Exploring the great outdoors with kids is a fantastic way to create lifelong memories, encourage adventure, and promote a love of nature. My 5-year-old daughter, Indie, loves to be challenged and do anything that she believes is for the grown-ups, so she doesn’t take too much convincing to “climb a real mountain”. In fact, she regularly tells me that she’s going to climb Everest!
The UK is home to many beautiful, family-friendly peaks that offer incredible views, gentle ascents, and safe, rewarding hikes. If you’re looking for the perfect mountain or hill to introduce your children to hiking, here are some of the easiest peaks to climb in England, Scotland, and Wales.
England: Gentle Climbs with Stunning Views
1. Mam Tor (517m), Peak District
Nicknamed the “Shivering Mountain,” Mam Tor is one of the best family-friendly hikes in the Peak District. The ascent from the car park at Mam Nick is relatively short and easy, with well-paved paths leading to the summit. Once at the top, families are rewarded with sweeping views over Edale and the Hope Valley. This walk is perfect for children who want a taste of adventure without an overly strenuous climb.
2. Catbells (451m), Lake District
Catbells is one of the most popular beginner-friendly peaks in the Lake District. The route is straightforward, with only a few small scrambles near the summit, making it ideal for young climbers. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over Derwentwater and Keswick. It’s a perfect introduction to fell walking for kids who are keen to explore higher ground.
3. Roseberry Topping (320m), North Yorkshire Moors
With its distinctive conical shape, Roseberry Topping is a fun climb that will capture the imagination of children. The walk is short but steep, ensuring a quick sense of achievement once they reach the summit. The surrounding moorland also offers plenty of space for picnics and wildlife spotting.
4. The Wrekin (407m), Shropshire
A beloved hill in Shropshire, The Wrekin is a gentle climb suitable for kids of all ages. The well-trodden paths make it an accessible hike, and the panoramic views from the summit stretch across the Midlands. Legends surrounding the hill, including tales of giants, make it an exciting walk for young adventurers.
Scotland: Small but Mighty Hills
5. Ben A’an (454m), Trossachs
Ben A’an is a fantastic little peak that offers a real “mountain feel” without being too challenging. The ascent is relatively short but steep in parts, making it a fun and engaging climb for kids. The reward? One of the best views in Scotland, overlooking Loch Katrine.
6. Conic Hill (361m), Loch Lomond
Located on the famous West Highland Way, Conic Hill is an excellent family hike. The path is well-maintained, and the climb is gentle, making it perfect for younger children. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Loch Lomond and its tiny islands.
7. Arthur’s Seat (251m), Edinburgh
If you’re visiting Edinburgh and want to take the kids on a hike, Arthur’s Seat is the perfect choice. This extinct volcano offers a relatively easy climb with an exciting summit that provides incredible views over the city. Kids will love the feeling of standing on top of a “mountain” right in the heart of Scotland’s capital.
Wales: Scenic Summits for Families
8. Sugar Loaf (596m), Brecon Beacons
Sugar Loaf is an ideal first peak for kids, offering a steady climb through rolling countryside. The paths are well-marked, and the summit provides stunning 360-degree views over the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. The gentle terrain makes it perfect for family walks all year round.
9. Moel Famau (555m), Clwydian Range
Located in North Wales, Moel Famau is a great beginner-friendly peak with a well-marked trail leading to the Jubilee Tower at the summit. The walk is suitable for young children, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Snowdonia and Liverpool.
10. Pen y Fan (886m), Brecon Beacons (via the Storey Arms)
Pen y Fan is the highest peak in southern Britain, but don’t let that intimidate you! The route from the Storey Arms is well-maintained and relatively gradual, making it accessible for families with children. Reaching the summit is an exciting achievement, and the views over the Brecon Beacons are spectacular.
So, grab your walking boots, pack some snacks, and set off on a family-friendly hiking adventure to one of these beautiful UK peaks!
