Best Wheelchair Friendly Walks in Yorkshire

Sometimes it's really nice to get out of the house and take a long walk around a lake or pop out to get some fresh air.

On the off-chance the heavens don’t open, we’ve put our heads together and come up with some cracking wheelchair-friendly spots for a lovely bank holiday day out in Yorkshire - That’s our neck of the wood, and it’s bloody lovely.

With sturdy, flat paths and beautiful scenery to soak up, it’s never been easier to venture forth into the great outdoors.

Before you jump in the car with a picnic box in tow, choose your perfect day trip below.

Just click on the name or image of each destination to visit the website. There you'll find lots more information such as how to get there!

 

Pugneys Watersports Centre - Wakefield

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lakes of Wakefield’s 250-acre country park and nature reserve. Sit back and watch the people partake in water sports or take advantage of the 1.6 mile stretch of wheelchair-friendly paths.

Pros

• The flat path around the lake is perfect for wheelchairs
• Watch an array of water sports
• Ice Cream van/café/BBQ pits
• Accessible toilets and showers - there’s even a hot water shower for your dog

Cons

• It can be busy when the sun comes out!
• Pay and display car park 

 

Roundhay Park - Leeds

Roundhay Park in Leeds has been named as one of the region's leading green spaces in the Good Parks Guide. This peaceful walk passes through an area of outstanding natural beauty. Take a look at the walks guide on their website to learn more about the various wheelchair-friendly routes you can take.

Pros

• Within close proximity to Leeds
• Easily accessible
• Choice of walks in varying length and difficulty
• Home to Tropical World

Cons

• Steep hill to get down before you reach the paths
• Tracks can be bumpy, rocky, and grassy in parts

 

Bolton Abbey - Skipton

Its landscape has been described as the “jewel in the crown” of Yorkshire’s many landscapes. The 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside boasts over 80 miles of footpaths to explore, providing something for all ages and abilities.

Pros

• Explore medieval ruins
• Numerous points of interest to discover
• Designated disabled parking spaces
• Accessible toilet

Cons

• Tourist hot spot - so can be busy
• Covers a very large area so can be difficult to navigate the many routes

 

Yorkshire Sculpture Park - Wakefield

The open-air Yorkshire Sculpture Park has been described as a truly outstanding museum, hosting work from artists and sculptures the world over. The park, situated on the grounds of Bretton Hall in Wakefield, is perfect if you fancy something a little bit different.

Pros

• Some of the best outdoor art installations in the country
• Plenty of access for wheelchairs
• Can hop on a shuttle bus to take you to the other gallery across the hill
• Lots of exhibitions and events throughout the year

Cons

• The walk through the woods isn’t paved – there are steps as well (nearly 100 in a single flight)
• Food on-site isn’t the cheapest

 

Aysgarth Falls - Wensleydale

Hailed as the nation’s favourite waterfall. Located in Wensleydale North Yorkshire, Aysgarth Falls is a spectacular stretch of stunning scenery. Aysgarth is best known for its triple flight of waterfalls, carved out by the River Ure and free to explore, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing day out.

Pros

• The National Park has landscaped the area by the waterfalls meaning there is a wide path through the attractive woods, suitable for wheelchairs
• The famous scene in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed just upstream of the road bridge – pay a fee to have a look
• Cafes in both parking areas
• All gates are accessible, seating areas on route

Cons

• It can be tough to get close to the river as it is quite rocky
• Best visited in the rain when the falls are at their most exciting… but who wants it to rain on a bank holiday?!

 

Saltburn Valley Gardens

The stunning and tranquil Saltburn Valley Gardens is a hive of picturesque beauty and wildlife. Sit and relax and take in natural beauty, or wander down towards the beach for a seaside stroll. Just be sure not to forget your camera!

Pros

• The tarmac pavement is flat and ideal for wheelchair users
• On-site tea rooms with freshly baked treats every day
• Lots of indoor and outdoor seating
• Enjoy the best of both worlds with beautiful gardens and a beach

Cons

• Café isn’t the cheapest
• Can be busy at peak times

 

Of course, no wheelchair-friendly walk is complete without a wheelchair that can be put into the boot of a car and unfolded within seconds. Our lightweight folding wheelchairs are super compact and even come with their own carry bag complete with handles. All for less than a hundred quid!

For even more convenience, turn your manual wheelchair into an electric one with the Wheelchair Powerpack! Complete with variable speed and reverse, the wheelchair powerpack can easily be removed and stored away when not in use.

Got any better ideas? Share your wheelchair-friendly walks in the comments below! Where will you be visiting this bank holiday?