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05
Jun
Boost to accessibility in Nidderdale following three-way collaboration
More people will be able to get out and enjoy the Nidderdale countryside thanks to a new initiative to make the area more accessible.
An important step forward in making the countryside more inclusive has been taken in Nidderdale, with the launch of new accessibility resources and improvements supported by Nidderdale National Landscape.
Harrogate-based charity Open Country has teamed up with Yorkshire Water and Nidderdale National Landscape to launch the initiative, which includes new Breakfree activity packs for people with disabilities, accessible picnic benches, and all-terrain wheelchairs available to use at key sites around the dale, including Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey. More sites will be added over the summer.
These improvements form part of the Access the Dales project, which aims to remove barriers for people with limited mobility so they can enjoy the countryside more easily and confidently.
Iain Mann, manager of the Nidderdale National Landscape – which was formerly called the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – said the collaboration showed what could be achieved when organisations worked together to promote equality of access to the countryside.
He said:
We're proud to support Open Country's work to make our beautiful landscapes more accessible. Everyone should have the chance to experience the well-being benefits of time in nature, and these new resources will help more people do just that in Nidderdale.
The new Breakfree packs are full of local walks and activity ideas designed with accessibility in mind. They have been created by Open Country’s team, with input from people with lived experience of disability.
The launch also saw the installation of new accessible picnic benches and promotion of all-terrain vehicles that can be borrowed by people wanting to explore sites such as Thruscross Reservoir.
Open Country chief officer David Shaftoe said:
We want to open up the countryside to everyone, regardless of ability. These new additions will make a real difference for people who may otherwise struggle to enjoy the outdoors.
A 2024 survey of people with mobility issues and their carers carried out by Country Living UK found that more than two in every three respondents (68%) faced problems accessing the countryside and 93% had to make extensive preparations before going on a country walk.
Most (71%) always research their route online in advance to make sure they avoid stiles, steps, cattle grids, narrow gates and narrow bridges.
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