Accessible countryside

 The North Pennines has some very remote inaccessible places, however, there are some excellent opportunities for easy access into the great outdoors   

Accessible Routes

The North Pennines AONB Partnership has worked with Northumbrian Water and Durham County Council to create a new easy access route at Pow Hill Country Park/Derwent Reservoir. The route is supported by a range of digital media to help you get more from your visit. Follow the links in the related section below for more information.

Through a partnership with the Heritage Lottery and support from Lord Crewe Estates, the community of Blanchland and Northumberland County Council, we have created a purpose built short accessible circular route from the beautiful village of Blanchland.

If you are seeking other easy access routes, some of the disused railway tracks in the area that have been transformed into recreational routes such as the South Tyne Trail (Haltwhistle to Lambley) (LINK) Waskerley Way and Teesdale Railway Path included in our Discover Mid Teesdale leaflet, may be just what you are looking for. Burnhope Reservoir in upper Weardale has an easy access route suitable for wheelchair users and prams, as does Talkin Tarn Country Park. Hamsterley Forest on the edge of the AONB has some good easy access to woodland and riverside.

Accessible Fishing

If fishing is your game, Derwent Reservoir, one of the north's premier trout fisheries has specialist pegs suitable for wheelchair users.

Accessible Horse Riding

Sinderhope Trekking Centre in Allendale caters for disabled horse riders.

Accessible Cycling

Gateway Wheelers has a range of specially designed cycles suitable for people with disabilities, available for hire, two of which were provided by the North Pennines AONB Partnership.