Wheelchair Friendly Walks in North and West Yorkshire

Q. I'm looking for wheelchair friendly walks in Yorkshire - preferably West & North Yorkshire.

I have long-standing rheumatoid arthritis but can walk half a mile (and like to) and my husband is strong so between us we can negotiate short areas that are difficult.

We would prefer 3-4 miles and, if we're going to be really picky, circular but we'll take whatever we can get. Swinsty reservoir is ideal.

Pat Blackledge, Leeds

A. Try Golden Acre Park at Bramhope. Free loan of sturdy mobility scooter, lovely scenery and great cafe.

Jenny Jones, Keighley

A. Temple Newsome has a lovely circular walk by the ponds, there's also walled gardens and a rare breeds farm... Yorkshire Sculpture Park has a disabled access walk, the railway line between Wetherby and Spoffoth, Lotherton Hall is free access and another circular walk around the house.

J Bailey, Leeds

A. Pat, I have thought of another disabled-friendly walk in Harrogate. Valley Gardens is an ideal place for a walk. Start at the bottom of the Gardens on the edge of the town centre. Then walk up a series of excellent paths. There is a good cafe (Magnesium Well) near the bottom of the park and a toilet on the right hand side a little further up. Pass the War Memorial and the paths go through woodland areas, then cross a road. The paths continue through more woods. I would suggest you take the left hand path and pass the park nurseries. A tarmac path goes to the left, between the Water Tower and the Observatory Tower. There are several seats on this path from which you have a very long view to the east as far as Sutton Bank and the White Horse. Return the same way to the road, then follow any path back through Valley Gardens. Distance is about 2.5 miles.

David Dawber, Lytham St Annes

A. Hello Pat, I would suggest Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. There is an excellent canal towpath walk here - Rochdale Canal. It is preferable to take the westward direction as the towpath is better and there are more features of interest. As I am a non-car person, I always go by train, and there is a walk from the station through Calder Holmes Park to join the towpath at the west end of the park. Here there is a changeline bridge to take the towpath on to the north side of the canal. You can then walk as far as you like up the canal, with slight rises at the various locks. From the changeline bridge, a short walk along Holme Street brings you into the town centre. Over the pelican crossing into Bridge Street, there is a good restaurant on the left, Waterside Tea Rooms, and a viewing area of Hebden Water behind. Many birds are regularly observed around this stream and the canal itself. There are quite a number of interesting specialist shops in Hebden Bridge. I hope this helps you.

David Dawber, Lytham St Annes

Add your answer to THIS question | Ask a NEW walking and hiking question

Return to the main list of Walking and Hiking Questions

Search for an existing Walking and Hiking Question or Answer