Bringing children on a multi-day walking trip is easier than you think — well-marked trails, short distances and plenty of snacks are essential for all-round enjoyment
As well as being great exercise, walking is a natural mood booster that does wonders for your child’s mental health. Little explorers love discovering the world around them, whether that be on a scavenger hunt or identifying simple plants and animals, while teenagers benefit from the time away from screens.
It’s undeniable — walking is good for the whole family. That’s what makes a holiday centred around walking so appealing. Yet planning a multi-day hiking trip from scratch can be daunting, especially with little ones in tow. A walking holiday takes away the hassle of organising the route and accommodation but maintains a sense of adventure not found on guided excursions.
Keep reading to find out more about family-friendly walking holidays in beautiful locations around the British Isles, with tips on making longer walks enjoyable for children.
Happy hikers
Keeping kids content is essential on an active holiday where tiredness and boredom can cause tantrums. Booking an organised walking holiday is a foolproof way to ensure smooth sailing.
Find a walking holiday provider, like Contours Holidays, that offers tailor-made itineraries. Choose a family-friendly route or enquire about customisable walks for beginners. A circular route with short daily distances works well for families, as you can finish in the place you started and reduce unnecessary car travel.
Contours Holidays offers several services that are super helpful when travelling with children, such as daily luggage transfer and transport to and from the trail. The Contours team can also book family-friendly accommodation with breakfast included to make those early mornings even easier. Plus, everyone will have a spring in their step after a hearty full English.
For the walk itself, it’s best to choose a clearly marked route that frequently passes through well-populated areas, in case of any emergencies. And keep the Contours customer service phone number handy for support on the trail — Contours Holidays has a dedicated emergency line operated 24/7 so you can always get in touch.
Our tips for walking with children
- Allow for plenty of breaks and build in more time to let younger ones explore along the way
- Bring ample snacks. Energy-boosting flapjacks are a great option, or consider a flask of hot chocolate for colder days
- Be sure to have a first aid kit and charged power bank in your day pack
- Distractions and games (even something as simple as a natured-themed game of I spy) can do wonders to keep morale up
- Let older children practise their route-finding skills and lead the way on easier sections
Beautiful walks
From bracing coastal trails complete with beach swims to charming walks in one of Britain’s gorgeous national parks, there are plenty of family-friendly routes available with Contours Holidays.
South Downs Way Walk
Easily accessible from London with plenty of entry and exit points, this iconic walk along the chalk cliffs of the south coast can be split into short manageable sections.
Norfolk Coast Path
Wildlife lovers will relish this coastal trail that passes along sand dunes and wetlands teeming with birdlife. There’s even the chance to see grey seals.
Cotswold Round
Well-marked paths and plenty of charming villages for long lunch breaks make this easy walk perfect for beginners.
Find more child-friendly routes, including low-elevation and stile-free options, with Contours Holidays.