Age 6 months-2 years

Motivation

Bribery, trickery or plain bullying – hill-loving parents will do just about anything to get their kids away from the telly and into the great outdoors. And starting ‘em off young means you’re halfway there.

Fortunately, it’s not their motivation that you need to be worrying about at this stage, it’s your own. You’ve probably had a pretty tiring time recently, and now you’ll be carrying an extra stone or two on your back. But find a child carrier that you both find comfortable and there’ll be no stopping you (see kit).

Kit

When buying kit for young kids, spend money where it counts most. And be prepared for ‘em to grow out of that expensive gear after a few walks.

- For children of this age, you’re going to need a rucksack-style child carrier. Spend plenty of time trying on different models:  it must be comfortable for you, straight from the shop; and make sure it’s comfy enough for your little one to hang out in for hours and sleep in.

- Safety is a huge concern when taking your infant out into the hills with you, and clothing is very important: accept that you’ll have to buy decent kit, even if it’ll only fit for a short time. Exposure is a real danger – while you’re huffing, puffing and over-heating, your little one is sitting completely still in a carrier on your back, exposed to the weather.

- All-in-one suits with built-in booties and mittens are a great idea because everything is well-covered and trouser legs don’t ride up while sitting in a carrier. Bushbaby does a good range of outdoor clothing for infants – tel. (0161) 474 7097; www.bush-baby.com

Routes

Your only limitation at this stage is your own ability. Stay in areas you know well and that are below your own skill level so you don’t end up in tricky situations. This also goes for exposure to the elements: if you’re uncomfortable, imagine how your kid feels. And listen to your kid: turn back before he or she lets you know they’ve had enough.

Skills

You need to foster a sense of fun and enjoyment in the outdoors. Remember that your child can’t focus on those long views: show them stuff up close instead.

Age 2-5 Years

Motivation

It’s during these years that your hill-walking comes dangerously close to being stored in the garage. Motivating your 3-year-old to spend a day on the hill is nearly as difficult as taking them shopping. Luckily, there is huge potential for game-playing and other ways to make the hills more fun.

- Scavenger hunts with hidden treats or natural finds give your child an objective and help them forget they’re covering distance.

- Racing to the top of things or towards certain milestones will knacker you both, but it also keeps you moving.

- Plan your walks around interesting features such as waterfalls, caves or good wildlife spotting.

- Organise your walks with other parents. While out with friends, time becomes irrelevant to children.

Routes

- Three miles is the absolute maximum that even a very keen 4-year-old will comfortably handle. Start with shorter distances and note the point at which he or she asks to be carried.

- Escape routes are key at this age. If he or she sits on a rock and refuses to go any further, you’ll be thankful you’ve got a fast alternative route back to the car.

- The Peak District and Dartmoor are perfect mountain training grounds – not too much up and down but just enough easy tor scrambling to make things interesting for both of you.

- Once you have a lot of confidence in your young one’s ability – and attention span – go for a proper hill. Harter Fell in Eskdale, the Lake District, is a great first summit.