5 Wheelchair Friendly Spring Walks

Image credit: https://yorkshireflyfishing.org.uk/north-yorkshire/the-washburn-valley-reservoirs/

In Yorkshire, we are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by forests, parks, untouched green space, and glistening lakes. So really, it'd be a shame if we didn't visit every once in a while, and now the sun's poking its head from out the clouds, there's no better time.

Swinsty Reservoir

Distance: 3 miles

Good bits:

• Free car parking is available.
• Toilets available.
• Beautiful views of the reservoir in a peaceful setting. It’s a great place to relax!
• Picnic facilities available – take some sandwiches and stop off along the way for a bite to eat.
• Sometimes an ice cream van – perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day!

Not so good bits:

• Because of its attractive setting, the reservoir gets very busy at times.
• Disabled toilets are only available at one of the car parks (Swinsty Moor car park).

More information: https://www.yorkshirewater.com/things-to-do/our-walks/

Runswick Bay

Distance: 2 miles

Good bits:

• Short walk – only 2 miles long.
• Pay and display car park is available (located at the start point).
• If you’re looking for refreshments, Runswick Bay Hotel is situated near the start of the walk.
• The route has stunning views over Runswick Bay and Port Mulgrave.

Not so good bits:

• There are some slight rises along the route.

Staindale Lake

Distance: ½ mile

Good bits:

• Short walk – only half a mile long.
• Birds spotted during your walk may include ducks, geese and herons.
• Located in Dalby Forest – experience a working forest!
• Car park.

Not so good bits:

• When walking around be careful to avoid unfenced, steep sections to the lake.

Rosedale Mineral Railway

Distance: 1 ¼ miles

Good bits:

• Small car park available.
• The area has an interesting history – it was once home to kilns, mines and a moorland railway.
• Roasting kilns can still be seen near the car park – remember to bring your camera!

Not so good bits:

• Although RADER toilets are available they are a little bit of a distance away, located at Rosedale Abbey.

Robin Hood’s Bay

Distance: ¾ mile

Good bits:

• Short walk – only ¾ mile.
• Viewpoints – wonderful views of the village.
• Pay and display car park.
• If you’re looking for refreshments, Grosvenor Hotel which is opposite the car park has ramped access.

Not so good bits:

• Although there are toilets at the station car park, they are only open during the summer season.

More information: https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cleveland-way/leaflets (Downloadable Robin Hoods Bay easy access walk leaflet).

Image credit: https://www.yorkshire.com/inspiration/features/welcome-to-smugglers-town

These are just 5 of our suggestions for wheelchair-friendly walks to explore this spring and summer. Let us know if you visit any and what your personal favourite is by tweeting @FeneticTrading or on Facebook.

If you’re looking for a compact, folding wheelchair that you can transport in the boot of your car, look no further. We have a selection of folding wheelchair options for you to choose from on our website.