Many people enjoy a walk with a view, but with the arrival of little ones a stroll up a mountain becomes a bit more of a challenge, it is a slightly harder challenge but as long as you all have the right clothing, which can be found at Simply Hike and plan out the day correctly, it can be an amazing experience for the entire family.
The Lake District is a beautiful corner of England and is course at its best, from the top of a mountain, the height of the mountain is of course less important than the view and in many cases the higher peaks are surrounded in cloud, when some of the lower peaks offer stunning views.
So if you have a toddler and a short walk up a mountain with a Toddler of two, appeals these are two of our favourites.
Gummers How – South Lakes
Gummers how is situated on the South East Edge of Lake Windermere. Access is from the A592, take the road Fell Foot Brow for about half a mile and turn right into the car park.
A footpath leads from the car park, crossing the road and through a gate onto the path. The path is firm and crosses a number of small streams. The first 300 meter are a pleasant woodland walk with no incline. After this you reach a run of rock step, these can be slippery in wet weather, as you steady climb out of the wood land, after no more than five minutes, you are rewarded with a grand view of the Southside of Lake Windermere. In front of you is a rocky direct route to the summit, which may be a bit to much of a challenge for a toddler, however if you turn right, you are able to walk around the summit and then approach it from the Northern side on a well-trodden path.
Speed is not essential, but the odd motivating snack and drink is. The summit is a short walk away, and as you reach the top you are greeted with a 360 degree view of the Lake District (on a clear day) you can see the sea as well as almost every major peak in the lake district. One of the best parts of the summit of Gummers How is that is big and broad, with plenty of sheltered spots for a picnic, just be award that even on a warm day the summit is quite exposed, so an extra layer is needed.
At a very gentle pace the walk to the summit is less than an hour, decent is by the same route, the challenge is to prevent the toddler from going too fast, decent is easy but take the rock steps slowly and with no time you are back in the car park.
Loughrigg Fell – Central Lakes
Loughrigg Fell is a little gem in central lakes situated between Grasmere and Ambleside, it a relatively short walk, but is steep in places. So plenty of rest for small legs.
White Moss Car Park is situated to the south of the A591, between Grasmere and Rydal. There is a clear path over a bridge, which leads to Loughrigg Fell, following the path through woodland and over a footbridge to cross the Rothay river, then its up to Loughrigg terrace, which is a wide bridleway traversing the mountain. After half a mile the path splits, take the path to the summit, it not a long walk but take your time to enjoy the views across Grasmere. The Summit is a perfect for a picnic on a nice day and the reward is a 360 degree view, surrounded by mountain spreading into the distance. If you plan to stay as with most summits, take extra clothing, you can of course cool down quick.
For a young one the best route back is the retracing your steps and taking it slow. Without a doubt the highlight was the bridge on the way back with our children.
Tips For Climbing a mountain with toddlers.
Always keep an eye on the weather a pleasant walk in warm sunny weather, is often challenging in Wet Weather.
Always carry an extra layer of clothes and a waterproof, they have some perfect items at The North Face
These are all short walks food and drink, is advised and can be very motivating
Always have a small first aid kit.
Always slow a Toddler down if they are going too fast, but I tend not to try and speed them up, set a pace they are comfortable with, the alternative is carrying them.
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