New Cumbria walking guidebook published for wheelchair users

Ordnance Survey (OS) has released a new walking book to help wheelchair users venture off the beaten track in Cumbria.

OS’s new ‘Pathfinder Lake District and Cumbria – Accessible Routes for All’ walking guidebook 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 route has been meticulously crafted to ensure a seamless experience, so they can fully immerse themselves in the landscapes and hidden treasures the Lake District and Cumbria has to offer.

The guidebook has been categorised into one of four accessibility ratings: easy, moderate, challenging, and very challenging.

The grading system allows individuals to choose routes 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 series, a range of books designed for experienced walkers to follow.

‘Pathfinder Lake District and Cumbria Accessible Routes for All’ was written by author 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.

He 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.

“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.”

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