warm and/or waterproof covers that provide an excellent level of protection for the child.

FIRST AID AND TICKS

A basic first aid kit – including antiseptic wipes, plasters in a range of sizes, absorbent dressings, bite/sting relief, tweezers, tick removers, small scissors and some micropore tape – is well worth keeping in your pack for those inevitable minor bumps and grazes that happen on days out with kids. Ticks are increasingly common in Britain’s outdoors and they carry a range of nasty diseases that can transmit to humans when they bite. They can be found all year round in urban or rural environments across the country in damp, wildlife-rich areas, particularly in mid-length to long grass. Bites are painless but the longer the tick is attached, the higher the chances of disease transmission, so if you or your child does get bitten it’s important to remove the tick promptly. Use a specifically designed tick-removal tool to avoid distressing the tick or leaving its mouth parts in the skin. Being careful to stick to paths, avoiding likely spots and tick checking everyone regularly is essential – look for a small black or brown seed-like creature, attached firmly to the skin. If you notice a red circular rash or flu-like symptoms after someone has received a tick bite, see your GP.

SHARED RIGHTS OF WAY

While the vast majority of walks included in this book follow public footpaths, some also take in stretches of bridleway, byway and quiet road. These rights of way may be shared with horses, cyclists and motor vehicles, so take extra care, particularly when walking with younger children. Many paths are also popular with dog walkers. If you’re bringing a dog, check in advance for location-specific guidelines as these often vary throughout the year in places such as beaches and conservation areas. Dogs are great company on walks but can easily scare or harm wildlife, fragile habitats, livestock and other people; responsible dog ownership is good for everyone.

THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE

The Countryside Code is all about respecting, protecting and enjoying the outdoors. It’s a great way for kids to learn to adventure responsibly and help take care of the places they visit.

The Code asks us all to:

•Enjoy the outdoors.

•Respect other people.

•Consider the local community and other people enjoying the outdoors.

•Leave gates and property as you find them.

•Keep to paths.

•Protect the natural environment.

•Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home.

•Keep dogs under effective control.

•Plan ahead and be prepared.

•Follow advice and local signs.