We live very near to Haldon Forest – a lovely multi use forest that offers walks, bike trails, a BMX track and now a Gruffalo trail too. This weekend we packed a picnic and set off to hunt for Mouse, Fox, Snake, Owl and of course – to see if the Gruffalo really does exist!
The trail is laid out beautifully, with Gruffalo signs all the way around – it’s easy for kids to follow, and at 1.5 miles it’s not too far for little legs either. As well as the animal pictures, there are information posts and activities along the way, with ideas of things you could collect to make your own woodland collages, things to look out for and games to play – who can run fast like fox and slither like a snake? It’s definitely designed with children in mind.
The Gruffalo trail is actually laid out across one of Haldon’s existing routes – the Discovery Trail. We have walked and cycled this path many times before, and it is broken up with wooden apparatus, musical instruments made from natural materials, a maze and a large play area – this means that children always have something to aim for if their legs are getting tired! There are also heaps of benches and places to stop for a drink or a picnic.
All 3 children enjoyed the Gruffalo hunt – looking out for the familiar creatures from the book (and they do actually look like the book illustrations – nothing worse than things not looking ‘right’ on this sort of activity). Each time we found a character Gemma and Jacob would squeal with delight and run off to have a closer look. Max loved the freedom of being out of the pushchair for part of the walk, and exploring the forest with his brother and sister – climbing, collecting sticks and feeling all the textures on the forest floor.
It just proves that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a fantastic day – this cost us just £3 in parking. If you fancy it there is a lovely little cafe with a huge sandpit next door – a great place for you to put your feet up at the end of the day while the kids burn off any surplus energy!
Have you been out and about much this week? Have you ever done a Gruffalo Trail – and did you find a Gruffalo?!
There was a Gruffalo trail nearby to me a few months back, but sadly I didn’t make it. Looked like it would have been fun too!
Carly recently posted…Getting Away with the Subaru XV
Your photos are so beautiful! We love going in search of Gruffalo! x
Donna recently posted…Energy Saving Ideas for Families
This looks really fun and lovely.
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Thank you – it was a really lovely day out, and best of all it didn’t cost a fortune!
Gorgeous photos! My guys are big fans of the Gruffalo, I would love to go on a Gruffalo hunting expedition with them.
Galina V recently posted…Who doesn’t like a proper pick your own?!
Look at those cuties! Sounds like a great day!
Meg recently posted…Morning
Gorgeous photos, it looks like so much fun and a wonderful adventure x
Shay Noble recently posted…Free Fun at Frosts Garden Centres
Such lovely photos of family fun. The children looked in their element and were having such great fun on the trail and in the play areas – what a great place to visit. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
It’s wonderful how the Forestry Commission is using characters and scenes from a book loved by children to make a day out in the woods a real adventure. #countrykids
Kriss MacDonald recently posted…Wildlife spotter adventure – Fallow Deer
Fab photos. Looks like you had a great day. We’re going to the Gruffalo trail in Surrey tomorrow. Can’t wait! 🙂 #countrykids
Californian Mum in London recently posted…Snakes & Ladders
We love the Gruffalo in our house, actually I think I can recite it off by heart – and the Gruffalo’s Child for that matter. We haven’t been here yet but it is on my list on places I want to take the girls. I know they’ll love it.
Heledd xx
http://www.runninginlavender.com
You are lucky to have this trail. I am still looking for one near us as my son love Grufallo a lot =) #countrykids
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) recently posted…Another Day in Bristol
oh my Kate i think we might need to go and do this at our local one!
thanks for linking up with #ActiveFamily x
Jaime Oliver recently posted…#NewThings Challenge – Visit A New Place
Love this – I’m really hoping there’ll still be trails once the weather gets better this year, as we meant to go last year and ran out of time.
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…Family day out: Ham House, Surrey
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