Mastering the art of walking is child’s play – literally!

From the first tentative steps as a toddler, going out for a walk with your family can be spontaneous, fun, free and a great way to spend time together. Getting your children walking is an investment in their health future by creating good habits for an active life as an adult, supporting your child to be more independent as they grow older and to be sociable.

So how do you enjoy your local paths and green places with children who complain about being tired or very, very bored?

Taking the kids out for a walk needn’t be a big adventure with lots of equipment and military organisation.

When was the last time you:

• Climbed a tree:
• Played pooh sticks:
• Looked for red squirrels:
• Hunted for birds feathers:
• Sniffed out fungi and mushrooms (but not pick them):
• Stopped and listened to the birds?

Getting your walk’s in doesn’t need to take a lot of time out of your schedule, either. You could walk to school rather than drive, park further away from the school gates, and children make great pack horses when it comes to walking to the shops!

So where are the best places to go for a #weewalk with the kids?

Out top five must dos are:

1. The Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail, Feshiebridge a winding path through tall trees, a tranquil walled garden, and the remarkable sculptures of Frank Bruce. 1 mile (1.6km) approx. 45 minutes.
2. The Wildcat Trail, Newtonmore take as long as you like on this iconic orbital route, look out for rivers, gorges, mountains and of course the incredible but elusive Newtonmore Wildcats! 6.2 miles (10km) whole route takes approx. 3 hours
3. Falls of Bruar, Blair Atholl head off on an adventure along this classic walk, made famous in a poem by Robert Burns, it starts at the House of Bruar and overlooks impressive waterfalls and pools which are bound to elicit a ‘wow’ or two! 1.5 miles (2.4km) approx. 45 minutes.
4. Riverside Path, Nethybridge a great stop for some pooh sticks, this walk in Abernethy will take your family on a circular route along the River Nethy and through beautiful pine forests. 1.5 miles (2.4km) approx. 1 hour.
5. The logging camp in Pannanich Woods, Ballater home to the rare Capercaillie and leaping red squirrels the Pannanich Woods are a great place to showcase our local wildlife to your wee ones. 1.5 miles (2.4km) approx. 1 hour.

Alternatively, you could join a Ranger on one of their events. For more information see our Ranger Events.

Are you a Wee Walker, or would like to be? Take part in Wee Walks Week and make a pledge to go out on a wee walk or two between the 16^th of 23^rd of September. Make your pledge here!