Whether after work, at the weekend, after Sunday roast or the classic Boxing Day walk – Brits just love to wander.
But with uneven terrain, narrow paths and steep climbs, some of Britain’s finest walks and trails are inaccessible.
Don’t worry though. We have an exclusive list of the most accessible walking routes in the UK, carefully curated by outdoor fitness and travel company AllTrails.
The full list features 25 walks which can be “partially or completely navigated by people with reduced mobility or using wheelchairs,” according to AllTrails.
We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites below:
bamboo bridge
This 6.8 km loop trail starts from Bamber Bridge to the River Ribble near Preston, Lancashire. It is considered an easy route, but it is on the long side, taking an hour and 23 minutes on average to complete.
It is also ideal for horse riding, cycling and bird watching.
The walk is open all year round – and although there are some mild hills, visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids or pushchairs can travel safely on the smooth tarmac terrain.
Carr Mill Dam
Found near St Helens in Merseyside, this 2.9km circular route takes an average of 52 minutes to complete.
It is a perfect walk all year round, passing bluebells and lake views. It is also a great place for bird watching.
Friar’s Crag
A beautiful route in the heart of the Lake District, this 2.7km trail is near Keswick, Cumbria.
It involves a walk along the coast of Derwent Water overlooking the lake and the Catbells mountains beyond.
AllTrails directions to find the track are as follows: ‘From the town of Keswick, walk to the theater by the lake which is on your left as you pass it. Then continue straight on a dirt road to the bank end of Friars Crag. Return as you came.’
Hollingworth Lake
Located near Littleborough in Greater Manchester, this trail is a 3.7km loop, taking approximately 50 minutes on average.
The route surrounds the lake and is a great place for bird watching (especially to spot waterfowl on the water), walking and running. It is also dog friendly.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
This route, nestled in the heart of Hampshire’s New Forestis popular with AllTrail users – who gave it a combined rating of 4.3 out of 5.
Located in Lyndhurst, this 2.9km route is ideal for walking between March and September – taking an average of 46 minutes to complete.
There is also a large open area for families to have a picnic while enjoying the deer at the sanctuary and the New Forest ponies that walk by.
River Don and Sprotbrough
This one 5.5 km course is near Brodsworth in South Yorkshire and the journey takes an hour and 46 minutes. But AllTrails emphasizes that it’s generally considered an easy option.
Considered to be one of the prettiest trails in the area, the route offers beautiful views of forests, the river and a waterfall and is a popular spot among locals with locks, weirs and wooded trails, as well as plenty of wildlife.
And opposite the Sprotbrough Bride is the Boat Inn, making this the perfect pub walk.
Strathclyde Loch Circular
Found in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, this: circular route is 6.0 km and takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete.
It offers unobstructed views and short wooded areas. In addition, the terrain is mostly paved, making this route perfect for accessibility needs.
Alternative trails can also be taken along this route for those who want a longer walk.
Newmillerdam Country Park Circular
In Wakefield, West Yorkshire, this 2.9km trail takes 38 minutes to walk. The route can be found in the popular nature reserve in Newmillerdam Country Park† The lake and surrounding area are home to a number of wild creatures, and it is also a good spot for bird watchers.
There is also a paid car park and toilets (charges apply).
Watergate Park Circular
This 2.3 km round trip near Gateshead, Tyne and Wear takes 30 minutes.
It is a family friendly walk overlooking the lake from Watergate Forest Park. Although, in wetter conditions, the trails can be muddy which can limit access.
Dovestone Reservoir Circular
This one nice route can be found near Dobcross in Greater Manchester – and is said to be easier at 4.3km, taking up to an hour and eight minutes to finish.
Located on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Dove Stone Reservoir is a popular spot and the perfect place for a family day out.
The reservoir has a sailing club, a permanent orienteering course and good access to open moorland areas. It also provides an excellent place for people to go fishing.
There are places to picnic along the way – especially at Ashway Gap, where you can watch the peregrine falcons from Thursday to Sunday, with the RSPB Date with Nature team.
Shelby de Caster, AllTrails UK data integrity leader, told Metro.co.uk: ‘The outdoors should be accessible to people of all abilities. Getting out into nature is essential for both physical and mental health and is a great way to enjoy everything the country has to offer, from breathtaking landscapes to urban exploration.
‘We have thousands of miles of trails in every corner of the UK, with each trail clearly marked in the app as being wheelchair accessible. These routes are all verified and hand crafted by our team and based on different accessibility standards.”
And to make a trail accessible, AllTrails came up with the following criteria:
- A firm and smooth surface (paved, boardwalk or packed dirt/gravel with no obstructions on the tread).
- A maximum height of 5 cm for obstacles on the tread.
- A minimum path width of 1 m with switches for passing every 300 m or a minimum of 1.5 m wide without switches.
- Up to a maximum gradient/slope of 12% and no more than 30% of the course exceeding a gradient of 8.3% (5% is considered the equivalent of a standard ramp).
- A max cross (side-to-side) slope of 2%.
- A maximum gap between bridge battens of ½ inch (1.25 cm).
- Minimum 1.5m path width when a 180 degree turn is required (unless the path is minimum 1m wide – then it could be 1.2m).
- A minimum height of 7.6cm on trail edge protection barriers.
- Handrails with gripping surfaces between 86 – 96.5 cm.
- At least one viewing area for sights with a viewing height between 81 – 129.5 cm and maneuverable space for wheelchairs to turn around.
- Only map routes shared with motor vehicles where a safe and accessible sidewalk or footpath is not available, preferably with designated and marked cycle paths for protection.
To find an accessible trail on AllTrails:
- Go to AllTrails.com
- Enter the name of the city, park or path
- More filters > Suitability > Wheelchair friendly and any other desired filters
- Choose a route from the map or list
- Read the directions and view the photos
- Follow the Directions tab
Further details on accessibility needs, trial details and terrain types can be found on the website under each walk mentioned above.
Do you have a story to share?
Contact us by email [email protected]†
LAKE: This app gives you money and discounts just to walk around
LAKE: May is National Hiking Month – these are some of the best hikes in the country
LAKE: Best walking routes in the UK and Europe