HOW TO FIND AN EASY-ACCESS TRAIL NEAR YOU
A walk classified as “easy access” is suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and those with mobility aids, free of stiles and obstructions, with evenly surfaced paths (although where grassy, they may potentially become muddy) – ideally with other facilities, such as accessible parking at hand. Many local councils now provide information about accessible walks in their areas; here’s our pick of listings and resources to scour for route inspiration before you set off on a jaunt.
NATIONAL TRUST
The conservation charity for places of historic interest and natural beauty lists nine of its most accessible walking trails with easy terrain on its website, including Nostell Priory in West Yorkshire, where allweather paths are suited to bikes, wheelchairs and buggies, and Knole in Kent, where those of all walking abilities can look out for Japanese sika deer as they traverse hard surfaces and concrete, with a few short sections of grass and earth. Up Salcombe Hill in Devon, a well-maintained gravel path is suited to both pushchairs and wheelchairs. nationaltrust.org.uk
PHOTOTRAILS
Phototrails is a new, expanding database of trails in the UK and around the world. It was developed by the Fieldfare Trust – a charity that actively promotes countryside access for people with disabilities. Fieldfare emphasises the importance of providing “pre-visit” information on trail features and site amenities, such as whether disabled parking and accessible lavatories are available. phototrails.org
CANAL AND RIVER TRUST
“Taking a walk along a canal is something that should be enjoyed by as many people as possible,” states the Canal and River Trust. While not all are suited for people with disabilities, towpaths tend to be flatter and more accessible than other footpaths. Among those recommended on the website include a gentle walk along a scenic stretch of the Ripon Canal in Yorkshire, and a relaxing walk along the River Trent from Newark Castle, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. canalrivertrust.org.uk
WALKS WITH WHEELCHAIRS
“I truly believe that everyone should be able to get out and explore our beautiful countryside,” says Marie Houlden, founder of Walks with Wheelchairs, a website dedicated to providing free information on routes suitable for those with access challenges, which you can search according to region. “Always ensure the walk is suitable for your equipment and your own abilities, and has the facilities that you personally need, for example, a lavatory with disabled access. Flat tar is preferable for standard wheelchairs, but pushchairs and more robust chairs can navigate tougher terrains such as gravel tracks.” walkswithwheechairs.com
EXPLORE KENT
Explore Kent lists easy access trails for all ages and abilities, from Shorne Woods Country Park (complete with woodland, waymarked trails, a picnic area, sensory garden, pond and café) to the hard-surfaced paths of Leybourne Lakes and a three-mile tarmacked walk from Tonbridge to Haysden. explorekent.org
NORTH YORK MOORS
Among the easy access routes between half a mile and three miles in length recommended by North York Moors is a glorious one-mile route taking in the Rosedale Mineral Railway via a wide sweep of heather moorland, with refreshments, parking and lavatories available at Rosedale Abbey. northyorkmoors.org.uk
THE DISABLED RAMBLERS
A small charity working across England and Wales to help make the countryside more accessible to people with limited mobility. disabledramblers.co.uk
DISABILITY INFORMATION SCOTLAND
Schiehallion, one of Scotland’s most popular mountains, has been named as the first wheelchair-friendly munro. Disability Information Scotland has a handy guide to accessible countryside walks in Scotland, from scooter-friendly routes through Balloch Castle Country Park to the Atholl Estate at Blair Atholl, with wheelchair-friendly paths passing through the castle grounds. disabilityscot.org.uk
ACCESSABLE
Access guides with information for disabled people, carers and wheelchair users. Includes restaurants, airports, hotels, walks and more; accessibility symbols denote facilities available. accessable.co.uk