More than 50 people with disabilities were "amazed at what they could do" recently thanks to a new path in the Yorkshire Dales partly funded by the BMC's Access and Conservation Trust.

The open day around Grimwith Reservoir was organised by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and aimed to introduce people with disabilities to the idea of tackling more rugged landscapes.

More than 50 people met at the Grimwith Sailing Club HQ to try out different all-terrain wheelchairs on sections of a 4.3 mile (7 km) circular walk round the reservoir. 

The footpath around the reservoir was recently opened up, with stiles and kissing gates being removed and the footpath surface being improved so that all-terrain wheelchairs can complete the full circuit. 

The work was carried out by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority in partnership with Yorkshire Water, who funded the project, with an additional donation of £2,500 from the BMC Access and Conservation Trust.

Amazed 

The group on the open day included individuals who either use a wheelchair or would need to use one to go on a walk with friends or family, adults with visual impairments and some adults with learning disabilities.

A spokesperson for the national park said: "For some it was the first time they had tried to travel over rough ground – and they were amazed at what they could do.

"And it was such a success that all the organisations involved want to run another – and the people who took part are keen to come back to go on more walks in the National Park.

"Now YDNPA staff are looking at similar ideas for events for next year that would meet people’s needs."

Read the full story on the Yorkshire Dales National Park website here. 

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