Safer Lakes.

Please help protect our communities, observe social distancing and stay safe.

When the time is right, we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Lake District. We are working with our local partners to put measures in place that will help keep people safe.

Check car parks and toilets across the Lake District National Park

Our page lakedistrict.gov.uk/coronavirus has a message from our Chief Executive, how the latest coronavirus rules apply across the National Park, updates on our attractions and services, and how you can contact us.

Visiting

Walkers enjoying views from Tarn Hows copyright Charlie Hedley

Miles without Stiles easy routes

What are Miles without Stiles?

These are 48 routes across the National Park suitable for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and the visually impaired. Use the interactive map below to explore the routes available or choose from the menu on the left.

Distances shown are in kilometres for a return trip unless otherwise stated. Path conditions can change and be damaged, or eroded, by rain and bad weather. We do our best to carry out repairs quickly, but occasionally a route is closed, or diverted, for essential repairs. Facilities such as toilets or bus timetables are subject to change.

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Route grades

Our grading system: for 'all', 'many', or 'some', is based on gradients and surface conditions. The grades are a guide only, so please weigh up your route choice carefully.

For all

Suitable for everyone, including pushchairs and people operating their own wheelchairs
Gradient: No more than 1:10
Surface: Tarmac or smooth, compacted stone with a diameter of 10 mm or less. Path width will be a minimum of 1 metre with passing places

For many

Suitable for assisted wheelchair users and families with more robust, all-terrain type buggies
Gradient: Existing gradients no more than 1:10, although newly built gradients can be up to 1:8
Surface: The path surface will be rougher stone of 4 cm diameter or less

For some

Strong and confident wheelchair users and helpers may find routes 'for some' within their abilities. May be suitable for off-road mobility scooters
Gradient: Gradients are not limited, but slopes greater than 1:8 will have improved surfacing, or handrails
Surface: There may be some low steps or breaks in the surface up to 10 cm in height. Stone surface material may be up to 10 cm in diameter

Like the routes? Buy the lot!

All the Miles without Stiles routes are available as removable A5-sized sheets in a cardboard ring binder that includes a plastic wallet for protection from the rain. It costs £5.00 and is available from our Information Centres, Brockhole, The Lake District Visitor Centre, our head office - see contact details below - and all good bookshops in Cumbria. You can also order a copy from the head office for £5.00, plus £2.90 postage and packing.

Useful links

Getting around for details on public transport. Please check with Traveline if the bus is wheelchair accessible.

Weatherline local weather forecast (opens new window) - weather is changeable, no matter where you are. Be prepared. Wear appropriate footwear and consider taking waterproofs, food and a drink if you are tackling any of the longer routes.

Feedback

Please also let us have your comments on the routes, your feedback is invaluable.

01539 724555

hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Lake District National Park Authority
Murley Moss
Oxenholme Road
Kendal LA9 7RL

Thank you

Thanks to the many organisations who have helped us create these routes including:

Cumbria County Council, National Trust, Forestry Commission, Tourism and Conservation Partnership, Bassenthwaite Reflections, Environment Agency, Friends of the Lake District, United Utilities, Parish Councils and private landowners

Need holiday accommodation?

Cottage near Coniston - copyright Charlie Hedley

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Our commission helps keep the National Park special: Browse and book Lake District accommodation online