The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Ashton
4.5
(548)
3,843
hikers
235
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Ashton are primarily found within the expansive Salcey Forest, characterized by ancient woodlands and gentle, rolling terrain. The region offers a network of well-maintained paths suitable for families, with minimal elevation changes. These routes often feature mature oak trees and diverse forest ecosystems, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor activities.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Ashton
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Salcey Forest loop, a 5.4 miles (8.7 km) trail…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.3
(25)
122
hikers
8.67km
02:14
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
138
hikers
5.97km
01:32
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
225
hikers
4.77km
01:13
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
14
hikers
4.58km
01:11
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
24.5km
06:20
130m
130m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A convenient stop with easy access to toilets and great ice cream. It’s ideal for a quick refill, though be prepared for long queues at the counter. The paninis and sandwiches aren’t the best, but it serves its purpose.
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This old bridge sits over the remnants of an old regional railway line that used to run to/from Towcester and join up with the Northampton to Bedford line near the Yardley Hastings ammo depot. The tracks themselves are long gone but peering over the sides you can see the remains of the old track bed with trees either side going off into the distance.
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Fairly popular cafe for Salcey Forest walkers and wheelers alike. Plenty of outdoor seating for nice days (or if you're a bit muddy from the forest!) and there's a bike hire centre too. https://groundscafe.uk/salcey/
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This bridleway passes through the M1 Wind Farm near Roade. You can't very often get this close to a wind turbine farm out in the wild... if you stop and stay quiet enough on a breezy day, you can hear the rhythmic whooshing of the huge turbine blades as they spin through the air!
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Glide high above the treetops and enjoy magnificent views over Salcey Forest in Northamptonshire.
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There's a bicycle hire/repair shop next to the cafe, opening in Spring 2022. https://www.facebook.com/Grounds-Cycle-Centres-Salcey-Forest-111230761354696/ https://www.groundscyclecentres.uk/
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NOTE: The treetop walkway has not been available since May 2018, when the engineers who ensure the safety of this feature deemed it unsafe. Forestry England remain hopeful that they can secure funding to get part of this popular attraction reinstated. There's still hundreds of acres to explore and your visit to the forest will not be impacted by your inability to use the treetop walk. https://www.forestryengland.uk/salcey-forest-tree-top-walkway
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Ashton?
There are 12 family-friendly hiking trails around Ashton featured in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for all ages. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate options to explore with your family.
What kind of trails are best for families with young children or strollers?
For families with young children or strollers, the easy-rated trails are ideal. Options like the Gruffalo Statue loop from Salcey Forest (6 km) or another Gruffalo Statue loop from Salcey Forest (4.8 km) offer relatively flat terrain and shorter distances, perfect for little legs or pushchairs.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails around Ashton are circular, making them convenient for day trips. For example, the Salcey Forest loop is a moderate 8.7 km circular route, and the Salcey Forest – Salcey Forest Café loop (5.4 km) offers a pleasant walk with a refreshment stop.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the trails?
The area around Ashton offers several points of interest. You can visit the historic Iron Trunk Aqueduct, explore the Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, or discover the Hiking: Oak in Salcey Forest highlight. These offer great opportunities for exploration and learning during your family hike.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Ashton?
The family-friendly trails around Ashton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful forest atmosphere, and the suitability of the routes for children.
Are there any trails that include a cafe or refreshment stop?
Yes, the Salcey Forest – Salcey Forest Café loop is specifically designed to include a stop at the Salcey Forest Café, perfect for a mid-hike snack or drink with the family.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly hiking trails?
Many trails in the Salcey Forest area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific signage at the trailhead for any restrictions, especially regarding lead requirements or protected wildlife areas. Generally, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
What is the longest family-friendly hike available?
For families looking for a longer adventure, the Hiking: Oak in Salcey Forest loop from Ashton is a challenging 24.4 km route. While rated difficult, it offers an extensive exploration of the area for older children and experienced hiking families.
Are there any trails that pass by lakes or water features?
While the immediate Salcey Forest trails are primarily woodland, the wider Ashton area features several lakes and nature reserves. The Stony Stratford Nature Reserve and Linford Lakes Nature Reserve are nearby and offer opportunities to enjoy water features and wildlife.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Ashton?
The trails around Ashton are enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush greenery, and autumn provides beautiful fall foliage. Winter walks can be magical, but always check weather conditions and trail accessibility before heading out.
Where can I find parking for these family-friendly trails?
Many of the trails, especially those starting from Salcey Forest, have dedicated parking facilities. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for information on trailhead parking availability and any potential fees.
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