Home / Environment / Lake District Trails Now Accessible for All Abilities
Lake District Trails Now Accessible for All Abilities
13 Jun
Summary
- Five new accessible walking routes have been created in the Lake District.
- Upgraded paths include new surfaces, bridges, and removed stiles.
- Funding for the accessibility upgrades came from a £167,000 government grant.
Five new walking routes in England's Lake District National Park have been made accessible for people with disabilities and families with young children. These routes, along with extensions to two others, now feature the 'Miles without Stiles' accessibility status. This designation signifies that the paths are suitable for mobility scooters, pushchairs, and individuals preferring less strenuous walks, free from stiles or steep inclines.
The improvements, a collaboration between the Lake District National Park Authority and Forestry England, involved laying new surfaces, installing bridges, and removing stiles. Councillor Will Clark highlighted the importance of accessibility, stating that the Lake District should be open to everyone for the enjoyment of its scenery and the benefits of spending time outdoors. The work was made possible by a £167,000 grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
New accessible routes include the Jubilee Walk in Grasmere, Ridding Wood and Millwood Trail in Grizedale Forest, Revelin Moss in Whinlatter Forest, and Howrah's Path from Keswick to Portinscale. Forest England representatives noted that these enhanced routes at Grizedale and Whinlatter will facilitate easier exploration and shared experiences in nature, underscoring the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor activities.
