Kid-friendly hills

I’ve been very lucky to share some amazing adventures with Aili. Here are some of my best recommendations for mini mountain days for kids (disclaimer – they’re mostly in north Wales because that’s where we love the most!).

Moel Tryfan & Mynydd Mawr

Moel Tryfan sits just on the outskirts of Caernarfon. It is a friendly little peak in the heath of Uwchgwyrfai Common and is notable for its rocky outcrop of a summit, which lends itself to a cheeky game of hide and seek! You can wander around the top of the working quarry and even walk through it, but do be careful. Charles Darwin once visited here and it has a very important part in the history of evolution. If your little adventurers are keen, you can explore all the way up to the summit of Mynydd Mawr. The route is a reasonably simple up and down, though it is very steep and passes over some impressive cliffs! Parking near Canolfan y Fron means you can get some amazing food afterwards, or even stay over for an extended adventure.

Stac Pollaidh

If you ever find yourself on a road trip around the north-west Highlands of Scotland with the young ones, then an adventurous half-day tour around Stac Pollaidh is a memorable outing. It is easily accessible, though very busy, and has a good path for much of the walk. It is only about 5km long, with a reasonable amount of ascent, though you can get up high for some amazing views without doing any of the scrambling that the peak is famous for. Just beware the summer midges! I’d recommend getting an early start to get this one done, as parking can be a bit of a nightmare. There is a small car park and it can fill up early. The mountain sits on the shore of Loch Lurgainn, which might be good for a cheeky paddle afterwards.

Yr Eifl

The prong-shaped peak that rises from the sea on the Llyn Peninsula is fun and easily accessible for everyone, regardless of experience. There are lots of little tracks dotted around the mini mountain and best of all there is an ancient hill-fort that you can explore called Tre’r Ceiri – The Town of the Giants! People lived here more than 2000 years ago and you can still see the remains of the houses. You can walk through the original doorways of the giant defensive walls into the fort. You can be up and down in a few hours and still have time for ice-cream afterwards. The weather is often better than inland and the views from the top are amazing – sometimes you can even see Ireland! The big people will enjoy the adventure as much as the little ones. A top family walk.

Moel Siabod

Situated in the village of Capel Curig in Eryri, Moel Siabod is nearly 900m high and is a bigger day than Yr Eifl, and with more mountainous terrain and weather. You can enjoy a straightforward ascent via the Llynnau Mymbyr path on its north-western flank, which starts off by crossing the footbridge at the lake then heading up through the woods and then a good path all the way up to the summit area. Scrambling Daear Ddu, which is a low-end Grade 1 scramble and achievable by most confident and enthusiastic walkers, is a good option for parents with a bit more outdoor experience. This takes you up the eastern side of the mountain. Navigation on this side and the summit area can be tricky in poor visibility, so whichever way you go, you need to be prepared for a proper day out.

Langdale Pikes

There are more obvious child-friendly hills in the Lake District (Cat Bells, Helm Crag etc) but Stickle Tarn and the Langdale Pikes are also easily reached via a stunning ascent alongside Stickle Ghyll. Waterfalls, cliffs and rocky summits offer the perfect playground.