Scaling mountains with small ones.
Our favourite Wainwright walks and how to tackle them with kids.
Can we just take a moment to appreciate how young Charlie and I both look here! Nothing makes you realise how much you have aged like searching through old photos 🙈
A few years ago we decided to start a new tradition of walking in the Lake District over the new year period. We have always loved the Lakes, and first introduced Charlie to his Wainwright walking when he was six. From our home in Northumberland, it is just over a two hour drive to reach the Lake District National Park, so do-able in a day. Visiting over new year made it seem extra special and we have loved visiting at this time of year.
Stepping one foot in front of the other, climbing until you feel like you have reached the clouds and treating yourself with cake or fish and chips in one of the many cafes, pubs and bars. Amazing.
On the 2nd January 2020, we enjoyed our first New Years walk: Castle Crag. Castle Crag is the smallest of the Wainwrights and sits in Borrowdale, a few miles south of Keswick. This walk is a perfect place to start if you are thinking of walking mountains with little ones. I find most of the “smaller” Wainwrights are fab to do even if you don’t have children. They are mostly a short, steepish climb but you are rewarded with the most amazing views without having to walk far at all.
These include:
Latrigg (this is part of the miles without stiles route making it one of the most accessible routes. You can walk from Keswick or drive half way up the fell and park the car in a designated car park.)
Catbells (Re-named “dog bones” after a walk here with my auntie and uncle when I was younger, due to the amount of dogs we saw… and no cats!)
We have also enjoyed Lord’s Seat and Barf which you can do from Whinlatter Forest and easily tick two off in one walk. There are many Wainwrights you can do this with but this is the only time we have done two in one go with children.
I can’t quite put my finger on what it is about the Lake District that draws us back so many times. The smell of the heather, the scenery with hillsides speckled with sheep, dry stoned walls, the walking and cosy pubs. Whatever it is, it just feels great to be there.
When I was little and we lived in the south, we would often make the drive up to Cumbria, staying in a holiday cottage with my Nana, Grampy, Auntie and Uncle. It was usually around the October half term and autumn to me is marked by a visit to this part of the world. It brings me great joy that my own children now ask to come here too. We camped near Ullswater last summer and our three year old has already requested we go camping again this year. “Because I love my sleeping bag.” - ah, nothing to do with the beauty of the Lakes but I’ll work on that.
My top tips for successful walking.
I would say that nine times out of ten, everyone moans when I mention the word “walk” 😅 however, I have worked out a few ways to distribute the bribes and plan for all (most) eventualities. Despite the initial protests, we arrive home in agreement it was actually not that bad and we all feel better for getting outdoors.
Here’s what I’ve learnt:
That favourite saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing” came from Alfred Wainwright himself. Pack all the layers, waterproofs and make sure you have invested in a good pair of walking boots. Spare socks and a change of clothes which can be left in the car if you aren’t walking from home, are also a good idea. Someone always ends up in a bog! There’s nothing worse than walking with wet feet/too cold etc so spare clothes are always handy to have.
Bring snacks. Like seriously, you will walk approx 100 yards before someone claims they are STAAARVING, even if you have left immediately after breakfast/lunch. They are a good bribe as well. “When we get to the next corner we will stop for snack” - for example.
Take some binoculars with you, kids ones if you have them, to look out for wildlife or points of interest along the walk. It distracts the moaners from walking and encourages them to run ahead, making the walking a bit more enjoyable. They soon get fully involved in this as they can’t resist a game of “I saw it first”.
Don’t set your expectations too high. While we enjoy a challenge and a walk that feels like an adventure, we do bare in mind the walking capability of those in our walking party. Aged 3, 7 and 10, the range in ages mean we have to plan accordingly. Sometimes I end up doing a shorter walk with the girls while the boys tackle a longer route. Luckily Charlie really enjoys a long walk; I’m hoping the girls will follow suit one day…
Even just writing this has got me itching to chuck the walking boots into the car and head to the Lakes… hopefully it has inspired you too? The feeling of accomplishment after a mountain top walk, can’t be beaten. Especially with your little explorers!
In June this year, Steve and I will be taking part in Trek26. Walking 26 miles around Ullswater to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. You can find out more here and we will be starting to fundraise very soon!
Ours loved geocaching when they were little, treasure hunting makes a good distraction, and definitely plenty of snacks. Chuffed that despite the moaning (and there was a lot!) they both did the Duke of Edinburgh awards and continue to hike with friends (and sometime us) now they’ve left home.