Making the most of exploring forests :: family walks

Exploring forests and woodland areas can be so much fun! There are so many things that you can do in and around your area that you probably won’t realise it but there are always walks to discover and enjoy. I thought I’d put together a few tips for making the most of a woodland or park walk.

1.) A map or at least a plan of your route

This is probably one of the most important things when it comes to going on a woodland walk. Plan you route or have an idea of where you are at all times. Walking blindly into a random wood is a terrible idea, so if you don’t know the area, grab a guide book of stick to someone that is guided. Have an idea of where you have walked and how to get back.

2.) Water for everyone

I usually have a big 5 litre bottle of water in my car and I then find smaller bottles out with us that I can fill up. I always make sure we have at least a bottle of water to drink from each, possibly a litre bottle with us to top them up.

3.) Snacks

Take snacks! We have stopped sitting down for a chilled out picnic now and instead we tend to graze throughout the day, or the kids do anyway. However much I would usually take I double it. Sometimes I come back with a tonne of food other times I come back with absolutely nothing and two little boys requesting more food! I usually take sausage rolls, sandwiches, pork pies, quiche, crisps, fruit, crudités, jam tarts and mini chocolate brownies/cakes. Jut finger food so it can be shovelled in and we can move on. Easy and simple!

4.) Make up stories

These are some of my fondest memories of my childhood and they involve going for walks with my Dad in the woods and making up stories. We would take the dogs and walk for miles, imagining we were scouting out a fairy Kingdom or pirates on a treasure hunt. It was wonderful fun, and something that I try to do with my kids too. Last week we took a walk into the woods and found a sewer tunnel, we pretended it was the entrance to the ninja turtle hideout and that Craang was in the woods so we had to be quiet and sneaky. It was great and Toby loved it!

5.) It doesn’t matter what weather it is coats are essential

I’ve made this mistake so so many times. It’s roasting outside and we’re going for a walk, so I load up the pushchair with water and snacks, plan where we are going and then forget that as soon as we get into the shade it will feel colder. If you are looking for ward new jacket or coat for Autumn/Winter then M and M direct have a fab selection. I just think it doesn’t matter how nice it is, the weather can turn at anytime so coats are a must.

6.) A basket or bag for treasures

You should so try this, it makes all the difference to a woodland trip. We usually take a basket and Reuben fills it with flowers, pebbles, leaves, sticks and has even found a fair few fossils over time. It gives you something to remember your day with, possibly make into a craft, bake with or put in a memory box.

Enjoy your woodland walks and let me know if you have any tips 🙂

H x