Easy access walks

Walks for all in the North York Moors

The walks we describe as 'easy access' are short, fairly level routes, suitable for wheelchairs, scooters capable of travelling over rough ground, trampers and robust pushchairs. 

Please remember that these are countryside walks, 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 'easy access' walks are designed to be easy going with no hazards.

There are currently six easy access routes available (between half a mile and 3 miles in length):
Cawthorn Roman Camps (near Cropton)
Esk Valley (near Grosmont)
Rosedale Mineral Railway (Rosedale Abbey)
Runswick Bay
Staindale Lake (Dalby Forest)
Sutton Bank (National Park Centre)

Parts of our other promoted routes may also be suitable – like the daffodil walk at Farndale, for example.

In addition:

• 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
• At Whitby Abbey, a wheelchair-accessible trail leads from Abbey Fields turning area out along the cliffs, with a ramp offering access down to Whitby Holiday Park (where there's a café and toilet)
• A RADAR-key-operated gate on the western side of Cod Beck Reservoir, Osmotherley, provides access for all to a level, sheltered and scenic circular route
• Mulgrave Woods at Sandsend has a number of possible routes (4 miles, circular) suitable for all types of wheelchair or scooter
• Guisborough Forest Walkway has waymarked, compacted gravel paths, suitable for all users, and there's an accessible visitor centre and disabled toilets on site

More easy access walks

For other easy access walks in and around the National Park, check out the following:

• 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
• Dalby Forest - a choice of well-signposted routes, including the Ellerburn Trail (a multi-user pathway), the Watcliff Trail and Staindale Lake Trail  
• Disabled Ramblers - helping mobility-challenged people get out into the countryside
• Viewranger - smartphone app and website, with lots of downloadable route guides, including the North York Moors area (app is free, OS mapping available to buy)

Moorsbus offers accessible public transport across the National Park and surrounding areas (seasonal weekend and bank holiday services only). For information on accessible daily services that operate year-round, please see Getting around the North York Moors.

Tramp around the North York Moors

A Tramper is an electric all-terrain mobility scooter available for use at Sutton Bank National Park Centre and Ravenscar Visitor Centre. The scooter has been designed specifically to cover rough ground including mud, grass, cambers and steeper inclines safely, allowing visitors with limited or poor mobility who have difficulty walking to explore iconic beauty spots in the North York Moors.

The North York Moors Mobility scheme has been set up in partnership with Lake District Mobility. It's part of our continued commitment to make more of our beautiful places accessible to those who are less physically able.

Tramper information

• The Tramper is available from Tuesdays to Fridays at Sutton Bank (for a period covering morning or afternoon)
• The Tramper is also available at Ravenscar Visitor Centre on Fridays at 10am and 1pm
• First time users must undertake a short training session to become an Annual Member for £10 or as Temporary Member for £2.50 (which lasts for two weeks and can be upgraded to a full membership by paying the difference)
• Annual membership lasts 12 months and, as well as the two Trampers in the North York Moors, members can also make use of the Trampers at sites in the Lake District and all 47 Countryside Mobility sites in South West England
• To avoid disappointment all bookings must be made in advance
• Trampers are limited to a speed of 4mph with an age restriction of 14 and above
• The maximum weight limit to use a Tramper is 25 stone (158 kilos)
• Hire duration depends on site and route
• Hire is free for all members
• Please show your member card at the centres to show you’ve had training

To find out more and to start exploring, book your Tramper session through the North York Moors Mobility Website.