Pram And Pushchair Friendly Lakeside Walks Around The UK
The spring is a wonderful time of year, especially if you have a new addition to your family and you are keen to introduce them to the delights of the outdoors after the long winter. There’s no need to stick to parks and pavements if you want to take a buggy or pram on your spring outings.
Here are some of the most enjoyable pram-friendly walks around the beautiful lakesides of the UK to help the whole family experience the joys of spring. Water features offer a tranquil and restoring place to spend time, as well as ample opportunities to observe wildlife and take a refreshing paddle on warmer days.
Virginia Water Circular, Surrey
This is a 6.9km circular walk around Virginia Water Lake in Windsor Park, Surrey. The two mile long lake is a man-made feature that was created by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, the son of King George II and the keeper of the Royal Park. The architect Henry Flitcroft helped to shape the design. Construction work commenced in 1752.
In 1789, a 30 ft high waterfall known as the Cascade was added. It is fed directly by the lake and the flow is driven by the water levels. A short distance from the waterfall, you will find the Ruins. This is a folly that was built with slabs, columns, and pedestals from the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna that were gifted to the royal family in 1816.
The wooded lakeside walk has well-surfaced paths and is a popular place for young families to enjoy walks and wildlife spotting. Dogs are welcome and the trail is also used by horse riders. There is a fee to park at the start of the trail, and there is a cafe and toilets.
Dovestone Reservoir, Peak District National Park
This popular route around Dovestone Reservoir is easily accessible and within a short drive from Manchester. The loop is 4.3km and takes just over one hour to complete. There are no stiles and the paths are paved with gravel or tarmac, although there are some moderately steep and a few steeper sections.
There is a carpark with three accessible parking spaces. The picturesque walk includes a stop-off at Chew Brook, where little ones will enjoy paddling in the shallow stream. There's plenty of benches and picnic sites along the route, and you can spot peregrine falcons soaring above the woodlands.
If you want to explore slightly further afield, there are further walking routes around Greenfield and Yeoman Hey Reservoirs. There’s also extensive access to open moorland, a permanent orienteering course, and Nature Team weekends when kids can learn about the local flora and fauna and look through RSPB telescopes.
Tarn Hows, Lake District
Tarn Hows is a man-made lake that was created in Victorian times by damming a beck. The circular route is 3km and the path is of compact stone that is suitable for prams and buggies. Some short sections of the path are rougher and steeper than others, but in general it should be accessible for most types of wheeled infant transport device.
The area is surrounded by a wooded hillside, with views over to Coniston Water. There are toilets at the main car park, and an ice cream van in the summer months.
Fewston Reservoir, North Yorkshire
This gentle four mile walk encircles the beautiful Fewston Reservoir in the Washburn Valley, and is less than ten miles from Harrogate. There are no steps, stiles, and gates along the route, and the path is wide and level, apart from a few short steeper sections. There’s a car park with toilets and an ice cream van during the summer months.
The nearby Swinsty Reservoir is also a charming and accessible walking route that is slightly shorter at three miles, and has fewer steeper sections than Fewston. There’s a grassy picnic site with wooden benches; perfect to stop off and let toddlers play during warmer weather.
The Washburn Valley is in the south of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which borders the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s a very family-friendly place to visit, with gently rolling hills and dales, and a rich variety of wildlife.
