Debbie North reveals her pick of the UK’s best wheelchair and pushchair-friendly walking paths
1 LOXLEY VALLEY, SHEFFIELD
Escape from the busy city centre to enjoy an idyllic woodland ramble along a stile-free path in Loxley Valley. Sheffield is known as ‘The Outdoor City’, as a third of the city is within the boundaries of the Peak District National Park. Birdlife is abundant on this short walk, making it a haven for nature lovers. l Starting point: Rowell Lane, Sheffield S6 SSH
2 WAREHAM FOREST, DORSET
Explore the many tracks and bridleways that run through the woodland. The forest is home to sika deer and sand lizards – one of the UK’s rarest reptiles. Keep an eye out for the once-threatened Dartford warbler. You may also see woodlarks, who make their nests on the ground in the heathlands. l Starting point: Sika Trail Car Park, Wareham BH20 7PE
3 SPRINGHILLHOUSE, SAWPIT HILL MONEYMORE, COUNTY LONDONDERRY
Springhill House Estate is the perfect place for a tranquil circular wander through the gardens and towering woods. In spring, the beech woodland is filled with bluebells and the smell of wild garlic. Visit in May for a spectacular display of colour when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. l Starting point: 20 Springhill Road, Moneymore, County Londonderry BT45 7NQ
4 CULLENTO PORTKNOCKIE, MORAY
This Scottish coastal walk along a disused railway line guarantees stunning views of the wide sandy bay of Cullen and the striking rock formations of Bow Fiddle Rock (pictured), just off the coast at Portknockie. The coastline here is one of the best places in Scotland for spotting basking sharks and dolphins. l Starting point: The Square car park, Cullen AB56 4SY
5 PENROSE ESTATE, CORNWALL
This is a spectacular stile-free walk along an enchanted woodland trail and a lakeside track to Loe Bar. The reward for your efforts is a magnificent view across the waters, where the freshwater lake meets the North Atlantic Ocean – divided only by a golden beach. l Starting point: Penrose National Trust car park, Helston TR13 0RE
6 ROSEDALE RAILWAY WALK, NORTH YORKSHIRE
This walk along a former mine railway gives panoramic views of Rosedale. Built around 1870, the track was used for transporting ironstone. As the trail sweeps around the valley, admire this stunning example of heather moorland, while the former kilns are clear landmarks of the area’s industrial heritage. l Starting point: Chimney Bank car park, Rosedale Abbey, York, near YO62 7LQ.
7 OXFORDISLAND, COUNTY ARMAGH
Oxford Island is on the south-eastern shores of Lough Neagh, County Armagh. Designated as a National Nature Reserve, the area is a haven for wildlife, including whooper and Bewick’s swans. The trail takes in Kinnego Marina, where visitors can enjoy a boat trip around the secluded bays and islands. l Starting point: Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Craigavon, County Armagh BT66 6NJ