Why this river walk suits young families

Somerset is full of gentle, level walks that don't require a backpack carrier or a degree in map reading. This particular route follows a quiet stretch of the River Brue, where the path is flat enough for a buggy, wide enough for a wobbling balance bike, and short enough that you can be back at the car before nap time. The whole there-and-back walk is about three miles, but you can easily turn around at any point. Most families with children under five take an hour and a half to two hours, including stops.

The river moves slowly here, which means you won't spend the whole walk gripping a toddler's hand in a panic. The path sits a few feet back from the water's edge, with a grassy verge in between. That said, constant supervision near water is essential, especially after rain when the banks can be slippery.

Getting started: parking, path surface and facilities

Begin at the free village car park beside the playing field. There's space for about twenty cars, and it's rarely full before 10am. Public toilets are available near the village hall, usually open from Easter through to October. The path starts as smooth tarmac, which is ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs, then turns into fine compacted gravel after the first wooden bridge. It's firm enough for a buggy with decent tyres, but a lightweight umbrella stroller might struggle in wet weather.

• Distance: 1.5 miles each way, flat throughout
• Time: 1.5–2 hours with young children
• Terrain: tarmac then gravel, no stiles or gates
• Facilities: car park, toilets, benches, pub at the end

Dress for the weather. Even in summer, the path can be muddy after a downpour, so wellies or sturdy trainers are better than sandals. A light waterproof jacket is always a good idea in Somerset.

Wildlife spotting: what to look for and where

The slow-moving water and reed beds make this a brilliant spot for low-effort wildlife watching. You don't need binoculars, though a cheap pair can add excitement for older children. Here's what you're likely to see:

• Swans and cygnets – usually near the first bend, especially in late spring
• Moorhens and coots – darting between the reeds, easy to spot from the benches
• Herons – standing perfectly still in the shallows, often mistaken for statues
• Dragonflies and damselflies – abundant from June to August
• Kingfishers – a flash of blue if you're quiet and lucky

Encourage children to walk softly and use their "owl ears". A simple tick list on a piece of paper works wonders. You might also spot cattle grazing on the far bank – keep dogs under control and don't approach livestock.

Benches, breaks and picnic spots

One of the best things about this path is the regular seating. There are wooden benches roughly every two hundred metres, many with backs and armrests. That means you can stop as often as little legs need. My favourite bench is the one just after the second bridge, where a willow tree provides shade and the river widens into a shallow pool. It's a safe place to sit and watch the water while children have a snack.

There are no picnic tables along the route, but the grassy verge is dry enough for a blanket in summer. Pack easy food: oatcakes, fruit, cheese cubes, and plenty of water. Avoid bringing balloons or plastic bags that could blow into the river. If you're planning to eat at the pub, keep the picnic light.

The pub at the end: a relaxed finish

After about a mile and a half, the path meets a quiet lane and the village pub appears on your left. It's a proper Somerset local with a welcoming beer garden, a children's menu, and enough space for buggies. The garden backs onto a small orchard, and there's a low climbing frame and a couple of toddler swings. Sunday roasts are popular, so book ahead if you're coming at the weekend.

If you'd rather not eat out, you can turn around at the pub and walk back the same way. But for many families, the promise of a bowl of chips or an ice cream is what gets everyone to the finish line. The pub has highchairs, baby-changing facilities, and a basket of colouring pencils. Dogs are welcome in the garden and in the bar area.

Practical tips for a smooth outing

A little planning makes all the difference. Here are the things I've learned from many river walks with small children:

• Go early. The path is quietest before 10am, and you'll avoid the midday sun.
• Bring a change of clothes. Someone will sit in a puddle. It's a law of nature.
• Use a wrist strap for toddlers who like to dash ahead near the water.
• Check river levels after heavy rain. The path can flood in winter, and the gravel section becomes impassable.
• Take a small bag for litter and dog poo. Leave the path as you found it.
• Plan for a slow pace. A mile and a half can take an hour with a curious three-year-old. That's the point.

This walk isn't about covering distance. It's about noticing the swans, counting the benches, and letting a small person lead the way for a while. Somerset's rivers are made for exactly this kind of gentle, unhurried family morning. Pack the wellies, fill a water bottle, and enjoy it.