Top Accessible Walks With The National Trust

We want everyone to be able to get out into the countryside with friends and family and enjoy breathing fresh air whilst experiencing the sights, sounds, textures and smells of nature. Our partners at The National Trust have created some great multi-use trails that enable people to experience nature and wildlife without having to go off the beaten track. Utilising well maintained paths and easy terrain, these routes are suitable for buggy walks, wheelchairs and mobility aids and we've picked out some of our favourites to explore.

In 2020 we collaborated with the Trust to create a mini-series to get you inspired and prepared for your next adventure - watch presenter Lizzie Daly exploring an accessible trail at Blickling Estate:

Did our video get you in the mood for exploring the countryside? Why not follow the same trail? This flat multi-use trail is accessible for people with buggies and young children, as well as those using wheelchairs and mobility aids, and will take you through woodland and across farmland. There's also wildlife and historical monuments to discover along the way.

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This route takes you through Killerton's park along firm footpaths before heading into the hillside garden. From here, the trail follows gravel paths beneath trees that are full of blossom and flowers in spring, lush and shady in summer, redolent in red in autumn, and architecturally bare in winter. Keep an eye out for the giant redwood, the tallest tree in the garden. The route is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible, although there are a few ascents and descents along the way.

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This circular parkland trail takes in some of the estate’s great wildlife-spotting places, as well as a fascinating medieval castle and 17th-century mansion. It is on mostly level ground and the Dragonfly Walk stretch of this trail is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible.

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This accessible clifftop trail boasts incredible views of the Giant's Causeway and is suitable for visitors with mobility concerns, as well as prams, and young children. If the weather is clear, Scotland and the Inishowen Peninsula in Ireland are both visible and at Runkerry Head, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins and porpoises swimming in the bay.

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This flat family-friendly trail takes you around two of Cragside's lakes, which used to supply power and water to the house and gardens during Victorian times. The route is short and mostly level, though there are some steps. However here, there is an alternate route option for buggies and wheelchairs following the blue waymark discs. The lakes are now a haven for wildlife so look out for frogs, toads and herons.

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This short cliff-top trail offers a fantastic introduction to the South West Coast Path, with far-reaching views over Sidmouth, High Peak, Ladrum Bay and more. The well-maintained gravel path is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, so everyone can enjoy a bit of fresh coastal air. Bring a flask and pause to the admire the view from one of the clifftop benches.

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Follow this multi-use trail through quiet woodland and historic carriageways with gorgeous views of the house and parkland. The smooth gravel track makes it perfect for family outings as the route is fairly flat and both pushchair and wheelchair friendly. You can also loan off-road wheelchairs from reception. Other highlights include great picnicking spots, native trees and the estate's herd of red ruby cattle.

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This circular trail, which is suitable for wheelchairs, has beautiful views over the Roseland's landscape of water and woodlands. The route takes you up gentle slopes overlooking Porth Creek and Froe, bordering farmland and meadows and weaving through woodland, before leading you back down along the creek-side to your finish.

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Although peaceful today, Bembridge and Culver Downs were once a scene of much military activity. This fairly flat route ambles along the top of the downs, giving fascinating insights into the Isle of Wight’s role in wartime defence and intelligence. The walk is suitable for most wheelchairs and offers spectacular views over Sandown Bay, Whitecliff Bay and Brading Haven.

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Follow this multi-use trail past Ickworth Lodge and along the River Linnet, meandering through Ickworth's historic estate. The terrain is flat with gentle slopes, and along the way you'll also discover a restored church with a 13th-century altar and a twisted old oak tree, a popular tea-party spot. This trail has firm footing and is suitable for those using wheelchairs and mobility aids, as well as for buggies and young children. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially buzzards, kingfishers and deer.

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Admire views of lakes and mountains on this easy circular trail that can be enjoyed by all the family. The route follows an established, level surfaced path suitable for mobility aids and buggies, with an extension leading up to overlook the Tarn available for the more ruggedly equipped. Look out for fluffy Belted Galloway cows grazing.

Note: Part of the path around Tarn Hows is currently closed due to emergency felling. For your safety, please follow all signs and avoid any closed areas.

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SHOP WALKING

For more National Trust accessible walks visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/features/our-top-accessible-walks