As well as our five Tramper hubs, there are lots of accessible places to visit for an outdoor adventure.
Please remember that these are countryside sites, so the surface of the paths may be affected by the weather. You should also consider the suitability of your chair and strength of the person pushing, although all our promoted 'Miles without Stiles' walks are designed to be easy going with no hazards. We do advise that you contact individual sites to check their suitability for your own needs or if you have any queries.
If getting out on the water is more your thing, we've got more ideas on our Days out on the coast. Or if you prefer something more relaxing, check out our accessible Nature experiences.
Cod Beck Reservoir, Osmotherley
Yorkshire Water's popular reservoir walk is open to wheelchair users with a RADAR-key-operated gate on the western side of the reservoir, close to the car park. This means access for all to a route that’s level, sheltered and highly scenic – and much used by dog-walkers, birdwatchers and picnickers. Grayling geese - our largest native geese are a common sight at Cod Back.
The walk has no steps, stiles and the gates can be opened wider with RADAR keys for increased mobility.
Download the Cod Beck walking guide
Dalby Forest
Dalby Forest is a real favourite for walkers, cyclists, families, stargazers and wildlife-watchers, and there’s a choice of well-signposted routes for anyone with mobility issues.
- Ellerburn short trail – 2.8km (1.7miles) is the best-known, a multi-user pathway for walkers, accessible bikes and wheelchair users, as well as being a safe and accessible route for children on bikes and parents with pushchairs (look out en route for the Gruffalo!).
- Staindale Lake trail – 0.6km (0.4miles). This lovely trail circles Staindale Lake along boardwalks and well-surfaced paths. Great views across the water and its abundant resident wildlife.
- Nissen Hut trail – 1km (0.6miles). Follow the waymarkers to reach the Nissen Hut sculpture by Rachel Whiteread DBE which commemorates the Forestry Commission Centenary in 2019.
- Crosscliff View trail – 0.8km (0.5miles). An easy access trail with stunning views over the North York Moors moorland from the viewpoint. Birds of prey can be seen along this route.
- Waitcliff Trail, Bickley Gate – 2km (1.25miles). Enjoy a gentle stroll around the edge of the plateau high above the hamlets of Bickley and Deepdale. There are wonderful viewpoints around the trail which follow a quiet and level forest road and gravel-surfaced paths.
- Jerry Noddle viewpoint – 3.8km (2.4miles). Follow the forest road to the Jerry Noddle sculpture for spectacular views over Upper Langdale Valley. The road is flat and well surfaced.
Mobility scooters and two Trampers are available for hire by visitors; please book in advance. The visitor centre has level access, an accessible toilet and a hearing loop. You can also enjoy a 9 mile drive through the forest with walks and picnic stops.
Check out Dalby Forest's Accessibility Guide
Dalby Forest Cycle Hub
You can choose from a great range of adapted cycles from Dalby Forest Cycle Hub. Rob, Peter and the rest of the team go the extra mile with individual customers and work to open up more opportunities for anyone to feel that sense of freedom, excitement and immersion in the forest. They’ll get you on your way onto the easy access Ellerburn Trail.
Read Dalby Forest Cycle Hub's Accessibility Guide
Go Ape
And why not try Go Ape? Take to the tree-tops for an aerial adventure and see Dalby Forest from a completely different perspective. Go Ape Dalby take pride in sharing their activities with as many people as possible. They’re all about creating adventures and encouraging everyone to live life adventurously. All of our activities are designed to be accessible (Treetop Challenge, Treetop Adventure and Forest Segway), but they do offer a degree of physical and mental challenge. This may mean that additional equipment, adjustments to their training and/or levels of supervision will be required for safe participation. And, for some, the residual risks of injury may still be too great despite the implementation of additional measures, preventing their safe use of the course.
Treetop Challenge course
Participants are required to attend a 30 minute safety briefing, to understand how to stay safe and what might happens if the strict safety rules and advice are not followed. Participants will need to be able to climb a number of rope ladders, attach karabiners to the safety system or manoeuvre safety system trolleys, cross obstacles and run into landing zones at the bottom of zip wires.
Treetop Adventure course
Participants will need to understand the safety rules and advice, be physically able to cross obstacles, manoeuvre safety system trolleys and run into landing zones at the bottom of zip wires.
Forest Segway sessions
All participants must be able to stand unaided for the full hour of the session and attend a safety brief that lasts up to 15 minutes. Participants are also required to control the Segway and follow the instructor’s line and other instructions, usually hand signals after the initial safety brief. Whilst the machine balances itself, it cannot be used as a support for the rider. All riders must be able to maintain three points of contact with the Segway whilst riding.
To make your adventure tremendous, they cannot stress enough how important it is to contact them well in advance. The more notice they have, the better they will be able to make adjustments to their system and staffing to be able to accommodate you and your party and have the best possible experience. For example, groups with additional needs may prefer to come on quieter days when you will have more time to complete the course without being closely followed by others.
Before you enjoy an adventure at Go Ape, find out about additional support available.
Sutton Bank
Sutton Bank is a popular place for cyclists and walkers, including a number of accessible walks:
- A short, circular route, 500m from Sutton Bank National Park Centre takes you to 'The Finest View in England' with an accessible viewing platform.
- There are two tramper routes that extend further along the Cleveland Way. One passes 'England's Finest View' and continues to a turning circle one mile north of the National Park Centre. The second crosses the main road and continues along the escarpment for a mile to the white horse hill figure.
- Our Miles without Stiles (For many) route will take you to Kilburn White Horse. Cross over the road (cross with care), and head towards the White Horse landmark. There are stunning views and seating, overlooking the beautiful North York Moors countryside.
- Our Miles without Stiles (For some) route offers a longer alternative (5¼ mile / 8.5km).
Our 'green' cycle trails which passes through woodland is suitable for visitors who have adaptive bikes. We recommend that you speak with the staff at Sutton Bank Bikes to discuss your individual needs.
Find out more in Sutton Bank National Park Centre's Accessibility Guide
Other walking ideas
You can view all of our graded 'Miles without Stiles' routes for more inspiration. For other easy access walks in and around the National Park, check out:
- Disabled Ramblers have developed a series of Walking with Wheels routes. Follow the links to the North East England region to find their North York Moors routes.
- The Cinder Track from Whitby to Hawsker (3 miles) and from Hawsker to Robin Hood's Bay (3 miles) is easy going, with no hazards for wheelchairs, scooters or trampers.
- Cleveland Way National Trail - downloadable easy access routes on the National Trail website - including a more challenging 5-mile circuit at Sutton Bank suitable for people with a wheelchair, mobility scooter, hand cycle mountain bike or mountain trike.
- Mulgrave Woods at Sandsend has a number of possible routes (4 miles, circular) suitable for all types of wheelchair or scooter (open Wednesdays and weekends throughout the year except May when the woods are closed).
- Outdooractive - smartphone app and website, with lots of downloadable route guides, including the North York Moors area (app is free, OS mapping available to buy).
Virtual walks
Our virtual walks are a great way to access the North York Moors National Park from the comfort of your own home, whether you live far away, are short on time, avoiding the rain or looking for an escape, our virtual walks are for everyone.
Guided walks with Walk Yorkshire
Whether it's route planning or an experienced trail guide you're looking for, former Royal Marine Mountain Leader, Kevin Borwell has over 30 years experience walking and exploring the trails within the National Park. Walk Yorkshire's Access for All Programme has six routes mapped out that are accessible to people with limited mobility, wheelchair users and those with sensory impairments.
Fishing
Scaling Dam Reservoir is surrounded by beautiful wild heather moorland and is relatively shallow, making it an excellent choice for both coarse and pike anglers alike.
Scaling Dam is accessible for all anglers, with an accessible fishing platform on the west side close to the car park. There are car parks at each end of the reservoir for easy access to fishing points. There are accessible toilet facilities at the western end of the reservoir for all visitors.
Scaling Dam's site map shows the location of the accessible platform
Horse riding
Friars Hill Riding Stables at Sinnington is an Accessibility Mark Centre, a centre affiliated to the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). It has met specific criteria endorsed by RDA and each centre receives ongoing training and support. Friars Hill caters for riders of all abilities, from complete beginners to more advanced riders, including disabled riders in their RDA group. Please contact friarshillridingstables@gmail.com to find out more.