Last weekend, we finally managed to get out and do one of our favourite walks through the Limpley Stoke Valley near Bath, punctuated by a couple of essential pit-stops at The Cross-Guns at Avoncliffe and The Freshford Inn, of course. There’s simply nowhere better to be on a summer’s day. It’s the sort of landscape I craved when I was travelling around the world in my younger days. The British countryside, I concluded, is completely unparalleled.
Not only did I get my fix this weekend, but the kids also loved it. It never ceases to amaze me how getting them out and about in nature completely changes them. So, I thought I’d share a couple of great walks (along with some tips to keep the kids entertained), that start and finish at Hartley Farm this week, originally posted by an old Business Studies teacher of mine and a keen local walking enthusiast, Nigel Vile.
The first is the Conkwell Circle Walk and the second is the Avoncliff Circle Walk. Both can be downloaded (head to our blog) and saved for future reference when you need to get out of the house this summer! We’ll also have some printed copies available at the farm shop if that’s easier.
If, like us, you need some encouragement for the little ones, here are a few top tips for your next walk:
1/ Create a Nature Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items to find during the walk. Get the kids involved in making the list but examples include:
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A feather
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A smooth stone
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A pinecone
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A flower
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A leaf from a specific tree
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A T-Rex egg (always good to make sure the game doesn’t end too early)
2/ Storytelling
Create a story together as you walk. Each person can take turns adding a sentence to the tale.
3/ Snacks and Picnics
Bring along some snacks and plan a picnic at a scenic spot. This can be a great motivator and a nice break during the walk. We usually use gates and stiles as points where snacks can be redeemed to keep them walking forward!
4/ Art and Craft Collecting
Collect interesting leaves, flowers, and small stones to use in art projects once you get home. Search Pinterest for some inspo!
Here are some other useful resources for various needs when out on a hike:
- OS Maps (app also Available) for walking routes and identifying footpaths
- PictureThis (paid for app) – an amazing tool for identifying plants and trees
- Twinkl – Online resource for kids activities such as Scavenger Hunt cheat sheets!
- The Countryside Code
- The Conkwell Walk
- The Avoncliff Walk