The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Preston
4.5
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5,406
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Family friendly hiking trails around Preston offer a blend of urban green spaces and access to varied natural landscapes. The region is characterized by the scenic River Ribble and its valley, providing numerous riverside paths. Preston also serves as a gateway to the Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty featuring fells and woodlands, alongside local highlights like Beacon Fell Country Park. The terrain includes gentle river paths, open parklands, and some areas with rolling hills.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Preston
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Bluebell Woods Near Preston loop from Stourmouth, a 4.0 miles (6.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 40 minutes to complete. This easy route leads through picturesque bluebell woods, ideal for families.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Vegetable Stand – Elmstone Church loop from Hoaden, an easy 3.0 miles (4.9 km) path. This route offers gentle gradients through rural landscapes and quiet country paths.
- Local hikers also love the Bluebell Woods Near Preston loop from Preston, a 4.8 miles (7.7 km) trail leading through woodlands and open fields, often completed in about 2 hours.
- Hiking around Preston is defined by riverside paths, extensive woodlands, and access to the fells of the Forest of Bowland. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate ascents.
- The routes in Preston are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 700 reviews. More than 5,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Preston's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
5.0
(2)
19
hikers
6.44km
01:40
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(2)
6
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
2
hikers
7.74km
01:59
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
3.51km
00:54
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Discover this beautiful seasonal bluebell woods near Preston in Kent. An undulating footpath leads you through these gentle woods before meeting with the Little Stour River.
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The footpath crosses over the pretty Little Stour River here.
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During the Middle Ages, the two rivers met the Wantsum Channel at Stourmouth, but the combined rivers now (called the River Stour downstream from Plucks Gutter) flow onward to the sea via Sandwich to Pegwell Bay near Ramsgate, leaving Plucks Gutter six miles in a straight line and ten by river from the English Channel
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Countryside Ale House and Beer Garden on the River. On Route to Thanet along Gore Street on a Busy Riverway that can be accessed from Fordwich by Canoe
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There is a pub next to the river which serves a good selection of drinks and food https://www.dogandduckpub.co.uk/
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A perfect place to stop for refreshments. You can also just go and sit by the river and enjoy the view.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Preston?
Our guide features 10 family-friendly hiking trails around Preston, with 8 of them rated as easy and 2 as moderate, ensuring options for various ages and abilities.
Are there any easy, short walks suitable for families with young children or toddlers?
Yes, for a shorter, easy option, consider the Vegetable Stand – Elmstone Church loop from Hoaden. It's just under 5 km and offers a gentle experience. The region also has many accessible paths in places like Avenham Park and Brockholes Nature Reserve, which are great for little legs.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on family walks near Preston?
Preston's family-friendly trails often feature a delightful mix of landscapes. You can expect scenic riverside paths along the River Ribble, tranquil woodlands, and open green spaces. Many routes, like those in Beacon Fell Country Park, offer diverse habitats and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Absolutely! Many of the trails in this guide are circular, making them convenient for families. For example, the Bluebell Woods Near Preston loop from Stourmouth is an easy circular route that's just over 6 km.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly hiking in Preston?
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails around Preston, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful natural scenery, and the variety of routes suitable for all ages, from gentle riverside strolls to more adventurous woodland explorations.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along these family trails?
While the routes in this guide focus on natural beauty, the wider Preston area is rich in points of interest. You might encounter historic Victorian gardens like those in Avenham Park, or unique features such as the floating village at Brockholes Nature Reserve. For more attractions, you can explore Attractions around Preston.
Are the family-friendly trails around Preston suitable for dogs?
Many of the trails in and around Preston are dog-friendly, especially those in open countryside and woodlands. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or in nature reserves, to protect wildlife and ensure everyone's safety. Always check local signage for specific rules.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Preston?
Preston offers enjoyable family hikes year-round. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers, especially bluebells in the woodlands, while summer provides warmer weather for longer days out. Autumn showcases stunning foliage, and even winter walks can be magical, especially in places like Beacon Fell Country Park. Always check weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any longer, moderate family hikes for older children or more active families?
Yes, for families seeking a bit more of a challenge, the Little Stour River Footbridge – Bluebell Woods Near Preston loop from Stourmouth is a moderate 11.9 km route. Another good option is the Little Stour River Footbridge – Bench with View of Fields loop from Stourmouth, which is just over 9 km and also rated moderate.
Is parking generally available for family walks near Preston?
Parking is typically available at or near the starting points of many popular family-friendly trails and country parks around Preston. Locations like Beacon Fell Country Park and Brockholes Nature Reserve have dedicated car parks. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot for parking information.
Can we access family-friendly hikes around Preston using public transport?
Many areas around Preston are accessible by public transport, especially those closer to the city center or in well-served villages. For example, some routes along the River Ribble or in urban parks are easily reached. For more remote starting points, a car might be more convenient. You can find more information on local transport options via Visit Preston's outdoor guide.
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