Walking trail 30 minutes from Bolton named among best in the UK for families
A new nationwide survey by outdoor retailer Mountain Warehouse has uncovered the real recipe for a typical British family walk and highlighted the best routes to take.
According to the findings, the average family walk lasts one hour and 11 minutes, includes up to two tantrums, involves picking up three random items, and requires at least two snacks per child to avoid total meltdown.
Despite the challenges of getting everyone out of the house, nearly 80 per cent of parents believe that time spent outdoors strengthens family bonds, especially those with toddlers (87 per cent).
The top benefits include quality time together (46 per cent), staying active (42 per cent), getting out of the house (41 per cent), improved mental well-being (39 per cent), time away from screens (26 per cent) and a better chance to talk (23 per cent).
Mountain Warehouse reveals Family Walk Formula
The Mountain Warehouse Family Walk Formula is as follows:
1 hour and 11 minutes is the sweet spot – go any longer and expect complaints, chaos or both.
The first tantrum typically erupts just 19 minutes in - barely enough time to leave the car park.
'I'm too tired,' 'it's too long,' and 'I need the toilet' top the tantrum charts.
1 in 3 parents bring 2–3 snacks per child with fruit (30 per cent), crisps (29 per cent) and sandwiches (25 per cent) topping the list.
Nearly half of parents (49 per cent) end up carrying all the bags. A quarter (24 per cent) end up carrying the child and their rock collection.
Kids pick up an average of three random items per walk - usually sticks, flowers or rocks… but one in 10 end up pocketing rubbish, dirt or old wrappers too.
Only 18 per cent of family walks go as planned. The biggest culprits behind early turnarounds are bad weather (46 per cent), snack shortages and urgent toilet breaks.
35 per cent say a walk isn't complete without the dog.
The formula can depend on where you live with the research finding that parents in the north are far more likely to head out without a plan (32 per cent) compared to those in the south (21 per cent).
Heaton Park Circular among best UK family walks
Mountain Warehouse named the Heaton Park Circular walk one of the best in the UK for families.
From Bolton, you can get to Heaton Park in under 30 minutes by road and the walk takes an average of one hour and three minutes to complete, according to AllTrails.
The website, which shares a variety of walking routes, said: 'This is a lovely trail that goes around Heaton Park. The park is located on the edge of Manchester and is a historic area with many attractions, making it a perfect destination for a full day out.
'Along the way, you'll pass by the Boating Lake viewpoint, play areas, Bowls Pavilion, Heaton Park Animal Centre, Heaton Hall, golf course and Tram Museum. The route is relatively flat and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.'
Heaton Park is popular with visitors on Tripadvisor where it has a 4.1-star rating from 949 reviews.
One visitor said: 'Never been to Heaton Park as much as the last couple of year's, visited for Parkrun on Saturday's, Dinosaurs in the Park and fun days or general fresh air family days out. Lots of open space, a decent kid's play area, a boating lake and a courtyard with farm animals (free).
'There are two cafes that have great food and drink options with indoor and outdoor seating. Parking prices are reasonable for an hour or so.'
Another shared their experience: 'Heaton Park has so much to offer. We spent the day there today after parking for £3.50 in one of the three car parks on offer. We chose Sheepsfoot Lane car park as it was nearest to the lake and cafe.
'We had ice creams, went on the fun fair, the grandkids played in both play areas, we walked through the cherry blossom trees , saw the cattle and donkeys and saw the animals in the farm too. We loved the flower garden next to the manner house too. We walked about five miles in as many hours and loved every minute. Amazing park'.
The park also hosts various music events including Parklife and at the time of writing, Oasis has gigs scheduled at the park as part of their reunion tour.
Ashley James, broadcaster and model, put the family walk formula to the test with her children, Alfie, four, and Ada, two.
She said: 'I lead such a busy life now, and my husband does too, which is why we cherish the time we spend together as a family so much.
"Getting outside in nature when we can, even if it's just the local park, is so important to us. No screens, no tech, just us enjoying time together.
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'But getting out of the house for a proper family walk isn't without its challenges… Between trying to leave the house without someone losing a shoe, refereeing sibling squabbles and somehow ending up carrying four jackets, two scooters and a pinecone collection… It's a full-on expedition!
'But Mountain Warehouse has us covered for our little adventures - helping us feel prepared, whatever the weather and whatever mood the kids are in. Despite the chaos, it's worth it every time.'
Mark Neale, founder & CEO at Mountain Warehouse, said: 'The great outdoors brings families together, even if it doesn't always go to plan.
"We created the Family Walk Formula to shine a light on the fun, the challenges and the real-life moments that come with every family outing.
'At Mountain Warehouse, we're here to support those everyday adventures with great kit for the whole family, including the dog.'
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