Walking with Children - Any ideas on where to find suitable walks?

[nannynick]

Not really Ethical Living, but it is sort of related - walking is better than using the car!

I have found Car Free Walks around Reading but they are 7 miles long.

Does anyone know where to find shorter walks, ideally 3 to 4 miles, so they are suitable for children to do within 2 hours.

Look Out? It's where I take DS, if that's sort of what you mean.

Bracknell COuncil website I think had loads of walks, varying distances, let me go link it for you.

www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure/leis-parks-and-countryside/leis-outdoor-activities/leis-walking. htm

Yes Look Out is sort of thing, but alas done that one to death. Also Alice Holt.

Did one around Silchester Roman Town last week, which went well - even had cows to look at, and a nice bench by an old church (for snack stop).

Finding walks that avoid roads is an issue I am having. Also ideally walks need something of interest to a child.

Thanks for suggestions. If anyone has been on any good walks recently, in North Hampshire, West Surrey, or East Berkshire please do let me know.

it might be a bit far north for you - but the towpath along the Thames, anywhere between Richmond and Hampton Court is gorgeous and has lots of places to stop (playgrounds, duck feeding, Ham House, Hampton Court, Kingston, Teddington Lock etc.).

Thanks... will consider River Thames Path.

Just managed to find my books: Walks Near Camberley and Walks Near Woking, so will flick through those to see if I can find any suitable to take a 5 year old on - for roughly 2 hours.

Found one starting at Hawley Lake... 4.5 miles. Don't suppose anyone has done that before? Any estimate for how long a 5 year old is likely to take to walk 4.5 miles? Is 2.5 hours realistic?

You can sometimes find them on council websites. Or there are books but watch for them being out of date, the South Devon one sent us down a dangerous cliff once.

Or is there a Titchhikers guide for your area?

Council websites seem to contain a selection of walks - many over 4 miles, but some are suitable.

SurreyCC - Self Guided Walks

Basingstoke - Self Guided Walks

Must explore the other local/borough councils.

Windsor Great Park aswell/Savil Gardens/virginia water etc.

Check the website for Savill Gardens - it has been closed because of foot & mouth precautions. I think Windsor Park has been affected too.

Ended up going on a nice walk over military land near Hawley Lake. Woodland with muddy puddles - great for children who like splashing around wearing wellyboots. Never knew the woodland existed... found it from Walks Near Camberley (author: Bill Andrews).

Windsor Great Park reopened on Tuesday. That day I did Bishopsgate to Savile Gardens with 3yr and 6 month old I care for... on Thursday did Blacknest Gate circular around the lake (buggy needed for that one).