The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Cliburn Moss

Cliburn Moss offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities. You'll find over 100 routes in the area, with 45 of them specifically rated as easy, making them ideal for families with children.

Cliburn Moss is known for its accessible and generally flat trails, including extensive boardwalks that protect the delicate peat soils. The diverse habitats, from fen and bog to woodland, offer an engaging experience for children. There are even 'Tale Trails' designed to encourage kids to interact with nature, searching for clues related to characters like 'Grumbletrog'.

Yes, there are several easy circular walks perfect for families. For example, the The Strickland Arms loop from Clifton is an easy 5.5 km route, or consider The Strickland Arms loop from Great Strickland, which is 7.2 km and also easy. Both offer a pleasant experience for all ages.

Cliburn Moss is a National Nature Reserve with rich biodiversity. You might spot red squirrels, sparrowhawks, buzzards, and various butterflies like the small skipper and emerald green hairstreak. In terms of flora, look out for cotton grass, heather, bog bilberry, and even rare orchids like the northern marsh and lesser butterfly orchids, especially in late spring and summer.

Many areas within Cliburn Moss feature boardwalks and well-maintained paths, making them generally accessible. While the terrain is mostly flat, some sections can become swamp-like in wet weather. For shorter, very easy walks, the trails within the nature reserve itself (around 0.5 to 1.5 miles) are often suitable for toddlers and can be navigated with robust pushchairs, though conditions can vary.

Cliburn Moss offers beauty year-round. In May and June, you'll see a notable display of cotton grass and the emerald green hairstreak butterfly. Later in summer, the heather creates a stunning purple haze. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, and even in winter, the tranquil environment is appealing. Be aware that wetter sections can become swamp-like after heavy rain, so check weather conditions before your visit.

Parking information is typically available at the main entrances to the nature reserve or specific trailheads. For routes starting from nearby villages, such as the Dangerous Ford and Footbridge – Morland Village loop from Morland, parking facilities are usually found within the village itself.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful and tranquil environment, the unique wetland landscapes, and the accessibility of the trails, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and families.

While Cliburn Moss itself is a natural wonder, the surrounding area offers additional points of interest. The pretty village of Morland is nearby, and Ousenstand Bridge, a red sandstone crossing over the River Eden, is part of the Lady Anne's Way long-distance path. The 'Tale Trails' within the reserve also provide a fun, interactive element for children.

While Cliburn Moss is a rural nature reserve, public transport options to nearby villages like Morland or Clifton may exist. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for Cumbria to plan your journey, as direct access to the reserve by public transport might be limited.

Given the wetland nature of Cliburn Moss, waterproof footwear is highly recommended, especially after rain, as some areas can become muddy or swamp-like. Layered clothing is always a good idea, and waterproof outer layers are essential to stay comfortable in changeable Cumbrian weather.