It’s International Walking Month and that gives us a great excuse to share some of the best places to take the family across the UK. Each week we’ll cover a different kind of trail, this week it’s the best coastal walks for kids.
We all know that it can be difficult prying children out the house and so we aim to make it that little bit easier for you. The Watchu has a pedometer so why not include little rewards for when a certain amount of steps are reached. When going on lengthy walks snacks are always a good idea but why not bring some of their favourite snacks or sweets along as an incentive.
- Newlyn to Marazion 5miles 1hr40 to 2hr
Rejoice! The first on our list is blissfully flat. There’s also plenty to keep your children occupied on the route, starting in Newlyn at the Harbour Gallery is a great location. There’s a café in the gallery to stock up on energy and the fishing village is still wonderfully authentic and full of locals. The footpath is easy to navigate and will take you to Penzance and the famous Jubilee Pool. The lido is one of the last of its kind and is open to the public during warmer months. Continue from here towards Marazion and ancient St Michael’s Mount which forms part of the St Aubyn Estate. At low tide, you can walk the cobbled pathway from the beach to visit the mount. Home to a handful of people and open to visitors the castle is worth a visit and the gardens are the perfect place to rest at the end of your journey. Children will enjoy the knowledge that the bay was a known haunt for pirates and there are still open smuggling tunnels that run onto Chapel Street in Penzance.
- Rhossili Downs and Bay Circular Route 5miles 2hr
This is a mostly flat route but there a few steep climbs which are all worthwhile for the incredible views. You start at the Rhossili National Trust centre and start your route over the top of Rhossili Down and follow the path towards Hillend. At this point, you turn back on yourself and follow the path which takes you to Rhossili beach and the dunes. There is a “lost village” here that dates back to the Normans. Over time the houses and church were abandoned and buried in the sand. The path will take you back to the visitor centre. To extend your walk continue on to Worms Head. Take note that although the path is a fair distance from the edge of the cliff, the drop is incredibly steep but if you get closer, stay a safe distance and enjoy the spectacular views. The path will take you down to sea level and if the tide is low it’s possible to cross the causeway. This is particularly exciting for children, there is heaps of wildlife to spot including birds and insects. There is a selection of cafes and places to stop in Rhosilli for lunch and The Bay Bistro has a great view and outside dining for good weather.
- Lydstep Cliffs and Caverns Walk 1mile 40 minutes
A wonderfully short walk that will appease the kids and allow you time to soak up a whole lot of beauty without having to go too far at all. The easy loop starts at Lydstep car park, from this pint walk towards the sea past the concrete pillar and Second World War gun. The path will divide and take a right for the beautiful view of the sea and beach, caverns and over to Manorbier Artillery Range. Continue on the path and follow it to the left, it’ll take you through gorse bushes and there’s a good chance you’ll bump into some cattle along the way. Continue along until you reach the end of the headland. The views open up of Giltar Point and the Carmarthen Bay. Once you’ve taken in the view and maybe had a little breather, follow the coast round to the quarry. The path will take you through a small area of woodland and back to the carpark. If you want to explore further then head to the caverns, bear right from the carpark and take the steps down to the beach. Once down you can access the caverns but this is only at low tide so make sure you check this beforehand. For this walk dogs on leads are welcome.