A Harrogate disability charity has launched a range of accessible route packs to help more people to access the outdoors.

Open Country has produced a range of ‘breakfree’ packs offering inspiration on great places to walk, wheel, stroll, or cycle, covering the Harrogate district.

The charity helps people with disabilities to access the countryside. It offers daily activities for disabled people, including walks, conservation projects, allotment clubs, tandems clubs and adventure clubs.

The packs have been launched to celebrate National Walking Month, which takes place in May.

The Harrogate routes include the Beryl Burton cycleway, Staveley Nature Reserve, Pateley Bridge Glasshouses and the Valley Gardens.

A spokesperson for Open Country said:

“The free packs have been specially developed with wheelchair users in mind, but they could also support anyone who might struggle with exercise, limited mobility or even families with pushchairs.”

“Each trail features clear, colour maps for each location, with all the information needed to help plan a trip out, including access to facilities and points of interest.”

Open Country walks

The ‘breakfree packs’ also cover Leeds, Wakefield, Wharfedale and York. A range of audio walks are also available on the Open Country website or on their YouTube channel, so that people can enjoy fully descriptive walks from the comfort of their own home.

The charity also provides advice for landowners and organisations on accessibility issues through its Countryside Advice Service.

Packs are available to download here or the charity can to deliver or post packs in bulk to organisations. To request packs contact community@opencountry.org

An available breakfree map from Open Country, the Beryl Burton cycleway

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(Lead image: Pixabay)

The region boasts many natural wonders, but one phenomena that never fails to bring the wow factor is the waterfall, and there are plenty of impressive examples dotted throughout the landscape.

From the popular to the tucked away, here are some unmissable walks in Yorkshire that include waterfalls en route.

Did you know? The reason that so many waterfalls have the word foss or force in their name can be traced back to the Vikings. Foss is the Old Norse word for waterfall –  this is the same case with beck, fell, ghyll or gill.

Scaleber Foss, Settle

(Image: Pixabay)

Outside of Settle and on the road to Malham, Scaleber Foss is a great stop-off point to stretch your legs if you’re on a longer journey into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Although it’s a short, and well-signed route to the waterfall, there is a steep descent to the lower pool, passing a disused lime kiln on the way.

Once you’ve reached the bottom, there’s a large pool in which the waterfall cascades into, from a 40 foot drop.

Parking: There’s free parking along the verges and in the lay-by around Scaleber Bridge.

Don’t miss… The pool is a great spot to paddle when it’s warm, but take care as it isn’t always accessible, especially after periods of bad weather.

Force Gill, Whernside

Ribbleshead Viaduct can be seen on the walk (Image: Benedict Roberts)

Whernside is best known for being one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks – but did you know there’s a waterfall cascading off one of its sides?

Passing the iconic Ribbleshead Viaduct on the way there and back, you’ll need to deviate from the footpath that climbs Whernside at the gate on Smithy Hill.

Parking: There’s free roadside parking near the viaduct, but this can be popular, especially in summer months.

Don’t miss… The Settle to Carlisle railway passes over the viaduct, so you might be able to spot the billowing smoke of a steam train.

River Nidd Falls, Lofthouse

(Image: Pixabay)

These waterfalls don’t have an official name on the map, but they’re commonly referred to as Nidd Falls.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just outside the hamlet of Lofthouse, there’s a series of waterfalls to be discovered in the woodland, with pools that can be paddled in – carefully, of course.

If you’re looking for a longer walk, Scar House Reservoir is also located nearby, and offers a four-mile stroll around the expanse of water.

Parking: There are several places to park depending on the length of your walk; Lofthouse car park, the village itself or the access road near Scar House Reservoir.

Don’t miss… If you’re feeling peckish there’s plenty of places to refuel in Lofthouse, including the Crown Hotel, which is known for serving classic pub food, to be washed down with local ales.

Janet’s Foss, Malham

(Image: Pixabay)

It would be remiss to not mention this popular Yorkshire Dales walk, which takes in the iconic scenery of Malham – arguably more famous for the limestone pavement at Malham Cove.

Starting from the village, a footpath winds its way along the River Aire, through meadow and woodland, before reaching Janet’s Foss.

While local folklore tells of the queen of the fairies calling the area home, a less magical – but just as surprising – historical use for the pool beneath the waterfall was as a sheep dip.

Parking: There’s a car park in Malham village, but it is advised to arrive early to secure a space.

Don’t miss… The award-winning farm shop and café Town End Farm Shop is located on Malham Road, two miles outside of the village. If you’re looking for a unique experience, it runs charcuterie, salumi and curing courses throughout the year.

Mallyan Spout, Goathland

Mallyan Spout

Recognised as the highest waterfall in the North York Moors National Park at over 70 feet, Mallyan Spout was popular with tourists as far back as the Victorian era.

Accessible from Goathland, the walk can be challenging in parts, with large boulders to navigate as you near the waterfall. Walkers looking for a longer route often combine a visit to Mallyan Spout with Beck Hole, Thomason Foss and Nelly Ayre Foss.   

The path can be slippery, especially in wet weather, so caution is advised.

Parking: There’s a pay and display car park in Goathland village and by the train station.

Don’t miss… Goathland station was featured in the Harry Potter film franchise, as Hogsmeade station, otherwise known as the stop for Hogwarts.

Lumb Falls, Hebden Bridge

The river at Midgehole (Image: Greg Wilson/unsplash)

Lumb Falls is located three miles outside of Hebden Bridge and two miles away from Hardcastle Crags.

The route can vary in length; approximately 1.7 miles one way from Hardcastle Crags and 3 miles one way from Hebden Bridge.

From either direction, you can enjoy peaceful woodland scenery, with some uphill sections.

Parking: For walks starting near Hardcastle Crags, there’s Midgehole car park. Alternatively, if you’re starting in Hebden Bridge there are numerous pay-and-display car parks in the centre.

Don’t miss… Hebden Bridge is well worth a visit, and is known for being an artist’s haven, with numerous independent businesses to explore.

Hardraw Force, Hawes

Hardraw Force

Reputed to be England’s highest single drop waterfall at 100 feet, Hardraw Force has been immortalised in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves but it was already famous in its own right as a beautiful feature of the Dales landscape.

Tucked behind the Green Dragon Inn, the short trail to Hardraw Force is accessible for a small fee, as the land is privately owned. For a longer route, walkers often set off from the charming market town of Hawes and follow the River Ure.

Parking: The Green Dragon car park, or the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park in the centre of Hawes.

Don’t miss… The clearing below the waterfall lends itself to great acoustics, providing a perfect – and scenic – backdrop for the annual Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival.

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