5 Wheelchair Friendly Winter Walks
Nobody in their right mind would voluntarily leave home during the height of Winter, especially when home is so toasty. But the truth is, going outside in Winter can be a real breath of fresh air for our bodies, quite literally.
Back by popular demand, we’ve handpicked five wheelchair-friendly winter walks suitable for all levels of mobility, so you don’t have to.
Praised for their beautiful scenery and easy access, simply pick your stroll from the list below. You can also click the links for more information including detailed trail maps and route descriptions.
What: RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Where: Harrogate
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Good bits
- Free map available showing routes suitable for wheelchairs.
- Betty’s Café Tea Rooms.
- Some of the most innovative and creative planting displays nationwide.
- Rich in variety and full of pleasant surprises.
Not so good bits
- The quality of some of the pathways may not be completely smooth, subject to weather conditions.
More info
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/pdf/harlow-carr/Harlow-Carr-Map-of-walks-2016
What: York City Centre Riverside Walk
Where: York
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Good bits
- Circular route beside the river Ouse.
- Peaceful with lots of large green areas despite being in York City Centre.
- Two car parks on the route.
- Easy access to the rest of the city.
Not so good bits
- Short section of the walk is along a road when crossing the river.
More info
https://walkswithwheelchairs.com/UK/Yorkshire/York/586
What: Tophill Low Nature Reserve
Where: Watton
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Medium
Good bits
- The nature reserve is a haven for thousands of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and amphibians.
- 12 hides with unique vantage points over ponds, marshes, and reservoirs.
- Declared as site of Special Scientific Interest.
- Designated picnic areas on the route.
Not so good bits:
- Small charge to enter the reserve.
More info
http://walkswithwheelchairs.com/UK/Yorkshire/Watton/363
What: Ecclesall Wood
Where: Sheffield
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Good bits
- Easy going circular route.
- At 350 acres, it is the largest semi natural woodland in South Yorkshire.
- Free parking available.
- Well served by public transport.
Not so good bits
- Terrain is described as ‘mostly flat’ – some areas may be slightly uphill.
More info
http://walkswithwheelchairs.com/UK/Yorkshire/Sheffield/299
What: Forge Valley Woods
Where: East Ayton
Distance: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Good bits
- One of the most historical woodlands in the North Yorkshire Moors.
- Teeming with plants and animals from crayfish in the river to deer in the undergrowth.
- Wooden boardwalk for the entire walk.
- Parking and seating on the route.
Not so good bits
- Route is not circular.
More info
Of course no wheelchair friendly walk is complete without a wheelchair that can be thrown into the boot of a car and unfolded in seconds.
Our lightweight folding wheelchairs are super compact and some come with their own carry bag with handles, all for less than a hundred quid!
Remember to share your wheelchair friendly winter walks in the comments below!