Spring is here and even though things are opening up again, many of us have got quite used to walks with the family. This is the perfect time of year to spot the beautiful bluebells, butterflies and see the sprouting of new flowers and blossom.

We are so lucky to live in an area with so much choice. We have the Thames Path nearby, The Ridgeway, Barbury Castle and The Cotswolds, to name but a few amazing spaces. Not all are that child friendly though and if yours are anything like mine, even getting them to scoot to the local park can be a challenge when there’s an Xbox at home.

However, the outdoors is good for all of us and when you are out, you’re out! I have spoken to some fellow parents for recommendations on the best places to take the kids on a stroll around Swindon and the surrounding areas and have come up with five of the most family friendly walks.

Hopefully there is something for everyone. I have kept things relatively easy in length, they are children not hikers after all!  So please read on and if you have any suggestions on more places to try, please let me know. After all we are all in this together, right!

Walk 1 - Badbury Clump/ Badbury Hill, Buscot and Coleshill Estates, Swindon SN7 7NJ

Distance: 3km

Good for - Den building, woodland beauty, deer and hare spotting and generally feeling very outdoorsy and at one with nature.

Walk 2 - Nightingale Woods, South Marston, Swindon SN3 4SX

Distance: Between 1km and 3km depending on which trail.

Good for - Bluebell spotting and bringing your four-legged member of the family. Also has a picnic area and three walking trails.

Walk 3 – Buscot Red Walk, Buscot Village National Trust car park, SN7 8BY

Distance: 5km   

Good for - Kids who don’t mind checking out the two Second World War bunkers; bring snacks and wipes as there’s not much around in terms of amenities.  

Walk 4 – Badbury Hill and Great Coxwell, Swindon SN7 7NJ

Distance: 9km

Good for - A longer stroll with some lovely scenery, perfect for organised parents and kids who are used to walks as this is a fair stretch.  

Walk 5 – Coate Water, Marlborough Road, Swindon SN3 6AA

Distance: 2.8km 

Good for – Families that need a bit more. It has a park, snack van, a splash park and toilet, just in case the walk goes pear shaped and the kids get bored. Perfect for those like me who don’t know what day of the week it is but like to get out of the house and get some fresh air.

Some walking trails can be very popular so please park considerately and maintain social distancing on your walk.

Claire Phillips
Blogger and Magical Mummy