Today’s easy 1.2 mile walk is one you can just about get away with in the rain. With our waterproofs on, we headed to the Alphabet Trail at Serpentine Woods in Kendal. Don’t forget your wellies, as this can be a muddy one!
You can park for a couple of hours for free on Queens Road in Kendal (try postcode LA9 4PD in your satnav or GR512928 on OS map OL7). The start of the walk is signposted, and heads uphill through a gate.
The best thing you can do is to get the detailed map from Kendal Library or the Tourist Information Centre for 50p, as it clearly shows the route that needs to be taken, and where exactly the sculptures are. Without it, they’re quite easy to miss, and it’s also easy to get disorientated in the woods.
If you’ve turned up without the map, you can still find all the Alphabet Trail clues here. Plus, we tracked our walk on our OS maps app, you can find a screenshot in the photos below.
The 1.2 mile walk took us approximately one hour, and every child walked every step of the way! (We had 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 year olds with us.) The route is entirely in the woods, so you are somewhat protected from the elements, making this a great wet weather activity.
*Top Tip*
Tired of making sandwiches? Why not try the hot dog picnic? Boil the kettle and place your hot dogs in a wide necked flask. Take with you a small bottle of ketchup (or sachets!) and some hot dog buns. Ta da! A hot, tasty and easy lunch treat that the kids will love!
If you’re looking for a family pub to visit after your walk, our favourite in the area is Romney’s. It does a mean carvery, and has a sheltered outdoor play area for the kids.
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Family Walks and Pubs in the Lake District 
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