Family Hiking in the UK: 7 Epic Routes for Kids of All Ages

Looking to get the kids away from their screens and into nature? Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, a family hike is a fun, free way to reconnect amid inspiring views and invigorating fresh air. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our best places for hiking in the UK. We’ve focused on routes in England, Scotland and Wales with options for all ages, abilities and interests.

Renowned as one of the best walks in England, this circular hike to the summit of Mam Tor showcases the stunning beauty of the Peak District National Park. For grownups, views over the Edale Valley and Derwent Moors are a highlight. For kids, there are two exciting caves, including one full of rare blue mineral deposits. They’ll also get a real sense of achievement from reaching the trig point at the top. The stone-surfaced path is well maintained and though there are a few steep sections, the going should be easy enough for active kids aged 5 and up.

• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Start point: Mam Nick Car Park 

Head to the Yorkshire Dales National Park for a beautiful day out on this 3.9-mile trail, which winds its way through open fields and bluebell woods before taking in the astonishing limestone cliff known as Malham Cove. Kids will be enchanted by Janet’s Foss, a waterfall named for the fairy queen said to dwell behind its veil. Watch out for rough sections near the falls and be aware that the valley path can get boggy in wet weather. Looking for a convenient base nearby? Novotel York Centre is a family-friendly choice that puts you within easy reach of the North York Moors National Park as well.

• Distance: 3.9 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Start point: Malham National Car Park 

This 9.6-mile loop from Brockenhurst village allows kids to run wild through the ancient heathland and woodland of the New Forest. Look for free-roaming ponies before standing in awe beneath the towering trunks of the giant redwoods and Douglas firs of the Tall Trees Trail. If your little ones aren’t up for the full loop, it’s also possible to explore the 1.5-mile Tall Trees Trail on its own. Staying at Novotel Southampton puts you within a stone’s throw of the New Forest and roughly an hour from top UK hiking in the South Downs National Park.

• Distance: 9.6 miles 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Start point: Brockenhurst Village

Strike out from Trevone Beach on a well-maintained path that leads gently up to the headland and along the cliffs to Stepper Point. Along the way, discover the Trevone Round Hole, sandy beaches and secret coves, banks of wildflowers and dizzying ocean views with a chance of seal and dolphin sightings. This out-and-back Cornwall walking trail is 5.8 miles long. Little legs can be incentivised with the promise of an ice cream back at Trevone’s golden sands. Or carry on for as long as you like along the South West Coast Path, a 630-mile journey from Dorset’s Poole Harbour to Exmoor National Park.

• Distance: 5.8 miles 
• Difficulty: Easy
• Start point: Trevone Beach Car Park 

With its dramatic mountain scenery Glencoe is a hiking UK paradise. It’s also a popular film location, scoring cool points with teens who may recognise scenes from the Harry Potter movies. This 2.2-mile circular loop takes in the site of Hagrid’s hut in a clearing above Torren Lochan. Other points of interest include the sweeping mountain panorama from An Torr and the MacDonald clan gathering site at Signal Rock. This walk is an easy detour from the West Highland Way. If you fancy tackling the most famous multi-day hike in Scotland, choose Novotel Glasgow Centre for easy access to the start point in Milngavie.

• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Difficulty: Easy
• Start point: Clachaig Inn Trailhead

One of the most visually spectacular family walks in Scotland is found on the Isle of Skye. This 3-mile circular route climbs uphill on a stepped stone path to the iconic Old Man – a gravity-defying rock formation that stands sentinel over the otherworldly landscapes of the Trotternish Peninsula. A host of smaller pinnacles and cliffs can also be admired on this walk, which continues past the Old Man to the top of a ridge with views across the Sound of Raasay to the Scottish mainland. Take care in high winds and keep an eye on younger kids close to the edge.

• Distance: 3 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Start point: Storr Car Park

If you’re looking to take your kids up their first proper mountain, Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the best hiking trails in the UK. Just be sure you choose the easiest of the four routes, a 4-mile circuit from the Storey Arms Outdoor Centre with roughly 445 metres of ascent to the mountain’s stunning 886-metre summit. There are some steep sections, but this is a relatively easy intro to hill walking that’s manageable for strong walkers of all ages. In good weather, you can even carry smaller babies and toddlers up with minimal risk.

• Distance: 4 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Start point: Storey Arms Outdoor Centre

The invention of safe baby carriers means there’s no minimum age to start hiking the UK with your kids. In fact, the earlier you start, the more solid the foundation becomes for a life spent outdoors, appreciating nature and reaping all the physical and mental benefits of an active lifestyle.

When toddlers become too heavy to carry but are not yet able to walk long distances, the “one mile per year of life” rule is helpful (limit hikes to two miles for a two-year-old and so on). The more you hike, the further your kids will be able to walk, especially if you incentivise them with a picnic or treats. Choosing hikes with special places of interest is another great way to keep them motivated.

Absolutely, with the right precautions. You’ll need a safety-approved baby carrier (use a soft front carrier until your baby is able to sit up unsupported, then switch to a structured back carrier). And you’ll need to pack plenty of supplies from nappies to bottles of milk. Layers are key. Remember that physical exertion will make you feel much warmer than your baby. Check on them regularly to make sure they’re not too hot or cold. Finally, choose fair weather days and be prepared to turn back if conditions change. Your hiking UK adventure awaits!