By Coriarna Morris
We have some wonderful news to share with our Blaze Trails families! Earlier this year, one of our members introduced us to the Shropshire National Trust team. After a lovely Zoom chat, we explored how we could work together and because Blaze Trails supports parents and carers, nurtures community, and contributes to mental wellbeing, we were thrilled to qualify for the Community Access Pass.
What does this mean? Families in our group now have free access to select National Trust properties across Staffordshire and Shropshire. In other words, more opportunities for little adventurers (and their grown-ups!) to experience some of the region’s most beautiful green spaces.
Our First National Trust Walks: Shugborough & Attingham
We couldn’t wait to put the pass to good use, and our first outings were a huge success!
🌿 Shugborough Estate (Staffordshire)
This picturesque property was the perfect choice for a pushchair-friendly adventure. With its wide paths, open landscapes, and autumn colours beginning to show, it offered a gentle but refreshing walk. Thanks to the Out n About Nipper pushchair, navigating the estate was a breeze. Babies and toddlers had space to explore while parents enjoyed the chance to connect outdoors.
🍂 Attingham Park (Shropshire)
Our second walk was nothing short of magical. Nearly 40 families joined us at this stunning estate for an autumn adventure. The grounds were blanketed with golden leaves, and the woodland trails became the perfect setting for crunchy leaf-stomping, tree-spotting, and seasonal sensory play. It was a joyful reminder of how nature helps families recharge and make memories together.
Autumn Adventures: Simple Ideas for Your Own Walks
Autumn is the season for exploring — and you don’t need an official Blaze Trails outing to enjoy it! Here are some easy activities to try with your little ones at a National Trust property (or even your local park):
• 🍁 Go on a leaf hunt: can you spot five different colours?
• 🌰 Collect acorns and conkers for nature play.
• 🐿 Look out for squirrels, birds, or even deer.
• 📸 Take family photos beneath golden trees.
• 👣 Let toddlers wander along bumpy paths for their own mini adventure.
Don’t forget to pack a flask of tea and a few snacks — there’s nothing like a cosy sit-down after a brisk autumn walk!
Spooky Season: Halloween Walks at Attingham & Shugborough
Our Halloween-themed walks are coming up soon, and we can’t wait to see your little ones in their spooky (or not-so-spooky) outfits. Pumpkins, mini witches, friendly ghosts, or just a favourite autumn jumper — anything goes, as long as it’s fun!
Expect:
• 🎃 Themed nature trails and autumn crafts
• 🍂 Opportunities to collect natural “treasures” (bring a little Halloween bucket!)
• 👻 Playful surprises hidden along the way
• ☕ Snacks and warm drinks to finish
These walks are designed to be fun, gentle, and toddler-friendly — think silly spiders, giggly ghosts, and pumpkins galore.
Halloween Fun for Little Ones: Ideas to Try
If you’re joining us (or celebrating in your own way), here are some playful ideas to make Halloween extra fun without the frights:
👗 Toddler-Friendly Costume Ideas
• Pumpkin onesie or hat
• Baby witch or wizard cape (easy over a coat)
• Bat wings (DIY with fabric or an umbrella!)
• Cat ears headband
• Woodland creature (fox, owl, or squirrel)
🎲 Activity Ideas
• Spooky scavenger hunt: find something orange, a broomstick-shaped stick, a spider web (to look at, not touch!), or a pinecone.
• Leafy ghost crafts: paint leaves white and add googly eyes, turn acorns into “mini monsters,” or decorate a crown with stickers.
• Spider web walk: weave yarn between trees and hang decorations for sensory fun.
• Pumpkin picnic: cucumber “witch fingers,” pumpkin-shaped biscuits, or apple “fangs.”
💡 Top Tips
• Bring a bucket or tote bag for treasures.
• Layer up — costumes over waterproofs work perfectly in October!
• Snap plenty of photos — National Trust properties make stunning seasonal backdrops.
Looking Ahead: Christmas at the National Trust
We’re already looking forward to the festive season. Many estates go all out for Christmas, with beautifully decorated trees, twinkling fairy lights, and sparkling winter trails.
This December, we’ll be back at some of our favourite National Trust properties for Christmas get-togethers. Picture this:
• 🎄 Families wandering through fairy-lit pathways
• 🧣 Cosy Christmas jumpers and Santa hats
• 🍫 Hot chocolate and mince pies at the end of a gentle winter stroll
It’s going to be magical.
Join Us on the Trail
Thanks to the National Trust Community Pass, our walks are more accessible and inclusive than ever. Whether you’re carrying a newborn in a sling or chasing a toddler through muddy puddles, Blaze Trails is about walking together, building friendships, and soaking up the healing power of nature.
Keep an eye on our events page and social media for upcoming walk dates — and don’t forget to book your spot.
See you soon for an autumn, Halloween, or Christmas adventure with Blaze Trails! 🌿
