With school holidays underway, a new study has identified the best family-friendly walk in the UK, and it is located in the Lake District. The circular route around Rydal Water, including Rydal Cave, tops the list of family-friendly walks, ideal for a staycation this summer.
Research and ranking
Outdoor experts at Millets analysed popular walking routes using AllTrails user ratings to determine the best options, also considering dog-friendliness so that four-legged family members can join. The Rydal Water and Cave circular covers 2.7 miles, making it suitable for various abilities, offering views across the water and surrounding fells. A highlight is Rydal Cave, recognisable by its large open entrance and stepping stones leading inside. The walk is near the villages of Grasmere and Ambleside.
Other top walks
Several other walks close to Greater Manchester also ranked highly. Newborough Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn in Anglesey came second, winding through Newborough Forest to a stunning beach and the tidal island with a ruined church and old lighthouse. The Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye rounded off the top three, described as an easy walk with a well-maintained gravel path. Additionally, Dovestone Reservoir in the Peak District made the top ten, though people are currently urged to avoid moorland areas there due to ongoing fires.
The full top ten list includes: Rydal Water and Cave Circular (Lake District), Newborough Beach and Ynys Llanddwyn (Anglesey), Fairy Pools (Isle of Skye), Fairy Glen Circular (Lancashire), Virginia Water Circular (Surrey), Dovestone Reservoir Circular (Peak District), Loch an Eilein Circular (Highlands), Capel Curig Circular (Eyri National Park), Castlewellan Lakeside Circular (County Down), and Antrim Castle Gardens to Lough Neagh (County Antrim).
