A selection of accessible trails in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon enable more people to explore the countryside.
Accessible countryside trails in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon given boost A selection of accessible trails in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon have been given a promotional boost to enable more people to explore the countryside. Open Country, a Harrogate-based charity providing countryside activities for a range of abilities, has updated its Breakfree Trails pack for the area, which highlights a dozen accessible routes, from Harrogate’s Valley Gardens to Swinsty Reservoir and Staveley Nature Reserve. Packs also exist for the Nidderdale, Wharfedale, Wakefield and Leeds areas. They have been developed with wheelchair users in mind, but will also appeal to families with young children and pushchairs, cyclists, anyone who might struggle with exercise and older people with limited mobility. Publication of the new pack has been supported by the member for Knaresborough West, Cllr Matt Walker, who provided a grant of £2,000 from his locality budget to cover the printing costs of the packs. Each of the council’s 90 members has an annual locality budget of £10,000 to enable them to support local projects. Cllr Walker said:
“There are many good reasons to get out into the fresh air to enjoy the hugely varied countryside our county has to offer. "The benefits to our mental and physical wellbeing are well documented, and it is essential that the opportunity is open to everyone, so I am delighted to have been able to support the creation of these packs, which are readily available and which offer accessible routes to local residents as well as visitors from other parts of North Yorkshire and beyond."For each of the routes in the Harrogate area, the pack describes the surface, the severity of any inclines, the most difficult parts of the route and whether they are suitable for cyclists. The routes also include Knaresborough waterside, the Harland Way and Fountains Abbey. Open Country’s chief officer, David Shaftoe, said:
"We're really delighted to be able to issue this updated guide to the very best of our local accessible countryside. "It's all part of Open Country's goal to help disabled people access and enjoy the great outdoors. We hope that people will enjoy using it and will want to try one of our other Breakfree packs for adjacent areas."Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary
Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university
