lifestyle

Accessible Adventures For The Bank Holiday!

Yorkshire Dales - Image by Tim Hill from Pixabay

Fenetic Wellbeing - are an independent living company who understand that mobility issues can make it difficult for people to explore the great outdoors. With the weather getting a little warmer and the sun finally making an appearance for this bank holiday, you're going to be wanting to make the most of the fresh air!

Spending more time outside soaking up the sun has both physical and mental health benefits; it's going to reduce stress levels, help regulate your circadian rhythm so you sleep better and boost your vitamin D levels which will allow your body to absorb more calcium and keep your bones strong.

Here are some of the top wheelchair-friendly walking routes in Yorkshire:

1. Malham Cove
Distance: 3.2km

Malham Cove - Image by cattan2011 from flickr

This stunning natural limestone formation in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park has a number of different walking trails, including wheelchair-friendly ones! Starting at the Malham National Park Visitor Centre there is a direct path that is flat, wide and wheelchair-accessible. There is no wheelchair-friendly way to get to the top of the cliff face, however, you don't need to venture to the top to appreciate Malham Cove's beauty. Standing at approximately 80 metres high you can admire its grandeur and unique formations from down below.

2. Gordale Scar
Distance: 6.4km

Gordale Scar - Image by James Stringer from flickr

Gordale Scar attracts visitors from far and wide; many choose to navigate its narrow passage and climb the rocks, however, this out-and-back route is wheelchair-friendly and allows everyone of all abilities to experience the dramatic landscape. This route also starts at Malham National Park Visitor Centre. As you come out of the car park, make your way onto Pennine Way, then make a left turn onto a footpath that runs alongside the Gordale Beck and up the Gordale Scar. On the approach to Gordale Scar, there are towering cliffs before finally reaching the waterfall at the top end.

3. Aysgarth Falls
Distance: 3km

Aysgarth Falls - Image by Postbyte from Pixabay

Aysgarth Falls is a series of mesmerising waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This wheelchair-friendly route is short but sweet and takes visitors to the Middle Falls. It starts in the Yorkshire National Dales Aysgarth Falls car park, there is then a 1.5km path that leads to a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform where you can enjoy views of the Middle Falls. You can then turn back and retrace your path. There is an unsurfaced path that continues through Freeholders' Woods and up towards the Lower Falls, however, this is only suitable for powered wheelchairs.

4. The Strid, Bolton Abbey
Distance: 7.2km

The Strid, Bolton Abbey - Image by Steve Glover from flickr

The narrow channel of water is formed by the River Wharfe passing through a rocky gorge and is surrounded by lush greenery. Despite its beautiful scenery, it is known for its deceivingly strong waters so be careful! This route is slightly longer and runs along the River Wharfe. It starts at the Bolton Abbey Stepping Stones, takes you up Dales Way, then after a mile turn left to cross the bridge over toward Cavendish Pavilion where you till then continue on your way up towards the Strid. To get back you'll have to retrace your path. If that sounds too far there is also the Welly Walk at Bolton Abbey which is a similar but shorter route.

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