Before you scour the web or wade through travel brochures, outline your trip priorities. Once you've established a budget, define the type of walking holiday you seek as well as the amount of time you would like to spend on the trail. Consider the age of the kids, their interests - Do they enjoy wildlife watching, dramatic scenery, or exploring a country's cultural heritage? - as well as their ability. Review the options with your partner as well as the kids. Be sure they know what to expect! And before you travel to Scotland on a walking holiday, take one or more similarly graded walks near home and introduce tykes, tweens and teens to your upcoming adventure.

Unless you plan on carrying the kids, select a walk that is appropriate for the slowest and least skilled walker in your family. Kids can't walk as far as adults in a day or afternoon. Use grading systems to find appropriate walks. But don't conclude your research there. Determine the conditions and accessibility of the walking trail at the time of year you plan to walk. Research the weather and accommodation along the route; both will impact your hike as well as the weight and size of your pack. If your walking destination is noted for its flora or fauna, be sure your trip coincided with the peak viewing season.

The best time of year to embark on a walking holiday in Scotland is from April to October. While some travel guides and tourism websites suggest a dry season in April and May, in reality you are likely to encounter rain no matter when you hit the trail. Check the weather again before you set out, conditions can change quickly. Ordnance Survey maps, produced by the Government mapping agency, cover the entire country and mark all rights of way with meticulous detail.

Walking doesn't require much in the way of specialist gear but there a few things to keep in mind when walking with kids. Little feet grow quickly. Have children try on their hiking boots and break in new walking shoes before you depart on a walking holiday. Not all child carriers are the same. Select a model with adequate suspension as well as a padded shoulder straps and waist belt. A rain / sun hood, an option on short walks around town, is essential on hikes and backcountry treks. If you are carrying a child in a kid carrier for the first time, try it out before you hit the trail. Families departing on a multi-day trip should consider comfortable and well made waking shoes as well as properly fitting and sufficient capacity backpacks. Trekking poles are both fashionable and fun but are hardly a necessity on short hikes with kids.

The walking gear you need depends on the type of walk you take. The basics for any walk include: map, compass, food, water, extra cloths and socks, sun protection (sunglasses, hat, sunscreen), whistle for each child, rain gear, first aid kit, waterproof matches, pocketknife and garbage bag, leave no trace applies to everyone. Particular attention should be paid to extra clothes and socks. Not only are children attracted to water and dirt, they are likely to get cold first. Layered clothing - cloths that can easily be put on and peeled off - works best. Families hiking with young children should also include the items they need for a day on the town (diapers, wipes, etc). Distribute the content according to age and ideal weight; kids can't carry as much as adults!