Durham
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Durham.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Burnhope Reservoir - Car park with toilets; a disabled access public footpath follows the north shore of the reservoir. A new wetland with viewing hide has just been created on the site of the old treatment works with an adjacent lay-by.
Causey Arch and Picnic Area (Stanley) - Seating available throughout the attraction at appropriate intervals, for visitors with limited mobility. Designated parking for visitors with disabilities
Cow Green Reservoir - There is a wheelchair accessible route, which is marked from the car park. As the area is high up (500 m/1650 feet above sea level), the weather may change suddenly and can be chilly even on a fine day.
Darlington Town Centre Heritage Trail - accessible to most wheelchair users too, though some areas are cobbled.
Hamsterley Forest (Bishop Auckland) - Routes / pathways throughout the attraction suitable for wheelchair users
Hardwick Park (Durham) - Blue badge parking bays. The visitor centre is fully accessible. The circuit walk is accessible to visitors of all abilities. The surfaced route is a minimum of two metres wide, generally flat and has no steps. There are two slopes but easier alternatives will be marked. Other paths around the park are generally flat but may be muddy at times.
Mid Teesdale (Railway Trails) - some wheelchair access and easy walking.
Pow Hill Country Park/Derwent Reservoir - Easy, comfortable walking. Multi-user path suitable for cyclists, walkers, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Red Kite Trail (Winlaton Mill) - The route follows the River Derwent upstream through Derwenthaugh Park and the Derwent Walk Country Park, along multi-user routes on well-surfaced paths that are accessible to wheelchair and pushchair users.
Riverside Park (Chester-le-Street) - Green Flag Award - Riverside Park has been designed to meet the needs of a range of visitors. Public toilets, a disabled toilet and baby change facilities.
South Park (Darlington) - new sensory, rock and rose gardens. Toilets for Disabled Visitors. No other accessibility info found
Waskerley Way - 10 miles railway walk / cycle - This linear route rises gradually from Consett toWeatherhill. There are several gradients but only those which are particularly steep have been noted on the map and you are advised to refer to the route profile.The path consists of a hard,unsealed surface with occasional large stones. There is loose material on some of the slopes. The path width is generally 1.8m but there is one section between Palmers bridge and Burnhill junction which is 1m wide. also see www.gps-routes.co.uk
Country Parks
Whitworth Hall Country Park - Seating available throughout the attraction at appropriate intervals, for visitors with limited mobility. Clear signage throughout the attraction (e.g. colour contrasted, large lettering, use of pictograms etc.)
Nature Reserves
Castle Eden Dene NNR (Peterlee) - Level access, a public toilet suitable for visitors who use a wheelchair
Other Useful Links
Darlington Association on Disability - Darlington Association on Disability is a user led organisation. It exists to promote independence and choice, and supports disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues locally and nationally.
Gateway Wheelers - Our Mission is to enable people with disabilities to enjoy cycling and create opportunities for personal development by providing suitable cycles, equipment and support. We have regular rides at Chester-le-Street, Darlington and Gateshead Stadium so please feel free to come along and join in the fun.
Lead to Encourage Activities Participation and Sport (LEAPS) - Wheelchair friendly routes and disability sport