Accessible walking holidays: trails around the UK have been improved so people of all levels of mobility can enjoy the great outdoors
Spending time outside in the open air is fundamental to quality of life. We no longer have to restrict ourselves to pavements as areas of coastal paths and national parks are finally geared up for people with mobility challenges.
Lake District
Exploring England’s largest national park is as challenging as you want it to be. For people with accessibility issues, it’s a wonderful area to visit as the local authority has designated 50 trails for its Miles Without Stiles programme.
As well as not having any stiles to climb over, these routes are more accessible and many are suitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and anyone who wants an easier walk with no scrambling, climbing or steep hills.
“Miles without Stiles are walking routes for everyone,” a spokesperson says. “They take you along lake shores and riversides, to tarns and through woods, historic remains, and fell summits with amazing views.”
Visit www.lakedistrict.gov.uk or tel 01539 724555.
The South West
The South West Coast Path is a trail that stretches around the coast for 630 miles, from Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Dorset. Much of the trail is strenuous but many sections are gentler, and suitable for people with mobility problems, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
“We all depend on the natural environment for our health and wellbeing and thanks to protected landscapes like our National Trails, we have access to truly special places,” highlights the charity’s website.
A Walk Finder Tool allows users to select easy access walks which all have a worthwhile length along fairly flat paths that are at least 850mm wide and no steps or stiles. In some spots people can even hire a mobility scooter designed to drive smoothly and comfortably across uneven paths.
Visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk or tel 01752 896237.
Scotland
Schiehallion (one of Scotland’s most popular mountains) has been named as the first Munro that is considered wheelchair friendly.
Standing at over 3,500 feet, Schiehallion was approved as wheelchair accessible by the FieldFare Trust (a charity that promotes countryside access for people with disabilities). They say the path to the summit of East Schiehallion from the Braes of Foss car park is suitable for those in wheelchairs for the first third of the journey, with the second two-thirds of the journey being up to the individual to assess whether they can manage the ascent successfully. Reviews say it’s challenging but do-able.
Visit www.disabilityscot.org.uk or tel 0300 323 9961.
Wales
“Whether you want a relaxed wheel in the sunshine or a full-on trike adventure, there are lots of accessible sections on the Wales Coast Path,” states Visit Wales.
For example, it’s around six miles from Prestatyn to Rhyl and the path is smooth tarmac or concrete all the way and mostly flat with just a few small slopes and ramps.
Take in huge views out to sea, vast expanses of sand and shimmering seas. If you get your timings right, you can even catch the train back to your start point.
Visit www.visitwales.com.
Channel Islands
Measuring just five miles by nine miles, Jersey’s small size is home to a big personality. Quaint country lanes lead to scenic cliff top vistas, and the soothing sound of the sea is always 10 minutes away.
“Jersey has a number of beautiful walks that are ideal for wheelchair users and other visitors with disabilities,” outlines the Accessible Jersey Visitor Guide.
Follow the route of the old railway from St Aubin to Corbière on a four-mile walk that slopes gently up to the iconic lighthouse. Along the way you’ll discover interesting details of the island’s past and the relics of the railway, plus pit stops for refreshments.
Visit www.jersey.com or tel 01534 859000.
Photo credit: www.visitlakedistrict.com.
PS If you’re thinking about taking a cruise but have concerns about accessibility, read our expert piece here.
