Perched excessive on the west aspect of Kendal – a picturesque market city often known as the ‘Gateway to the Lake District’ – Serpentine Woods is a quiet, wooded space recognized largely solely to locals. This space of land off the Queens Street and inside strolling distance of the city was initially used for grazing however was planted with bushes within the late 18th century and has been well-liked with Kendalia residents ever since. The assorted bushes and shrubs that you simply see develop on a mattress of limestone that you would be able to see uncovered in some areas. Within the spring, the woods are full of the scent of untamed garlic, and all year long they’re residence to squirrels and numerous forms of birds.
There are a lot of completely different trails you’ll be able to take by way of the realm and, though the forest is comparatively small, they’re about 3 miles lengthy in complete. In addition to being well-liked with canine walkers, it’s maybe the largest draw for households with younger kids who love to participate within the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Path.
Serpentine Woods Alphabet Path
The Serpentine Woods Alphabet Path is a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) round, well-maintained path. It’s accessible for strollers, which makes it appropriate for households with babies, particularly these on the lookout for the right mixture of nature, journey and academic enjoyable. It is the right different to the extra demanding mountains of the Lake District, making it a great introduction to strolling for younger kids.
Initially created in 1992 (and since renovated), the path is an interactive and fascinating expertise designed to seize the creativeness and promote studying. There are 26 completely different objects to establish all through the forest, from the acorn initially to the zebra on the finish.
And sure, there’s even one thing for the letter ‘X’…. educationally, the path helps younger kids acknowledge letters and phonics in an fascinating, sensible approach, whereas making studying extra tangible and memorable.
The assorted objects you’ll come throughout have been made by native artists and positioned in excessive and low locations within the forest.
A morning or afternoon full of enjoyable
Even with little toes, this self-guided path will solely take about an hour of strolling, except one or two objects show significantly tough to seek out, however it’s a enjoyable technique to spend a morning or afternoon, watching your kids’s faces mild up with pleasure. each time they dig up a brand new merchandise.
Combining this scavenger hunt and academic journey with studying the alphabet and fascinating with the pure world is an effective way to encourage a love of nature and studying in younger minds, whereas having fun with the recent air and gorgeous views of Kendal, to not point out offering some much-needed bodily train. for the well being and well-being of youngsters.
An incredible different to the Lake District waterfalls
For households with younger kids, the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Path is a unbelievable different to the extra strenuous slopes of the Lake District. The manageable 1.2 mile loop route is ideal for little toes and provides a delicate introduction to strolling. It is an effective way to construct kids’s confidence and enthusiasm for mountaineering, laying the muse for future adventures within the tougher terrain of the Lake District hills.
Perhaps subsequent time they’re going to go for a few of the simpler peaks like Orrest Head or Gummer’s Howe. And earlier than you recognize it, they’re going to be climbing Helvellyn, taking Striding Edge or conquering Scafell Pike!
Every part you could plan your journey in 2024
Sensible suggestions for visiting
To take advantage of your go to to the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Path, listed below are some helpful suggestions:
- Time: There are often individuals within the forest at any time of the day, even when it is raining, however there’s by no means an excessive amount of to do, so you’ll be able to actually go at any time and revel in a comparatively peaceable expertise.
- Footwear: Put on a pair of sturdy sneakers because the terrain may be tough in locations, even when the paths are effectively maintained.
- Time: Earlier than visiting, verify the climate forecast. Whereas the forest provides shelter, it’s best to be ready for all circumstances. If there are sturdy winds, you could, in fact, wish to take into account revisiting due to the elevated threat of falling bushes or branches.
- Refreshments: There aren’t any services within the forest, so take drinks and snacks with you, and throw waste within the bin positioned on the entrance to the path.
- Parking: In case you resolve to drive to the forest relatively than stroll out of city, there’s a small automotive park simply off Queen’s Street, the place the path begins. That is often fairly busy, however there are often one or two areas accessible.
- Navigation: Though the path is effectively marked, it’s helpful to have a map of Serpentine Woods – scan the QR code you see under to get a web based map of the Alphabet Path.
We hope you take pleasure in your go to to the hidden gem of Serpentine Woods! Entrance to the forest is totally free, and the Alphabet path guarantees an unforgettable expertise for households with babies. It combines the thrill of nature, the fun of discovery and the advantages of instructional play in a single nice morning or afternoon.
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