The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Duddon Mosses National Nature Reserve

Duddon Mosses National Nature Reserve offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails. You can find over 100 routes, with more than 40 specifically rated as easy, making them suitable for families with children.

The terrain varies, offering a mix of unique wetland landscapes with boardwalk sections, alongside surrounding woodlands and paths that provide views over the Lakeland Fells and the sea. Some routes, like the Duck Pond – Blacksmiths Arms loop from Broughton in Furness, feature more varied terrain with gentle ascents.

Yes, there are several easy circular walks perfect for families. For example, the Duck Pond loop from Broughton West is an easy 6.4 km circular route, and the Park Head Wood – Park Wood loop from Broughton West offers another easy 6.1 km option.

Duddon Mosses is renowned for its rare wetland landscape, featuring internationally important raised peat bogs, mires, and pools. Keep an eye out for specialist bog flora like the golden-orange moss Sphagnum pulchrum, bog rosemary, and cranberry. The reserve also has diverse woodlands to explore.

The reserve is home to diverse wildlife. Families might spot deer, adders, lizards, and frogs. Birdwatchers can look for buzzards, barn owls, waders, and pink-footed geese, especially in winter. The rare bog bush cricket also inhabits the area.

Many trails in Duddon Mosses National Nature Reserve are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially due to the presence of sensitive wildlife and livestock. Always check local signage for specific restrictions, particularly in nature reserve areas or near grazing animals.

The reserve offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the bog flora and warmer weather, while autumn brings beautiful colors to the woodlands. Winter can be great for spotting pink-footed geese and other waders, but trails might be wetter.

Yes, there are official parking areas available near the trailheads, making it convenient for families to access the walks. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions or local signage.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 600 ratings. Reviewers often praise the unique natural beauty of the mosses, the peaceful atmosphere, and the variety of trails suitable for different abilities, including families.

While the immediate reserve is focused on nature, the nearby village of Broughton in Furness offers options for refreshments, including cafes and pubs where families can relax and refuel after their hike.

For families with younger children or those using strollers, look for routes with boardwalk sections, as these provide a smoother surface over the boggy terrain. The Duddon Mosses Boardwalk loop, while not listed in this guide, is a well-known option in the area for its accessible boardwalks. Within this guide, easy routes like the Duck Pond – Camping Yurts loop from Broughton in Furness offer relatively flat paths.