A family walk can be a great opportunity to create a unique activity for your tribe and learn some cool stuff about yourselves and your location along the way. You are welcome to send it in to COGNEWS, and you might see it in print!
A cool name for your walk makes it more meaningful and easier to redo in the future. Although your walk doesn't have to be in paper form, it can be really useful if people get separated, and it adds interest to the walk. Be sure to laminate or cover your document if you decide to print. Whether you go digital, print, or both, including a route map helps connect everyone to the day. You can create this in Google Maps, adding stopping points where you want to feature something worth seeing. You can then list in order on your tour guide why you think this stopping point is significant; a couple of sentences is all you will need.
Walks don't have to be outdoors, and they don't have to be in the countryside. If you have a group of fashionistas, then why not organize a tour of your local fashion hotspots? Art lovers? Check out great graffiti spots. Home lovers? A route to point out your favorite properties, maybe ending with a new development tour.
For best results, family walks should include something for everyone. You could ask which parts of an area your walkers would like to see and then research a little about the places to include in your guide. Don't worry if everyone doesn't like everything; the goal is a fun time together, not to become the next Sir David Attenborough!
Do check ahead when you plan to walk in case there is something happening, such as a road race or parade, which might stop you from completing your route. Try to make the walking route circular so that you finish where you started. This will make transport much easier. Consider the fitness needed to complete the route, the terrain, and if it might change seasonally, and apply this to your walkers' ability.
People walk at different speeds, so it's worth setting up a couple of checkpoints along the way for regrouping. Check if there is somewhere to sit for those who might like a rest.
Here are a few do's and don'ts:
Do: include plenty of variety.
Don't: overcomplicate your walk - keeping it simple will help everyone have a good time.
Don't be afraid to remind any naysayers that it's meant to be a fun activity for everyone.
Do: check if there are any toilets en route.
Do: ensure everyone brings a drink - and possibly a snack.
Do: encourage your participants to wear suitable footwear and other clothing for the terrain and season of the year.
Do: consider first aid, keep a bottle of water, and if you are going off-grid, use the necessary tools.
Do: Use the What Three Words App so that you can always be found if the worst should happen.
Something worth considering, if you know your walkers well, is giving them more targeted things to do. Children can be given a pack with coloring, flags, or word games, which can work well too.
Above all, have fun!
Exploring Together: Creating Your Own Family Walking Tour in Staffordshire Moorlands - last updated 7.2.25
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