Access For All
Nidderdale AONB, like many upland areas, might appear to have
little to offer those with impaired mobility. However, there
are a number of rights of way and visitor attractions that are
already accessible and work on improving and creating new
routes is ongoing.
Much of this work is undertaken in partnership with Open
Country - a Harrogate based organisation that
seeks to enable anyone with any disability to access the
countryside.
The AONB have provided Open Country with funding to
support a number of projects including the Trail Blazers, a
group of adults who have learning disabilities or mental health
issues. The group tackle projects which help improve access
to the countryside for all. Projects so far have included
path surface repairs, vegetation control and revetment.
October 2005 saw the start of a new joint project with
Open Country - the creation of a visitor pack with ideas for
walks and days suitable for the disabled, families with push chairs
and the elderly.
The pack contains 11 walk route cards, with 6 further
suggestions for sites in the AONB that have suitable trails. Each
walk or outdoor place is graded by surface and slope of the paths,
and the maps detail areas where there are steps, gates, features of
interest and amenitites. The 'Breakfree packs' are for use by
anyone, but have a special relevance for those with restricted
mobility, such as wheelchair users and elderly people. They are
also invaluable for parents with pushchairs!
The 'Breakfree pack' is available for £2 plus 60
pence postage. If you would like a copy of the pack please contact
the AONB office for
more details or send a cheque for £2.60 made payable to
'Harrogate Borough Council' to the AONB
office at the address at the bottom of the page.
To find out more about 'Access for All' walks
and attractions please visit the Accessible
AONB section of our Visitors website.