If you have a young family and are looking for a Friday morning activity to participate in with your child, then Friday Playwalks led by Jess Morris from Swainswick Explorers might fit the bill.
Playwalks are a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors at a pre-schooler’s pace. Based in the beautiful woodland surrounding The Paragon School in Bath’s Lyncombe Vale, a little gathering of parents with babies and children can be seen each week in waterproofs and wellies setting off to explore streams and gentle hills, making potions in puddles and gathering leaves, twigs and berries as bounty.
The walks are child-led and operate whatever the weather, allowing interesting adventures to evolve during the hour-long session. In summer, the grounds are glorious and provide a glimpse into one of Bath’s original Pleasure Gardens from the 18th century, while in the winter months, the evergreen tree canopy acts as the perfect shelter.
With many parents enjoying the walks with a baby in a papoose, the routes are plotted to ensure that everyone stays safe. All walks end at the school’s fire circle and Swainswick’s permanent outdoor learning hut, where hot drinks are provided in enamel mugs.
“I was introduced to Swainswick Explorer’s Playwalks when my own children were toddlers” says Jess. “We all loved the freedom and endless possibilities for play in the outdoors. The beautiful Paragon grounds border open countryside, with streams, woods and lots of secret places – it’s the perfect spot for outdoor fun.”
The Playwalks are a natural way to forge new friendships, with the ease of a walk in the countryside facilitating conversation and nurturing a love of nature for little ones.
“My daughter loves climbing the muddy banks, exploring the woods and jumping in the streams” said one of the regulars. “Exploring at her pace has meant that she’s noticed and learnt about so many new things, such as fungus, moss and bulbs, which Jess takes time to examine with them. Cooking popcorn over the bonfire at the end and getting to meet and play with lots of other children (and parents) makes for a fantastic experience!”.
Playwalks take place on most Fridays during term time at The Paragon School in Lyncombe Vale, Bath and cost £5 per family. To book visit www.paragonschool.co.uk/friday-playwalks or for further information email: email hidden; JavaScript is required