| Collaborative post |
Enjoyment of the fresh air and open space is universal: everyone should be able to access and explore the British landscape. Who doesn’t love spending an autumnal Sunday afternoon in nature, or a summer’s morning taking in the scents of native flowers?
However, finding routes that are accessible to wheelchair users can be difficult, as you have to be sure that the path is suitable before beginning the jaunt. It needs to be maintained well with ground traversable by mobility aids and wide enough to accommodate equipment.
What does the North West have to offer?
Whether you’re a resident of the area or visiting to appreciate its green spaces, the North West has so much to offer. In a study of 15 UK counties, Lancashire came fifth in terms of total accessible walks.
The region spans from Cumbria down to Cheshire and Merseyside, covering a noteworthy portion of the country, including well-loved locations such as the Lake District and some of the island’s western coastal route. With such a variety of landscapes, there’s something for everyone’s preferences.
Where can I go that has wheelchair access?
Avenham Park
The North West is full of examples of well-kept Victorian parkland, but Avenham Park is particularly lovely. With elements of Japanese gardens, water features and tree-lined walks, it’s a calming location.
The park is very wheelchair accessible, as it’s large but mostly flat with wide paths. Likewise, getting here couldn’t be simpler: the park is within easy reach of the train station for nearby routes like Blackburn to Preston.
After your walk, The Pavilion Café provides indoor and outdoor seating areas for you to enjoy refreshments – you can even bring your dog along.
Lytham St Annes
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the sea air, look no further than Lytham St Annes. The town centre is small and flat with wide pavements leading to the seafront. Meander along the circular promenade and stop at the eateries along the way.
To take in the ocean vistas without the trouble of navigating the sands, head down the stunning Victorian pier.
Lake District
If you prefer mountainscapes, there are few places better in the UK than the Lake District. Although many people assume this area of the region must be off-limits due to the often rugged ground, there are so many possibilities here.
The Lake District National Park has put together a collection of routes that are accessible called Miles without Stiles. These routes are broken down into ‘for all’, ‘for many’ and ‘for some’, meaning there’s total transparency about what you will encounter along the way. You can even hire a tramper, which is an all-terrain mobility vehicle, if you would prefer to ensure ease of movement.
