Parents, grandparents, and carers across Cumbria are being invited to lace up their walking shoes, pop the baby in the pram, and enjoy a new way to connect with others at Watchtree Nature Reserve.
The Watchtree Parents Walk, formerly known as Ready Steady Mums, has returned to the reserve, near Carlisle.
The friendly weekly walk offers a welcoming, judgement-free space for caregivers to enjoy gentle outdoor activity and the company of others who understand the highs and lows of life with little ones.
Led by a newly-formed team of over five volunteer walk leaders, the walks are fully pram and pushchair friendly, with no set pace and no pressure — just fresh air, friendly faces, and a strong sense of community.
Senga Graves, one of the walk leaders, said: “Whether you’re a new parent, a grandparent on childcare duty, or a dad looking for connection during paternity leave, this group is for you.
“It’s about getting outside, sharing stories, and not feeling alone during what can be a beautiful but overwhelming time.”
The walk is open to all caregivers, and the group has grown to reflect today’s families, with more dads, grandparents, and non-traditional caregivers taking part.
Senga added: “Everyone deserves support. We know how hard it can be to leave the house with little ones. This is a space where we get it.
“No one minds if you’re late, if the baby cries, or if you only manage one lap. The most important thing is showing up — and we’ll be there to walk with you.”
Walks are every Tuesday at 11am.
