Why We’re Craving Mountains – Our Favourite Family Activities & Next Big Adventures

Walking/Hiking

Mountains have always been a source of inspiration, and with today being Mountain Day, I couldn’t help but want to include them in today’s prompt, thinking about the future outdoor adventures we might have on them as a family.

While we haven’t tackled any major peaks yet, the dream is there! Snowdon is high on the list, and a reminder everyday of that dream, as we can see the giant from our bedroom window! But we’re planning it for a quieter time when we can truly enjoy the serenity without the crowds. I’ve been astounded at the growing hype around Snowden over the past year, and had no idea of the crowding issues until friends showed me the videos from social media of people queuing – yes QUEUING! – for photos at the summit! Then there is Ben Nevis – Scotland’s biggest mountain – one to conquer maybe on one of our camper van trips to Scotland (another dream in the making – need a van first!).

For now, we’re sticking with what we know and love: long walks, woodland trails, and the occasional hilly challenge. There are plenty of hills in Shropshire! Walking has become one of our favourite ways to stay active as a family, and it’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and explore. Whether it’s the children racing ahead to find the next geocache or simply pausing to admire the view, walking is our way of staying fit, embracing nature and spending quality time together as a family.

But mountains? They represent the next level – a bigger challenge, and the promise of breathtaking rewards.

Preparing for the Mountains

Here’s how we’re getting ready for those bigger adventures:

1. Building stamina: Regular walks and hikes with gradually increasing difficulty help all of us, especially the children, prepare for longer treks.
2. Learning navigation skills: Practicing map-reading and compass use on smaller trails ensures we’ll be confident in the mountains.
3. Packing wisely: We’re getting used to carrying the essentials, from waterproofs and extra layers to snacks and plenty of water. If you’re not sure what to bring, check out this helpful post!
4. Choosing the right footwear: Investing in sturdy, comfortable boots has been a game-changer for keeping us going on rougher terrain. Here’s my helpful guide on buying walking boots for children.
5. Researching the routes: Knowing the best paths, weather conditions, and facilities available helps us feel prepared and safe.

If you’re dreaming of mountains too, start small and enjoy the journey – each step builds your confidence and gets you closer to the summit.

Mountain Biking

The boys absolutely love their bikes! They’re constantly nagging to use them and it’s incredible to see their confidence grow as they handle their bikes, navigate obstacles, and enjoy the freedom that comes with riding. My biggest issue is that there is nowhere safe for them to cycle where we live, and each time we head out on the bikes, my heart is in my mouth – we have only country lanes near us and they’re filled with lorries, agricultural vehicles and cars that don’t know how to drive safely on narrow roads with blind bends.

So more often than not, I tell the boys ‘no’. And that sucks, because we all love getting out on our bikes. My goal these last few months has been to save up for a suitable vehicle and a bike rack so we can get to the best biking spots and enjoy this activity together where I’m not running the risk of having a panic attack! The biggest hurdle has been selling my car, but we all have everything crossed that in the new year, as car sales generally pick up, that it’ll sell and we can finally get back out there on our bikes!

Having a van would open up a whole new world of possibilities for family biking adventures. With a bike rack, we can safely transport our bikes to destinations that are perfect for children – places with proper bike paths, gentle slopes, and scenic views (oh, and no speeding traffic!).

As we save, we’re also planning ahead for what we need to make these biking trips even more enjoyable:

• Bike safety gear: Ensuring the boys (and the grownups!) have helmets, gloves, and pads to ride confidently.
• Packing the essentials: Snacks, water, and a first aid kit are must-haves for every ride.
• Finding family-friendly trails: Researching spots with safe, enjoyable paths for all skill levels.

We’re dreaming of the day when we can pack up the van, load up the bikes, and head to a beautiful mountain, woodland or even beach-side trail for a full day of biking, exploring, and bonding. It’s not just about the bikes – it’s about the journey and the adventures that lie ahead.

What are your favourite physical activities? Do you have a mountain you’ve conquered or one on your bucket list? What are your favourite family biking spots? Do you have any tips for biking with children or making family trips easier? I’d love to hear your thoughts!