Cumbria Accessible Countryside
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
Miles without Stiles - 50 routes across the National Park suitable for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and the visually impaired
- (These are in addition to our listings and these walks are not repeated on this page).
Barrow in Furness - Channelside Haven Wheelchair Walk "A large variety of materials have been imaginatively used here to create flowing pathways. Visitors can wander among the scented gardens with panoramic views of Walney Channel." - taken from the walk leaflet
- Download the walk leaflet from the Borough of Barrow-In-Furness Council website
Barrow Park - "Set in an area of 45 acres, accessed from Abbey Road, Park Drive, Park Avenue and Greengate Street, the award winning Park provides the perfect place to stroll on sunny afternoons" "Barrow Park provides crown green bowling facilities, putting green, boating lake and display glasshouse. There is also a miniature railway and play area for younger children. A concrete skate park is accessible from Park Drive." "All areas of the Park are accessible by people with disabilities" - from the Borough of Barrow-In-Furness Council website
Brockhole House and Gardens - The Lake District Visitor Centre, historic gardens, lake shore, art gallery, gift shop and exhibitions. "The 'Brockmobile' electric bus to transport people who have difficulties walking from the car park or jetty to the Visitor Centre." "Free use of a mobility scooter for use in the gardens" "We have a car park for disabled badge holders next to the Visitor Centre entrance. There are also disabled parking spaces by the lower wooden entrance to the grounds (next to the Garden Shed café), and at the top of the car park (next to Treetop Trek)" "There is a path from the car park which takes you down to the lake and lower areas of the gardens. This is suitable for wheelchair users." - from the Brockhole on Windermere website
Cow Green Reservoir - "The dam is about 1/4 mile long, took three years to build and holds back 40,000 million litres of water. in 1984 a drought caused the water level to fall so low that a Bronze Age farmstead was uncovered and studied before it was once again lost underwater" "At the eastern end of Cow Green Reservoir, beyond the dam, the Tees rushes in a series of cataracts over a 200 yard long rocky ‘stairway’ called Cauldron Snout. The vertical distance from the first cataract to the last is 200 feet, making this waterfall the highest in England." "Information panels at the car park describe aspects of the reserve, its geology, vegetation, animal life and climate" "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." - from the Visit Cumbria website
Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge - "This lovely walk along part of the Cumbria Way in the Langdale Valley . . .It follows a well-maintained bridleway along the River Brathay, before arriving at the shore of Elterwater. It then leads on to Skelwith Bridge, with the option to turn back for a shorter, pushchair friendly walk, or continue to do a loop through picturesque farmland." - from TheLakeDistrict.org website
Explore Penrith - " This ‘Explore Penrith Walk" is a self-guided tour around the centre of Penrith. The route takes in many of the streets and buildings that make up the rich heritage of this historic market town. The route has been chosen to make the walk accessible to all, including those with disabilities" - from the Explore Penrith website
Fell Foot - (NT) - "Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, Fell Foot is a great, family friendly location to play, explore and relax. Sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks, while easy lake access makes the park perfect for paddling, swimming and boating." "Wheelchair accessible pathway. A mountain trike wheelchair is available to hire free of charge, please speak to staff for assistance on arrival. Grounds are partly accessible, grass and loose gravel paths, steep slopes, undulating terrain. Accessible toilets in main car park. Changing Place facility available" - from the National Trust website
Friar’s Crag - Summer star gazing walk at Friar’s Crag - (NT) - "Perfect for families and anyone unfamiliar with astronomy, this easy walk will introduce you to star gazing at Friar's Crag, which offers one of the most scenic views in the Lake District." "Accessible for all but take care of unprotected edge at end of walk" - from the National Trust website
Harrington Nature Reserve - "Harrington Nature Reserve consists of many high quality habitats, some of them very rare and found in few other places throughout West Cumbria. There is so much more to see than the reservoir alone, known locally as 'The Rezzer'." "The main entrance to the reserve is opposite a primary school on Moorclose Road, Harrington, Workington. There is a lovely walk that takes around 15-30 minutes and is all on an even path so is wheel friendly." - from the Workington Nature Partnership website
- Download a leaflet from the Workington Nature Partnership website
Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Trail - "The trail is surfaced with smooth tarmac over the whole 5km, and gradients are very low. We designed the trail to encourage access for all, and is well used by people in conventional wheelchairs and mobility scooters as well as people using other mobility aids. For a level access point the best place to start is Keswick Leisure Centre where there are marked parking spaces reserved for disabled people. The trail can be busy at peak times and some visitors can find the tunnels disorientating, although they are well lit. There are seats at regular intervals along the route." - from The Lake District National Park Authority website
Kirkby Stephen - The Viaduct Round - The complete circular walk, known as the Viaduct Round, starts at the centre of Kirkby Stephen and incorporates local footpaths, totalling about four miles. The portion along the old railway over the viaducts is easily accessible to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. With graded level surface it allows good access for visitors of all levels of mobility. - from the Northern Viaduct Trust website
Smardale Gill- " 6km/3.5miles level walking: wheelchair/pushchair friendly surface from car park to central viaduct, then grass. Ramps at the Smardale and Newbiggin end." "The main track from Smardale car park to Smardale Gill viaduct (1.5miles) has an all-weather surface and is level, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The rest of the track to Newbiggin-on- Lune (3.5miles) is level and easy walking."- from the Cumbria Wildlife Trust website
South Walney Nature Reserve - (charges) - "With stunning views across Morecambe bay, this shingle island reserve is full of interest and a fantastic place for bird watching. South Walney Nature Reserve is home to the only grey seal colony in Cumbria." "Main track from the car park to Pier Hide and the Lighthouse is reasonably level. Off road mobility tramper available for hire. A kind donation of £5 is appreciated for the use of the tramper. Please book in advance by calling the Reserve Officer on 01229 471066. Toilets including accessible toilet." - from the Cumbria Wildlife Trust website
- Download a Walney Wheelchair Walk leaflet from the Borough of Barrow-In-Furness Council website
Tarn Hows Circular Walk - (NT) - "Admire views of lakes and mountains on this easy circular trail that can be enjoyed by all the family. The route follows an established, level surfaced path suitable for mobility aids and buggies, with an extension leading up to overlook the Tarn available for the more ruggedly equipped" - from the National Trust website
Watchtree Nature Reserve- "Watchtree is a 205 acre fully accessible nature reserve situated on the Solway plain 6 miles south west of Carlisle. The reserve has clear views to the northern hills of the Lake District and overlooks the Solway Firth estuary. Our reserve hosts different habitats teaming in wildlife. A network of accessible trails makes it easy to explore and to experience our UK wildlife in their natural habitat. If you want different adventure why not hire a bike from our Watchtree Wheelers fleet. With over 100 bikes suitable for all abilities we are sure we have a bike that will kick start your adventure." - from the Watchtree Nature Reserve website