In Things to do

One of the best things to do together with the family at New Year is to head outside and enjoy the fresh air. Of course, going for a walk isn’t always easy if you have mobility issues or need other facilities, so we’ve compiled this list of walking trails that are mostly flat and tarmacked – so are accessible to those using mobility aids. Many of them also have facilities like toilets, parking and eateries along the trail.

Friar’s Crag | Lake District | Keswick, Cumbria

Right in the heart of the Lake District, this route takes you on a waterside walk with amazing views of the lake and the Catbell mountains around Derwent Water. The route is paved and mostly level, allowing for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, as well as pushchairs and those using other mobility aids.

Strathclyde Loch | Motherwell, North Lanarkshire

This circular trail takes around an hour or so to finish, so is a great one for those looking for a leisurely day out in the open. The track is mostly flat and tarmacked and you can enjoy open views of the loch, as well as enjoy some wooded areas.

Dove Stone Reservoir | Dobcross, Manchester

Located near the Peak District National Park, this circular route around Dove Stone Reservoir is a good option for those looking for a family day out. There are several places you can stop for a rest or a picnic if it isn’t too cold and you can easily spot the resident peregrine falcons as you make your way around.

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary | New Forest, Lyndhurst, Hampshire

Right in the centre of the New Forest is this route which is a great one, particularly when spring is starting up again. You can complete the trail in just under an hour and is a popular one for local walkers and those with limited mobility because of its stable ground. The sanctuary is home to a number of deer that you can sit back and watch.

Watergate Park Circular | Gateshead, Tyne and Wear

This circular route is good for those wanting a short walk, it can be completed in around half an hour and is family friendly. It’s a quiet area with areas that are mostly level, but it can get muddy after bad weather, which may cause issues for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so be wary if there has been rain before your visit.

You can find a host of accessible trails online via alltrails.com. Don’t forget that all terrain wheelchairs and other mobility aids are available to hire from organisations like Countryside Mobility.

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