Rambling. Do you go out with your kids? How old are they?

[starbear]

My ds is 4 years old. I loved Hillwalking before DS was born but DH can't really enjoy this activity as he has 4 hip operations (due to rugby and Judo and other things)I don't have the spare time to join a adult only rambling group and think I would enjoy rambling with the lad. Any advice?

what advice do you need?

get a walking trails book, an OS map, sturdy boots, mobile phone and off you go......

4 yrs old is going to pretty restrictive IME. You will need to plan your walks very carefully. Not too long, not too many steep hills, and some things of interest to keep him going and act as a focus for the walk. IME 4yr olds love sheep but after he's seen the first 5 or 6 they won't be that interesting

We have a few special walks that all my 3 liked when they were young - involving streams to dam and paddle in, a series of woodants nests, a house made of sticks that was dubbed Eeyore's house, a rope swing in a beech tree.

Make sure he has really comfy boots and warm clothing. Take food and drink.

And BTW make the most if it now because by the time they reach 10 or 11 walking is really boring . Until they get out there and they have a great time!

How heavy is he? If he's on the light side (or if you're strong!) you could get yourself a ToddlerHawk or similar for helping him through the steeper / more tiring bits. This works for us with a our nearly four year old and two year old.

we started with ours around age 4/5

keep walks short, factor in a pit stop (cafe, pub with outside tables, icecream van )

you can make this your special one/one time

like orm said, make the most of it, my teenager now hates to walk

No, He's too heavy to be carried. DH carried him in Dartmoor when he was two. He is a tough little cookie, but DH no longer is. I took my nephews when they were 6&8 from the canal in Guildford to Losely. They loved it but went with my sister too. Also did trails in Canada with them, but both are 19 & 21 and still like walking but with mates. Just not sure about going just us two. Silly question really. We live near the Surrey Downs and that is easy. Just don't have mates now that have kids keen on walking. Just feeling sorry for myself as I love walking.

got a GPS or a phone with GPS in it - or can you spare about £40 (cheap ones on ebay!)

If so take him geocaching rather than just walking!

and the best bits of advice you've already had - good boots, warm, waterproof clothes, snacks and distractions!

My 4 year old is happy to do 4/5 km walks.
We all lovei t. I am obsessed with walking and 'getting out there' at present.

About 4 or 5 I'd say. Mine are still too small, but my cousin's two girls climbed Suilven last year aged 4 and 5. They are quite hardcore though...