Family Hiking Guide: The Best Kid-Friendly Trails in the UK

Getting children into the outdoors is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. Hiking builds confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of nature. But choosing the right trail makes all the difference between an adventure they'll talk about for years and a miserable trudge they'll never forgive you for. Here are the UK's best kid-friendly hiking trails for summer 2026.

Tips for Hiking with Children

Before the routes, a few golden rules: keep distances short (1–2km per year of age is a rough guide), build in plenty of stops for snacks and exploration, let children set the pace, and make it an adventure rather than a march. A magnifying glass, a nature spotter's guide, or a simple scavenger hunt can transform a walk for young children.

1. Catbells, Lake District

Catbells above Derwentwater is arguably England's finest family mountain. At just 451m, it's achievable for children as young as 5–6 with some scrambling sections that kids absolutely love. The views over Derwentwater and Borrowdale are stunning, and the descent back to Hawse End is straightforward. Reward the family with ice cream in Keswick.

Distance: 6km circular. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Suitable for: Ages 5+.

2. Mam Tor, Peak District

The "Shivering Mountain" in the Peak District offers a superb family ridge walk with panoramic views over the Hope Valley. The circular route from Mam Nick car park is well-surfaced and manageable for most children. The ridge walk to Hollins Cross and back is particularly enjoyable with older children.

Distance: 4km circular. Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for: Ages 4+.

3. Loch an Eilein, Cairngorms

The circular walk around Loch an Eilein near Aviemore is flat, well-surfaced, and utterly beautiful. The ruined castle on the island in the loch fires children's imaginations, and red squirrels are frequently spotted in the surrounding Caledonian pine forest. Perfect for all ages including pushchairs on the main path.

Distance: 5km circular. Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for: All ages.

4. Symonds Yat Rock, Forest of Dean

A short but rewarding walk through ancient woodland to a dramatic viewpoint above the River Wye gorge. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs and can often be spotted from the viewpoint in summer. The Forest of Dean also offers excellent cycling and the famous Go Ape treetop adventure for a full family day out.

Distance: 3km circular. Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for: Ages 3+.

5. Malham Cove, Yorkshire Dales

The dramatic limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove is one of England's most spectacular natural features and a superb family destination. The walk from Malham village is short and well-marked, and the limestone pavement at the top of the cove (famously used as a filming location in Harry Potter) is endlessly fascinating for children.

Distance: 5km circular. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Suitable for: Ages 5+.

6. Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire

Combine a coastal walk with a dramatic ruined castle perched on sea cliffs south of Stonehaven. The short walk from the car park to the castle is manageable for all ages, and the castle ruins are a genuine adventure playground for children's imaginations. The coastal scenery is spectacular.

Distance: 2km return. Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for: All ages.

Kit for Family Hiking

Comfortable, well-fitting footwear is essential for children — blisters end walks fast. Invest in proper children's hiking socks that wick moisture and cushion small feet. At Stride Outdoors, we stock hiking socks for the whole family, built for the same demanding trails as our adult range. Pack plenty of snacks, a first aid kit, and always carry waterproofs - even on sunny days.