Discovering the Yorkshire Dales: Freedom on Foot with Miles Without Stiles
- Debbie North
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
There’s a magic to the Yorkshire Dales National Park that captures the heart long before you reach its rolling hills, limestone scars and lush valleys. It isn’t just the dramatic landscapes or tranquil rivers that make it special — it’s the feeling of space, welcome and possibility that greets every visitor who steps out onto its paths. For far too long, however, many of those paths were only accessible to walkers able to navigate stiles, steps and steep gradients. That’s changing thanks to the Miles Without Stiles initiative — and now there’s a brand-new guidebook to help everyone make the most of these accessible routes.
What Are Miles Without Stiles Walks?
The Miles Without Stiles programme is an inspiring set of walking routes across the Yorkshire Dales designed specifically to be open to as many people as possible. These paths are free from traditional stiles, steps and abrupt gradients — meaning they’re suitable not only for wheelchair users, but also people with limited mobility, families with pushchairs, older walkers who don’t want to struggle with difficult terrain, and anyone who enjoys a gentler ramble in the countryside.
The initiative is part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s broader Access for All commitment, which aims to ensure everyone can experience the beauty of this remarkable landscape regardless of ability. From riverside paths with smooth, compacted stone surfaces to boardwalk sections that glide through nature reserves, these walks open up parts of the Dales that were previously off-limits to many.
There are dozens of Miles Without Stiles walks — many under two miles, perfect for short leisurely outings — and longer sections that reward you with panoramic views over moorland and dale. Highlights include easy access routes around Malham Tarn, riverside strolls close to Hawes and Burnsall, and tranquil boardwalks beside streams and reservoirs.
This approach doesn’t just benefit those with mobility challenges. Anyone can enjoy the well-surfaced tracks, gentle gradients and stunning scenery they pass through — from birdwatchers and photographers to anyone who prefers walking without pressure.
Introducing Walks Without Stiles
(Guidebook by Debbie North & Jonathan Smith)
Complementing this inclusive network of routes is the guidebook Walks Without Stiles, authored by Jonathan Smith and me, and available through independent booksellers like The Stripey Badger or online from Where2walk
At its heart, Walks Without Stiles is a celebration of accessible walking in the Yorkshire and Cumbrian Dales. It brings together 32 of the best stile-free walks, each chosen to suit walkers of varying experience, pace and capability. Whether you’re a wheelchair user seeking well-surfaced paths, someone with a non-athletic dog that can’t manage traditional stiles, or simply getting older and looking for gentler trails, this book is written with you in mind.
Inside its covers you’ll find detailed descriptions of every walk, helpful sketch maps to give you confidence on the trail, and vibrant colour photographs that bring the landscapes to life. You’ll also encounter fascinating local facts and anecdotes that connect you to the places you visit — from historic villages to hidden reservoirs, and from tumbling streams to open moorland.
The walks vary too — from short riverside ambles perfect for an afternoon stroll to more adventurous headings that climb up into some of the higher parts of the Dales. It’s not just a list of paths; it’s an invitation to experience the Dales in all its diversity, without unnecessary obstacles.
About the Authors: Debbie North & Jonathan Smith
This guidebook is more than just another walking book — it’s a labour of love by two people deeply connected to the landscape and committed to access for all.
Debbie North is an access champion with a passion for creating a countryside that welcomes everyone, regardless of ability. Her work in promoting inclusive access in the Yorkshire Dales has helped bring attention to barriers that many walkers face — and how they can be removed. Debbie’s love of the Dales is rooted not just in its scenery, but in the idea that nature can and should be enjoyed by everyone.
Alongside Debbie is Jonathan Smith, a seasoned walking guide with intimate knowledge of routes, terrain and what makes a great walk. Jonathan’s deep experience in leading walkers across the Dales and beyond brings practical insight and rich storytelling to the guidebook. Together, Debbie and Jonathan bring a blend of access advocacy and walking expertise that makes Walks Without Stiles both inspiring and genuinely useful.
This collaboration isn’t just about providing directions on a map; it’s about inspiring confidence. Many walkers avoid the countryside not because they don’t want to explore, but because they’re unsure what lies beyond stiles or tricky gates. This book removes those uncertainties.
Why This Matters
Inclusive access isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a fundamental part of connecting people with place. Walking remains one of the simplest and healthiest ways to enjoy nature, and initiatives like Miles Without Stiles, paired with practical guides like Walks Without Stiles, are transforming how people experience the outdoors.
For wheelchair users, families with young children, or anyone using a pushchair, these paths offer freedom — to explore the banks of the River Wharfe in Grassington, catch views of distant ridges beside Malham Tarn, or enjoy benches and accessible facilities in towns like Hawes and Sedbergh.
Beyond physical accessibility, this approach promotes emotional accessibility too. Knowing you have a trustworthy guidebook to hand — written by people who understand the challenges and joys of inclusive walking — means more people feel confident stepping into the landscape.
How to Get Started on Your Accessible Adventure
Whether you pick up Walks Without Stiles for inspiration or download Miles Without Stiles routes from the Yorkshire Dales National Park website, there’s no shortage of beautiful paths waiting to be discovered. These walks encourage you to see the Dales through fresh eyes — gentle gradients, open views, and paths that celebrate accessibility without compromising on the joy of exploration.
With Walks Without Stiles in your backpack and the Miles Without Stiles routes on your itinerary, the Dales truly become a place where everyone can walk, explore, breathe deeply and make memories.
For information about borrowing an all-terrain wheelchair in the Yorkshire Dales - visit www.access-the-dales.com
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