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Looking for some wheelchair friendly and accessible walking routes to help you get out and about enjoying the fresh air this January?

Take a look at these top suggestions

Routes in Scotland

Orchard Trail, Mabie Forest, Dumfries and Galloway

The Orchard Trail is a lovely ½ mile route through some beautiful trees towards a sensory garden. There are a couple of moderate slopes, but overall this is an easy route that is designated as being disabled friendly.

Please check before visiting as the trail is closed at some times of the year for tree maintenance.

The Mabie Forest site has accessible toilet facilities near the main car park, which is free for Blue Badge users.

Getting here: Mabie Forest can be found on the A710 between Dumfries and New Abbey. Use DG2 8HB for your satnav. Alternatively, use public transport, from the train station at Dumfries, there are regular buses that stop at the entrants of the forest.

Glencoe Lochan, Argyll and Bute

This one mile walk has several rest points along the way and takes you through some glorious areas. The Lochan Trail is a designated accessible train and features wide, smooth paths that is generally flat throughout but with a few gradients.

The nearest public toilets are located in Glencoe Village, there is Blue Badge parking available at the car park, which is free.

Getting here: To get to Glencoe Lochan, use the postcode PH49 4HT, visitors should head through the centre of the village and over the hump back bridge. Take the second left then through the barrier. There are local and national bus services that stop around the village.

Routes in Wales

Cwm -yr-Eglwys, Pembrokeshire

This route is level and takes place on a purpose made path, covering 1.3 miles. Gradients are minimal. The path follows a former Ice Age valley and at points crosses through the Cwm-yr-Eglwys caravan patk and through the remains of a church, where you can find seating.

You’ll find toilets at both car parks, at the Cwm-yr-Eglwys and at the finish point at Pwllgwaelod, though this car park is seasonal, so check before travelling. There is also a restaurant for refreshments at the finish point.

Getting here: Approach Cwm-yr-Eglwys via the A487. There is public transport available to both ends of the route.

Newport Wetlands Reserve, Gwent

The Newport Wetlands Reserve has several accessible routes to choose from. The site also has mobility scooters and wheelchairs available, as well as wheelchair accessible hides and viewing screens. Make sure to get in touch with their visitor centre should you need to book one or to check advise on the available routes.

There are level access to all toilet facilities, with designated accessible toilets available on the ground floor of the Visitor Centre. There is Blue Badge parking available.

Getting here: Visitors coming by car should use the postcode NP18 2BZ, join the A48 at either junction 24 or 28 of the M4 and follow until you reach the Retail Park, at which point follow the brown tourist signs. The nearest railway station is at Newport, which is 5 miles away, or the number 63 bus from the high street which will drop you at the visitor centre.

Routes in England

Combe Hill, Buckinghamshire

This is a National Trust managed route and takes in the sights of Coombe Hill, Aylesbury Vale and Chequers. The route is partly accessible via wheelchair or other mobility aids, but the second half is more challenging so it is recommended to return to the car park at this point.

Getting here: Use the car park’s address if travelling with a SatNav, Coombe Hill car park, nr Butlers Cross, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 0UR.

The nearest train station is at Wendover and is a 1.5 mile walk away. The nearest bus stop is at the Russell Arms Pub.

Wareham Forest, Dorset

This stile free route takes you through some lovely countryside and woodland areas. The full route will take you through to Sturminster Marshall which is around 13 miles, but there are shorter routes that can be used, depending on your preference. The route is signposted throughout.

The first few miles is level and well surfaced, but there are some sections that are harder to navigate using mobility aids.

Designated Blue Badge parking is available at Wareham Quay.

Getting here: The start point is at Wareham Quay, the nearest postcode is BH20 4LP. Alternatively, Wareham Railway Station and buses can drop you nearby.

Knole Deer Park, Kent

Another National Trust managed site, Knole is the last medieval deer park in Kent and covers around 1000 acres. The accessible waymarked route begins at the front of the house and follows the garden wall before taking you through the park where you can spot some of the many deer that live there. The route is wheelchair accessible, though for anyone who needs one, the National Trust does have a couple of mobility scooters available to be booked.

There are two large accessible toilet facilities on site, including one near the main entrance to the house. The courtyard areas are also level throughout and there are designated parking spaces available for Blue Badge holders.

Getting here: Sat Nav users are advised to use the postcode TN13 1HX. From the M25 leave at exit 5 and follow signs for Sevenoaks, the entrance is in the town centre, opposite the church. Or from the A21, leave at the junction signposted Sevenoaks and follow the A225. From the A25, head towards Seal and turn left at the traffic lights towards the high street, where there will be signs for the park.

The nearest train station is at Sevenoaks, which is around half hour walk from the park. Bus users should get off at the Sevenoaks School stop, as this is the nearest to the park.

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