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Perched high on the west side of Kendal – a picturesque market town known as the “Gateway to the Lake District” – Serpentine Woods is a quiet, wooded area known mostly only by locals. The area, close to the Queen’s Road and within easy walking distance of the town, was originally used for grazing but was planted with trees in the late 18th century and has been popular with Kendals ever since. The various trees and shrubs you see grow on limestone pavement beds that you can see exposed in some areas. In spring, the woods are filled with the scent of wild garlic and, throughout the year, they are home to squirrels and a variety of bird species.

There are a number of different trails you can take in this area and, although the forest is relatively small, the total length is about 3 miles. Besides being popular with dog walkers, perhaps the biggest draw is for families with young children who choose to take part in the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail.

Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail

The Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail is a circular, well-maintained 1.2-mile (1.9 km) walk. It is pushchair accessible, making it perfect for families with young children, especially those who want the perfect mix of nature, adventure and educational fun. It is a perfect alternative to the more challenging fells of the Lake District, making it an ideal introduction to walking for young children.

Originally created in 1992 (and improved since then), this trail is an interactive and engaging experience designed to captivate the imagination and promote learning. Scattered throughout the woods are 26 different objects to identify, from acorns at the beginning to zebras at the end.

And yes, there is something for the letter ‘X’ too…. Educationally, this trail helps young children with letter recognition and phonics in an engaging, hands-on way, while making learning more tangible and memorable.

The various objects you will encounter have been intricately crafted by local artists and placed in high and low places throughout the woods.

A fun-filled morning or afternoon

Even with small feet, this self-guided trail will take about an hour to walk, unless one or two things prove particularly difficult to find, but it’s a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon watching your kids’ faces light up. With excitement every time they discover something new.

This scavenger hunt and educational tour connecting learning the alphabet and the natural world is a great way to foster a love of nature and learning in young minds, while enjoying some fresh air and stunning scenery on Kendal, not to mention providing physical. Exercise is essential for children’s health and well-being.

A great alternative to Lake District falls

For families with young children, the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail is a great alternative to the Lake District’s more difficult waterfalls. A manageable 1.2-mile circular path is perfect for little feet and offers a gentle introduction to walking. This is a great way to build children’s confidence and enthusiasm for hiking, laying the foundation for future adventures in the more challenging terrain of the Lake District hills.

Maybe next time they’ll conquer some of the easier peaks like Orest Head or Gummer’s Hove. And, before you know it, they’ll be scaling Helvellyn, on Striding Edge or conquering Scafell Pike!

Practical tips for visiting

To make the most of your visit to the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail, here are some practical tips:

1. Time: There are usually people in the forest at any time of the day, even when it’s raining, but it never gets too busy, so you can really go at any time and enjoy a relatively quiet experience.
2. Footwear: Wear a sturdy pair of shoes as the terrain can be uneven at places, even assuming the trails are well maintained.
3. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your visit. While the woods offer little shelter, it’s best to be prepared for all conditions. If there are strong winds, you may of course reconsider visiting due to the risk of falling trees or branches.
4. Breakfast: There are no facilities inside the forest, so bring any drinks or snacks with you, disposing of any waste in the bins provided at the entrance to the trail.
5. Parking: If you prefer to head into the forest rather than walk through town, there is a small car park close to Queen’s Road, where the trail starts. These are quite busy but there is usually a space or two available.
6. Researcher: Although the trail is well marked, it’s helpful to have a map of Serpentine Woods – scan the QR code you see below to get an online map of the Alphabet Trail.

We hope you enjoy visiting the hidden gem that is Serpentine Woods! Entry to the woodland is completely free and the Alphabet Trail promises an unforgettable experience for families with young children. It combines the joys of nature, the thrill of discovery and the benefits of educational play into an enjoyable morning or afternoon.