Winter walks with kids: 10 easy trails in the Lake District & Peak District
The best winter walks with kids are short, mostly flat loops with something exciting on the way, such as a lake, stepping stones or a frozen waterfall, and a warm café at the end. January is a great time to start the New Year with fresh air: the hills are quiet, the light is beautiful and a crisp morning out makes everyone sleep well. Here are ten easy trails in the Lake District and the Peak District, with distances, difficulty and tips for keeping little legs happy.
Why winter walks with kids are such fun
Winter turns an ordinary walk into an adventure: frosty puddles to crack, icicles to spot and steamy breath to puff like dragons. Children love the freedom of open hills and the challenge of reaching a lake or a summit cairn. For parents, it's a free, healthy way to fit a New Year resolution into family life.
Short days mean you need to plan, but a two-hour walk in the middle of the day is plenty with young children.
Which ages these winter walks suit
Flat lakeside paths and old railway trails suit toddlers and pushchairs; short hill climbs work for children from about five.
| Trail type | Babies (carrier) | Toddlers (2–4) | Kids (5–8) | Kids (9+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat lakeside or railway path | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Short woodland loop with play trail | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Waterfall walk with steps | carrier only | with help | yes | yes |
| Short hill climb (under 2 hours) | carrier only | not ideal | yes | yes |
10 easy trails with distance and difficulty
In the Lake District, Tarn Hows, Buttermere and Derwentwater are the classics; in the Peak District, Dovedale, the Monsal Trail and Padley Gorge are family favourites. The Lake District National Park and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire have maps, parking and weather advice.
| Trail | Area | Distance | Difficulty | Pushchair | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarn Hows circuit | Lake District | about 3 km | easy | all-terrain | £ |
| Buttermere lake loop | Lake District | about 7 km | easy, long | partly | £ |
| Friar's Crag, Derwentwater | Lake District | about 2 km | very easy | yes | £ |
| Whinlatter Forest trails | Lake District | 1–4 km | easy to moderate | some trails | ££ |
| Grizedale forest trails | Lake District | 1–5 km | easy to moderate | some trails | ££ |
| Aira Force waterfall | Lake District | about 2 km | moderate (steps) | no | ££ |
| Dovedale stepping stones | Peak District | about 2 km | easy | partly | £ |
| Monsal Trail | Peak District | any length | very easy | yes | £ |
| Padley Gorge | Peak District | about 3 km | moderate | no | £ |
| Chatsworth parkland | Peak District | 2–5 km | easy | yes | ££ |
Parking price per day: free = no charge, £ = under about £8, ££ = about £8–£15. Rough guide only, prices change.
Find family walks and trails on the Kid.ooo map
Lake District. Tarn Hows is a gentle circuit with mountain views. Buttermere's lakeside path is flat but long, so do just part of it with toddlers. From Keswick, stroll to Friar's Crag and, if it's running, hop on a Keswick Launch boat. Whinlatter Forest and Grizedale have waymarked family trails and play areas. Aira Force has a thundering waterfall, and Ullswater 'Steamers' sail nearby.
Peak District. The Dovedale stepping stones are a highlight for every child. The Monsal Trail is perfect for pushchairs, scooters and bikes. Padley Gorge has mossy boulders and a stream, and the parkland at Chatsworth offers easy walks with a farmyard and playground in season.
Find outdoor days out in the Peak District on the Kid.ooo map
Safety and kit
Dress in layers, check the forecast and daylight, and always have a plan B.
- Clothes: thermal base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers, hat and gloves.
- Boots: waterproof boots with good grip, as paths can be icy.
- Light: a head torch, because it gets dark by mid-afternoon.
- Map and phone: download offline maps, as signal is patchy in the valleys.
- Ice: avoid frozen lakes and tarns, however tempting.
- Back-up: carry a spare set of dry clothes in the car.
Snacks and stops on the way
Pack a flask of hot chocolate, some energy snacks and a treat for the halfway point. Little walkers go further when there's a biscuit at the next gate. Most popular trails have a café or tea room near the car park, ideal for warming up afterwards.
Look up cosy cafés with high chairs near your walk on the Kid.ooo map. If it pours, switch to an indoor plan from our best soft play centres in the UK list.
Parent tip: make it a mission
Turn the walk into a game: a scavenger hunt, a hunt for animal tracks or a "first to spot the lake" race. Give each child a small job, such as reading the map or carrying the snacks. Celebrate at the end with a hot drink and a sticker.
For more seasonal outdoor ideas, see our guide to October half-term trails. For ocean, wildlife and outdoor family inspiration, take a look at @follow.the.fowlers on Instagram.
Find nearby trails and playgrounds in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share walks, playgrounds and cafés they love. Use it to find things to do with kids near me, from winter trails to playgrounds near me for a post-walk swing.
Find trails and playgrounds on the Kid.ooo map
Missing your favourite family walk? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents get outside this winter.
Frequently asked questions
How far can children walk in winter?
As a rough guide, many children can manage about one kilometre per year of age on easy, flat paths, but winter days are short and cold, so plan less. Choose loops of two to five kilometres with a café or car park at the end.
What is the easiest walk in the Lake District for kids?
Tarn Hows and the shore of Buttermere are two of the easiest, with mostly level paths and big views. Friar's Crag on Derwentwater is a short walk from Keswick town centre.
Is the Monsal Trail good for pushchairs?
Yes, the Monsal Trail is a flat former railway line with a firm surface, so it suits pushchairs, balance bikes and scooters. The tunnels are lit, which children find exciting.
What should kids wear for a winter walk?
Layers are key: a thermal base layer, a fleece and a waterproof jacket, plus a hat, gloves and warm socks in waterproof boots. Pack a spare set of gloves and socks, as they always get wet.
Find family places near you
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