From exploring idyllic rural scenes to stepping out over rugged coastlines, winter is a perfect time for family walks.

You don’t need the latest walking gear or to be super fit to enjoy the best of British family walks. A thirst for adventure and safe footwear and clothing is enough. The family who walks together stays fit together. All ages can enjoy these outings – so why not take the grandparents too?

Walks with young children shouldn’t be too long or arduous but at a pace that’s right for you.

Scotney Castle, Kent

Explore a ruined 14th-century castle ringed by a sparkling moat.

In winter, the ivy-clad tower and ruins reflected in the icy water are especially pretty. And there’s a host of other seasonal treats to enjoy while walking around the 315-hectare estate. Mix and match three colour-coded trails of 1.5 or two miles each for an easy but varied stroll. Pink and purple heather blossoms around the old ice house, bring a splash of colour while winter-blooming plants camellia and sweet-smelling Christmas box surround  a Victorian mansion.

Buttermere,  Cumbria

Marvel at stunning colours reflected in the serene surface of the lake as you walk this easy four-mile path. Gaze up at surrounding mountains High Stile and Red Pike. They will take your breath away, just as they did for Beatrix Potter. Most parts are suitable for pushchairs, with no major climbs or challenging stretches, but the path is quite rough at times. The journey there across some very minor roads through a rural landscape may put some people off but it’s well worth it.

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire

This 26-square mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has a wealth of gorgeous views to captivate the whole family. Take a gentle mile-long stroll through the forest or along a specially-designated path at Birches Valley,.At the Visitor’s Centre in Marquis Drive, there’s a café serving very reasonably priced hot meals, a play area and displays on wildlife and nature. Or spot deer at Brocton and feed the ducks.

Loch Trail, Glenmore, Cairngorms National Park

More breathtaking views can be enjoyed on this easy trail which has been designed to suit walkers of all abilities. Breathe in the fresh smell of pine and experience the sights of the water as you start at the east end of Loch Morlich. Budding twitchers can see dippers, wagtails, herons and sandpipers. You can also see the majestic and often snow-capped Cairngorms.

Fossil Walk, Charmouth, Dorset

Known as the gateway to the Jurassic coast, this spectacular beach is a great setting for a bracing family walk – for as far as you want to go. Discover the joys of searching for fossils on the shore at low tide.

Barcud Trail, Ceredigion

At two-thirds of a mile, this is a perfect walk around a lake and aimed at all abilities. There are no steps or stiles and it’s a popular spot for families with young children. Each day there’s an opportunity to stop and watch kites being fed. Other birds spotted are herons, buzzards and ravens. The area, near Aberystwyth, is also known for its rare white Red Kite. Go your own way into wooded areas or stop for a picnic.

Letham Glen and Silverburn, Fife

This is another four-mile walk which should take you about two hours, leading through stunning scenery with birds and wildflowers to admire. Follow the walk through Silverburn Park where you can enjoy a rest in a walled garden or try out a play area suitable for children aged up to 11. The coastal path at Leven is just a short walk away.

Malvern Hills

Don’t let the thought of climbing a hill put you off. If your children can climb the stairs then they can manage this gentle ascent and it’s also easy with pushchairs.  The path is ample and solid underfoot. Reaching the summit should take you just half an hour and there are plenty of benches to help you along if needed.   You’ll be rewarded with a view of a lush rolling landscape with treetops and church spires. On a clear day you can see the Welsh Hills. Why not have a mooch around Malvern itself where CS Lewis is said to have found inspiration for Narnia?

Milldale, Alstonefield and Narrowdale, the Peak District

Take in the sort of traditional countryside views which inspired Jane Austen in this charming and simple four-mile walk, starting in the village of Milldale. Have fun climbing the stiles before you cross fields, a farm and wind down into Beresford Dale.

Aysgarth woods and waterfalls, Yorkshire Dales

At one and a half miles, this easy walk goes through woods and takes you across old railway lines, into farmland before setting eyes on a spectacular stretch of water in Lower Wensleydale. Remember the original All Creatures Great and Small or Last of the Summer Wine? These are the landscapes that inspired the writers of these programmes defined by their landscapes, as well as Emmerdale.

Aysgarth is renowned for a triple flight of waterfalls, carved out by the River Ure waterfall.