Calling for Statutory Guidelines for 'Miles Without Stiles': A Step Towards Inclusive Access in UK National Parks

The accessible path at Malham Cove

In the heart of the UK's National Parks lies a vision: to make the beauty of these landscapes accessible to all. The 'Miles Without Stiles' initiative embodies this vision, offering accessible walking routes free from stiles, steps, and steep gradients. However, while the initiative has made commendable strides, the absence of statutory guidelines raises concerns about consistency, quality, and long-term sustainability. This blog delves into the origins of 'Miles Without Stiles' and advocates for the establishment of statutory guidelines to ensure equitable access across all UK National Parks.

Threkeld to Keswick in the Lake District

The Lake District and the Birth of 'Miles Without Stiles'

The Lake District National Park, with its stunning fells, tranquil lakes, and historic villages, has long been one of the UK’s most cherished natural landscapes. Yet, despite its popularity, the park’s rugged terrain and traditional countryside infrastructure—narrow paths, steep slopes, and numerous stiles—often posed barriers for people with limited mobility, families with pushchairs, and older visitors. Recognising this accessibility gap, the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) sought a solution that would allow everyone to experience the region’s beauty without compromise.

Thus, the Miles Without Stiles initiative was born. Launched in the early 2000s, it aimed to create walking routes that were physically accessible to the broadest possible audience while maintaining a sense of connection with the natural environment. These routes remove traditional barriers such as stiles and steps, provide firm, level surfaces, and ensure that gradients are manageable. The initiative was designed not just for wheelchair users, but also for those with visual impairments, older adults, families with young children, and anyone who might struggle with traditional footpaths.

The development of these accessible routes was a careful, collaborative process. The LDNPA conducted extensive consultations with disability groups, community organisations, and accessibility experts to identify areas where improvements would make the most impact. Routes were then carefully surveyed and adapted to meet accessibility standards, ensuring that the walks were not only practical but also enjoyable, offering scenic views, historical landmarks, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

To encourage public engagement, the Lake District National Park Authority also provided detailed information about each Miles Without Stiles route, including maps, accessibility grades, and descriptions of potential obstacles. Signage along the trails clearly indicates route length, surface quality, and difficulty level, empowering visitors to choose walks that suit their needs.

The initiative quickly became a model for other National Parks across the UK, demonstrating that inclusive access need not compromise the natural or aesthetic qualities of protected landscapes. It also highlighted the social and economic benefits of accessible tourism: by opening up the park to a wider audience, local communities benefited from increased visitor numbers, while people who previously faced barriers could fully enjoy the outdoors.

Despite its success, the Lake District’s Miles Without Stiles initiative remains voluntary and guided by best practices rather than statutory law. This has led to calls for standardised, legally backed guidelines to ensure consistency across the park and inspire similar developments nationwide.

The walk at Cotter Force in the Yorkshire Dales

Following its success, other National Parks adopted similar approaches:

• Peak District National Park: Offers well-surfaced, easy-access routes that provide access to moorland expanses, intimate dales, and dramatic geology. peakdistrict.gov.uk

• Yorkshire Dales National Park: Developed routes suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, with clear grading systems to indicate accessibility levels. yorkshiredales.org.uk

• South Downs National Park: Provides routes suitable for people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users and families with pushchairs. southdowns.gov.uk

• North York Moors National Park: Offers accessible routes and facilities, to ensure inclusivity. northyorkmoors.org.uk

• Dartmoor National Park: Features stile-free routes suitable for a wide range of users, including those with limited mobility and families with young children. dartmoor.gov.uk

• Exmoor National Park: Provides accessible walking routes suitable for those with limited mobility, including families with pushchairs and dog walkers. exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

• Despite these efforts, the lack of uniform standards across parks leads to discrepancies in route quality and accessibility.

  
  

  The Case for Statutory Guidelines

  While the 'Miles Without Stiles' initiative is commendable, the absence of statutory guidelines poses several challenges:

  1. Inconsistent Standards: Without standardised criteria, the quality and accessibility of routes can vary significantly between parks, leading to confusion and potential safety concerns for users.

  2. Sustainability Issues: Voluntary initiatives may lack the necessary funding and long-term planning to maintain and improve accessible routes, risking the deterioration of facilities over time.

  3. Equity Concerns: Without statutory backing, certain regions may lag in developing accessible routes, leading to unequal access to natural spaces across the country.

  Implementing statutory guidelines would address these issues by establishing clear, enforceable standards for accessibility, ensuring consistency, and promoting long-term sustainability.

  Proposed Framework for Statutory Guidelines

  A comprehensive statutory framework for 'Miles Without Stiles' should encompass:

  • Standardised Grading System: A uniform grading system across all National Parks to indicate the level of accessibility, ensuring users can make informed decisions.

  • Regular Audits and Monitoring: Routine assessments to ensure routes meet established standards and to identify areas for improvement.

  • Funding and Resources: Allocation of government funds to support the development and maintenance of accessible routes, ensuring sustainability.

  • Public Engagement: Involvement of local communities and stakeholders in the planning and evaluation processes to ensure routes meet the needs of all users.

  • Training and Certification: Providing training for park authorities and staff to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain accessible routes.

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    Sutton Bank on the North Yorkshire Moors

    The 'Miles Without Stiles' initiative represents a significant step towards inclusive access in UK National Parks. However, to ensure consistency, quality, and long-term sustainability, the establishment of statutory guidelines is imperative. By implementing a standardised framework, we can guarantee that the natural beauty of our National Parks is accessible to all, fostering a more inclusive and equitable outdoor experience.

    Call to Action

    To advocate for the establishment of statutory guidelines for 'Miles Without Stiles', consider reaching out to your local Member of Parliament (MP) or engaging with organizations such as The Ramblers, which have historically played a pivotal role in promoting access to the countryside. Together, we can work towards ensuring that the beauty of our National Parks is accessible to all, regardless of mobility.