.png)
Access the Dales Event at New Laund Farm: A Day of Adventure in the Forest of Bowland
- accessthedales
- 8 minutes ago
- 4 min read
September brought with it not only the shifting colours of autumn but also a truly special gathering for lovers of the outdoors and advocates of accessibility. Access the Dales, a charity dedicated to breaking down barriers that prevent people with disabilities from enjoying the countryside, hosted its September event at New Laund Farm on the Whitewell Estate, nestled in the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.
This unique location provided the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates inclusivity, adventure, and the stunning landscapes of northern England.
A Hub in the Forest of Bowland
New Laund Farm has quickly become an important hub for Access the Dales. The farm sits on the Whitewell Estate, which belongs to King Charles, surrounded by rolling hills, winding valleys, and sweeping views that stretch far into the distance. From this vantage point, the gang was treated to some of the most iconic sights in the north of England:
Whernside and Ingleborough, two of the Yorkshire Dales’ celebrated “Three Peaks,” rise proudly on the horizon.
Pendle Hill, steeped in folklore and famous for its associations with the 17th-century Pendle witches, adds a sense of mystery and history to the skyline.
It is rare to find a spot where so many famous landscapes converge, and New Laund Farm offered the perfect stage for a day of exploration and community.
Breaking Barriers to the Outdoors
The Access the Dales mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the beauty of the countryside, no matter their level of mobility.
At the September event, participants had the opportunity to explore the surrounding hills and valleys with the help of TerrainHoppers, all-terrain mobility vehicles that open up previously inaccessible places.
The terrain around New Laund Farm is rugged, varied, and at times, steep. Paths wind up and down hillsides, crossing fields and woodland edges. For many wheelchair users, such landscapes would be off-limits. Yet, thanks to TerrainHoppers, the challenges of the land became opportunities for adventure rather than obstacles.
Attendees reported that it felt liberating to roam so freely, tackling slopes, uneven ground, and grassy tracks with ease. The steep inclines that might have once looked daunting were embraced with smiles and laughter as the vehicles powered smoothly to the top.
A Sense of Freedom
One of the most moving aspects of the event was the sense of freedom it created. Access the Dales is not just about providing equipment; it is about restoring confidence, independence, and joy to people who may have been excluded from countryside activities.
Participants described how, for once, they could keep pace with friends and family without worrying about accessibility issues. Parents, children, and grandparents explored together, enjoying the shared experience of discovery. For many, it was the first time in years they had been able to access such landscapes.
The views from higher vantage points were nothing short of spectacular. Looking across to Ingleborough and Whernside, visitors were reminded of the vast beauty of the Dales. To the south, Pendle Hill stood as a reminder of local history, its distinctive shape dominating the skyline. It was a view worth climbing for—and thanks to TerrainHoppers, everyone could share in it.
More Than Just Scenery
Of course, the day was about more than landscapes. It was about community. Access the Dales events bring together people of all backgrounds and abilities, united by a love of the outdoors. Conversations sparked easily along the trails, friendships were forged, and a sense of camaraderie filled the air.
The Forest of Bowland itself added to the atmosphere. Designated as a National Landscape it is a place of heather-clad moorlands, deep valleys, and rivers that cut through limestone landscapes. Wildlife is abundant too: curlews, lapwings, and kestrels are often seen, while the woodlands echo with birdsong. For many visitors, it was a chance not only to admire the views but also to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature.
The Importance of the Access the Dales Accessible Hubs
New Laund Farm is one of several Access the Dales hubs across the country, each providing a base where people with mobility challenges can borrow all-terrain wheelchairs to explore the local countryside. These hubs are vital in making rural areas more inclusive.
By situating a hub in the Forest of Bowland, the charity has opened up an area that was previously difficult for many to access. Now, those who might have missed out on experiencing this landscape can do so with confidence and ease.
Looking Ahead for Access the Dales
The September event was more than just a single day; it was a celebration of what is possible when accessibility meets adventure. For those who attended, it was a reminder that the countryside belongs to everyone.
As Access the Dales continues its work, the hope is that more hubs will be established, more events will take place, and more people will discover the joy of exploring Britain’s most beautiful landscapes.
A Lasting Impression
As the afternoon sun dipped lower and the group returned to New Laund Farm, there was a palpable sense of achievement and contentment. The challenges of the terrain had been met with resilience and technology, and the rewards had been spectacular views, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
The September Access the Dales event at New Laund Farm was not just a day out—it was an affirmation of freedom, inclusion, and the simple joy of being able to say, “I was there, and I did it.”
