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A Remarkable Year: Looking Back at 2025 with Access the Dales
- accessthedales
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
As the Access the Dales year draws to a close and things begin to slow down a little for Access the Dales, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate what has been a truly remarkable and successful year.
2025 has brought growth, recognition, laughter, and — most importantly — countless opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales in ways that were once unimaginable. From the bustling wheelchair hubs at Aysgarth and Malham to our exciting new partnership with Swinton Estate — and even a national award in London — it’s been a year that proves what accessibility, community, and perseverance can achieve together.
The heart of Access the Dales remains our network of wheelchair hubs — and this year, they’ve never been busier. The hubs at Aysgarth and Malham have been our most popular, with visitors coming from across the UK (and even abroad) to enjoy the stunning waterfalls, limestone landscapes, and peaceful trails that define these parts of the Dales.
We were also thrilled to welcome the Swinton Estate into our family of hubs. The estate has shown extraordinary commitment to accessibility, and we’re especially pleased to support the use of the Tramper at The Luminescene, allowing visitors to explore the estate’s woodlands and parkland more freely than ever before.
“Having access to the Tramper gave me the freedom to go places I thought I’d never see again,” one visitor wrote. “For the first time in years, I could enjoy a woodland walk alongside my family instead of watching from the sidelines.”
These hubs are not just about providing mobility equipment; they’re about restoring independence, confidence, and a sense of belonging in nature. Each person who sets out on a trail with one of our all-terrain wheelchairs is helping to rewrite what it means to experience the countryside.
This year, we were delighted to welcome three new Trustees to the charity. Each brings valuable expertise, passion, and lived experience that will help guide Access the Dales into its next exciting chapter.
Our Trustees play an essential role in shaping the charity’s direction — ensuring that every decision we make stays true to our mission of making the Yorkshire Dales accessible for all. Their commitment and insight have already enriched our discussions, strengthened our governance, and inspired new ideas for future projects.
Together, our growing Board reflects the inclusive and forward-thinking spirit of Access the Dales, and we’re proud to have such a dedicated team helping us steer the charity into 2026 and beyond.
Welcoming New Groups to the Dales
One of the joys of 2025 has been meeting and welcoming new groups into the Dales. Each visit brings fresh energy, new stories, and unforgettable memories.
The Parkinson’s Society – Skipton
Earlier in the year, we were joined by members of the Parkinson’s Society from Skipton for a memorable day that combined adventure with connection. Together, we took a trip on the historic Settle–Carlisle Railway, soaking up the views of the rolling hills, and then enjoyed a gentle, accessible walk to the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.
The camaraderie and joy were infectious. The group shared stories, laughter, and plenty of Yorkshire tea, all under the shadow of one of the most photographed railway landmarks in England.
“Days like this remind us that living with Parkinson’s doesn’t mean life has to slow down,” one participant said. “The Dales feel open to us now in a way they never did before.”
Young People from DEAF Experience at Ingleborough Nature Reserve
Thanks to funding from Wild Ingleborough, we were also able to host a group of young people from Deaf Experience, introducing them to the wonders of the Ingleborough Nature Reserve.
For many of these young people, it was their first time exploring such wild landscapes. The accessible trails and support from our volunteers allowed everyone to engage with the outdoors — spotting wildlife, learning about conservation, and simply feeling the wind and rain (plenty of rain!) on their faces.
Moments like these show how powerful it can be to connect young people with nature, especially when accessibility opens the door to inclusion.
“I never thought I’d see a place like this up close,” said one of the participants. “It makes me feel like I belong out here too.”
Sheffield Environmental Movement – A Rainy Weekend at YHA Malham
September brought another highlight when we welcomed a wonderful group of ladies from the Sheffield Environmental Movement for a weekend stay at YHA Malham.
It was a weekend full of laughter, friendship, and resilience — despite the persistent rain! The West Indian ladies’ group brought warmth and humour that brightened even the cloudiest skies. For many of them, it was their first-ever experience of staying in a youth hostel, and the novelty of it became part of the fun.
“We may have been drenched, but our spirits never were!” one participant laughed. “The Dales welcomed us with open arms — and a bit of drizzle for good measure.”
That weekend encapsulated everything Access the Dales stands for: breaking barriers, building community, and showing that the outdoors belongs to everyone, no matter the weather.
Expanding Our Reach Through Funding and Grants
Thanks to National Lottery funding, we have been able to employ a part-time project manager, which has made a significant difference in how we deliver our work. This support allows us to plan for our next project with enthusiasm, helping to free up our Trustees so they can focus on strategic priorities. We’re also grateful to our other funders — the DWF Foundation, Sport England, the Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, and the Bruce Wake Trust — whose generous contributions are enabling us to reach and support hard-to-reach disabled people, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to take part and benefit from our activities.
“Without your help, we simply couldn’t have come,” one participant told us. “This has opened up a whole new world for us — it’s not just a day out, it’s a change in how we see ourselves.”
The support from these funders means that accessibility isn’t just about the equipment or the trails — it’s about inclusion, community, and opportunity for everyone.
On the Screen: Access the Dales on ITV
Another proud moment for us this year was being featured on ITV, with none other than Ade Adepitan visiting our Aysgarth Falls hub. Ade, a well-known Paralympian and broadcaster, experienced firsthand how our Trampers make the Dales more accessible for everyone.
The feature shone a national spotlight on the work we do — and on the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales as a destination that welcomes people of all abilities. Following the broadcast, we received an outpouring of support, messages of thanks, and even bookings from families inspired to visit for the first time.
“I saw Ade using the Tramper on TV and thought, if he can do it, so can I,” wrote one new visitor. “We booked our first family holiday in the Dales straight after watching the show.”
A Festival of Joy: Celebrating Children of All Abilities
Perhaps one of the most magical moments of 2025 came in September, when Access the Dales hosted our very first Children’s Festival — a day designed especially for families with children who have disabilities.
Over 200 families joined us for a day filled with music, crafts, outdoor play, and accessible adventure. There were smiles everywhere — from the sensory garden to the storytelling tent, and from the face-painting corner to the adaptive bike demonstrations.
For many families, this festival represented something rare: a space where they didn’t have to explain, apologise, or adapt — everything was already designed with inclusion at its heart.
“For once, we didn’t feel like the ‘different’ family,” one parent shared tearfully. “Everything was thought of. Our daughter could take part in everything, and that meant the world to us.”
The festival was a true celebration of what’s possible when accessibility meets creativity — and it’s an event we hope to see grow even bigger in years to come.
YHA Festival of Walking: Welcoming Leeds Special Schools
As part of the YHA Festival of Walking, we were thrilled to host 40 children from Leeds Special Schools for a wonderful day of outdoor exploration and connection.
Many of these children had never experienced the Dales before, and the sense of wonder and excitement was unforgettable. Guided by our volunteers and supported by accessible equipment, they explored trails, spotted wildlife, and enjoyed a picnic surrounded by the sounds and sights of nature.
“It was such a joy to see the children’s faces light up as they took in the views,” one teacher told us. “The freedom they felt being outdoors was something truly special.”
This partnership with YHA was a perfect example of what can be achieved when organisations work together to make the outdoors open to everyone — regardless of mobility, ability, or background.
Expanding Our Reach
This year has also been remarkable for the number of people we’ve been able to connect with. Through our hubs, guided walks, community events, and partnerships, Access the Dales has reached out to over 500 people — individuals and families who might otherwise have struggled to experience the countryside.
Each of those encounters matters deeply. Whether it’s a first ride on a Tramper, a guided nature walk, or a chat over tea at one of our events, these moments build confidence and community. They remind us why accessibility is more than infrastructure — it’s about connection and inclusion.
“You’ve opened a door for us,” one visitor told us this autumn. “We’d written off the Dales years ago because we thought they were out of reach. Now, we’re already planning our next trip.”
Reaching more people means changing more lives — and we’re committed to continuing that mission well into the future.
Recognition on the National Stage
And then came the cherry on top — a moment that left us all beaming with pride.
In November, Debbie and Adam were invited to London for the British Guild of Writers and International Tourism Awards. Among inspiring companies and projects from around the world, Access the Dales was announced as the winner of the Best UK Tourism Project.
It was a moment that recognised not just the work of the charity, but the passion, volunteers, and supporters who make everything possible.
Debbie accepted the award with characteristic humility and pride.
“This award isn’t for us,” she said. “It’s for every person who thought the countryside was out of reach, and now knows they’re not. It’s for everyone who’s ever taken a ride on one of our all-terrain wheelchairs and smiled because they felt free again.”
The recognition has helped to shine an even brighter light on accessible tourism — and to show the wider travel industry that inclusion isn’t just possible, it’s essential.
The Ripple Effect: Changing the Way People See the Dales
Throughout the year, we’ve received countless messages and testimonials from people whose experiences with Access the Dales have changed the way they think about holidays, travel, and nature.
“We’ve just booked a week in the Dales next spring,” one couple wrote. “Knowing there are accessible trails and equipment available made all the difference. It means we can plan with confidence instead of compromise.”
“My son has cerebral palsy, and for the first time we didn’t have to say no to an adventure,” shared another family. “The TerrainHopper gave him independence — and gave us memories we’ll treasure forever.”
Stories like these remind us that accessibility doesn’t just make travel easier; it makes life richer. When barriers are removed, possibilities multiply.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 winds down, the team at Access the Dales is taking a well-earned breath. It’s been a whirlwind year of growth, connection, and recognition — but we’re already looking forward to what’s next.
We plan to continue expanding our hubs, strengthening community partnerships, and welcoming more diverse groups into the Yorkshire Dales. We’ll keep championing accessibility not just as an add-on, but as a vital part of sustainable tourism.
Because every path should be open, every trail should be welcoming, and every person — regardless of ability — should have the chance to feel the wind across the moors, the sun through the trees, and the joy of belonging in nature.
A Final Thank You
To everyone who has supported us — our volunteers, funders, local partners, and visitors — thank you. You’ve helped make 2025 a year to remember.
As we step into the quieter winter months, we do so with full hearts and deep gratitude. Together, we’ve made the countryside a place where everyone can find access, adventure, and awe.
Here’s to 2026 — and to many more moments of laughter, exploration, and inclusion in the Dales.
