Encouraging children to walk from a young age sets up good habits for later life. How far and how long, of course depends on age, fitness and ‘goodies’. Fit parents will be more likely to encourage children to be fit, and those who are less keen on exercise, will find encouraging everyone off the sofa, more of a stretch.
It is widely agreed that it is best not to say, “Shall we?”. You are less likely to be met with a chorus of moans, and ‘Do we have to?’ if you lay a bread crumb trail to a “goodie” …. a playground or maze? A picnic spot?
How Far How Old.
With the right motivation, six year olds can walk for an hour, a couple of miles or so at small legs pace, depending on what there is to see or explore off the trail. Yes, you’ll find super-fit parents with four year olds who can walk 5 miles, and do a cart wheel. Good, literally, good for them. And good for us going on a walk as a family without the wheels coming off (or wellie boot kicking off). Let’s take it at ‘our’ pace. It’s not about competition. No need to beat ourselves up or feel guilty. I try to stop myself using ‘shoulds’. Better to persuade myself with “lets try …..’.
From 10 years old children can walk for three hours, (10 miles) with breaks. Remember they have youth juice so better it is spent walking than bouncing off the walls at home.
Grandparents
It is not just parents who can enjoy walks, Grandparents too. This can be a delight for both. Most grandparents can not afford expensive holidays to exotic places, but, time when time is of the essence, is priceless.
1st October
As part of Grandparents Day the Ramblers recommend “intergenerational” walks.
Manchester
Sheffield
Leicester
Bristol
Rochester
Newport
Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
Lime House Basin, London,
Keswick, Cumbria
Walking Stepping up from strolls. More ideas & ITV Top 100
England, Scotland and Wales. Signposts for Biking and Walking.