Miles without Stiles championed at National Parks conference

Will Clark explains how the Miles without Stiles routes have benefitted his mental wellbeing following a spinal injury

All 15 of the UK’s national parks were welcomed to the annual National Parks Conference in Newcastle.

The theme of this year’s conference, 75 Years of Landscapes for Everyone, highlighted the importance of making national parks accessible for all.

Lake District National Park board member, Will Clark, was invited to speak about his own lived experience of disability, including the Lake District’s Miles without Stiles initiative.

In 2012 Will, then 27, suffered a severe spinal injury after a cycling accident during a charity triathlon event.

Prior to the injury, Will had a very active lifestyle. He said: “I loved skiing, fell running, and mountain biking. I also loved travelling. Getting up on the mountains was easy and something that I loved to do on an almost daily basis.

“It was an experience I took for granted.”

Will speaking at the National Parks Conference 2024.

Will, who has been a board member at Lake District National Park for four years, explained how Miles without Stiles means he can continue to enjoy the beauty of the Lake District.

He said: “Being able to get around the Lakes is significant in terms of mental wellbeing and general enjoyment.

“There are just over 50 Miles Without Stiles – it’s a real positive because it means those with disabilities can still enjoy the national park.

“National parks are for the enjoyment of all and I think that’s key. We need to be looking at getting all groups involved.”

The Miles without Stiles routes are more accessible and suitable for people with limited mobility.

This includes wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, the visually impaired, and anyone who wants an easier walk with no scrambling, climbing or steep hills.

Aside from Will’s own speech, he explained other stand out moments of the conference were hearing about the work being done to broaden diversity within National Parks.

Will was also interested to see the art installation featuring the trunk of the Sycamore Gap. The Lake District National Park, along with 14 other national parks, will receive one of the saplings from the famous attraction as a gift from the National Trust.