10 August 2021
As part of our celebration for 70 years of The Lake District National Park we’re showcasing our fantastic Miles without Stiles routes, and how the Lake District can be enjoyed by all. Our Lead Strategy Advisor, Emma Moody, tells us why Miles without Stiles are so important.
One of the many reasons for the creation of the National Parks in the UK was to allow everyone access to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and stunning green spaces. As the Lake District National Parks continues to be a park for all it’s important that we highlight how everyone can come and explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage landscape. This is why it’s great that we’re highlighting our Miles without Stiles routes as part of our 70th celebrations.
Miles without Stiles is an initiative set up by the National Parks to offer a variety of routes across our protected landscapes for all levels of ability. This means that if you’re a wheelchair user, a family with a pushchair, someone who finds steep or uneven ground difficult, or just someone who is looking for a relaxing walk in a beautiful setting, the Lake District is a place for you to enjoy. We currently have 49 Miles without Stiles routes in the Lakes, these are maintained by the Lake District National Park Authority and our partner organisations to ensure they can be enjoyed all year round. The 49 routes are split into three categories; ‘For some’, ‘For many’, ‘For all’, meaning that users know what to expect when they are planning their walks. This is also important for safety as it reduces the chances of people tackling routes that are unsuitable.
As part of the celebrations, we have selected seven routes which we feel really show off the variety of landscapes and environments that the Lake District National Park has to offer, whilst encouraging people to explore those lesser-known, yet equally as breath taking, areas of the park. From Roman ruins to historic railway lines and plenty of lake shores in between, these seven routes are a must for anyone wanting to explore the Lake District.
Located at the northern shore of Coniston Water, the route takes you along the lake and in to the beautiful village of Coniston. A farming village made famous by the likes of John Ruskin and Donald Campbell, there is plenty to see and do around the small village. On your way back you can choose to pass Coniston Boating Centre, on the shore of Coniston Water, with stunning views it is well worth taking a moment looking down the lake.
Starting at the picturesque town of Broughton in Furness, this lesser visited area of the National Park is a hidden treasure. You’ll rarely see anyone along the route that follows the old railway line which originally went to Coniston to support the mining industry. There’s hidden tarns and a beautiful coastal village to explore along the way.
Found in the Western Lake District, Ravenglass is a charming village which lies on the estuary of three rivers – the Esk, the Mite and the Irt. The route takes you to the remains of the bath house of Ravenglass Roman fort, established in AD 130.
Visit one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Lake District with this accessible route. You’ll arrive at a perfectly placed bench looking out over Derwent water towards Cat Bells and the impressive Jaws of Borrowdale backdrop.
Explore the village of Staveley, the gateway to the Lake District. Starting from the Mill Yard, which is now home to a brewery, a bakery and more, the route takes you along the river Kent with views up the Kentmere Valley. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you admire the village’s milling heritage.
Starting at the famous Wray Castle overlooking Lake Windermere, this route takes you through a picture postcard Lakeland valley to the village of Hawkshead and beyond. Passing Blelham Tarn along the valley bottom you’ll go through woodlands and Lakeland farms on your way.
Located at the northern tip of Ullswater, Pooley Bridge is a lovely village with pubs, cafes and shops perfect for an afternoon out. This is our newest route and takes you away from the village along the River Eamont at the foot of Dunmallard Hill. Keep an eye out for herons fishing and deer coming out of the woods for a drink as you enjoy a moment of forest bathing.
To showcase how accessible our Miles without Stiles routes really are, we have partnered with TGA Mobility to show their customers how you can still get out and enjoy the Lake District whatever your ability.
To get the most out of your next trip to the Lake District it’s important to have the right scooter for the right journey. Here’s a few tips from the guys at TGA for using an electric scooter in the Lake District…
Compact scooters for visiting towns and MWS ‘For all’ routes
If you are keen to explore the Lakeland towns and some of the Miles without Stiles routes, then we recommend a compact manoeuvrable scooter. It will make driving in and out of shops, art galleries and restaurants easier. Folding scooters or ones that dismantle quickly are really handy if you are taking the car out for the day. Equally if you’re out on the bus or train, then these flexible compact scooters make travel so much simpler.
When the countryside starts to beckon, choose the right compact scooter and you have the opportunity to explore further afield with comfort and stability. Bear in mind though that smaller scooters are better for shorter distances and only MWS ‘For all’ routes.
Recommended scooters from TGA: Minimo Plus, Minimo Autofold, Zest and Zest Plus.
Medium sized scooters for rambling along MWS ‘For many’ routes
Medium sized scooters, can give you the best of both worlds – power and performance around town and in the countryside. Not as ideal for going in and out of shops and restaurants, however much more comfortable for driving along national park tracks and trails. Longer Miles without Stiles routes can be enjoyed with more stability as many larger scooters have suspension and bigger wheels. Battery range is typically higher in medium sized scooters.
Recommended scooters from TGA: Vita Lite, Breeze Midi 4 and Maximo Plus.
Scooters for tackling more challenging MWS ‘For some’ routes
When it comes to adventuring along MWS routes with steeper slopes and rougher terrain, then using a larger scooter is best. An 8mph scooter with many features such as independent suspension, high performance motors and rugged wheels will give you stability and peace of mind throughout the day.
When you are out in large open spaces and taking in magnificent views, you will really benefit from the comfort a larger scooter provides. Look for a scooter with features such as high ground clearance, rugged wheels, USB charging socket, lockable storage box and ideally a battery range up to 30 miles. There are also scooters you can purchase that can be fitted with hard top canopies so whatever the weather in the Lake District, you can still get out and keep warm and dry.
Recommended scooters from TGA: Breeze S4, Breeze S3 and Vita X.
We do hope these scooter tips have been useful so happy adventuring!
For further information and guidance on suitable scooters for use in the Lake District National Park, contact TGA Mobility on: 0800 107 5349 or visit their website here.
