Hiking is one of those activities that just works when you’ve got kids. It’s (mostly) free, it gets everyone outdoors, and it burns off that endless energy that somehow survives long school days. The UK really is spoilt for choice too — coastlines, magical woodlands, hills that won’t have you gasping for breath before you’ve even started — there’s something for every family.

We’ve had plenty of walks over the years, in both sunshine and rain (because, well, Britain). Whether the boys will be quite so keen this year remains to be seen — teens aren’t exactly famous for leaping at the idea of “family hikes” — but I’m not ready to hang up my boots just yet. There are still trails we’ve not tackled, and it would be a shame to miss them.

So, here are a few of the best hiking spots for families that are great with kids— all of them offering a mix of manageable walks, gorgeous scenery, and enough adventure to keep everyone interested.

The Gruffalo Trails – Various Locations

Perfect when the kids are little. These trails pop up in Wendover Woods (Buckinghamshire), Delamere Forest (Cheshire), and Dalby Forest (North Yorkshire), with hidden Gruffalo sculptures along the way. The routes are short (under two miles) and the activity sheets make it feel more like a treasure hunt than a walk. Much less chance of the dreaded “how much longer?” after ten minutes.

Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales

This one’s always a showstopper. The four-mile circular walk takes you up the stone steps of Malham Cove — the limestone cliffs are huge, and the views from the top are worth every climb. If your kids are into Harry Potter, you’ve got an extra win: it was a filming location in The Deathly Hallows.

Wye Valley Walk, Herefordshire/Gloucestershire

Great if your kids are a bit older. The section between Symonds Yat and Monmouth is full of little surprises — rope swings, riverside paths, picnic spots tucked away like secrets. It’s part woodland, part flat riverside walking, and full of wildlife. It feels like an adventure without it being too full-on.

Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms National Park (Scotland)

This one feels like walking through a storybook. A three-mile loop around a beautiful loch with a ruined castle right in the middle of the water — you can’t beat it. The path is buggy-friendly and there’s a picnic area, so it works for whatever age your kids are. And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a red squirrel or two.

Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula (Wales)

For families who love the coast, Rhossili Bay is stunning. The three-mile route from the car park to Worm’s Head has sea views and fresh air. At low tide, you can explore the causeway, though the path is uneven in places, so it’s better for older kids. Definitely one for decent boots — trust me, you’ll regret flimsy shoes.

A Few Handy Tips

Things we’ve learnt the hard way:

• Layers are your friend — the weather will change mid-walk.
• Snacks aren’t optional; they’re essential.
• Let the kids set the pace (yes, even if it feels like snail speed).
• And if there’s a café or toilets nearby, it’s automatically a better walk.

We might not manage all of these this year, but I’d love to tick a few more off while the boys still humour me. Because really, it’s less about the miles and more about the memories — hot chocolates in the car after, muddy boots by the door, and the random things the kids remember long after the walk’s done.

Have you got a favourite family-friendly hike we should try next? I’d love to add more to our list.

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