The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve

Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve offers a good selection of family-friendly hiking trails. There are 13 routes available in this guide, with 12 of them rated as easy, making them suitable for families.

Yes, many of the trails in Skipwith Common are circular, which is ideal for family outings. For example, the Optical Society – Longhorn Cattle loop from Skipwith Common is an easy 7.2 km circular route, perfect for exploring the common's diverse landscapes.

The terrain in Skipwith Common is varied, offering a mix of environments. You'll find extensive open heathland, both wet and dry, as well as shaded paths through woodlands with Silver Birch and mature Oak trees. There are also wetlands, ponds, and marshy areas. Many paths are generally easy, with some sections being hard tracks from its wartime airfield history, which can be accessible.

Absolutely! Skipwith Common is a living landscape rich in wildlife. You might encounter ancient breeds of grazing animals like Longhorn cattle, Hebridean sheep, and Exmoor ponies. Keep an eye out for Roe and fallow deer, and if you're lucky, you could spot grass snakes, adders, or lizards. It's also a haven for various bird species, including the rare woodlark and nightjar, as well as many insects and dragonflies.

Yes, Skipwith Common has a rich history. You can explore visible remnants of RAF Riccall, a World War II airfield, including old taxiways and flight pans. Some former bomb bays now provide habitats for reptiles. The Danes Hills area also holds Iron Age remains and ancient burial sites, adding an intriguing historical layer to your family hike. The "Hidden Archaeology" (Blue Route) is specifically designed to highlight these features.

Many of the paths in Skipwith Common are easy and suitable for families. While some areas might be softer heathland, parts of the Common, particularly along the hard paths and tracks remaining from its wartime use as an airfield, are more accessible and can accommodate pushchairs. For toddlers, shorter, easy routes like the Hiking loop from Skipwith (2.6 km) are ideal.

Off-road parking is available at multiple access points around Skipwith Common. You can find parking areas at King Rudding Lane, Sandy Lane, and Common Road, providing convenient starting points for your family hike.

The trails in Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.37 out of 5 stars from 162 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the chance to see unique wildlife, and the well-maintained paths that make it enjoyable for all ages.

For families with young children looking for an easy and shorter walk, the Danes Hills, Skipwith Common – Log Pile by the Path loop from Riccall is an excellent choice. It's an easy 3.2 km route that allows you to experience the common without being too strenuous.

Yes, for families seeking a longer adventure, the Longhorn Cattle – Optical Society loop from Riccall offers a moderate 10.3 km hike. This route provides an extended exploration of the common's diverse features and wildlife, suitable for older children or those who enjoy a more substantial walk.

Skipwith Common offers something special in every season. Spring brings new growth and bird activity, while summer allows for longer days and warmer weather to enjoy the heathland. Autumn showcases beautiful colours in the woodlands, and even winter can be magical, though paths might be muddier. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.