The 10 Most Accessible Walking Routes in the UK

Whether it’s after work, on the weekends, after a week of roasting, or on a classic Boxing Day walk, Brits love to stroll.

However, due to the rugged terrain, narrow roads and steep climbs, some of Britain’s most beautiful footpaths and trails are just out of reach.

But do not worry. There’s an exclusive list of the UK’s most accessible walking trails, handpicked by outdoor fitness and travel agency AllTrails.

According to AllTrails, the full list includes 25 hikes that “can be partially or fully navigated by those with restricted mobility or in wheelchairs.”

He rounded up the following 10 favorites.

bamber bridge

This 6.8km loop trail runs from Bamber Bridge to the River Ribble near Preston, Lancashire. Although it is considered an easy route, it is longer and takes an average of 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete.

Ideal for horseback riding, road biking and bird watching.

The rides are open year-round, and although there are some rolling hills, the gentle hilly terrain allows visitors using wheelchairs, mobile devices, or strollers to travel safely.

Carmildam

It takes an average of 52 minutes to complete this 2.9 km circular route.

This is an ideal walk through the blue forest and lake views year round. It is also a great place for bird watching.

rock of kings

A stunning route through the heart of the Lake District, this 2.7km trail is near Keswick, Cumbria.

Includes a walk along the banks of Derwentwater with views of the lake and the Kettle Mountains.

Here are AllTrails’ directions for finding trails: “From the town of Kezwick, pass the lakeside theater on your left. Then keep straight on the dirt road to Friar’s Crag Bench. Go back the way you came.”

Hollingworth Lake

Near Littleborough in Greater Manchester, this trail is a 3.7 km loop that takes about 50 minutes on average.

This trail circles the lake and is a great spot for bird watching (especially waterfowl on the water), walking, and jogging. It is also for dogs.

Boulderwood Deer Sanctuary

Located in the heart of the New Forest in Hampshire, this trail is popular with AllTrail users. The overall assessment of this route is 4.3 out of 5.

Located in Lindhurst, this 2.9 km route is ideal for walking from March to September, with an average travel time of 46 minutes.

There is also a large open area for families to picnic in the sanctuary while enjoying reindeer and New Forest ponies.

River Don and Sprotbro

This 5.5km trail is located near Broadsworth in South Yorkshire, a 1 hour 46 minute walk away. However, AllTrails emphasizes that it is generally considered an easy option.

This route is considered one of the most beautiful trails in the region and offers beautiful views of forests, rivers, and waterfalls, and is a popular spot for locals as locks, dams, and forest trails. animal.

And just opposite the Sprotbrough Bride is the Boat Inn, which is a perfect ‘pub walk’.

Strathclyde Lake Loop

Located in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, this loop trail is 6.0km long and takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to complete.

It offers an open view and a small wooded area. Also, the terrain is mostly paved, making this trail ideal for accessibility needs.

There are other trails available along this route for those who want a long hike.

New Mirror Dun Country Park Circular

Located in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, this 2.9 km trail is a 38-minute walk away. Trails can be found in the popular New Miradan Country Park Nature Reserve. The lake and its surroundings are home to much wildlife and are also suitable for bird watching.

Paid restrooms and exhibit parking (for a fee) are also available.

Watergate Park Loop

Located near Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, this 2.3km loop option takes 30 minutes to complete.

This is a family walk overlooking the lake of Watergate Forest Park. However, when wet, the path can become muddy and access may be restricted.

Dubstone Reservoir Circular

This beautiful route is close to the Manchester Dobcross. It is said to be the easiest at 4.3 km and can take up to 1 hour and 8 minutes to complete.

Located on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Pigeon Stone Reservoir is a popular destination and a great place to spend time with your family.

The reservoir has a yacht club and a permanent orienteering course with good access to freely accessible mountainous areas. It also provides the perfect place for people to go fishing.

There is a picnic spot on the way. Especially at Ashway Gap, you can spot peregrine falcons with the RSPB Date with Nature team from Thursday to Sunday.

Shelby DeCaster, UK Data Integrity Lead at AllTrails, said: Getting out in nature is essential for your physical and mental health and is a great way to enjoy what the country has to offer, from stunning scenery to urban exploration.

There are thousands of miles of trails in every corner of the UK, and each trail is clearly marked on the app to indicate if it’s wheelchair accessible. These routes have been validated by our team, handpicked, and based on a variety of accessibility standards.

Additionally, to give you access to trails, AllTrails publishes the following criteria:

• A solid, smooth surface (pavement, curb, or obstructed dirt/gravel with no obstructions).
• The maximum height of the running obstacles is 5 cm.
• A minimum step width of 1m for every 300m of movement, or a minimum width of 1.5m without turns.
• Maximum run/slope difference of up to 12%, and less than 30% of trails above 8.3% (5% is considered equivalent to a standard ramp).
• Maximum crossover rating (side to side) of 2%.
• Maximum spacing between bridge slabs ½ inch (1.25 cm).
• If 180 degree rotation is required, the width of the path is 1.5 m or more (if the width of the path is not 1 m or more, it can be 1.2 m).
• The minimum height of the protection barrier at the end of the road is 7.6 cm.
• Clamping surface of 86-96.5 cm.
• At least one display area for points of interest with a display height of 81-129.5 cm and an operable rotating area for wheelchairs.
• If there are no safe and accessible sidewalks or sidewalks, map only sections of the route shared with the car, preferably if there is a designated and marked bike lane.

For more information on accessibility needs, test details and terrain types, visit the website under each vehicle above.

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