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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to take kids to school using only rural footpaths to avoid buying second car!

83 replies

Feminine · 26/07/2012 14:21

We are moving super rural.

The school is not that far, but as title suggests we will walk through fields! Grin

Apparently it is doable (from local footpath expert in area) in fact he is working on improving the paths as I type.

Does anyone do this? I know areas vary so much ....but I want to rule out that I am not being silly.

DH will take the car and I don't want to have to drive.

I like walking to school Grin

OP posts:
blackcurrants · 26/07/2012 16:46

My SIL wasn't rural at all but she walked her gang to school and back - a mile there, a mile back, twice a day. To start with they were 6.4. and 2 and she had the 6 year old on a bike while she pushed the 4 and 2 year old (up a big sodding hill - that woman is FIT) - now it's a year later and they've moved because of DBro's job, so I'm not sure what they will do, but she used to always order pudding saying "I can get away with it! I'll miss it when I stop!" - I think she enjoyed herself. She was glad of pushing the 2-3 year old because they had to be somewhere on a deadline and no one can dawdle like that age group can.

They were on paved roads though. Erm. I don't know what I'm saying except YAY go carless but if you really want to know what it'll be like to walk with them, you've got to take them.

blackcurrants · 26/07/2012 16:47

*caryach, do you live where I grew up? Grin it was okay when school ended at 3.30 but once I was at secondary and didn't get back till nearly 6pm it was sooo dreary going to and from school in the dark 4-5 months of the year. I live abroad now so have almost forgotten what it's like (except for when I go back to my parents at xmas, and then I am horrified by how short the winter days are!)

Original poster
Feminine · 26/07/2012 16:51

blackcurrants it won't be a problem for DS he walks very fast, like me!

I'll keep dd in a buggy longer if I have to Wink after all, I will hardly get seen!

OP posts:
Original poster
Feminine · 26/07/2012 16:51

I'm in the SW BTW...so not so dark so early, I hope!

OP posts:
Original poster
Feminine · 26/07/2012 16:53

All the kids in the area take the bus to school at secondary level.So, it won't be forever ....just another 8 years.

OP posts:
roadkillbunny · 26/07/2012 17:08

We live rural and often walk across fields to get to school, we have the choice of safe roads or fields as we are in the edge of the village, the route by field take a little longer then road but the children (7 and 4 now) often opt for the fields. Lots of children at our school walk in through woods and fields, it's lovely.
Due to the manor lots of children get to school our school has an indoor shoe policy so outdoor shoes/boots get left at the door as they change into pump or slippers, it does mean we don't have to worry about having proper 'school' shoes as the school are realistic and don't give much of a dam what the children wear on their feet as long as it is suitable for the weather.
The only issue I can see that hasn't been covered is your plan to use a pram for youngest, you will need a proper off road pram not one of these 3 wheelers with tiny wheels that get stuck on a bit of grass or gravel! The other thing with the pram is access, are you sure there are no styles on your route that you will struggle to lift the pram over? Kissing gates can also be an issue although with the right knack you can get a three wheel pram through although it is a faff and a half. You may be better off with a metal frame back carrier for your youngest. As the little one gets used to it you will be surprised how far they will walk, my ds has regularly walked 3 miles, some times as much as 5 miles since he was 2, he just knows no different, I am unable to drive any more due to medical issues so it is walk or don't go!

loveschocolate · 26/07/2012 17:18

I think that walking is a great idea. If you do find it does get muddy / logistically difficult then you could buy a car at that stage.

SoleSource · 26/07/2012 17:40

Snow, wind, rain, slipping about in deep mud. Fab on the warmer days. Countryside has dodgy people hanging about too.

Original poster
Feminine · 26/07/2012 18:32

Road...great points,thanks.

I'm intending to get a proper off road type buggy, I am also intending to lift it if needs be

My dd much prefers to walk long distances, its just that I go at such a speed its hard for me to be tolerant of her dawdling sometimes:)

Loves...thats true...maybe I'll be done in Grin

I did wonder about dodgy people also sole.

OP posts:
maybenow · 26/07/2012 18:38

"Countryside has dodgy people hanging about too"

i can't tell if you are taking the piss? surely you are....? aren't you Hmm

MarysBeard · 26/07/2012 18:42

I would cut across fields to get to school if there wasn't a river in the way. I don't really understand why it would be unreasonable. I run in the countryside on my own and never feel unsafe.

roadkillbunny · 26/07/2012 19:10

Lifting a proper off road pram is not easy, if you get the child out they don't weigh much however they do get muddy and generally dirty and that can be a real issue. Lifting a pram over a style is not something I would be looking at doing on a regular basis, if their is a style, look into a backpack or see if their is a gate that can be opened near by, as long as you shut it after of cause but for reasons I am sure everyone understands gates tend to be padlocked, especially if their is livestock in the field or travellers about (disclaimer, have nothing against travellers, a couple of sites in these parts, never had a single issue, it is just farmers and land owners would rather not have to deal with moving them on).
I don't think you are crazy for wanting to do it and I think you should, walking to school is great and small villages have issues dealing with the influx of cars at school pick up and drop off, biggest and most controversial issue round here!

Original poster
Feminine · 26/07/2012 19:16

The school car park is really tiny.

Another reason why I don't want to go there with anything bigger than a Mini .

Its tricky...I'll really have to think properly about it.

I really want to do it :)

OP posts:
testarossa · 26/07/2012 19:27

I haven't read all the answers so might be repeating someone else, but have you considered a cargo trike? They are more stable than bikes, can usually fit up to 4 children and all their gear. And some come with tent-like covers that fit over the box so that the children don't get wet/cold.
I love ours - we don't have a car and the bus service around here is shocking so it has literally been life changing Smile.

blackcurrants · 26/07/2012 19:32

Ooh, testa please link to some? So I can long for more bikes consider how wonderful they are :)

Original poster
Feminine · 26/07/2012 19:44

blackcurrant Grin

testa...will take a look -thanks :)

OP posts:
kim147 · 26/07/2012 19:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sallyingforth · 26/07/2012 19:58

I had to walk just over a mile down country footpaths and then cross a busy main road.
Guess which part of the journey I and my parents were worried about?

testarossa · 26/07/2012 20:08

blackcurrants I don't know if I can be a bike enabler... I'm usually the cold voice of reason asking if we really need another bike (2 adults, 1 child, 8 working bikes! Although I've just realised that 4 of those are mine Blush) Ours is a Babboe - it's good, sturdy and does the job. Otherwise there's the Bakfiets, Nihola, Christiania (though I think they've gone bust), Kangaroo, Bella Bike, Yuba etc..... www.kidsandfamilycycles.co.uk and www.practicalcycles.com have comprehensive lists with lots of pictures to drool over Wink

inabeautifulplace · 26/07/2012 22:59

Get out walking over the summer so the kids get used to it and you make sure you've got everything you need. Really though 20 minutes is no big deal. People who think it is need to have a long hard look at themselves tbh. Mud, btw is merely earth mixed with water, it's not toxic waste for christs sake!

carycach · 27/07/2012 08:43

The only thing that would slightly worry me is the risk of accident if the path is desolate.What is the path like?In poor light could there be a tripping hazard, is it steep where it could be slippery in icy weather or wet weather. If you slipped and broke your ankle would the children be ok to fetch help? Remember mobile phone signal in very rural areas is often patchy or non-existant

Original poster
Feminine · 27/07/2012 11:24

Thanks cary.

I'll look in to that , good points. :)

OP posts:
SkinnyVanillaLatte · 27/07/2012 11:33

If its an open field you will be fine I think light-wise at normal school times.

If tree-lined or wooded it's surprising how quickly it'll darken - nothing a torch won't fix.

Bear in mind that sometimes mud can get to a point that it sticks to your boots and doubles the size and weight of your foot,and that feet can get stuck,and drenched boots take an age to dry out. But for all the negatives at certain times of year,there are positives at others.

Factor in time to 'stop and stare' too.

Also,if it's a dog-walking area,be on the lookout for poo,as it seems some dog owners seem to think leaving mess on country footpaths is acceptable because it's the countryside.....

Original poster
Feminine · 27/07/2012 11:42

Thanks Skinny...the mud thing is one I hadn't thought about actually.

and I'll watch out for dog poo, its everywhere on the pavement here too, even though there are bins provided! :)

OP posts:
StunningCunt · 27/07/2012 11:48

YABU NOT to walk 20 minutes through fields. What would you do otherwise, drive?