Hiking with Children Safely in the UK
Walking with children is not usually considered a risky activity. By and large thousands of us go walking with our children each year without incident, and, whilst it can be a healthy and rewarding adventure for the whole family, there are some risks you may be unaware of.
Whether you intend to take the kids on a countryside walk or a hike out along the coast, this 10 minute guide will explain what you need to know to minimise the risks and help you keep this enjoyable family activity a safe one.
If you don’t have 10 minutes to read the whole thing, I suggest you read the short version instead.
Be Prepared
We’ve all been there… the kids are excited and you’re stressed. You can’t find little Sally’s left boot, Oliver won’t put his coat on and invariably you leave without it, and the sandwiches you forgot are still in the fridge! (and usually a few other things too).
It sounds obvious, but spending some time preparing for the trip beforehand can really make a difference and reduce your stress from scenarios like this.
Pack everything at least a few hours before you go or better yet the night before. Make the sandwiches, get the snacks, find their clothes.
Having a checklist is a really good idea. Don’t worry I’ve put one at the end of the for you.
Get the Kids Involved in Planning the Walk
Getting the kids involved in preparing for the walk can really help boost their excitement and interest. They want to be more than just “along for the ride”, they want to be engaged in the ride.
I recommend you give them the task of choosing their own adventure, say from a guidebook or map, and let them choose where you should go, (obviously you give them the options to choose from).
Let them choose the snacks or sandwiches to take, and give them a choice of suitable clothing to choose for the trip.
This is also a good time to tell them what they’re likely to see and explaining the “do’s & don’ts” that will keep them safe on the walk.
Our Granddaughter loves to study a map of where we’re going, and she regularly checks our progress along the way. She also loves to help pack everything (including the map), into her own backpack before we go!
Choose a Well Known Route
If you intend to go walking with children for more than about an hour, I highly recommend you choose a well known and documented walk or trail. Not only are these generally safer, but they often include interesting scenes and attractions along the way to keep the kids engaged.
If you, or your children have not walked before, I recommend you choose a shorter walk, preferably close to home for your first outing.
A walking guide book of your local area will help give you some great ideas of where to go. We like the Kiddiwalk Family Walks range of guide books as they are specifically written with families and children in mind, and include maps, photos and detailed points of interest about the walk and its difficulty.
Alternatively there are many online walking and hiking sites where you can search for walks in your area.
Is The Route Child Friendly?
Once you’ve decided where to go, ask yourself, if the walk is suitable for your children’s ability and age?
Remember a two year old is unlikely to walk for a couple of hours, and may become tired really quickly, but if the route is suitable you can often take a child’s pushchair or buggy.
Forest trails are usually a good choice, as they generally have wide flat paths that are ideal for younger children and buggies!
An excellent solution to the dreaded “will you carry me” plea, asked 5 minutes into your 2 hour walk, is a purpose made Child Carrier Backpack.
It’s basically a regular backpack with a space for babies and young children (up to about 3 yrs) to sit in. These are gaining popularity of late, and I often see parents using them on longer walks.
Go at The Right Time
You should always know how long the walk is likely to take and plan your start time to ensure you can return safely before it gets dark.
“We once got caught out on the Brecon Beacons, after our granddaughter twisted her ankle on a tree root. The 20 minute delay to strap it up meant we had to walk back along a narrow cliff path after sunset. Thankfully we had head-lamps and knew the route well, but it was a lesson learnt ~ Always allow an extra 30-60 minutes just in case!”
And don’t forget to tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Savvy Tip: Most guide books and websites will tell you how long a walk should take, however in my experience you should add as much as half that again when you walk with children. Additionally, I recommend you allow extra time for unforeseen problems.
Check Local Weather
Changes in weather account for many of the possible risks you may encounter whilst out walking with the kids. It is therefore vital that you understand the consequences of these changes and prepare accordingly.
Weather is one of the biggest contributing factors in hiking accidents. Always Check the Weather Before You Go Out!
And remember to keep an eye on the weather too, it can change in minutes. If you and the kids get caught in a downpour a couple of miles out, without wet weather clothing or some form of shelter, it will become uncomfortable and unpleasant very quickly!
Apart from the obvious health concerns associated with being cold and wet for several hours, the chance of slips, trips & falls is greatly increased. Take extra care in these wet conditions.
It is also very easy to get lost in bad weather, especially on moors and mountain trails where there may be mist and fog.
In the summer, hot weather can be just as bad, so don’t forget sunscreen and plenty of water.
👉 The Golden Rules: Always check the weather forecast, before you leave. Always carry wet weather gear and spare clothing if there’s even the slightest chance of rain, sleet or snow. Nine times out of ten you won’t need it, but the one time you do, you’ll be so glad you did.
In the Countryside
Walks in the countryside and along forest path are an excellent way to introduce your children to nature and are relatively safe as long as you bear in mind some simple guidelines.
Signs provide directions and route information.
Stay on the path! Wondering off into a wooded area or across a random field is an easy way to become lost, even if you ‘think’ you know where you’re going.
Many circular countryside walks have so called ‘escape routes‘ should you need to cut the walk short. These are often shown on maps or in guidebooks but, always remember to follow local signs and information as these routes often change over time.
Take extra care when passing close to farms or farmland, be aware of farmyard machinery and farm animals. Cows and horses in particular can behave unpredictably if you get too close – always give them plenty of space, especially if they’re with their young.
And follow the countryside code…
The Countryside Code (Côd Cefn Gwlad in Welsh)
- Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
- Keep dogs under close control
- Consider other people
At the Beach
If you’re walking along the beach or shoreline, always check tidal conditions for the area. Many beaches and attractions have a rapid incoming tide that can cut you off from the mainland and safety. Always pay attention to local signage, particularly warning signs.
Always follow advice from lifeguards, even if they happen to be a spotty teenager!
Despite their youth they’ll have knowledge of the local hazards and the risks. This is especially important when exploring in and around caves, cliffs and secluded beaches.
You can get tide times for almost every beach in the UK at the The Tide Times Website.
Coast Walks
It probably goes without saying but, extra care needs to be taken when walking along coastal routes. Especially along cliff paths where the consequences of a slip or fall can be very serious.
A good safe practice is to always keep your children on the inside, away from the edge, preferably with you between them and the edge. As you know children can be prone to sudden rushes of enthusiasm and so holding hands is another good practice.
Good Practice: Walking away from the edge, holding hands, with kids on the inside.
For even greater safety, there are Child Wrist Links – Walking Safety Straps available to tether you both together whilst walking along high paths and cliffs. At around £7 – £10, they are definitely worth having in your backpack.
If the path is very narrow or close to the edge – always consider going back.
Trust your parental instincts and never carry on if you think it’s unsafe, no matter how experienced you are!!!
Again, always stay on the path, pay attention to local signage, particularly warning signs and always follow advice from local wardens or lifeguards.
This was a rescue of a father and two boys, who were unable to get back up a cliff after venturing off the established path.
Around Water!
We all enjoy the water, whether it’s the sea, a river, a lake or pond but, you must also recognise its dangers and never underestimate its power.
I cannot stress this enough, you must to be extra vigilant when walking with children around any form of water. Children can drown in less than 3cm (1 inch) of water, and should be under constant ADULT supervision. Things can happen in the blink of an eye.
As I’ve said previously, always pay attention to local signage, particularly warning signs and always follow advice from park wardens or lifeguards.
Remember, good safe practice is to hold hands and position yourself between your children and the waters edge.
Even if you and your children are competent swimmers, prevention is always better than rescue.
The best rescue is always the one you don’t need to do!
Around Traffic!
Take extra care when walking along country lanes. Stay close to the side of the road and be prepared to walk in single file. Although you can usually hear a vehicle coming before you see it, the driver may not see you until they’re up close. Don’t assume drivers will stop.
Sometimes, part of a walk may involve crossing a road. As a young boy I was taught to ‘stop, look and listen’ and to ‘look right, look left, look right again’ before crossing, and this is still good advice today. Set an example for them.
If you walk during low-light hours be sure you have reflective material on your jacket or walking shoes, and carry a torch or headlamp.
What to take with you walking with children
This is the minimum I recommend you take on a walk with children lasting an hour or more.
The Essentials
- A Backpack or Small Rucksack (daypack) to carry your gear in. It doesn’t need to be capable of carrying 10 weeks supplies up everest, it just needs to big enough to hold your bits and pieces for the walk. I would suggest any pack of around 18-32 litres is ideal. Check our Top 10 Hiking Backpacks Review for some ideas.
Children’s Backpack – Kids love to have their own packs too, these are generally around 6-15 litres. Our grandchildren both use the Osprey Talon 11 – Kid’s Hiking Backpack and the Gregory Maya 15L Backpack.
- A Map of the Route – A guide book is good to have along, but even a simple map printout from google maps is fine as long as it shows the whole route and the surrounding area you’ll be walking in. Learn how to read it.
- Water – Staying hydrated is important during a walk, especially during the summer months. Make sure to take plenty of fluids with you. I’d suggest a minimum of 500ml for each of you.
- Food & Snacks – Take enough for the journey, plus a little extra. As you know, kids are always hungry!
- First Aid Kit – A small first aid kit with a few plasters, some bandages, scissors and a few wipes is great. You can get small travel/walking kits here on Amazon. An Emergency Blanket is also good to have along.
- A Phone (charged!) – If you need to get help in a wooded area, having no signal will be frustrating, but having no battery will be a lot worse. I also recommend carrying a small portable emergency power bank.
- Torches or Headlamps – Just in case. If it gets too dark, you’ll be glad you did.
- Waterproof Coats & Hats – If there is even a small chance of rain, snow or sleet. Better to have it and not need it.
- Suncream – in summer remember to take into account the heat and sun.
Non Essentials (but nice to have along)
- A Change of Clothing – If you are likely to get wet (say at the beach), take along an extra set of clothing and don’t forget socks.
- A Picnic Blanket or Sit Pads – Having something to sit on is better than a soggy bottom!
- A Flask of Tea/Coffee – A nice warm drink can be just the thing on colder days.
- Baby Wipes – You know why!
Finally if you have young children, don’t forget to take your usual travel pack of nappies, nappy bag, baby food, juice, dummy/soother etc.
See the Ultimate Packing List for Hiking with Kids for a more comprehensive list of the gear we recommend carrying.
Recap & Checklist (The Short Version)
- Know Where You are Going – Choose a Suitable Route.
- Go at the Right Time – Get Back Before Dark.
- Wear Suitable Clothing – Cover up in the Sun.
- Take Plenty of Food and Drinks – Kids are Always Hungry.
- Check the Local Weather Forecast – It’s Probably Going to Rain.
- Check Local Tidal Conditions (if applicable) – Get the Ins & Outs.
- Take the Right ‘What if’ Gear – Coat, Spare Clothes & 1st Aid Kit.
- Tell Others Where You’re Going and When You’ll Be Back.
- Take a Mobile Phone – Charged! (and a power bank).
- Be Aware of Your Own Capabilities – Don’t Take Risks!
Conclusion
Walking with children safely, will always require a fair amount of common sense and parental instinct. With a little bit of careful preparation thrown in, you can ensure your time spend outdoors as a family is safe and enjoyable all year round.
