Family Friendly Walks

First let's have a look at a couple of walks in the thrills and spills category.

Starting on the north coast, you can't beat Lynton and Lynmouth for the pure drama of the landscape. There's also the fantastic funicular railway that links the two communities. It's the nearest the Victorians ever got to flying in a helicopter and, for a wonderfully low fare, you can convey your family from sea-level, 500 feet up to the town above.

Once in Lynton, dragoon the children into walking west to the crazily scenic Valley of the Rocks by promising them close-up, Harry Potter style encounters with wild and mysterious goats. Return via the coast path, which should put a few grey hairs on mum's head, given its proximity to seriously spectacular sea cliffs.

Child friendly walks often contain a ride in something or other - often a boat.

Why not take the family over the Camel estuary on the ferry to Rock - not too exciting in itself, but a good introduction to the area now known as Kensington by Sea (see our St Enedoc walk). The main aim of the walk will be to pass through the lovely dune area which contains St Enedoc Church where parents can satisfy their cultural curiosity by visiting Sir John Betjeman's grave.

How about flying in the tiny Islander plane from the grass strip near Land's End (great fun on the Isles of Scilly Skybus because you get to see the pilot working the controls and cruise at a low enough altitude to spot whales if you are very lucky - see our special Scillies page or tel: 08457 105 555).

Land at St Mary's, phone Bryher Boats (on 01720 422886) and get them to come and pick you up from somewhere close to the airport in their thrilling, go-fast, jet-boat, the Cyclone.

Cross to the uninhabited isle of Samson and spend the day walking around or lazing upon your very own paradise island, then take the return white-knuckle ride back to the airport. Hiring the Cyclone and skipper costs under £30 per trip - but she carries up to eight passengers - making the under-£60 round journey represent good value if you go mob-handed.

Back to low-cost reality: sometimes child-orientated hikes ought to contain something in the way of a sense of achievement. Scaling Exmoor's highest hill Dunkery Beacon is not exactly akin to climbing a proper mountain, but the summit does have the most incredible views.

Haytor Rocks is a little more dramatic - it's an easy half-mile up from the road and the tor itself is climbable by anyone four years or over. Keep a tight rein on the youngsters though - the rocks at Haytor fall away in a rather alarming fashion.

Last time I reached the top of Brown Willie, Cornwall's highest hill, I was confronted by a young family who were picnicking on the rocky peak. The two girls, whose ages had yet to reach double figures, were mightily proud of their feat and couldn't wait to get home to tell their mates.

If you must be at a beach even at this time of year then one of the very best of walks is to be had at Baggy Point on the North Devon coast. Beach-goers at either Croyde or Putsborough have instant access to this most stunning of promontories and you can leave the family in the charge of a responsible partner for the quick, circular, escape around the point.

A couple of miles north, much the same applies to those sojourning on Woolacombe's wide sandy expanses, though the walk north around Morte Point takes a little more time (see our Morte and Bull Point Circular).

Riverside walks afford some excitement - especially if there's been a good deal or rain. On Exmoor check out our walks along Badgworthy Water or click on the one that takes you to the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps. Both areas are rich in hikes of just about any length you like.

On Dartmoor the Dart provides several excellent riverside walks - check out Steeperton Tor and Beyond and the River Avon Dam.