Cumbria
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 Cumbria.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Aira Force (Ullswater) - An audio trail on cassette is available from the National Trust information vehicle for those with impaired vision, together with a 'talking postcard'. Wheelchair and pram access to Aira Beck is possible. - see also NT
Armboth and Station Coppice - For all. Two short routes with excellent views of Thirlmere Reservoir - 0.25 km and 0.25 km or 0.2 miles
Appleby Riverside - The wheelchair-suitable route follows the inside of the river loop within Appleby. The surface is tarmac and is 1.5 metres wide but narrows to 90cm past the swimming pool—there are occasional potholes and uneven surfaces which are easily avoided.
Blea Tarn - This path provides a real upland experience and amazing views of the Langdale Pikes - 1.5 km or 0.9 miles for all
Barrow Park (Barrow-In-Furness) - Green Flag Award - All areas of the Park are accessible by people with disabilities.
Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre - accessibility info for the site
Brothers Water - 2.3 miles - This level route takes you along the wooded shoreline of Brothers Water, past Hartsop Hall, to the campsite at Sykeside - OS Explorer Map OL5
Bowness to Cockshott Point - This is a pleasant circular route around the busy waterfront area of Bowness and the quieter shoreline around Cockshott Point
Broughton Railway - For all. An easy walk along a disused railway line to Woodland valley, a peaceful and delightful corner of the Lake District - OS Explorer Map OL6. -Distance: 4.5 km or 2.8 miles
Buttermere Lakeshore - For all / for many / for some. Varying lengths of walks, depending on levels of ability. They all have one thing in common - the beauty of Buttermere. Accessible toilets, refreshments and pubs at Buttermere
Calder Bridge - For all. A tranquil, riverside walk next to the stunning ruins of Calder Abbey, described as one of Britain’s most enchanting ecclesiastic relics. 2 km or 1.2 miles - Small informal car park near the church at Calder Bridge
Carlisle City Council's 7 green Flag Award Parks - see the website for details
Coniston to Torver Jetty - A lengthy walk along the shoreline of Coniston Water, with the option of returning on the Coniston Launches from Torver jetty - OS Explorer Map OL6.-Distance: 7 km or 4.3 miles, 3.5 km or 2.2 miles if you catch the boat
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.
Cumbria County Council - Access for All - 4 access for all routes outside the national park
Dalegarth to St Catherine's Church, Eskdale - This short walk links the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway to Boot, with a resting place by the River Esk. 2 km or 1.2 miles - car parking, toilets and café at Dalegarth station
Derwentwater Lakeshore - For all. This is a beautiful woodland walk along the western shore of Derwentwater - 8 km or 5 miles
Dubwath Silver Meadows and Ouse Bridge - For all. This newly created route is part of the Heritage Lottery Funded Bassenthwaite Reflections’ programme and is partly made up of recycled plastic boardwalk - 2.5 km or 1.6 miles circuit
Five Gentle Walks Round Dalton - Walking for all - 5 short walks - PDF
Friar's Crag - For all / for many. A beautiful and varied walk to a stunning viewpoint - 4 km or 2.4 miles for all
Grasmere Riverside - A delightful path takes you along the River Rothay and away from the busy streets of this popular village. 1.75 km or 1.1 mile circuit, disabled parking spaces and toilets
Grizedale Forest Park - Grizedale Forest is a great place for the young, old and disabled. This forest has eight different trails of all terrains taking in 80 sculptures scattered all over the forest - also see this site
Hadrian's Wall Path - (ACE note - see the gradient profile for accessible sections) The Trail, with links to over 80 short walks, is suitable for people of all ages with opportunities for less abled access to many stretches of the Wall.
Kentmere - Route type: For all / for some. A linear walk up one of eastern Lakeland’s most beautiful valleys - OS Explorer Map OL7. - Distance: 3.75 km or 2.3 miles for all, 8.5 km or 5.3 miles for some
Keswick Railway Path - For all / for some. A stunning walk through the River Greta gorge - 10 km or 6.2 miles maximum to Threlkeld and back
Longlands Lake - The circular walk provides safe and enjoyable access all year round for walkers, wheelchair users and those with pushchairs and young children. General information in relation to this route is outlined below and within the downloadable description. This will help users make an informed choice as to whether they feel it is within their physical capabilities (please click on the link below to view a download description and map of the route).
Loweswater - For all / for some. This is a lovely level walk in one of the quieter corners of the Lake District - 1.75 km or 1.1 miles for all,
Miltonrigg Woods - The site contains some gradients up to 1:8 as you leave and return to the car park. Once these have been overcome a crushed stone surface provides a pleasant circular route through the woodland which changes in appearance through the seasons.
Mirehouse to St Bega's Church - For all. This route takes you past historic Mirehouse and on to ancient St. Bega’s Church - 2.5 km or 1.6 miles
Monk Coniston - Route type: For all / for some. This short route takes you from Coniston village to the lakeshore at Monk Coniston OS Explorer Map OL7. - Distance: 3.5 km or 2.3 miles for all, 1.5 km or 0.9 miles for some
Pooley Bridge to Eusmere - A short and level path along the shore of Ullswater. Wheelchair and pushchair users will find the wide, newly surfaced route easy to negotiate.
Revelin Moss Trail (Whinlatter) - The trail follows the quiet activity of Grisedale Gill, through mature conifers and areas of silver birch regeneration. The route returns via a bridge over the Gill and there are numerous resting places on route
Tarn Hows - This is a beautiful circular walk around the picturesque location. There is also a short linear walk above the tarns. - There is another shorter walk for wheelchair users. Park in the disabled parking area and follow the good track for 400 metres to a bench and viewpoint
The Bowderstone - For all. An undulating short route with short steeper sections but suitable for wheelchair users. Just under 1 km or 0.5 miles
The Howk, Caldbeck - For all. This is a short walk from the picturesque village centre to the old bobbin mill and the Howk limestone gorge - 1 km or 0.6 miles
The Lake District National Park - Accessible for All - If you're looking for routes suitable for wheelchairs, buggies or for those who find walking a challenge, there are 39 Miles Without Stiles routes across the National Park.
Walls Drive (Ravenglass) - Route type: For all. Set in the beautiful western village of Ravenglass, this is a walk back in time to one of the tallest remaining Roman buildings in the country OS Explorer Map OL6. - Distance: 2.25 km or 1.4 miles
Westfield Trail - The Westfield Greenway is a linear route providing enjoyable access all year round for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and those with pushchairs and young children. The trail has a good concrete surface along its full length and provides fine flora and fauna views as you follow the coastline.
White Moss Common - This woodland and meadow walk gives access to the beautiful River Rothay. Follow the wide, smooth stone path out of the car park and cross a wooden footbridge. This brings you into a meadow area with two small benches close to the riverside...
Windermere - Route type: For all. A tarmac road and stone track to the quiet west shore, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bowness and Windermere - OS Explorer Map OL7.- Distance: 4 km, 2.4 miles
Yewdale Bridleway - Route type: For some. This undulating route goes under the rocky ramparts of Yewdale fell side, through Yewdale Woods and links with other Miles without Stiles routes (14, 16 and 17) - OS Explorer Map OL7. - Distance: 5 km or 3.1 miles
Country Parks
Talkin Tarn Country Park (Brampton) - The Tarn has a 1.3 mile circular path that is ideal for a gentle stroll. This path is hard surfaced and accessible to all.
Nature Reserves
Campfield Marsh (RSPB) Reserve (Wigton) - Visitors unable to walk or wheelchair the 800 m (0.5 mile) to the hide from the car park at North Plain may drive along the lane where there is room for two cars by the hide. The hide has a wheelchair access ramp and viewing bay.
Finglandrigg Woods NNR (Carlisle) - There is a network of marked paths, boardwalks, stiles and a footbridge at the site making the going relatively easy.
Harrington Nature Reserve (Workington) - The site is fully accessible to wheelchair users and there are a number of seating areas located around the reserve.
Siddick Ponds LNR (Workington) - The trail near the small pond is now suitable for wheelchair use and links with the main Cycleway footpath (Maryport to Workington)
Watchtree Nature Reserve - Watchtree Nature Reserve is a DEFRA (Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs)
Other Useful Links
Active Cumbria - Active Cumbria, the Sport and Physical Activity Partnership, is a network of local agencies committed to working together to increase participation in sport and physical activity to help Cumbria get fitter and healthier. - (inc disability sport)
Cumbria Disability Network - aims to influence policy so that the planning and delivery of services for Cumbria and the North West considers the needs of disabled people in Cumbria and rural areas . . .
Disability Association Carlisle & Eden - DaCE is an organisation of disabled people established in 1999 to provide services and support for other disabled people who live and work in the area of north Cumbria
Information for visiting Wheelchair User - Barrow Borough Council - general info for the area, shopping area, shopmobility, parks, etc.
Low Farm Riding Centre - Riding for the Disabled sessions
Seaview Riding School - Seaview is an approved RDA centre