Opening Up the Outdoors: The Story of Access the Dales
- Debbie North
- Aug 19
- 4 min read
Our Vision and Mission
At Access the Dales, our vision is clear: To break down barriers so that everyone, regardless of ability, can access and enjoy the beauty of the countryside.
Our mission is practical and rooted in community: To provide all-terrain wheelchairs and support and opportunities across North Yorkshire and beyond, enabling people with limited mobility to explore nature, connect with the outdoors, and share adventures with their loved ones.
These statements aren’t just words on paper – they guide every decision we make and every step we take.
Why I Founded Access the Dales
The idea for Access the Dales came from a deeply personal place. As the founder, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by people who long to get outdoors but are prevented by uneven paths, stiles, steep hills, or simply the lack of suitable equipment. The countryside is supposed to be a shared space, but when access is limited, it creates exclusion.
Starting the charity wasn’t just about providing equipment – it was about challenging the assumption that the outdoors is only for the able-bodied. For me, this work is about fairness, inclusion, and the belief that time in nature is not a luxury, but a right for everyone.
Our Work Across North Yorkshire
From the beginning, we knew we wanted to make a real difference across North Yorkshire, a region full of stunning landscapes, but also challenging terrain. Through partnerships and community support, we’ve been able to establish hubs where all-terrain wheelchairs, like TerrainHoppers and TGA mobility scooters, are available for people to use free of charge.
In North Yorkshire and Lancashire, we now have hubs that give visitors the chance to explore areas that were once impossible to access. Whether it’s following winding paths through valleys, reaching viewpoints with sweeping vistas, or simply being able to join family and friends on a woodland walk, these hubs are opening up opportunities every single day.
In the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, our work has extended access to another gem of northern England. This is an area known for its quiet beauty and rich biodiversity, and it’s wonderful to know that through Access the Dales, more people can discover its hidden corners.
Why This Charity Matters
Accessibility in the outdoors is often overlooked. Paths are left too narrow, stiles are seen as traditional features, and equipment is rarely provided. Without support, people with mobility challenges simply cannot take part. That creates a sense of exclusion – families can’t go out together, individuals lose confidence, and people are cut off from the physical and mental health benefits that come from time spent in nature.
Access the Dales matters because we’re changing that reality. By providing equipment, building awareness, and showing what’s possible, we’re proving that accessibility isn’t just an “add-on” – it should be part of how we think about the countryside from the start.
The Impact We’ve Had
Since we began in 2022, the impact has been humbling and inspiring. We’ve had families tell us that, for the first time in years, they were able to enjoy a countryside walk together. Children who rely on wheelchairs have been able to join their friends exploring woodlands. Older people, who thought their days of outdoor adventures were behind them, have rediscovered the joy of reaching a viewpoint or visiting a much-loved place.
The smiles, the tears of joy, and the words of gratitude we hear are proof that what we’re doing matters. It’s not just about access – it’s about dignity, freedom, and belonging.
On a larger scale, we’ve started to shift perceptions. Landowners, councils, and communities are beginning to see that accessibility isn’t a barrier, but an opportunity. By welcoming more people into the countryside, we enrich it for everyone.
Looking Ahead
The journey is far from over. There are still countless paths, beauty spots, and landscapes that remain out of reach for too many. Our goal is to expand further, to create more hubs, and to continue working with local partners so that the Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale, and the Forest of Bowland become truly inclusive landscapes.
We know that access to the outdoors changes lives. It improves mental health, boosts physical wellbeing, and strengthens communities. With continued support, we’ll keep breaking down barriers, one path at a time.
Final Thoughts
Founding Access the Dales has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. I’ve seen what it means when someone who thought they could never again walk through a woodland or see a wildflower meadow is suddenly able to do just that. I’ve seen how much joy and connection come from simply being able to share a countryside walk with family or friends.
This charity exists because everyone deserves those moments. The Yorkshire Dales, Nidderdale, and the Forest of Bowland are too beautiful to be reserved for only some of us. With Access the Dales, we’re opening the gate – and making sure that nature truly belongs to all.
💚 To find out more, support our work, or book an all-terrain wheelchair, visit: www.access-the-dales.com
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