Are We There Yet? Tell the kids to take a hike – maybe in the French Pyrenees?

I've suggested to the kids that we take a walking holiday this summer. They have yet to be convinced – "Why can't we just drive?" – but I'm working on it.

Because this year, there's much to entice them off their backsides, including the new offerings from Ramblers Worldwide, which has just launched its first dedicated family brochure (01707 386766; ramblersfamilyadventures. co.uk). Take its Italian tour of the Sorrento Peninsula, where your bambini get to hike around Vesuvius, Capri and Pompeii, with ice cream and pizza-making evenings thrown in.

Upland Escapes (01367 851111; uplandescapes. com) is also staying one step ahead, with the launch of a flexible family walking holiday in the French Pyrenees. All ages and abilities are catered for, from one-hour strolls along babbling brooks to full-day hikes to the peaks. Mountain biking and horse riding are also available, as well as climbing and caving expeditions, and even tandem paragliding.

Dedicated walkers should also check out specialist walking holiday company Headwater (01606 720199; headwater. com), which recently added hikes on Gran Canaria to its programme, a great opportunity for tiny trekkers to explore volcanoes.

But what if you get there and the kids throw a hissy fit at the thought of actually having to move their legs? Headwater says it can always carry children in its bag-moving vehicles, if necessary. It's good to have a back-up plan – just in case.

k.holland@independent.co.uk