Miles Without Stiles: Accessible Walks Across UK National Parks
Getting outdoors shouldn’t stop at the gate – or the stile. For many people with disabilities, parents with buggies, and anyone who finds rough terrain difficult, traditional footpaths can feel off-limits.
That’s where Miles Without Stiles comes in.
Across several of the UK’s National Parks, Miles Without Stiles routes are designed to be more accessible, well-surfaced paths without stiles, steps or major barriers. They offer a way to enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes with fewer physical obstacles in the way.
If you haven’t heard of it before, stick around as we’re delving into all you need to know. In this blog, we look at Miles Without Stiles routes in:
- The Peak District
- The Lake District
- The Yorkshire Dales & Yorkshire Wolds (wider Yorkshire area)
- The South Downs
What Are Miles Without Stiles?
‘Miles Without Stiles’ is a term used by several National Parks to describe routes that are:
- Free from stiles and steps
- Clearly categorised by accessibility level
- Checked for surface quality and gradient (slope)
- Better suited to people with limited mobility, wheelchair users, scooter users, families with buggies and many others
Routes are usually graded by:
- Gradient – how steep the path is
- Surface – from smooth, firm tracks to more compact but slightly uneven paths
- Width & Barriers – whether there are gates, narrow points or cambered (tilted) sections
Each National Park publishes its own information and accessibility grading, so it’s always worth checking the latest route descriptions and maps before travelling.
Miles without Stiles in the Peak District
The Peak District was the UK’s first National Park and has actively developed a series of Miles Without Stiles routes. So, if you’re heading to the Peak District on holiday or as a day out, here’s where you can find more accessible walks in the area.
Accessible walks in the Peak District
- Monsal Trail
A disused railway line turned traffic-free trail, with tunnels, viaducts and big views. Many sections are wide, well-surfaced and suitable for mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Some access points are steeper than others, so it’s important to check the most suitable starting locations. - Tissington Trail
Another old railway line, mostly level with a firm surface. Certain stretches are suitable for wheelchairs and scooters, and it’s popular for relaxed, steady walks or rolls. - Langsett Reservoir
Some sections of the path around the reservoir are more accessible, with broad tracks and gentle gradients, though not all of the full circuit is suitable for everyone.
Things to consider
- Car parks and toilets may vary in accessibility; look for locations with Blue Badge spaces and accessible toilets.
- Some old railway trails have ramps or steeper access points from the roadside – the route itself may be level, but getting onto it may require additional help or planning.
Miles without Stiles in the Lake District
The Lake District National Park has one of the most extensive Miles Without Stiles programmes, offering a wide range of routes around lakes, valleys and low fells.
Walks with accessibility in the Lake District
Need some walking inspiration for your time in the Lake District that’s accessible and allows you to enjoy the amazing views? We’ve picked a few firm favourites below.
- Derwentwater Lakeshore (Keswick area)
Multiple short sections of accessible lakeside paths, with views of the water and surrounding fells. Some stretches are suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and robust buggies. - Tarn Hows
A popular circular route with wide, well-made paths and stunning scenery. Parts of the circuit are suitable for many wheelchair users and families, though there are still slopes to consider. - Elterwater & Great Langdale (sections)
Some Miles Without Stiles routes here offer valley-floor walking with dramatic mountain views, on more even tracks.
Things to consider
- The Lake District is naturally hilly; even Miles Without Stiles routes can include noticeable gradients.
- Surfaces can change with the weather – rain may make otherwise firm paths softer or slippery.
- Many route descriptions provide detailed gradient profiles and surface notes, which are particularly useful if you use a manual wheelchair or specific mobility aids.
Miles Without Stiles in Yorkshire
Accessibility has been improving in Yorkshire, with routes in and around the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds focusing on more inclusive access, even if not all are formally branded ‘Miles Without Stiles’.
Accessible walks in Yorkshire
Think walks at Bolton Abbey, Ivelet Moor, Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and more. On selected routes wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, people with visually impairments and anyone who wants an easier walk with no steep hills can enjoy the great outdoors.
- Yorkshire Dales accessible paths (selected sites)
Some popular locations have surfaced trails, accessible viewpoints and improved gates rather than stiles. Examples can include riverside paths, waterfalls and nature reserves where path upgrades have been made. - Coastal and cliff-top trails (North and East Yorkshire)
Certain sections of coastal routes offer relatively even paths and designated accessible viewpoints, with parking nearby. - Country parks and reservoirs
Around Yorkshire there are multiple country parks, reservoirs and nature reserves with circular, surfaced paths that effectively act as Miles Without Stiles routes, suitable for many wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
Things to consider
- Accessibility information in Yorkshire is sometimes spread across several organisations (National Park authority, local councils, countryside trusts).
- It’s worth checking official websites and visitor centres for the latest accessible route guides and to confirm how suitable a path might be for your needs.
Miles without Stiles in South Downs
The South Downs National Park, stretching from Hampshire through Sussex to East Sussex, includes several more accessible paths with gentle gradients and wide views over downland and coast.
Walks with accessibility in South Downs
Miles without Stiles in the South Downs include:
- Bramber Miles Without Stiles route (River Adur, West Sussex)
- Ditchling Beacon easy access route & Chattri loop (East Sussex)
- Iping & Stedham Commons easy walk (near Midhurst, West Sussex)
There more accessible walks available in South Downs with:
- Accessible viewpoints (selected points)
Some car parks lead directly to viewpoints with minimal barriers, meaning you can enjoy big views without a long or difficult approach. - Country parks and nature reserves
Places like coastal country parks, downland reserves and woodland sites often have surfaced circular trails, making them more usable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and buggies. - River and valley routes
In certain sections, riverside and valley-floor paths provide gentler terrain and wider tracks than the steeper hill slopes above.
Things to consider
- Some South Downs car parks are on uneven ground; getting from the parking area to the start of a route may be the trickiest part.
- Wind exposure can be high on the open downs – planning for weather is particularly important if you have specific health needs or rely on electrical equipment.
Planning an Accessible Day Out
Whether you’re heading to the Peaks, Lakes, Yorkshire or the South Downs, a bit of planning can make an accessible day out much smoother.
Before you go
- Check official route descriptions
Look for ‘Miles Without Stiles’ or ‘accessible routes’ on the relevant National Park or local authority website. Many list gradient, surface, barriers, distance and estimated time. - Look at car parks and facilities
Confirm if there are accessible toilets, Blue Badge bays and, where needed, facilities like toilets nearby. - Consider your equipment
Think about whether you’ll use a manual or powered wheelchair, mobility scooter, walking aids and off-road attachments or all-terrain chairs.
Miles Without Stiles Routes
Miles Without Stiles routes are not a perfect solution for everyone, but they’re a meaningful step towards making our National Parks more inclusive.
Whether you choose:
- A lakeside circuit in the Lake District
- A former railway trail in the Peak District
- A gentle countryside loop in Yorkshire
- Or a wide-viewpoint stroll in the South Downs
You deserve to enjoy the outdoors on your own terms.
With good route information and thoughtful planning you can explore with more confidence.
