10 of the best walking groups in the UK for people with limited mobility and visual and hearing impairments.
Walking groups are an excellent way to encourage physical activity, foster social connections and improve overall wellbeing. There are plenty of walking groups out there but finding one the suits your specific needs – particularly if you’re disabled – is the key to making the most of them.
In this quick guide, we take a look 10 great walking groups for people with disabilities.
London Blind Ramblers
This group for blind and partially sighted people organises about 30 walks in the spring and summer, usually starting from a London train or Tube station. Routes are six to eight miles. londonblindramblers.org.uk
Sheffield Visually Impaired Walking Group
Operating in South Yorkshire and the Peak District, this group organises walks of varying levels of difficulty, including challenging hikes in the hills. Participants are assisted by trained volunteer guides. sviwg.co.uk
Halifax Society for the Blind Walking Group
A group of adults with sight loss in the Halifax area of West Yorkshire who meet for monthly rambles from May to September. Most walks are accessible by public transport. halifaxblindsociety.org.uk/walking-group
North Wales Society of the Blind Eryri Walking Group
Club members and volunteers meet once a month for walks in and around Anglesey, Conwy and Gwynedd. Social events include a Christmas party. The group is based in Bangor. nwsb.org.uk
Sense Adventures
Sense Adventures is a not-for-profit company that, for a small fee, leads blind and visually impaired people on day rambles and walking holidays in the Malvern Hills. One-to-one guides are provided. senseadventures.co.uk
Disabled Ramblers
As well as having an annual programme of 25-30 rambles – suitable for mobility scooters – this small charity works to improve accessibility and campaigns to raise awareness. It operates throughout England and Wales. disabledramblers.co.uk
Highland Disabled Ramblers
Highland residents and visitors are welcome to join any of the 11 rambles between April and November. Nine electric scooters are available and need to be booked in advance. highland-disabled-ramblers.org
Dartmoor Wheeled Access Group
As well as leading events during the Dartmoor Walking Festival, this group organises rambles in Devon throughout the year. It also works with local land managers to improve access. dartmoorwags.org
Wild with Wheels
This Kent-based organisation offers free, guided walks and nature experiences. Routes are planned with mobility scooters in mind and sensory support is offered for those with visual and hearing impairments. wildwithwheels.com
Access the Dales
Set up by BBC Countryfile contributor Debbie North, Access the Dales lends out all-terrain wheelchairs in the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland. It also organises guided walks and other events. access-the-dales.com
More on accessibility in the British countryside:
- John Craven: the Ramblers’ new president – Amar Latif – will break down barriers
- Why we need more all-terrain wheelchairs