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It was many years ago now when we took our children for a walk round Bewl Bridge Reservoir (approx. 15 miles all round).  They were about 5 and 6.  Darren the eldest told his teacher and we don't think she believed him.  A few weeks later they took part in the rotary ramble which is held yearly in Ashford, Kent and this time he got a certificate which he showed to his teacher that he had walked 15 miles.  They carried on doing it for about 4 years.

Some children just can't walk far because their parents take the car everywhere but we have always encouraged ours to enjoy the countryside.  We now have a little grandson of 15 months living with us.  Whenever is parents take him into town they encourage him to walk - with reins on.  He spends all day walking round the house and I am sure that must add up to a fair bit!!! 

Quote: Originally posted by star1234 on 13/3/2009

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Hiya I have a 5 year old son, his uncle & granda are walkers and are determined to start taking him out walking now he has got a bit older. 

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You have to build in some sort of a game.  My Dad always took the binoculars to see the birds/rabbits.  There was usually a castle to attack or a cave to explore or a boat to go on in search of pirates.  Looking for Gruffalos in the woods is a good one (get that book if you have not got it) Action Man hide & seek is a favourite with my son at the moment.  Camouflage clothes makes this a tricky game, but we haven't lost one yet!

Steve.

If it's fairies in the woods you are after, then you need to go to Bewilderwood in Norfolk.  loads of trees done like that.  Brilliant place.  Another fantastic spot is the Forbidden Corner in Yorkshire.  It is my son's favourite day out.  A huge maze like garden with underground tunnels.  I can't describe it well enough.  Make it a camping trip - you'll not be disappointed!  (I think this could be a new thread!)

Steve.

Quote: Originally posted by arthurdent on 26/3/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by star1234 on 13/3/2009

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Hiya I have a 5 year old son, his uncle & granda are walkers and are determined to start taking him out walking now he has got a bit older. 

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I agree it's good to start him walking now - but the 'determined' bit worries me a little. He may not actually take to walking, children do not necessarily like doing the things we do .....

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Hiya we already do a fair amount of walking back and forward to school and at weekends we do go out and about, what I meant was they want to take it a step further now and start him 'proper' walking as opposed to the local nature trail! We are all going away at Easter (Pitlochry) together so it seemed like an ideal time to start, just me being overprotective as usual and if worst came to worst he would get a coalcarry!

 

Jubilee TBA-
July - Blue Dolphin

Quote: Originally posted by Romaway on 27/3/2009

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Steve, Thanks for those links. Have bookmarked them to check out when we take our grandson up to that area. Looks great.

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You're welcome.  Here is another - the Crocky Trail in Cheshire.  Haven't been myself but it is a firm favourite with my son & his Grandparents.  Take some spare clothes, they will get muddy!

Steve.

Both of my daugthers walk really well (7 and 4), I agree with the make it interesting theme, though.  They both have their own boots, sticks and 'interesting bags', into which they can put anything they find on the way, hanging off the belts of the bags are compasses, torches, notebooks, pens, magnifying glasses and such like.  It's amazing what little bits you can get in Wilkinsons.  If we know there's going to be a particularly hard/dull bit, we also have a 'summit' box, it must not be opened until you've achieved your goal, you can put anything in it - the girls love mint cake.

I love the certificates - that's going in my 'portfolio'.

Took my son walking at about 4 he's six in a months time and he polishes off the high ridge at Dovestones(Saddleworth moors) approx 7/8 miles with a bit of scrambling and Kinder scout.

I dont get him to carry anything(no excuses then) and have regular pitstops and at least one stop for hot food(boil in the bag type stuff cooked ourselves, adds to the fun).

I try to teach him anything I know about things we pass and try to go at his pace as often as possble(stop him charging round at the start of the walk).

Keeping thier attention and diverting it away from boredom is the key, I'm lucky as he's very much an outdoors kid.