Top 10 Family Walks Near Kendal for Your Cumbrian Holiday

Are you and your family walking-mad and love taking in the natural beauty of a place on foot? It's a good thing you're here. If you're planning your trip to Cumbria, we've got 10 family walks near Kendal and the Lake District that you and the whole family will love.

Whether you're staying in the Lake District and want to venture out to the surrounding local villages to get away from the crowds, or you're staying in Kendal as a base for your Cumbrian holiday and looking to head into the national park, we've got options for all.

From short walks in the Lake District to long Kendal walking trails, we'll help you plan the perfect day out.

Get ready to admire all Cumbria has to offer.

Here’s our top 10!

Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail

 

 

 

 

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Located in Kendal, this walk is perfect for days when you want to visit the local surrounding towns of the Lake District.

This enchanting woodland trail features sculptures representing each letter of the alphabet, making it an engaging adventure for children who'll love the different visuals.

You'll also be able to easily track your progress along the walk if you have a grumpy walker on your hands – "Muuuum, how long is this going to take?"

The trail is suitable for all ages and abilities, and the relatively short distance makes it perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll when you need to tire the little ones out.

Thanks to the woodland canopy, the trail is sheltered, too, making it a great activity to add to your itinerary even on a miserable day.

Kendal Castle and River Walk Loop

 

 

 

 

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The Kendal Castle and River Walk Loop is a great way to explore the town's rich history while also immersing yourself in nature.

This circular walk takes you through Kendal's historic sites, including the ruins of Kendal Castle, which offer panoramic views of the town.

Along the way, you'll discover interesting facts about Kendal's past, like its role as an important market town in medieval times. History lovers can't pass up on this one.

The trail then winds down to the River Kent, where you can follow the tranquil waters and enjoy sightings of various wildlife that'll fascinate your little ones.

After exploring for a while, you can continue your walk along the river or stop for a picnic at one of the designated spots.

Ah, a cheese sandwich and packet of crips as a reward after walking for almost an hour. That sounds like a holiday to us.

Scout Scar Circular

This short and pleasant circular walk around Scout Scar offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.

You'll be able to see for miles, and on a clear, sunny day, we seriously recommend this short stroll.

Starting in an accessible car park, this walk is ideal for youngsters who'll appreciate a car journey home, or to your accommodation, when the walk has been completed.

The route is well-signposted, so you won't even need to worry about reading Google Maps!

Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife and plant life along the way, including wildflowers that bloom in the spring and birds that frequent the area.

You can even extend this walk into Kendal town centre if you're looking for a bite to eat or a cold drink!

Sizergh Castle Wildlife Trail

This wildlife trail takes you through the enchanting woodland surrounding Sizergh Castle, offering picturesque views and a chance to fully be at one with nature.

Along this walk, there are plenty of mesmerising view spots. You'll be able to see Morecambe Bay, the Pennines, and even the beautiful Lake District Fells.

Now this sounds like one for the bucket list.

You'll come across a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer and even red squirrels. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready to capture these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

The trail is relatively easy with a couple of moderate inclines, making it suitable for families and children.

However, as you will be walking through woodland areas (which can often get muddy and wet), sturdy footwear is recommended.

Before setting off on this trail, make sure to stop by Sizergh Castle and Gardens Visitor Centre, where you can pick up a map and learn more about the estate's history.

The visitor centre also has a shop and café, perfect for grabbing a well-deserved bite after your walk!

Low Park Wood and Natland Circular

 

 

 

 

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As this is one of our longer walks on the list, this trail might not be suitable for young children, but we'd still recommend it for families with older children who are up for a good walk!

This beautiful circular route passes through lush woodland and charming countryside. Starting at the Low Park Wood car park, you’ll follow paths that meander along the River Kent, providing serene waterside views.

Along the way, look out for wildlife, such as cows and horses, which are often spotted in this area. If you have an animal-obsessed walker, this one's for you.

The trail also passes through the quaint village of Natland, where you can admire traditional stone cottages and maybe even stop for a quick rest before continuing your walk.

Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as some sections of the route can be uneven and there are a couple of moderate inclines. Plus, you'll be walking for a while, so you'll need something that's kind on those toes!

Tarn Hows Circular Walk

The whole family can enjoy the views, fresh air, and connection to nature that this easy and accessible walk provides.

Tarn Hows is a picturesque area in the Lake District, with stunning views of the surrounding fells, offering a beautiful walk around its tranquil waters.

Whether you're staying in the national park or with us at Newlands Farm, this walk is worth the journey.

The Tarn Hows Circular Walk starts from the main car park and follows a well-maintained path around the tarn.

The route is mostly flat and accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs, with only one moderate incline towards the halfway point.

Along the way, you'll pass through meadows filled with wildflowers, wooded areas, and open spaces where you can spot various wildlife. This trail truly is a sight to behold.

Read More: A Local’s Guide to the Top Family Activities in the Lake District

Buttermere Lake Circular

Buttermere Lake walk is a lovely, flat, circular trail, perfect to add to the list of child-friendly walks in the Lake District. This one's a classic, and definitely not one to be skipped.

This loop offers so much stunning mountain scenery, you'll forget you're even in the UK.

The walk starts by The Fish Inn, and from there, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the glistening lake. Watch out for cute Highland cows, too! They're known to be often grazing in the area.

The beauty of this trail makes it an extremely popular choice for Lake District visitors, so try to go early in the morning on a weekday if possible. You can save your Kendal walks for the busier periods!

Rydal Water and Caves Circular

This captivating walk takes you around the serene Rydal Water and includes a visit to the fascinating Rydal Caves.

The trail is a perfect blend of lakeside paths and woodland scenery, offering plenty of opportunities to pause and take in the serene surroundings.

The caves themselves are a highlight — carved from a former slate quarry from the 19th century, they make for an intriguing stop along the way. If you want to explore the caves in a good amount of time, we recommend adding some extra time to your trip.

There are plenty of other points of interest around the trail if caves aren't your thing. From stunning lakes to surrounding fells, woodland paths, and impressive backdrops, you won't be short of amazed.

There is limited parking available at this site, so be sure to have a few options. We recommend the White Moss car park, but take it from us, don't rely on just one!

Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge

This one isn't a circular walk, but most people don't mind turning back on themselves due to the pretty scenery. But we'll leave that up to you.

Elterwater to Skelwith Bridge is a super flat, slow, and easy walk for those with limited mobility or children accompanying them.

Even if you're travelling with a young baby, you can take them in the pram along this kind of trail.

This route boasts a gentle walk through woodlands and past waterfalls, with options for refreshments along the way.

If you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife like deer (perhaps even a troll under the bridge!).

Friar's Crag Circular

And last but not least, if you're not already Cumbria-ed out, Friars Crag is a short and sweet walk, perfect for a last-minute stretch of the legs or trot around to get a little one to sleep.

The circular loop offers stunning views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells, with the option to extend your walk along the lake shore if you're feeling extra energetic.

This trail is relatively flat and, obviously, rather short, so it's perfect for the whole family. Just be careful with really little ones and wheelchair users, as there are some sharp drops and some points that get up close and personal to the lake.

Plus, you’ll see *probably* the most famous bench in the Lake District. So be sure to bring your camera for the photo opportunity!

If you have time, stop by Keswick town afterwards for a well-deserved nibble at one of their many cafes or bakeries. It's not a walk without a treat at the end!

Our Top Tips for Family Walking in Cumbria

During your holiday or weekend away to Cumbria, there’s a high chance you’re going to be doing some serious walking. Prepare for that step count to be huge.

That’s the beauty of the Lake District and other notable areas around Cumbria, though. You have access to some of the UK’s most beautiful sights while you’re on foot.

With that in mind, here are some of our top tips for being prepared for walking in Cumbria.

Pack Plenty of Drinks & Snacks

Fed and watered children equals happy children.

No, but seriously, regular snack breaks will keep energy high and motivation in full swing. We can all remember being a child and only being interested in the next stop, can't we?

It's also really important to keep your group hydrated, especially if you're planning a long walk when the sun is beaming. Being dehydrated can lead to dangerous situations, so always bring a few water bottles or plan to stop in shops along the way.

Plus, a picnic is a really great way to extend a walk. If you've chosen a particularly short walk that'll be over in an hour or so, a nice rest in a picturesque setting with a few snacks will be the icing on the cake!

Just be sure to take any rubbish with you to preserve the natural landscape.

Watch Out for Livestock

While you're out in the Lake District, Kendal, or the whole of Cumbria, for that matter, it's likely you'll come across some livestock.

More often than not, if you respect them, they'll leave you alone. If you're walking with small children or even a dog, remember to keep them close and try not to startle the animals.

It's also important to remember that they are someone else's livelihood, so avoid feeding or disturbing them in any way.

If you do need to pass through a field with livestock, try to stick to the edge of the field and give them plenty of space.

You can read more about this in The Countryside Code here.

Use Family-Friendly Car Parks

Using family-friendly car parks can often be a lifesaver for avid walkers, especially those with children.

By family-friendly, we mean locations with toilet facilities, picnic benches, and safer access to trails.

If possible, try to locate these types of car parks before heading out on your route. The National Trust has plenty of car parks around Cumbria and offers families a range of facilities.

You can also look for local country parks, nature reserves, or even public parks with designated car parks and routes for exploring.

Make it Fun for the Kids

If you're bringing your little ones with you, walking can sometimes be more of a chore than a fun activity for them.

To make things more interesting and exciting, why not try playing a game with them as you go round? What about eye spy, counting steps, or even a scavenger hunt?

If the trail is safe and quiet, you can even try letting them lead the way! Any child will love the idea of leading the group.

Walks like the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail or Rydal Cave are great for built-in adventure, so try to choose your trail cleverly, and find out what'll be most entertaining for the kids.

Bring the Right Gear

Last but not least, the right walking equipment is essential to enjoying your time in Cumbria.

From waterproof coats to portable chargers, walking boots, sturdy backpacks, and more, there are plenty of things to have packed before heading out on your adventure.

Make sure to bring extra layers for unpredictable weather, and don't forget essentials like water, snacks, some kind of backup navigation, perhaps even a compass if you're doing it old-school!

A good way to ensure you have everything you need is to make a checklist before your trip, and tick items off as you pack them.

Also, remember to check the weather forecast before you set out. Even though British weather can be highly unpredictable, it's good to have some idea of what's going on outside.

Conclusion: Family Walks in the Lake District & Surrounding Cumbrian Countryside

And there you have it! 10 different Lake District and Kendal walks to keep yourself busy during your trip.

Will you choose a short and sweet walk and try the Friars Crag circular walk? Or are you up for a bit more of a challenge and fancy your chances with the Low Park Wood and Natland circular?

Whatever you choose, we just know the whole family will love each one of these individually beautiful walking trails.

So, let's see how many you can tick off your bucket list! Happy walking, folks. And remember, if you take one piece of advice from us, get yourself a good pair of walking shoes!

 

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