Snow on the Trail: A Family Walk Through Lawton Woods
- Life Between The Trails
- Jan 16
- 2 min read
We set out for what we expected to be a steady, familiar loop — the Lawton Woods & Trent & Mersey Canal walk, a route we return to often as a family. It’s a walk that offers variety without feeling demanding: woodland paths, long canal-side stretches, open views, and plenty to keep children engaged along the way.
The route weaves through Lawton Woods, where trees close in and the path feels tucked away, before opening out onto the calm, stretch of the Trent and Mersey Canal. On most days, it’s peaceful and predictable — but this day had other plans.
Not long after setting off, snow began to fall.
At first it was gentle. The kids spotted it before we did — hands stretched out, excitement bubbling over. Within minutes, the trees were softening under a dusting of white, and the canal felt quieter than usual, muted beneath the snowfall.
For the kids, it was pure magic.
Every step became an adventure. Slippery patches were tackled with laughter and concentration. Snowflakes were caught, inspected, and celebrated. The cold barely registered — there was too much joy in watching a familiar trail transform into something entirely new. Their sense of wonder slowed us down in the best way, turning the walk into something to be explored rather than completed.
As we looped back toward Scholar Green, fingers were colder, boots wetter, and cheeks glowing. We finished with a well-earned warm-up stop at The Rising Sun Pub — tired legs resting and bodies warming in front of the toasty coal fire, pint in hand (obviously not the children) and that shared post-adventure calm settling in.
After a warm, we continued the rest of our return to the car. Our pit stop gave us that extra little boost.
Walk Information
Distance:
Approximately 4.5–5 miles (7–8 km), depending on small detours and pauses.
Terrain:
Woodland paths through Lawton Woods
Flat, well-maintained canal towpaths
A mix of earth, gravel, and compacted trail
Can become muddy or slippery in wet or snowy conditions
There are no significant climbs, making it accessible while still varied enough to feel interesting.
Child-Friendly Notes:
Suitable for primary-age children who are comfortable walking a few miles
Flat sections along the canal are ideal for tired legs
Plenty of natural “interest points” — water, boats, bridges, woodland textures
Slippery when wet or icy, so slower pacing and good footwear help
Easy to break up with stops for snacks, nature spotting, and play
This walk works well because it balances structure and freedom — long straight stretches where kids can set their own rhythm, paired with woodland sections that invite curiosity and imagination.
This walk reminded me why these trails matter so much. Not because they’re dramatic or extreme, but because they create space for moments like this — where weather surprises you, children find magic without effort, and a simple walk becomes a memory that lingers.
Between the woods and the canal, between falling snow and small hands reaching for the sky, life slowed down just enough to be fully felt.
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