When you think of conquering summits, you might imagine hardened mountaineers with ropes, maps, and a flask of strong tea. But sometimes, the most inspiring climbers are those with the littlest legs. This summer, a group of adventurous little legs set out with their families and Blaze Trails High Peak to take on not one, not two, but seven local summits covering over 30km and 1250 meters of ascent (and that’s not including all the running back and forth they did!).
What followed was a joyful mix of muddy boots, snack breaks, and cheers from proud parents as our tiny walkers proved just how far determination (and a good pocketful of smarties) can carry you.
The Seven Summits
1. Corbar Hill
The journey began on Corbar Hill, Buxton’s green crown. The little climbers wove their way up the woodland paths, stopping to explore the magic door in the woods and play in dens. A short and exciting scramble later they were at the top, a race to touch the trig followed by the all important ‘Trignic’ and that was it their first summit ticked off.
2. Mam Tor
Next came the iconic Mam Tor! With its sweeping ridge path can it feel dramatic even for grown-ups, but our adventourous little legs embraced the climb. The wind whipped and of course the rain came down just in time for our summit picture, but once we started moving again thankfully the sun came back out! We made our way down to Hollins Cross before looping back around through the woods picking blackberries and onto the Broken Road! There were many, many, many snack stops on the route and the 5km route at times felt more like 50km! But we all made it back and our second summit was in the bag!
3. Lantern Pike
The third challenge was Lantern Pike, a smaller but still steep climb. Along the way, there were pauses for “fueling up” with yet more foraged blackberries and we were treated to beautiful Peak District views across to Kinder Scout. Reaching the top brought a sense of achievement after a tricky final climb for the little legs but after a quick refuel and our summit picture we were on the way back down and the junior fell racing began! Once back down we finished the walk with some well earned treats from The Sett Valley cafe!
4. White Nancy
Perhaps the most eye-catching of the seven, White Nancy stood proud and whitewashed, like something from a storybook. The walk up had lots to explore from dens found in the woods to trees to climb and of yet more blackberries to be found. When they reached the summit the view opened across Cheshire, we spent time looking at the compass on the floor and saying hello the a friendly horse before setting off along the ridge in search of the Trig. Unfortunately we didn’t make it up to the trig as the weather was so hot and there was very little shade we decided to drop down through the trees to find a nice shady spot for our well earned picnic lunch before finding our way back to the start point.
5. The Cloud
The Cloud offered woodland trails that felt like stepping into an adventure tale. Little legs scrambled over roots and leapt across puddles. At the top, a wide panorama spread over the Cheshire Plain, and you’ve guessed it ‘Trignic’ Time! After a few taps of the trusty trig point we headed back down past the farm and through the woods to the start, summits number 5 completed!
6. Hen Cloud
The rocky face of Hen Cloud was the trickiest test yet, but Blaze Trails families know how to spend a bank holiday Monday! The children took on the ascent with steady steps, clambering up through the woods with determination and finding their own little routes. At the summit, they enjoyed a well-earned break, and we broke out the snacks for a refuel whilst gazing across the Roaches and racing monster trucks across the ground. After lunch it was time to descend, the dry path was tricky and there were more than a few tumbles but nothing phased them and we were soon down in a beautiful clearing climbing trees and enjoying the shade.
7. Shutlingsloe
Finally, the “Matterhorn of Cheshire” – Shutlingsloe. We set off from Langley and made our way up and along toward the summit, we found bugs and had great fun dodging the bog before reaching the flag stone path that lead to the final summit. Its steep slopes required patience and encouragement, but the little legs never gave in despite the wind and rain. With parents cheering them on, they made it to the top, proudly standing on the trig point, conquerors of their seventh summit and rewarded with cake!
More Than Just a Walk, these climbs weren’t about distance or speed. They were about discovery – of nature, of community, and of what young children can achieve when given the chance. With Blaze Trails leading the way, families showed that walking together is about connection, not competition.
The seven summits proved that little legs can go a long way but what matters most is the joy of the journey: the muddy hands, the shared snacks, the songs sung on the path, and the proud faces at the top.
Blaze Trails’ mission is to make outdoor adventures accessible for all families, and these tiny summiteers have shown us that the love of walking can start earlier than you think.
Here’s to many more hills, trails, ‘trignics’ and blackberries along the way.
You can find all of our routes on Komoot let us know which one is your favourite!