Ordnance Survey (OS) is breaking new ground with a walking book designed so wheelchair users can adventure off the beaten track in Cumbria.
Its new Pathfinder Guide, Lake District and Cumbria – Accessible Routes for All, opens doors to 38 stunning short walks in the Lake District National Park, the tranquil Cumbrian Solway Coast, and along sections of Hadrian’s Wall.
The guidebook aims to empower wheelchair users to explore the beauty of the British countryside. Every single route has been meticulously planned to ensure a seamless experience, so wheelchair users can fully immerse themselves in the landscapes and hidden treasures the Lake District and Cumbria has to offer.
The routes have been categorised into one of four accessibility ratings: easy, moderate, challenging and very challenging. This grading system allows individuals to choose paths that align with the levels they are comfortable with – ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure.
All routes in the guidebook are also pushchair friendly and suitable for families with young children. It is the latest book in OS’s Pathfinder Guides series, a range of books designed for experienced walkers to follow.
Lake District and Cumbria Accessible Routes for All was written by Mike Routledge, who lives and works in Cumbria. Mike is a volunteer at the Calvert Trust based near Keswick, a specialist outdoor residential centre offering a range of accessible activity breaks for the people with disabilities.
Mike said: “I was inspired to write the book after a group of Calvert guests from Liverpool bemoaned the absence of a detailed walking guide written specifically for wheelchair users visiting the area by themselves.
“Thanks to support from wheelchair-based colleagues, various Lake District organisations and OS themselves, the result has been the production of this unique guidebook. As far as we are aware there has been nothing of its kind before specifically written for wheelchair users.
“The book aims to remove barriers, install confidence, and encourage wheelchair users who may have been daunted by the prospect of venturing off the beaten track to enjoy the beauty and freedom they may have felt they couldn’t experience before.”
John Ford, operations manager at Calvert Trust, said: “Mike has been volunteering at the Calvert Trust for many years and has supported our guests, who have a range of impairments, to experience the benefits of the great outdoors through a range of activities including climbing, canoeing, ghyll scrambling, adventure games and journeying in the fells.
“This experience, along with his passion for mountain walking, allowed him to use his knowledge of the areas covered in this book to set out a variety of walks with something for everyone.”
Nick Giles, OS managing director for leisure, added: “This is a first anywhere in Britain. OS is committed to making the outdoors accessible and safe for everyone, and we are delighted to have supported Mike in creating this book that makes walking routes accessible for all to enjoy.
“It will mean wheelchair users can plan their routes with confidence, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day out from start to finish.
“The book has a unique combination of well-known routes alongside hidden gems in lesser-known areas, so you can enjoy serene lakeside strolls, beautiful coastal paths, or wonderful views up in the fells. Easier urban walks act as a gateway for those starting to explore, while more challenging routes provide an opportunity for wheelchair users to achieve goals they might have previously thought beyond their reach.”
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