Finding accessible walks here in Cumbria can be difficult. There are countless blogs on how to enjoy the beautiful countryside, but many routes involve stairs, hiking or off-road trails.

We know that just a few hours outdoors can improve your mood and fitness, but what if you aren’t able-bodied or require flat, smooth paths? You still want to enjoy what Cumbria has to offer, but your needs may be slightly different?

Laura Earl knows just of these struggles. Having overcome a brain tumour and facing severe mobility issues, Laura Earl understands the challenges of accessing the Cumbrian countryside.

Laura has come up with 30 great accessible walks to celebrate Disabled Access Day 2026 which was earlier in the week, on March 16, which can be enjoyed by all abilities and ages – and all can be reached by Stagecoach buses.

Carlisle-born Laura and her family created the Hiking Household website during lockdown, which has since suggested hundreds of walks. But complications after surgery on a brain tumour in 2024 left her in a wheelchair and on a long recovery path to walking again.

So she knows firsthand the importance of keeping active and being able to get out into the countryside – and she wants to encourage other people to do the same. These walks are all accessible and vary in length from less than a mile to more than two.

They are designed to help all abilities access the great outdoors, whether that be using a stick, wheels or on foot – there is something for everyone.

For bus times, visit the Stagecoach website or download the Stagecoach Bus app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store. A disability bus pass allows the cardholder to travel free of charge on most Stagecoach buses in Scotland, England and Wales.

North Cumbria

Dalston Village Loop Image The Hiking Household

Dalston Village Loop, Dalston

Distance: 1.6 miles, there are plenty of places to explore within Dalston but I find this route works for us
Bus service: 554
Difficulty: easy/moderate

Dalston is a large village approximately four miles southwest of Carlisle. It is flat and wheelchair friendly, and there are plenty of benches for those, like me, who need to rest. It can also incorporate a play at Dalston Play Park, a great way of getting children to complete the walk – a promise of a picnic and play at the park always works a treat! There are some wonderful facilities within Dalston, including a Co-op, a church, a village hall and a play park. There are also some lovely food establishments – a butcher's and a great baguette shop! You are able to get outside in the fresh air and also collect any essentials you may need – a great accessible walk that we regularly use.

Hammonds Pond

Hammond’s Pond, Carlisle

Distance: 0.8 miles – perimeter walk, 0.5 miles – circular walk
Bus service: Bus route: 67
Difficulty: easy

Hammonds Pond is a park situated in Upperby, to the south of the city of Carlisle, and is a fantastic green space for those of all ages and abilities. The play area caters for all ages; there is also a younger play area and an older area too. The paths are all accessible – it is a smooth path for those in a wheelchair, something that I find particularly difficult to come across. Hammonds Pond offers a lovely circular route around the pond; the well-surfaced paths allow easy access for wheelchairs, bikes, scooters and prams. With plenty of ducks, swans and lots of birds to look out for, there is an abundance of entertainment for the whole family!

Petteril Valley, Harraby

Distance: This walk can be as long, or as short, as you would like. Some loops are as short as 0.6 miles, others are longer at 2 miles
Bus service: 61 or 104
Difficulty: easy/moderate

Petteril Valley Park is a lovely green space south of the city of Carlisle. We love the wide, tarmac paths and the two play areas at either end of this walk. It is a great, safe and easy walk, as it is pedestrianised throughout and is well away from a road. It is an ideal place for wheelchairs, as the large, accessible path makes it easier to use. There are also plenty of places to rest for those who are ambulant but need to regularly stop. The views across Petteril Valley and over the River Petteril are so beautiful. The highlight of this walk for my little ones is how close you are to the train track. What better way to spend a morning than watching the trains speed by. It is a wonderful walk that offers lovely countryside views while also being incredibly close to the city.

Chances Park Morton Image: The Hiking Household

Chances Park, Morton

Distance: Chances Park is a 0.8 mile circular route on a mixture of gravel and tarmac paths
Bus service: 61, 63, 300 or 400
Difficulty: easy

Chances Park is a fantastic short walk, as it has perfect facilities – a community centre, library and a children’s play park! It is an ideal location for when you don’t have time for a long walk but still want to get outside! The paths in this park are pram and wheelchair accessible, making this park perfect for those with varying disabilities and for those, like me, who are also parents! This is a great safe place for the kids to enjoy time on their scooters and have a play in the park while you are able to confidently enjoy being outside.

Carlisle Heritage Walk Image: Hiking Household

Carlisle Heritage Walk

Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles
Bus service: Various routes into Carlisle City Centre
Difficulty: easy/moderate

This lovely walk through the town centre of Carlisle takes in all of the historical landmarks as you go. Being situated in the centre of Carlisle this walk is perfect for the whole family, with plenty of shops, cafes and attractions to visit. We finished our walk with a lovely trip to Carlisle Library. We started our short informative trail around Carlisle at the Tourist Information Centre in Carlisle. Here we collected a Discover Carlisle Heritage Map (a small charge applies) and headed off in search of some of Carlisle’s famous landmarks. I have to say the map really did make the walk far more interesting, especially for those with children or for those hoping to find out more about the history of Carlisle. If you were wanting to follow this map, as we did, then there are plenty of Heritage Maps available at the Tourist Information Centre in Carlisle or Brampton; a small charge applies. The walk itself is extremely accessible to both wheelchairs and ambulant walkers who struggle with longer walks. It offers a fantastic opportunity to show the wonderful heritage of our city whilst also incorporating plenty of places to rest and relax.

Gosling Sike Image Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

Gosling Sike, Houghton

Distance: 1 mile if ambulant, shorter if in a wheelchair.
Bus service: 64
Difficulty: easy/moderate

This is a short walk but with plenty to see; often it is just nice to be outside in nature. The Lost Words wildlife garden is beautiful at all different times of year, seeing all the changing seasons and watching the wildlife come to life! You are able to walk/wheel along the accessible boardwalks; on this occasion we saw lots of little lambs. If you’re wanting to go further into the woods, this isn’t accessible to wheelchairs; however, I would highly recommend the accessible route to enjoy being outdoors and exploring what nature brings.


Talkin Tarn, Brampton

Distance: 1.3 miles circular
Bus service: 685
Difficulty: moderate

Talkin Tarn is approximately ten miles east of the city of Carlisle. It is an incredibly easy, fully accessible, circular 1.3 mile walk around the tarn. There are toilets, a cafe and a children’s play park. We have spent hours here playing in the park, feeding the ducks and being chased by the geese! A brilliant way to spend a morning or afternoon, as, most importantly, there are no cars – so this fully accessible route is traffic-free, making it an easy and fun walk. Please note while there are plenty of benches on the route to rest, the path is bumpy, making it a less comfortable wheel for those in wheelchairs.

Bitts Park Image: Carlisle.gov

Bitts Park, Carlisle

Distance: 0.5 miles
Bus service: Various routes into Carlisle City Centre
Difficulty: easy

This short walk is fully accessible and includes a trip to a park for those with children with them! The paths are wide and smooth, making this ideal for wheelchair users. There are plenty of benches to rest on, and the walk itself is stunning. It is close to the city centre, so you’re able to enjoy being outside whilst also accessing the town centre if needed.

The Sands Centre to Rickerby Park, Carlisle

Distance: Approximately 2 miles, out and back
Bus service: Various routes into Carlisle City Centre
Difficulty: moderate

The Rickerby Park out and back is one of my regular go-to walks for many reasons: it is flat and great for all wheels/legs. This fully accessible route allows you to really be in nature. The new tarmac path, running from The Sands to Rickerby Park, is a perfect place for wheelchair users. The path is smooth, wide and accessible. With no steps to navigate, you can enjoy being outside without needing to worry. You are also able to use the amenities in The Sands Centre, allowing you to explore the outdoors and enjoy the café too!

Melbourne Park, Carlisle

Distance: 1 – 1.5 miles
Bus service: 63, 685
Difficulty: easy/moderate

This 1.5 mile loop is accessible and lovely for the whole family to enjoy. With many facilities on hand – a BMX track and playground to name a few – the children will never be bored. Equally, if you are hoping to get outside in a safe, accessible space, then this park is perfect. The paths are wide, there are plenty of rest stops should you need them, and it is smooth underfoot. Something that can be difficult to find at times.



West Cumbria

Castle Park Whitehaven

Castle Park, Whitehaven

Distance: up to 0.5 miles
Bus service: 3, 22, 22A, 30, 600 or X7
Difficulty: moderate

Castle Park in Whitehaven is well used by families, dog walkers and tourists taking in the great outdoors. The park itself is relatively small, providing an easy, gentle walk on wide, tarmac paths. The park is pram and wheelchair accessible, and there is a large grassed area at the front – ideal for playing games and enjoying a family picnic on a warm day. The newly renovated adventure playground is fantastic for children up to age 11. Here you can find swings, climbing frames and much more! The park is also located next to Whitehaven Castle, where many of the original features still remain, such as the stone bandstand.

Cleator Moor C2C Path Image Hiking Household

Cleator Moor, C2C Path

Distance: 4 mile out-and-back route, you are able to go further along this path if you would like.
Bus service: 30 & 22A
Difficulty: moderate/hard

This cycleway can be found in Cleator Moor, walking distance from the high street. This walk is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the path is flat and wide, perfect for pushchairs or wheelchairs. There are benches scattered along this path, making it a perfect place to take a rest and enjoy the scenery. Look out for the sculptures along the path which were designed by local school children. This fully accessible cycleway is wonderful and safe for those of all abilities. Don’t forget you are able to take any route along this cycleway; it continues all the way to nearby villages such as Frizington and Rowrah.

Walkmill Community Woodlands, Whitehaven

Distance: Approx 1.5 miles
Bus service: 1 & 1A
Difficulty: moderate

You are able to pick up the path in the far corner of the Walkmill Wood car park; it’s very easy to follow, and you can’t go wrong. This path is accessible and well away from the road, perfect for wheelchair users and for any little legs in the group. Please be mindful that there are lots of small ponds and streams. You can access all information at https://www.walkmill.org. Here you can find out all access information, the different trails and what’s on.

Harrington Nature Reserve Workington Image: The Hiking Household

Harrington Nature Reserve, Workington

Distance: 1 mile
Bus service: 30 or 52
Difficulty: easy/moderate

Harrington Nature Reserve is located in the Workington area and is perfect for a quick, easy stroll. This beautiful nature reserve really is worth a visit; you can see beautiful flowers in the meadows, birds hiding in the woodlands and many unusual and rare habitats. The nature reserve itself is fully accessible with wide tarmac paths. However, the woodland walk close to Eller Beck is NOT accessible; this path can get narrow and wet at times.

Vulcan Park, Workington

Distance: 0.5 miles
Bus service: multiple Stagecoach routes into Workington
Difficulty: easy

This 14-acre town centre park is situated in the centre of Workington, making it accessible to all. The park is only a ten-minute walk from the centre of town, and it is a fantastic place to enjoy the great outdoors. The wide tarmac paths make this an ideal walk for those with a pushchair or wheelchair. There is also a lovely little play area, which is fenced off, making it even safer for our little ones. If you have children of older ages, you can also find a playing field, a basketball court and a small agility course. There really is something for all ages and abilities here.

We love this day out for the incredible facilities and accessible paths on offer. With a children’s play area, bowling green, lawns for picnics and much more, there really is something for all ages to enjoy here.

Allonby to Maryport, English Coast Path

Distance: 4 miles, from Allonby to Milefortlet 21 and back. You could continue on the Cumbrian Coastal Path to Maryport.
Bus service: 60
Difficulty: moderate/hard

This is a fantastic walk for the whole family to enjoy. You are able to enjoy a trip down to the sea and an ice cream at Allonby Beach, followed by a safe and accessible stroll along the new coastal path. This route follows a popular section of the Cumbria Coastal Way and runs for a total distance of 5.5 miles from Allonby to Maryport. We love this walk, as it offers so much for families to do and see whilst on a safe, fully accessible path.

Dubwath Silver Meadows

Distance: approximately 1 mile
Bus route: X4 or X5
Difficulty: easy/moderate

This is a lovely, easy route surrounded by beautiful views of the Lake District. This is a route that is certainly accessible to all, including wheelchairs. It is also close to Bassenthwaite Lake if you decide to head there afterwards.
Dubwath Silver Meadows may be a short walk, but it is in a prime location for so many things. The boardwalks make it safe, flat and fully accessible.

Friars Crag Keswick

Friars Crag, Keswick

Distance: 2 miles
Bus route: Multiple buses into Keswick
Difficulty: moderate

This two-mile walk is a relatively level route and makes a wonderful accessible walk. The boardwalk allows wheelchair users to enjoy the great outdoors and also makes this a fun walk for those with children who enjoy going on their scooters! Friars Crag is great for those needing wheelchair access, as the paths are accessible from the Theatre By The Lake to the Friars Crag viewpoint.

Egremont Castle Image by Visit Cumbria

Egremont Castle

Distance: 0.4miles
Bus route: 30, 32 or X7
Difficulty: easy

The castle grounds are easy to access for all – it is walking distance from the town centre, and there are also many bus routes close by. The park can be accessed from Bookwell Road. We love this space for the incredible history and stunning castle ruins. This 0.4 mile walk is fully accessible and a lovely walk for all ages and abilities. The route walks the perimeter of the castle grounds and takes in the beautiful surroundings.


South Cumbria

Barrow Park, Barrow-in-Furness

Distance: 0.5-0.8 miles
Bus service: 1, 4, 6 , 6A or X6
Difficulty: easy

Barrow Park is located in Barrow-in-Furness. This traditional park is easy to access for all, and it is walking distance from the town centre. The park can be accessed from Abbey Road, Park Drive, Park Avenue and Greengate Street. The park itself is pram and wheelchair accessible with wide, tarmac paths.

We love this day out for the incredible facilities on offer. Barrow Park provides bowling facilities, a putting green, a boating lake and a display glasshouse. There is also a miniature railway and play area for younger children. A concrete skate park is accessible from Park Drive, and a cafe is available between Easter and October. This park is also within walking distance from Barrow Park Leisure Centre for those wanting to visit here before or after their walk. A fantastic, accessible-for-all walk in the fresh air.

Lightburn Park, Ulverston

Distance: 0.3 miles
Bus service: 6, 6A or X6
Difficulty: easy

Lightburn Park is a wonderful green space for families of all ages located in Ulverston. With a children’s play area, skate ramp, five-a-side football pitch, basketball court and a sensory garden, there really is something for all ages to enjoy. The paths are wide and easily accessible for wheelchair users. There are also plenty of benches for those, like me, who need a well-earned rest.

Fell Foot Newby Bridge Image Visit Lake District

Fell Foot, Windemere

Distance: 1 mile explore
Bus service: 6 or X6
Difficulty: easy

This stunning lakeshore park offers a wonderful green space to explore whilst surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. Situated at the southern tip of Windermere, Fell Foot is a fantastic day out. There are so many things to explore while here! There is a children’s play park, many accessible walks, a cafe and toilets, and the easy lake access makes it a perfect place for paddling, swimming and boating. Let’s not forget you can also see the Lakeside to Haverthwaite steam train pass by – this always causes great excitement with my children! The paths surrounding the park are smooth and accessible for wheelchair users.

Grizedale

Grizedale Forest

Distance: 1 mile +
Bus service: 505
Difficulty: easy/moderate

Grizedale Forest offers a fantastic day out for everyone; there are multiple walking trails to choose from – ranging from easy to hard. There is also a visitors centre, play park, GoApe and cycle centre. You are able to hire an all-terrain mobility scooter (tramper) to explore more of the trails here. A really great day out and making it extremely accessible. For further information about the tramper hire and where it can be used. More info here


Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater

Distance: 3.5 miles out & back
Bus service: 516 from Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge, return from Elterwater
Difficulty: moderate/hard

I love this walk for the easy, safe and accessible path, making the walk wheelchair, pram and bike friendly. The pedestrianised path makes this route a perfect choice for those wheelchair users who also struggle with hearing/looking for cars. It is a safe, easy and enjoyable path offering beautiful views of the Lake District. This path is also pram accessible.

Tarn Hows Image: Unsplash

Tarn Hows, Ambleside

Distance: 2 mile loop
Bus service: 505
Difficulty: moderate

Tarn Hows circular walk is a Lake District classic, as it is a short walk that is fully accessible to wheelchair users and for prams, making it a brilliant family walk for all ages and abilities. The terrain is slightly bumpy, so please be aware of this before embarking on your journey. A tramper is also available to hire here. The Tramper is an all-terrain mobility scooter available for use on the circular track round the tarn and is suitable for those who can use handlebar steering and controls. A short introductory session will be given before use. You don’t have to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge to use one, and it can keep pace with your walking companion to allow you to enjoy the walk together.

Abbot Hall Park, Kendal

Distance: 0.5 miles
Bus service: Multiple services into Kendal
Difficulty: easy

Abbot Hall Park is extremely accessible, as the paths are pram and wheelchair friendly. The park is only a short walk, ideal for those who struggle with longer walks, and is central to Kendal. The route walks around the bowling green, open grass fields and children’s play area. The wide tarmac paths make this a great surface for wheelchairs, prams, bikes and scooters. You could also take a 0.7-mile walk around the perimeter of the park, taking in the beautiful scenery, followed by a riverside out-and-back stroll. The paths are accessible to wheelchairs. You are able to enjoy the delights of Kendal Parish Church and Abbot Hall art gallery

Brotherswater Hartsop Valley walk Image Lake District National park

Brothers Water, Hartsop Valley

Distance: 2 - 2 ½ miles out & back route
Bus service: 508
Difficulty: moderate/hard

Brothers Water is a small lake in the Hartsop Valley in the Lake District. This is such an incredible walk!! The route takes you along the shoreline of Brothers Water, and what makes this such a great walk is the level terrain – the path is wide and safe and accessible. Please note the terrain can be bumpy in places. The path is also relatively sheltered, making this a good walk for wetter days too.

Jenkins Field, Glenridding

Distance: 0.5 mile loop
Bus service: 508
Difficulty: easy

This short route is fantastic for the whole family. It is wheelchair accessible, and there are plenty of benches situated along the shoreline for you to take a rest. It was the perfect place for me to rest my legs while my little ones paddled in the water. It might only be a short route, but the views are breathtaking. There is also a cafe, ‘Lakeside Tea Room’, on this route that offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

Askham Bridge, nr Penrith

Distance: 2 miles out & back
Bus service: 106
Difficulty: moderate

This lovely, two-mile, pedestrianised path is a perfect accessible walk. The path is traffic-free, making it a lovely walk to enjoy and let little legs explore, and children enjoy time on their bikes or scooters. The path is well maintained and relatively flat. The walk runs adjacent to the River Lowther, so please do be mindful of this. The route is extremely easy to follow; just look for the sign for Eamont Bridge – here you will see the well-maintained, pedestrianised path. A lovely, accessible walk for all ages and abilities to enjoy.