Accessible trails
The North York Moors National Park Authority has developed eight fully accessible routes for heavy duty wheelchairs and pushchairs through woodland, along riversides, by lakes, overlooking the Heritage Coast, through the heart of the moorland and around an important archaeological site.
Across the rest of the public rights of way network difficult gates and stiles are also being removed where possible, with the aim being to open up 25% of all bridleways and 8% of all footpaths for easy access.
Easy Going Routes
Route 1: Sutton Bank & the White Horse
OS Grid Reference: SE 516 831
Linear route of 2.7km (there and back)
This old favourite takes you to the top of the most northerly white horse in England and gives you ample opportunity to savour one of the finest views in England.
Route 2: Rosedale Mineral Railway
OS Grid Reference: SE 722 948
Linear route of 1.8km (there and back)
Choose a clear day and the panoramic views of Rosedale will reward your efforts on this glorious route. As an introduction to the wide sweep of heather moorland you’ll be hard pressed to find a better spot than the moors above Rosedale.
Route 3: Cawthorn Roman Camps
OS Grid Reference: SE 783 894
Circular route of 1.6km
Nearly 2,000 years ago the Romans built a group of fortifications overlooking the central moorlands of the National Park. This trail offers you the opportunity to discover these remarkable earthworks and to imagine what life must have been like for the legionaries who built them.
Route 4: Staindale Lake in Dalby Forest
OS Grid Reference: SE 883 904
Circular route of 1 kilometre
Take a trip round Staindale Lake in the heart of Dalby Forest and you won’t be disappointed. The views are superb and the resident ducks are sure to make you feel welcome if you visit with a packed lunch!
Route 5: Forge Valley Woods
OS Grid Reference: SE 985 871
Linear route of 2.7km (there and back)
Follow this route and discover one of the finest woodlands in the North York Moors. In the springtime you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with great swathes of pungent wild garlic and delightful wood anemone.
Route 6: Esk Valley to Beck Hole
OS Grid Reference: NZ 822 043
Linear route of 5km (there and back)
This is a fantastic outing, along a section of disused railway line, in the company of the tumbling Murk Esk. Take a journey through bluebell woods and fields as well as catching a glimpse of steam trains on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Route 7: Crow Wood at The Moors National Park Centre, Danby
OS Grid Reference: NZ 717 084
Circular route of 400m
After you’ve explored the Centre and had a bite to eat in the tearooms why not take a turn around Crow Wood?
Route 8: Kettleness Coastal Trail
OS Grid Reference: NZ 832 155
Linear route of 2.6km (there and back)
If you fancy getting to grips with the splendour of the Heritage Coast then this is the route for you! Fresh seaside air and tremendous views of Runswick Bay await you on this gem of a trail.
Other trails:
Sutton Bank
OS Grid Reference: SE 516 831
How to get there: 9km east of Thirsk and 12km west of Helmsley on the A170.
At the top of the very steep Sutton Bank you’ll find a National Park Centre, tearooms and toilets (RADAR key required) - all of which are accessible to wheelchair users (refer to the ‘Attractions and countryside sites in and around the National Park’ section for full details). The Sutton Bank National Park Centre is also the starting point for Easy Going Route number 1 - Sutton Bank & the White Horse - see individual route card for full details. The White Horse trail follows the escarpment edge in a southerly direction but the path to the north, overlooking Lake Gormire, is also accessible for about a kilometre or so.
Dalby Forest (north of Thornton le Dale)
Crosscliff Trail and viewpoint
OS Grid Reference: SE 896 914
A short easy access trail (smooth path with gentle slopes between 1:20 and 1:15) takes you to the viewpoint at Crosscliff. The trail is about 800m long. There are excellent views over Langdale Forest and the surrounding area including Blakey Topping a pudding basin shaped hill of ice age origin. The route also passes Dargate Dikes, ancient earthworks of unknown origin.
How to get there: Crosscliff is signed off the Dalby Forest Drive about 10km north of Low Dalby Visitor Centre and about 1.5km south of the north eastern toll point. Follow the stone road for about 1.5km to Crosscliff.
Bickley Gate
OS Grid Reference: SE 910 910
A small car park and picnic place.
How to get there: Bickley Gate is on the Dalby Forest Drive about 11km north of Low Dalby Visitor Centre or about 1.5km south of the north eastern toll point.
Waitcliff Trail (starts at Bickley Gate)
An all ability trail (reasonably smooth path with some slopes between 1:15 and 1:20) following compacted stone paths and a forest road around the rim of Waitcliff high above Deepdale and Langdale Forest. The trail is about 2km long. This is a very flat route but short sections may be flooded in very wet weather. There is a fine view from the northern tip of Waitcliff. This is a good area for butterflies on a sunny day.
Egton Bridge - Grosmont Old Toll Road
OS Grid References: NZ 805 053 (Egton Bridge) – NZ 824 055 (Grosmont)
The old Toll road (track) from Egton Bridge to Grosmont is mostly on a level limestone surface. It is 2.25km long and is a pleasant route although it is often in poor condition for wheelchairs. A non-disabled companion is recommended to accompany wheelchair users. It is possible to travel on the Esk Valley Railway from Egton Bridge to Grosmont and then follow the toll road back to make a circular route. Call the National Rail Enquiries line for information on 08457 48 49 50 and refer to the ‘Getting around' section of this website for further details.
Farndale (Low Mill)
OS Grid References: SE 673 952 (Low Mill) – SE 670 957 (pond)
The Farndale daffodil path is suitable for wheelchair users from the car park at Low Mill to a small pond part way along. This is a linear route of about 1.5km (there and back) with a hard, compacted surface. There is a relatively steep gradient at the Low Mill end of the trail. A non-disabled companion is recommended to accompany wheelchairs users. There are wheelchair accessible toilets (RADAR key required) at Low Mill.
Commondale – Castleton
OS Grid References: NZ 664 102 (Fowl Green Farm, Commondale) – NZ 682 087 (0.5km from Castleton station)
This trail follows a bridleway, which has been upgraded to make it accessible for wheelchair users. It is a linear route of 2.5km (5km there and back). The surface is mostly level but there are gradients to overcome in places. It is possible to travel on the Esk Valley Railway from Castleton to Commondale and then follow the trail back to make a circular route. Please note that the Castleton end of the trail is 0.5km away from the station. Access to the station is via a minor road (downwards if travelling from the direction of Commondale).
