Mother’s Day walks: 11 lovely walks to enjoy with your mum
Mother’s Day is always just on the cusp of spring, as we’re beginning to say goodbye to the long dark nights of winter and welcoming the first signs of a new season. And what better way to celebrate the birth of spring than with your family? Whether you’re taking your mother out or your own children are treating you, our list is ideal for celebrating family time on Mothering Sunday. 1. Farndale Daffodil Walk YorkshireEasy3.5 miles
Brighten up your Mother’s Day with a colourful display of wild daffodils and cheering spring flowers, on the Farndale Daffodil Walk. This easy hike is great for older yet still active mothers; at only 3.5 miles it’s a wonderful way to explore the North York Moors National Park, and to enjoy stunning views of Yorkshire’s countryside.Low Mill Car Park, Low Mill, North York Moors National Park, York YO62 7UYFind places to stay in Yorkshire >2. Lizard Point circularCornwallMedium4.5 miles
A staycation is the perfect way to spend some quality time with your mother, and Cornwall is a fabulous springtime holiday option. Lizard Point Circular is a Cornish coastal walk that takes in the epic cliff-top views at Lizard Point, the UK’s most southerly tip. Pack a picnic and wrap up warm to enjoy the secluded emerald waters of Kynance Cove.Lizard Point Car Park, Helston TR12 7NUFind places to stay in Cornwall >3. Holyrood Park and Arthur’s SeatMidlothianMedium miles
Holyrood Park to Arthur’s Seat walk is fabulous for a family day out, as it mixes a proper hill walk with history, a stately home, and the chance to go into the city for a lush afternoon tea. Holyrood Park is a 650 acre site of glorious craggy hillside and Iron Age forts, so if the trek up Arthur’s Seat isn’t for you (or your mum), there are plenty of other easier trails to enjoy. Holyroodhouse, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DXFind places to stay in Midlothian >4. Craster to SeahousesNorthumberlandMedium miles
Beginning at the Northumberland fishing village of Craster, the Craster to Seahouses walk is a standout section of the Northumberland Coast Path. It’s a lovely day’s stroll along the coast with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities for the family, from tiny rock pool creatures to seals basking on the rocks. The ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle in the background add drama to the scene, and you can treat mum with a seafood lunch at Craster’s excellent pub.Craster, Alnwick NE66 3TTFind places to stay in Northumberland >5. Gruffalo Sculpture TrailLake DistrictEasymile
It wouldn’t be mother’s day without a child to mother - so this walk is focused firmly on getting the children active and engaged in the outdoors. Although there are some steep sections, the Gruffalo Sculpture Trail is buggy friendly for very young ones and its location in the Lake District’s Whinlatter Forest is simply beautiful for a gentle forest stroll. Whinlatter Pass, Keswick CA12 5TWFind places to stay in the Lake District >6. Bakewell to ChatsworthPeak DistrictEasy miles
Is there a mother in the land who doesn’t enjoy scene of Colin Firth exiting the lake at Pemberley with his white shirt drenched and clinging to his body? Relive the views of Pemblerley (minus the impromptu swim) with this walk from Bakewell to Chatsworth. Keep fingers crossed for glorious blue skies, fields of spring-time bluebells and lovely views across the rolling Peak District. You could even end your day with a guided tour of the house itself. Bakewell Station Car Park, Bakewell DE45 1GEFind places to stay in the Peak District >7. Hornecourt WoodSurreyMedium miles
The springtime walk at Hornecourt Wood is a National Trust walk that will introduce the rolling hills of Surrey in all their glory. This is a meander through ancient woodland, where nature is the star of the show - awash with bright green leaves and carpets of spring flowers, the woodland is a lovely day out for mums and families. Outwood Common Car Park, Outwood, Redhill RH1 5PUFind places to stay in Surrey >8. Hoarwithy Circular TrailHerefordshireMedium4.5 miles
Take your pick of any Wye Valley walks and you’ll be guaranteed superb countryside views that take in quaint traditional villages, flowing rivers and quintessential rural life. We like the Hoarwithy Circular Trail, starting from the pretty hamlet of Hoarwithy and its wonderful Italianate church, crossing a Victorian suspension bridge and passing the splendid manor house of Caradoc Court.Hoarwithy, Hereford HR2 6QHFind places to stay in Herefordshire >9. Marlow CircularBuckinghamshireEasy3.5 miles
If mum’s a bit of a history buff, the Marlow Circular walk might fit the bill. Taking in historic buildings and ancient archaeological sites, as well as meandering along the banks of the River Thames, this gentle stroll makes for a lovely morning out. Bustling Marlow is the ideal place to start and finish, with lots of options for a treat lunch.3 West St, Marlow SL7 2LSFind places to stay in Buckinghamshire >10. Chipping Norton to Over NortonOxfordshireEasy2.5 miles
If it’s pretty Cotswolds views that you’re after, then this easy circular walk from Chipping Norton to Over Norton and back will delight. For a gentle mother-child outing, the farmland kissing gates and bucolic country scenes are as charming as you could want. Chipping Norton itself provides a fitting end to the walk, with its small high street of one-off shops and small cafes offering hard-working mums a relaxing day in the country.New St, Chipping Norton OX7 5LJFind places to stay in Oxfordshire >11. Birling Gap to Belle Tout LighthouseEast SussexEasy miles
The National Trust land around Birling Gap, Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters is packed with beautiful walks of all levels. We’ve chosen the family-friendly circular walk from Birling Gap to Belle Tout Lighthouse, which has fantastic views over the famous chalk-white cliffs without too much of a strenuous trek to get there. Beachy Head Rd, Eastbourne BN20 0ABFind places to stay in East Sussex >
