The most accessible UK counties revealed
The mental and physical benefits of getting outside and experiencing the world's beautiful landscapes are unmatched, and there are thousands of walking trails all over the UK. The outdoors is for everyone, but we understand people have different needs and desires. Some may require sturdy walking boots to tackle challenging terrain, while others need well-paved, flat surfaces to navigate trails safely.
No matter your level of mobility, there are suitable trails out there for you. In this guide, we'll explore some of the best accessible trails across the UK by comparing review scores, elevation gain and route type, among other factors. We will also reveal which counties are home to the most accessible trails. For this guide, a trail is classified as 'wheelchair-friendly' based on several criteria, including surface type, steepness, length, and parking facilities.
Alongside this, we've provided expert advice on staying safe on an outdoor adventure if you struggle with mobility.
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UK counties with the most accessible trails
The UK’s best accessible trails
Alissa Ayling, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at the national disability charity Sense
How to get outdoors safely if you struggle with mobility
Methodology
UK counties with the most accessible trails
| Rank | County/council area | Country | Trails per sq km | Number of “easy” trails per 1,000 sq km | Number of wheelchair-friendly trails | Average “wheelchair-friendly” trail review score /5 | Average elevation (m) | Overall accessibility score /10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Sussex | England | 39 | 125.1 | 8 | 4.3 | 52 | 9.55 |
| 2 | Hampshire | England | 33 | 144.6 | 11 | 4.3 | 76 | 9.26 |
| 3 | Kent | England | 20 | 81.3 | 8 | 4.3 | 37 | 8.99 |
| 4 | Surrey | England | 61 | 157.5 | 4 | 4.2 | 69 | 8.95 |
| 5 | East Sussex | England | 32 | 97.7 | 3 | 4.2 | 44 | 8.72 |
| 6 | Greater Manchester | England | 58 | 196.7 | 6 | 4.4 | 141 | 8.70 |
| 7 | Fife | Scotland | 18 | 89.1 | 1 | 4.7 | 67 | 8.50 |
| 8 | Cornwall | England | 15 | 40.6 | 4 | 4.5 | 49 | 8.26 |
| 9 | West Yorkshire | England | 38 | 116.8 | 18 | 4.4 | 172 | 8.20 |
| 10 | Oxfordshire | England | 21 | 61.4 | 4 | 4.5 | 113 | 8.02 |
1. West Sussex, England - 9.55 /10 accessibility score
West Sussex is the UK county with the most accessible trails, with an almost perfect score of 9.55 out of 10. This county is known for its historical sites, many of which have accessible features. These include the world-famous Arundel Castle and South Downs National Park, both of which offer wheelchair-friendly paths and amenities such as accessible toilets and assisted travel.
As well as having a wide selection of easy trails to explore (125.1 trails per 1,000 sq km), according to AllTrails, this English county has an average review score of 4.3 out of five across its wheelchair-friendly trails. From this, you can be more confident that your exploration of West Sussex will be enjoyable, irrespective of your level of mobility.
2. Hampshire, England - 9.29 /10 accessibility score
Hampshire has an overall accessibility score of 9.29. Located on the South coast of England, this county has plenty of trails (33 trails per sq km), and many are suitable for people with mobility difficulties.
There are lots of easily accessible trails to choose from. These include Nutbourne Marshes & Cobnor Peninsula Coastal Circular and Lymington & Keyhaven Marshes Circular, which are both graded ‘easy’ on AllTrails and highly rated by the public.
3. Kent, England - 8.99 /10 accessibility score
Kent is among the top three UK counties in terms of accessible trails. With one of the lowest average elevations of any county in the UK (37m), this part of England may be easier to navigate than the other top two entries in terms of incline. This, paired with a high average rating for wheelchair-friendly trails (4.3 out of five), has contributed to Kent’s overall accessibility score of 8.99 out of 10.
The UK’s best accessible trails
| Rank | Trail | Country | Review score /5 | Distance km | Estimated time (hrs:mins) | Elevation gain (m) | Overall accessibility score /10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lochore Meadows Circular | Scotland | 4.7 | 5.5 | 01:14 | 78 | 9.13 |
| 2 | Silverknowes Esplanade | Scotland | 4.5 | 6.3 | 01:19 | 63 | 9.06 |
| 3 | Damflask Reservoir Circular | England | 4.6 | 5.3 | 01:16 | 94 | 8.56 |
| 3 | Strathclyde Loch Circular | Scotland | 4.4 | 6.0 | 01:14 | 54 | 8.56 |
| 5 | River Dee Walk: Banchory to Milton of Crathes | Scotland | 4.5 | 9.7 | 02:02 | 98 | 8.50 |
| 6 | Donmouth Local Nature Reserve to Aberdeen Beach | Scotland | 4.1 | 6.3 | 01:18 | 59 | 8.31 |
| 7 | Cambridge City Circular | England | 4.4 | 6.3 | 01:24 | 87 | 8.00 |
| 8 | Tall Trees Trail Circular | England | 4.7 | 3.2 | 00:46 | 60 | 7.94 |
| 9 | Llyn llech Owain | Wales | 4.5 | 4.5 | 01:03 | 74 | 7.81 |
| 10 | Dovestone Reservoir Circular | England | 4.6 | 4.3 | 01:08 | 105 | 7.75 |
1. Lochore Meadows Circular, Scotland - 9.13 /10 accessibility score
Lochore Meadows Circular is a 5.5km trail located near Fife, Scotland. This route around Lochore Meadows Country Park offers a smooth tarmac path and numerous accessible parking spaces, perfect for wheelchair users.
This trail is highly rated by members of the public, with an average review score of 4.7 out of five. One reviewer describes it as a “hard surface all the way, wide path and suitable for wheelchairs.”
These factors have contributed to its 9.13 accessibility score — the highest of any wheelchair-friendly trail on this ranking.
2. Silverknowes Esplanade, Scotland - 9.06 /10 accessibility score
The Silverknowes Esplanade route in Lothian, Scotland, appears next, with an overall accessibility score of 9.06 out of 10. This 6.3km trail is home to everything from historic sites to forests, and its relatively flat nature and paved paths make it suitable for those with mobility challenges.
A low elevation gain (63m) compared to some of the other entries in this top three makes this ‘easy’ graded trail a top option for wheelchair users looking for an adventure.
3. Damflask Reservoir Circular, England - 8.56 /10 accessibility score
Damflask Reservoir Circular is the only trail outside Scotland to feature in this top three. Circling one of the Peak District’s reservoirs, this South Yorkshire trail has the third-highest overall accessibility score of all the routes on this list.
Despite having a higher average rating on AllTrails (4.6 out of five) than the route ranked second, it is worth noting that this trail has a steeper elevation gain compared to other entries. Having said this, the Damflask Reservoir Circular is graded ‘easy’ and wheelchair-friendly on AllTrails.
3. Strathclyde Loch Circular, Scotland - 8.56 /10 accessibility score
In joint third place is Strathclyde Loch Circular. While it may not have the highest review score of our top-rated entries, this trail is one of the best in terms of overall accessibility. Located at the heart of Central Scotland, you’ll need your baselayers for this beautiful 6km route, which guides you around the Strathclyde Country Park on a smooth tarmac path.
If the incline is something you struggle with, then this trail is a great fit for you, with an elevation gain of just over 50m — the lowest of all trails in this top three list. Additionally, this route has a wide range of benches, giving you plenty of opportunity to rest if needed.
Alissa Ayling, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at the national disability charity Sense, said:
“'Making outdoor areas accessible ensures that everyone has equal opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Improving access to nature and outdoor activities for disabled people can increase physical activity levels, reduce stress, improve self-esteem and provide opportunities for social connectedness.
“When planning an accessible outdoor activity, it’s important to think about the physical and sensory needs of everyone in your group, and how that relates to pathways, wayfinding systems, and amenities such as changing places and toilets. If you’re going on a walk, we recommend checking first that paths are safe and wide enough for wheelchairs, and thinking about how people will get to the start point and home again.
“Sense has created a guide on how to make walks more accessible which can be found here: How to lead an accessible sensory walk - Sense.
How to get outdoors safely if you struggle with mobility
Plan in advance
One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors if you have mobility issues is to have a plan of action. Consider whether the weather forecast suits your needs, as heat, rain, and/or snow can affect mobility. Additionally, researching locations with the necessary amenities — like accessible toilets, ramps, and handrails — for your needs can improve the overall experience and reduce the likelihood of disappointment.
Stick to accessible routes
As this guide highlights, many trails in the UK are suitable for people with mobility issues. Everyone has different needs, but some things to consider regarding a trail's accessibility include whether or not it is paved, the overall steepness, whether it offers benches or safe places to rest, and whether it has accessible toilets/parking.
Sensory walks are also a great way to enjoy the outdoors. They offer engaging and enjoyable experiences for those with complex disabilities, and are accessible to anyone, whether they use a wheelchair or a walker.
Make the most of adaptive equipment
Aside from wearing suitable comfortable clothing, such as a waterproof jacket in wet conditions, plenty of other things can help make your outdoor adventure as safe and pleasant as possible. Adaptive equipment is available for different levels of mobility, from all-terrain wheelchairs to walking aids like walking poles.
Go with a buddy
Having peace of mind is one thing that will make your outdoor experience great. No matter how prepared you are, you can never predict some things, so having a friend or caregiver with you can add a layer of support. Joining supportive walking groups is a great way to meet new people, with some specifically focussing on fostering an inclusive environment for people with mobility challenges.
On the other hand, if you want some alone time, you can still take safety precautions, such as ensuring your phone is fully charged or letting someone know where you are going if you need assistance. You can also share your location with a trusted person from your mobile phone.
You don’t have to travel a million miles
Getting outdoors is less about how far you travel and more about enjoying the fresh air and experiencing everything nature offers. Understanding your limits is essential, so let this be your main priority when getting outside — whether your adventure lasts 1km or 10km.
Pace yourself
Stopping to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells around you is one of the most rewarding parts of an outdoor adventure. Be aware of how long you can spend outside, and don’t push yourself too hard. These are both great tips for staying safe and having fun. Also, opting for circular routes is a great way to know what distance you’ll be travelling; this way, you can adjust your pace accordingly.
Don’t forget about food and drink
Whether planning to be out for 10 minutes or 10 hours, you can never be too prepared regarding food and drink. Staying hydrated and well-nourished is one of the key factors to being safe outdoors, particularly in warmer weather. Moreover, stopping for food and drink breaks can help to split a journey up and help to prevent fatigue.
Please remember that all walks and hiking routes should be completed at your own discretion, and you should complete all necessary safety checks yourself before embarking on your next adventure.
Methodology
Most accessible locations
We used ONS, NRS Scotland and NISRA to create a seed list of the 50 biggest UK counties by area (sq km) based on 2023 data.
We used All Trails to find the following data for each location:
● Total number of trails
● Number of trails filtered by ‘easy’ difficulty
● Number of trails filtered by ‘wheelchair-friendly’ suitability
● Average review score for ‘wheelchair friendly’ trails
We used a Topographic Map to find the average elevation of each county.
We normalised the total number of trails by each location’s area to calculate the number of trails per sq km.
To calculate the number of easy trails per 1,000 sq km, we divided the number of easy trails by each location’s area and multiplied this by 1,000.
Using the number of trails per sq km, the number of easy trails per 1,000 sq km, the number of wheelchair-friendly trails, the average review score for 'wheelchair-friendly' trails, and the average elevation, we normalised each factor out of 10, providing each county with an overall rating out of 10.
The number of easy trails per 1,000 sq km, number of wheelchair-friendly trails, and average review score for wheelchair-friendly trails were weighted higher than the other factors.
Most accessible trails
Data is accurate as of 27/01/2025.
We listed the best ‘easy’ rated wheelchair-friendly trails on AllTrails, noting their region. We also used this source to find the following information for each trail:
● Review score (out of five)
● Distance in kilometres
● Estimated completion time
● Elevation gain
● Whether the route is circular
Any trails with less than 10 reviews were removed from the ranking.
Using the review score, distance, estimated time, elevation gain, and route type, we normalised each factor out of 10, providing each trail with an overall rating of 10.
