Meet Hanna, an organiser in our Devon Group!

I first heard about Blaze Trails from a local mums group when my daughter was just three months old. We hadn't joined many groups yet, but Blaze seemed perfect. So on a rainy November day, I packed up the car and headed into Dartmoor, only a 20 minute drive. It was the first time my daughter didn't cry in the car - a very memorable moment for us!

The walk was in an area I knew well from walking my dogs so I felt confident that the walk was achievable. Meeting other parents was great, sharing experiences and getting some exercise on the moors. Even though the weather wasn't great, we had the right gear, so it was fine! Anything is possible!

After enjoying a few more walks at country parks and in Dartmoor, the volunteer walk organiser mentioned that anyone could become an organiser. I reached out and chatted with the regional volunteering manager, completed the online training in March 2023, and I've loved being a walk organiser for Blaze ever since. I think I've organized around 25 walks or more now. Our group has grown, merged into a Devon-wide group, and seen new organisers come and go with changes in life.

I love showing everyone new places to explore, building connections, and socialising, both for myself and my toddler. I've made wonderful friendships with other parents from the walks, and I know others have too. This all wouldn't have happened without Blaze Trails.

I've even got grant funding in 2024 and 2025 from my local town council to help spread the word with marketing materials. A big thanks to Kingsteignton Town Council for supporting local clubs and organisations through their annual Grant Scheme. Now with leaflets and business cards that we can put up in community spaces we can help spread the word about the Blaze Trails Devon group. The more who come, the better! 

Come join one of the walks in Devon! Whether you're visiting on holiday or just want to check it out, you'd feel very welcome.

Hope to see you there! 

Hanna 

The Three Peaks of Staffordshire

Coriarna Morris

With our Yorkshire Three Peaks Fundraising Challenge fast approaching some members from our Staffordshire group thought they would get some training in by taking on 3 of Staffordshires most prominent peaks. Regional Manager Coriarna tells us how it went!

Staffordshire Three Peaks Challenge – Sun, Sweat & Summits! ☀️⛰️

As part of our training for the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, a few of us from the Staffordshire walking groupdecided it was time to test ourselves a little closer to home. So, we took on the Staffordshire Three Peaks Challenge – a scenic (and sweaty) adventure across three beautiful local peaks in one day. 😅

🌡️ With temperatures forecast to reach 28°C, we knew it was going to be a tough one, but the cloud cover gave us hope — so we packed our gear, loaded up with sunscreen and water, and off we went!

🏞️ Setting Off from Gradbach

We met bright and early at Gradbach, where there's a small (but free!) car park — one of us even snagged the very last spot. The rest of us parked at a nearby farm for £5, just next door. Our crew of seven included Robyn, Katie, Jess, Jennie, Ruth, Ollie, and me!

👟 For a day like this, I went with trusty walking boots and my all-important comfy walking socks (a must!). We did a quick kit check – water, sweets, blister plasters, and the all-important factor 50 – before heading out on our first climb.

🪨 Peak 1: The Roaches (505m)

Although not the highest of the three, we started with The Roaches, as it's a steady climb and we were starting from one of the lowest elevations.

After a pit stop at the lovely Gradbach Café (yes, they have open toilets – a hiker’s dream!), we passed the Gradbach Scout Camp and entered the shaded woods – a welcome relief from the sun! 🌳

The trail soon turned into a relentless uphill slog, taking us past the iconic gritstone boulders that make The Roaches a favourite among climbers. (Yes – gritstone is the rock type found here!).

🏁 At the top, we reached our only trig point of the day – so, of course, we took the obligatory individual and group selfies! 📸

Tempted by the nearby ice cream van (which had finally arrived), we made a tough but proud decision to skip it and keep moving. Onwards we went, past the quaint school tucked into the landscape – seriously, what a place to learn!

⛰️ Peak 2: Oliver Hill (513m)

From here, it was a descent into a peaceful valley and over a small stream before a stretch of road walking. Honestly, with the heat, the flat roads gave us a great chance to pick up the pace and recover a little.

We made our way into the charming village of Flash, known for being the highest village in Britain, sitting at 463m above sea level. 🏡⛪️ We stopped in the churchyard for a shaded lunch break – sandwiches never tasted so good! 🥪

After lunch, it was a short but steady climb up Oliver Hill, which sits just behind the village. There’s no sign or trig at the summit, so we celebrated at a small broken wall we decided was the top 😂 – cue more group photos!

🏔️ Peak 3: Cheeks Hill (520m)

From Oliver Hill, we walked over fields and farm tracks toward our final and highest summit – Cheeks Hill. It’s not only the highest point in Staffordshire, but also the most northerly point of the county! 🧭

The summit is marked by a small hummock – blink and you’ll miss it! But we didn’t miss the chance to celebrate with a photo and a high-five. 🥳

💦 Wild Swimming (Attempted) at Three Shires Head

With the temperature still rising, we made our way to the Three Shires Head – a beautiful, triple-county meeting point with a stunning waterfall and pools. We'd packed our swimming gear and hoped for a peaceful dip…

But… we weren’t the only ones with that idea! 🏊‍♂️ It was packed – a total sensory overload after hours of quiet countryside. Kids jumping into the river, dogs splashing, picnics everywhere – a summer hotspot if ever there was one!

So, we kept moving until we found a quiet little bridge. Shoes off, we cooled our feet with a paddle in the icy water ❄️ (and tried to convince each other to go all in… but nope, way too cold!).

🍦 Sweet Treats & The Final Push

The final stretch took us back to the car park, and just as we arrived – there it was: the ice cream truck! 🍦 We finally caved in and rewarded ourselves with ice cream and cold drinks, a perfect way to end a big walk.

🥇 Final Stats

Route on Komoot 📏 Distance: 18 km
⏱️ Time: Just over 6 hours
🌡️ Weather: Scorching but beautiful
👣 Peaks: The Roaches, Oliver Hill, Cheeks Hill
🧊 Ice cream: Well-earned!

🙌 Final Thoughts

Huge well done to everyone in the group – it was a tough but incredibly rewarding day. The route gave us great hill training, a solid navigation challenge, and a taste of what’s to come on the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

Next stop: Yorkshire! 🏔️💪

You can donate to our Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge here

What I Learned from the Three Peaks Staffordshire Challenge 🥾⛰️

1. Hydration is key 💧 – Take more water than you think you need. Dehydration sneaks up fast, especially on warm days and long climbs.

2. Fuel your walk 🍬🍏 – Haribo sweets = lifesavers. Apples = refreshing. Bringing a variety of snacks keeps energy (and morale) high.

3. Pack smart 🧢🧴 – A hat and sunscreen are essential. Even when it's cloudy, the sun will find you.

4. You're not alone 🚶‍♀️🚶🚶‍♂️ – Everyone else had the same idea. Expect a crowd, but embrace the shared energy.

5. Be prepared for the unprepared 🎒 – Someone will forget something. Be helpful, be kind, and be ready.

6. Storytelling matters 🎤 – Have something to talk about! Katie’s story was captivating – seriously, it's going to be a Netflix drama 🎬.

7. Share the journey 🧃🍫 – Share snacks, stories, and encouragement. It makes the day richer.

8. Keep going 💪 – Break the challenge into sections. Reaching each checkpoint is a little victory.

9. Check the road 🗺️ – Stay aware of the path and plan. Saves time and keeps everyone on track.

10. Have a birdwatcher 🐦🔭 – Someone who knows their skylark from their starling makes things way more interesting.

11. Celebrate the finish 🍦 – Get that ice cream. You’ve earned it! Or that pint!!! And take that photo! I love a trig picture!

Cycle Sprog - A Full Guide to Cycling with Babies and Toddlers

Are you an outdoor-loving parent who enjoys walking with your children but is curious about cycling with them? Blaze Trails and Cycle Sprog have teamed up to share detailed information and expert advice to help you start cycling with your children. 

Going on a bike ride can be a fantastic way to explore the outdoors with your little ones, offering the chance to cover more ground than on foot. Bikes also provide a brilliant alternative to car trips, meaning you’ll spend less time in traffic jams and searching for parking, and more time outside with your child.

Here's an in-depth guide from family cycling experts Cycle Sprog to help you get started on this journey!

Why cycle with your baby or toddler?

Cycling is not only a fun and efficient way to get around, but it also provides an excellent opportunity for bonding with your child. It allows you to explore new places that might be too far to walk to, all while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Plus, it’s a great form of exercise for you and an enjoyable ride for your child. Cycling with your baby or toddler enhances fitness, boosts mental well-being, and encourages a love for the outdoors from a young age.

Getting started

Choose the right gear

Selecting the appropriate gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable cycling experience. Knowing which seat, trailer, or bike will be right for your family and child can be confusing. Cycle Sprog offers an online masterclass specifically aimed at helping parents buy the right equipment for cycling with babies and toddlers. 

Here are some options to consider:

  • Rear-mounted seats: These seats attach to the back of your bike and are suitable for children aged nine months to six years. They are a popular choice for many families as they can be budget-friendly, fit on most types of bikes and will fit your child for many years. The thing children love most about bike seats is that they are up high and can see everything around them. This article, the best rear bike seats for toddlers and small children will help you decide which is best for your family.

  • Front-mounted seats: Positioned between the handlebars and the rider, these seats are ideal for younger children, providing them with a great view, ideal for children aged nine months to three years. This article summarises the best front bike seats for toddlers and young children.

  • Trailers: Trailers can be a big investment, but offer a way to carry one or two children and offer lots of additional storage space. Trailers keep children warm and dry and are good for naps if you're planning longer bike rides. Premium bike trailers have features such as suspension, reclining seats and running and stroller wheel accessories, meaning you can have one bit of equipment for many sports- even skiing! Head to our best kids trailer guide to find out more. 

  • Cargo bikes: Cargo bikes are becoming an increasingly popular way to carry children for short journeys around town, acting as the perfect car replacement for many families. While more suited to utility cycling, there are a few off-road suitable cargo bikes! Many cargo bikes come equipped with electrical assist, ideal for carrying lots of children or in hilly areas. Box bikes are ideal for carrying young children who are too young for seats or trailers, as you can fit a car seat into the box of the bike to carry your baby! Find out what type of cargo bike is best for your family and see our pick of the best cargo bikes for families. 

Practice makes perfect

Once you’ve chosen the right equipment, start by practising rides without your child to increase your confidence; the bike will handle differently with the new accessories. Gradually introduce short rides in a safe, traffic-free area to get both you and your child used to the experience. As you both become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the length and complexity of your rides. Here are some tips for practising:

  • Take potatoes for a ride: To get used to the weight of your new equipment and the impact it will have on how your bike handles, load up the seat or trailer with a bag of potatoes and take them for a ride or two.

  • Start slow: Begin with short, easy rides in familiar areas to build your confidence.

  • Frequent stops: Take breaks to check on your child and make any necessary adjustments. Keep the first few rides short and fun so they are excited to go on the bike again!

Plan your route

Choosing the right route is essential for a successful family bike ride. Opt for easy, quiet routes with interesting things along the way to keep your child entertained. Parks, designated cycle trails, and disused train lines are excellent options for family rides. Cycle Sprog offers lots of family cycling route recommendations if you’re looking for rides in your area. Consider the following when planning your route:

  • Traffic-free zones: Look for routes that minimise exposure to traffic, ensuring a safer and more relaxing ride for you and your child.

  • Engaging scenery: Choose routes with parks, playgrounds, or natural attractions to make the ride more enjoyable.

  • Rest stops: Plan frequent stops to rest, snack and allow your child to stretch and explore.

Tips and tricks

Pack essentials

Ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen, and don’t forget extra layers for changing weather conditions. Here’s a checklist of essentials:

  • Snacks and drinks: An essential for any outing with kids!

  • Puncture fixing equipment: It’s a good idea to take a small puncture repair kit, some tools and a pump with you as well as the knowledge to use it- or have a plan for getting home if you get a puncture!

  • Weather-appropriate clothing: Dress your child in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. Remember if they aren't peddling, they will need more layers as they aren't creating any of their own heat and in a front or rear seat, will be exposed to wind chill.

Try before you buy

If you’re unsure if family cycling is right for you or if you want to test equipment before making a purchase, there are lots of organisations around to allow you to try before you buy or options for short or long term hire. This allows you to see how a piece of equipment feels and determine if it suits your needs. 

Invest now, make memories for years

Investing in quality cycling equipment now can lead to many years of happy family bike rides. Whether you choose a rear child seat, a front seat, trailer or a cargo bike, the research and investment you make while your child is little will pay off in the long run. Here’s why:

  • Durability: Quality equipment lasts longer and provides a safer ride.

  • Comfort: Well-designed seats and trailers ensure a comfortable experience for your child.

At what age can I start cycling with my baby?

This depends on a whole host of factors, as well as your physical recovery and cycling fitness and ability. 

Cargo bikes with a front box can be fitted with a standard car seat, meaning you can cycle with a newborn. 

Families looking to invest in a bike trailer or seat must wait until the child is old enough to support their head, usually around 9 months old.  

Cycling with your baby or toddler is a rewarding way to stay active, explore new places, and create lasting memories together. By choosing the right gear, practising regularly, planning engaging routes, and packing essentials, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying many joyful family bike rides. Cycle Sprog are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have the knowledge and confidence to embark on this exciting adventure with your little ones.

There is so much information out there to help with working out what equipment is right for your family, but we know it can be hard to sift through it all! 

These two resources are here to help!

Happy Cycling!

A guide to Summer Walking with babies and toddlers

Last week we had our fabulous summer walking workshop sharing our Blaze Trails top tips and tricks to help you stay safe walking with your little ones throughout summer.

Missed the workshop? Fear not, we have rounded up all the essential details here for you!

The joy of walking in Summer with little ones

Getting outside with your little ones can be a challenge especially when those temperatures start to rise and everyone is a bit hot and bothered, but getting outside may just be exactly what you both need.

A short summer walk under the shade of the trees, the warm breeze rustling through the leaves, the distant sound of the stream trickling and that ice cream van waiting just around the corner with a cold sweet treat. The perfect reset from the sweaty sticky house.

Summer isn’t necessarily a time for summiting mountains with babies and toddlers - it’s a time for slowing down, taking time to stop and listen, enjoy the sun on your face a while, take your shoes off and dip your feet in the stream, stop and count the minibeasts, picnic in the park, help your toddler climb that tree - the list is endless!

So how do we get out there and start enjoying summer…

Planning safe and enjoyable summer walks

First things first, pick a route you know or are confident with - woodlands and water provide shade and place to cool down so are always a good bet for a warm sunny day.

Avoid wandering too far off course or away from civilisation - you don’t want to get caught out in the heat, especially with a baby or toddler in tow.

Keep walks short and sweet - it’s easy to want to make the most of good weather (this is the UK so we never know when we might see the sun again!) but that doesn’t mean walking for miles. Your energy can be drained quickly in the heat so be sure to stay hydrated and eat little and often - a good tip is to always drink before you’re thirsty!

Think about timing - try to stick to cooler parts of the day. Earlier in the morning and evenings can be more comfortable for walking, particularly when baby-wearing. Plan how you are going to take your little one outdoors - will it be in a baby carrier, pushchair or on their own two feet. What will be the most comfortable for you both?

When walking in the heat it’s important to be flexible and have a plan B - if you don’t complete your planned route that’s fine, it’s just about getting outside safely and enjoyably.  

Lastly, go with someone! Join one of our amazing walks, go with a friend, or go with family - share the load, make sure you check in with each other about what kind of walk you’re up for, and be honest if you need a break. Look after each other.

If you prefer solo walks or can’t go with someone then always be sure to tell someone exactly where you are going and how long you expect to be.

 

Pushchairs, babywearing & toddling

Let’s talk about how we can get out little ones outdoors with us;

Pushchairs

When using your pushchair in the heat the first safety tip is to avoid fully covering your pushchair with fabric such as a blanket, towel or even muslin - doing this reduces airflow and temperatures can increase very quickly within the pram to potentially unsafe and dangerous levels.

Instead explore shade options that allow airflow and a large vented space beneath them such as parasols, or shades that can clip between the buggy hood and the handles creating an open canopy.

Babywearing

These tips come from our lovely organiser Daisy who is a qualified babywearing consultant at Stan & Flo.

  • You count as a layer as does your sling (stretchy counts as 3 layers!) so bare this in mind when you are both getting dressed light fabric and less layers.

  • You can put your baby in a sling in just a nappy!

  • You can use an umbrella or drape a muslin over a sling to provide shade and use suncream from 6 months.

  • Wear hats, you can use a dummy clip to attach a hat to the sling so you don’t lose it! Top tip is put a peaked hat on backwards to protect back of baby and so you don’t get hit with it!

  • Keep yourself and baby hydrated, baby will likely need to feed more in the heat.

  • Allow extra time to stop and let baby out of the carrier share the carrying if you can.

  • A hip or back carry can be more comfortable in the heat

  • Regularly check baby’s temperature and adapt if needed.

  • Use a mesh, muslin/linen or single layer sling such as Minimonkey mini sling, Integra Solar buckle carrier, mesh Izmi or Tula, if you can.

Daisy’s Babywearing hack – You can use your snoozeshade as a sling cover!! Check out her Instagram @stan.and.flo to see how!

If you are worried or need some help visit your local sling library or consultant. 

Toddlers

If toddlers are fussy about having suncream on, try using a make-up brush or self applicator for toddlers to help put on their sun cream, find a hat they love so they will wear it and actually keep it on! Loose long and lightweight clothing helps keep them shaded and cool.

Walking sandals with good grip help keep little feet cool and they’re great for paddling in too!

Snacks such as watermelon and cucumber are great for keeping toddlers hydrated and a flask is perfect for keeping ice lollies in for that little sweet treat whilst out and about!  

What to wear for you and little ones on hot days

Dressing little ones is a minefield at the best of times but the heat can be a real curveball. Here are our top tips on how to dress for a sunny walk.

Dress for the route you’re walking - Will the woodland path be overgrown? If so wear trousers or longer layers to protect from scratches and ticks. Are you going up high? If so be more mindful of covering your skin - the more elevation you gain, the stronger the sun rays. Wind can also make a big difference to temperature leaving the potential for sun burn without you realising.

Lightweight and loose layers are always a winner - this type of clothing is great for protecting you from the sun, keeping you cooler and providing a barrier from bites and stings. Why not sport one of our very own Blaze Trails t-shirts to keep you comfortable on a hot sunny day?

A wide brimmed sun hat for both you and little one provides extra protection for the head and neck, and ones with chin straps are useful for babies who like to throw them off!

You can also get UPF rated clothing which is useful for babies under 6 months as it offers that protection when they can’t use suncream. However, do you ensure it is breathable fabric especially if babywearing, as this can cause overheating if not.

 

What to pack for a summer walk

 So you’ve got a route, you’ve planned your outfits, now what to pack?

Try and keep it simple - you don’t want to add extra weight on a hot day so take the essentials and leave the rest at home or in the car.

Don’t bring the whole heavy changing bag! 1 or 2 nappies and half a pack of wipes is usually enough for a short walk - don’t worry about carrying a separate changing mat if you’re bringing a blanket or large muslin.

Bring a lightweight foldable picnic blanket as you may need to stop and rest more than usual. At Blaze Trails we love a PACMAT picnic blanket - they are super light, machine washable, come in a variety of sizes and designs, and have loads of different uses. They fold up perfectly to fit in your bag, AND you can use code 15BLAZE25 at checkout for 15% off their range!

Make sure you have enough water and milk for you and little one, and if you pass a cafe or pub, don’t be afraid to pop in and ask to refill your bottle.

High energy and hydrating snacks are a must, such as fruit, cereal bars and not forgetting the flask of ice lollies!

High factor suncream for you and little ones (over 6 months) to top up with throughout the walk, and of course you should never leave home without our Blaze Trails Ouch Pouch first aid kit and Tick remover.

So there you have it - our Blaze Trails guide to summer walking with your little ones. Stay shaded, stay hydrated and enjoy!

Happy Walking!