Top 10 Kid-friendly hills
Sometimes, an adventure at altitude is the only thing that’ll tire them out!
Sharing our love of hillwalking with children can feel a bit of a gamble.
Chances are they’ll either love it or hate it, and the fear of hearing “Are we there yet?” as you reach another false summit is sometimes enough to make you go it alone. However, we’ve put together ten hills that should ignite a love of high places in kids with a variety of fitness levels whilst giving you a decent walk too. An abundance of chocolate with each packed lunch is recommended in all cases!
1. MAM TOR, DERBYSHIRE
Known as ‘mother hill’ due to the small hills surrounding it, this is a nice, short, easy climb with plenty of interest for children and enough of a challenge for adults. Start from the Mam Nick car park to begin a circular route that follows a way-marked path to the trig point. When it’s clear, you should be able to see all the way to the Derwent Moors. There’s also the remains of a Bronze Age hillfort on the crown of the hill.
2. CAERPHILLY MOUNTAIN,
GLAMORGAN
It’s a quick jaunt from the car park to the trig point for this climb, where you’ll be able to spot Caerphilly Castle (pictured). Perfect for the kind of day where you want to get out and about but are pressed for time. Near the summit of this modest hill is an iconic snack bar, which makes for excellent mid-climb motivation for little ones.
3. HIGH RIGG, CUMBRIA
Despite its name, this Lakeland hill definitely isn’t too lofty for children to tackle. It’s the kind of small hill that offers a delightful scramble, and there’s an opportunity to connect your walk to the nearby Wren Crag. When the path from the car park splits, head left and take care around the boggy ground. Information on what bus services stop at the beginning of the trail can be found at keswick.org
4. SLEMISH, COUNTY ANTRIM
From start to finish, a ramble over this hill will only take an hour – but the legendary home of St. Patrick should not be underestimated. On a gentle but rocky climb, you can see the Scottish coast to the east and any keen wildlife spotters should keep an eye out for the elusive Irish hare. This is also a favourite location for bird-watchers: buzzards and meadow pipits are just a few of the regulars.
5. WALBURY HILL, BERKSHIRE
Another high place that’s home to an Iron Age hillfort, Walbury Hill is also the starting point for the 70 mile Wayfarer’s Walk. There are plenty of routes to choose from depending on the energy of the kids involved: tackle this modest hill by itself or walk a circular route that includes Pilot Hill, Faccombe and Combe Hill.
6. THE WHANGIE, ARGYLL & BUTE
Calling this a ‘hill’ feels a little generous, but this 180m ascent is the perfect starter for kids. Begin the main trail from the Queens View car park and follow the path up through the gate. Eventually, you’ll see the entrance to ‘The Whangie’, which is actually a unique split rock face, reaching heights of 50 feet. There’s plenty of interesting rocks and views to keep kids interested – it’s also a popular destination for local rock-climbing clubs.
7. BEN LEDI, STIRLINGSHIRE
This Corbett is more suited to children who are used to the hills as it’s the highest in the Trossachs, but its proximity to the quaint town of Callander makes it a family favourite. A well-maintained, waymarked path will take you through forest and eventually, you’ll spot Loch Lubnaig. Climbing Ben Ledi
on the summer solstice is a popular annual tradition for locals and makes for a fantastic atmosphere.
8. CLOUGHA PIKE, LANCASHIRE
A bite-sized hill that still offers a decent challenge for beginners, Clougha Pike features a host of unique rocky outcrops that make for an interesting ascent. Three sculptures by Andy Goldsworthy that sit on the spoil heaps of the old quarry are well worth a detour to see on your route. Rigg Lane car park is probably your best bet to get started, and you can also reach the summit of Grit Fell from here.
9. CARN INGLI, PEMBROKESHIRE
A truly fascinating mountain, Carn Ingli is scattered with fragments of Welsh history. The summit features one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Wales, and there’s a hidden wishing well to be found on the northern slopes. Part of the Preseli Hills, Carn Ingli can be reached by an approximately 30 minute walk from Newport, or there’s a small gravelled car park to the east of the hill. Local legend states if you spend a night on the hill you might wake up a poet.
10. WINDY GYLE, NORTHUMBERLAND
This grassy hill on the border between Scotland and England is the perfect starter hill for kids. Situated at one end of the Pennine Way, it’s a great way to establish that there’s a lot more to come if they get into the swing of things and an introduction to the Cheviot Hills (pictured). Start at Cocklaw Foot; the trig point makes a nice peaceful place for lunch.