Cotterforce, Wensleydale - explore the 'valley of the waterfalls'
Known as 'the valley of the waterfalls', Wensleydale harbours many delights for the visitor. Cotter Force, west of Hawes, is a lovely secluded waterfall in a wooded setting. It's a series of about half a dozen waterfalls, with the largest single drop being about 1.5m. The force widens as it descends, from less than a metre at the top to about 4.5m wide at the bottom.
Waterfalls are at their most dramatic after heavy rain. Although this can happen at any time of year, this walk can often be most memorable in winter. If the weather has been particularly cold there are often fantastic icicles to be found hanging from the falls and surrounding vegetation. Whilst walking the route look out for dippers, grey wagtails, redstarts, long tailed tits and kingfishers. This 490m level footpath alongside the beck is suitable for wheelchairs. The surface is constructed of compacted stone with a general width of 110cm. There are three seating areas evenly spaced along the footpath.
Enjoy a bite sized chunk of one of Yorkshire's National Trails with their easy access walks. The Cleveland Way roller-coasts around the North York Moors from Helmsley to the coast. The Yorkshire Wolds Way rambles through peaceful fields and over gentle chalk-hills. There are downloadable easy access trails for both of these trails of varying degrees of difficulty, but let everyone get the flavour of these two fabulous long distance routes.
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the Bolton Abbey Estate has 30,000 acres of some of the most beautiful countryside in England to explore, be it on footpaths along the River Wharfe to the spectacular ruins of the 12th century Bolton Priory or following the woodland nature trails. With over 80 miles of easy access footpaths, and great accessible facilities, it's very wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Wheelchair and electric scooters are available to book between April and October. A map highlighting easy access routes for push chairs and wheelchairs is available.
The 350 mile Trans Pennine Trail weaves in and out of our county's major urban centres, and makes great use of our post-industrial waterways, giving you a unique perspective of Yorkshire. Mostly following old railway lines and canals, the trail has many sections that are fully accessible, and being mostly off-road, it's great for all the family. Follow the Upper Don Valley Trail west from Penistone to Dunford Bridge, not far from Windle Edge, the highest point on the whole of the Trail. Or travelling east from Penistone, leave the railway at Oxspring and follow the old packhorse way at Willow Lane and the railway path along the Dove Valley to reach the RSPB Reserve at Old Moor.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is easily the best place in England to see, hear and smell seabirds! From April to August more than 200,000 birds make the cliffs seem alive. There is an accessible information centre and toilet. A 180m path provides wheelchair access to two cliff top viewpoints. The skies will be filled with puffins, gannets and guillemots. The RSPB is developing a National Seabird Centre there too, which will make bird watching even more accessible.
