Situated high on the western side of Kendal – the picturesque market town known as the “Gateway to the Lake District” – Serpentine Woods is a tranquil, wooded area known mostly just by locals. This area of land close to Queens Road and within easy walking distance of the town was originally used for grazing but planted with trees in the late 18th Century and has been popular with Kendalians ever since. The various trees and shrubs that you see grow on a bed of limestone pavement which you can see exposed in some areas. In Spring, the woods are filled with an aroma of wild garlic and, throughout the year, they are home to squirrels and a variety of bird species.
There are lots of different paths that you can take through the area and, although the woodland is relatively small, these total around 3 miles in length. As well as being popular with dog walkers, perhaps the biggest draw is for families with young children who love to take part in the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail.
Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail is a circular, well-maintained 1.2-mile (1.9 km) walk. It is accessible to pushchairs, making it suitable for families with young children, particularly those seeking a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and educational fun. It’s a perfect alternative to the more challenging fells of the Lake District, making it an ideal introduction to walking for young children.
Originally created in 1992 (and since revamped), the trail is an interactive and engaging experience designed to captivate imagination and promote learning. Scattered throughout the woods are 26 different items to identify, from an acorn at the start to a zebra at the finish. This wide range of items ensures there’s always something new and exciting to discover around every corner.
The trail is meticulously designed to keep children engaged and parents at ease. Each letter’s corresponding item is thoughtfully crafted by local artists, adding a unique and beautiful touch to the learning experience. The creativity involved in these pieces transforms the alphabet trail into an artistic journey through nature, making each discovery even more special.
Of all the letters, ‘X’ might seem like the trickiest, but the trail makers have included a xylophone – a playful, colorful instrument that not only fits the alphabetical theme but also allows for a tactile and auditory experience. Imagine the joy of stumbling upon a real xylophone in the middle of the woods and creating your own woodland symphony!
The tangible elements of the trail help young adventurers connect with their surroundings, enhancing their sensory development. And it’s incredibly encouraging to see children not only recognizing letters and associating them with the beautiful sculptures but also pointing out real flora and fauna along the way. Watching their faces light up with each new discovery truly underscores the magic of the alphabet trail.
The Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail is an incredible adventure for visitors of all ages. Whether you are young or simply young at heart, there’s something about discovering hidden treasures in the woods that brings out the child in everyone. The excitement of following the trail, with each step unlocking a new marvel, creates a sense of wonder that is both refreshing and heartwarming.
For young children, this trail is more than just a walk through the woods. It’s an engaging and interactive way to learn about nature and the alphabet, fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery. Watching little ones rush from one letter to the next, cheeks flushed with excitement as they find another beautifully crafted item, is truly delightful. It’s an excellent way for parents and guardians to spend quality time with their children, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
While the trail is designed with young children in mind, visitors of all ages will find themselves entranced by the charm of the Serpentine Woods. Adolescents and teenagers can enjoy the thrill of the hunt, honing their observation and problem-solving skills as they help younger siblings find the cleverly hidden items. Even adults will appreciate the artistic beauty of the alphabet sculptures and the tranquil beauty of the woods, making it a perfect outing for the entire family.
Navigating the trail together can also provide a lovely opportunity for family bonding. As you amble along the paths, you can share stories, play games, and learn together, strengthening family ties in a peaceful and natural setting. The route is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, providing a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can feel at ease.
The trail isn’t just about finding objects and learning letters. It’s about embracing the joy of being outdoors, interacting with nature, and noticing the small wonders that the woods offer. Parents will likely find that visits to Serpentine Woods become a cherished family tradition, with each trip offering new experiences and sights.
Moreover, the effort put into each of the trail’s 26 interactive items highlights the dedication and creativity of the local artists involved. Their work adds a unique character to the woods, blending seamlessly with the natural environment while providing captivating focal points for visitors to enjoy. The artistry makes each alphabet item a delight to discover, from the intricately designed acorn to the whimsical zebra. It’s a celebration of creativity intertwined with the splendor of nature.
Families visiting Serpentine Woods often find themselves returning multiple times, not just for the educational value, but for the pure joy of exploration and discovery it instills in children. This charming woodland adventure teaches valuable lessons, encourages active play, and fosters a deeper appreciation for nature’s beauty, ensuring it’s a hit with every generation.
Above all, the trail promotes a sense of achievement and pride in young explorers. Each successful discovery is a small victory, celebrated with wide smiles and eager anticipation for the next. It’s an empowering experience, showing children that they can overcome challenges and uncover hidden gems if they keep looking and stay curious. This blend of fun, learning, and discovery makes the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail an outing that families will remember fondly and look forward to again and again.
For families with young children, the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail is a fantastic alternative to the more arduous fells of the Lake District. The manageable 1.2-mile circular route is perfect for little legs and offers a gentle introduction to walking. It’s an excellent way to build children’s confidence and enthusiasm for hiking, setting a foundation for future adventures in the more challenging terrain of the Lake District hills.
The Lake District is renowned for its stunning but often demanding hiking trails. For young children, the thought of climbing some of these peaks can seem overwhelming. That’s where the Alphabet Trail shines; it’s accessible, engaging, and sets a practical and exciting stage for more vigorous hikes in the future. Imagine the joy on your child’s face when they complete the Serpentine Woods trail – it can become a proud moment that boosts their confidence in tackling bigger outdoor challenges.
Serpentine Woods offers a level of accessibility that ensures the trail is suitable for even the youngest adventurers. Unlike the steep inclines and rocky paths of many Lake District fells, the Alphabet Trail remains flat and steady, allowing children to focus on their healthy curiosity and natural playfulness. The woods offer a whimsical and calm environment where children can take their time to explore, ask questions, and engage with nature meaningfully.
The Alphabet Trail also provides an exciting introductory experience to hiking, ensuring that children and their families feel a sense of accomplishment without the physical strain that often comes with the fells. The success and enjoyment found within Serpentine Woods can be a stepping stone towards introducing them to easier Lake District peaks like Orrest Head or Gummer’s Howe. Gradually, they’ll build the stamina and desire needed to venture onto more demanding routes, like Helvellyn or even Scafell Pike.
Moreover, while the fells provide breathtaking vistas and a sense of grandeur, Serpentine Woods offers its own unique charm with stunning views over Kendal, lively flora and fauna, and the sheer joy of an artistic, educational journey right within a magical forest setting. This makes it an excellent balance – enjoying the comfort and creativity of the Alphabet Trail, while keeping the magnificent fells within sight for future aspirations.
If your family’s hiking journey is just beginning, starting with Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail can foster a love of nature and exploration in your children. As they grow more confident and curious, embracing more challenging hikes will become a natural progression. Each adventure on the trail paves the way for more significant accomplishments and instills a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and challenge of the great outdoors.
Maybe next time they’ll take on some of the easier peaks such as Orrest Head or Gummer’s Howe. And, before you know it, they’ll be scaling Helvellyn, taking on Striding Edge or conquering Scafell Pike!