Breaking Down Barriers: The Challenges Disabled People Face When Getting Outdoors

Spending time outdoors can improve physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. For many people, a walk in the countryside, a visit to a park, or simply enjoying fresh air is something taken for granted. But for disabled people, accessing the outdoors is often far from straightforward.

At Access the Dales, we work to improve access to the countryside and highlight the barriers that still prevent many people from enjoying outdoor spaces. Understanding these challenges is a vital step toward creating a more inclusive environment for everyone.

The dreaded stile

One of the most obvious obstacles disabled people face outdoors is the physical environment itself. Much of the countryside was not designed with accessibility in mind, and this can make even short outings difficult or impossible.

Common physical barriers include:

• Stiles and narrow gates that cannot be used by wheelchair users or people with limited mobility

• Uneven, muddy, or rocky paths that increase the risk of falls

• Steep gradients and steps without handrails or alternative routes

• Lack of accessible seating or rest points for those who fatigue easily

While these features may seem minor to some, they can completely prevent others from accessing a route or area.

Metal kissing gate

Transport and Parking Challenges

Getting to outdoor spaces is often a barrier before a walk even begins. Rural and countryside locations frequently have limited public transport, and services that do exist may not be accessible or reliable.

Key transport issues include:

• Limited wheelchair-accessible public transport

• Infrequent bus or train services, especially at weekends

• Accessible parking spaces that are too few, poorly marked, or located far from paths and facilities

For many disabled people, the journey itself can be exhausting, stressful, or simply unmanageable.

Lack of Clear and Reliable Information

Knowing what to expect is essential when planning an outdoor trip, but accessibility information is often missing, unclear, or inaccurate.

People may struggle to find details about:

• Path surfaces and widths

• Gradients and distances

• Locations of accessible toilets and parking

• Whether gates, steps, or stiles are present

Without this information, disabled people are forced to take risks or avoid outings altogether. Clear, honest access information empowers people to make informed choices and enjoy the outdoors with confidence.

Invisible Disabilities and Social Barriers

Not all barriers are physical. Many disabled people live with invisible conditions such as chronic pain, fatigue, sensory sensitivities, or neurodivergence. These can make outdoor environments overwhelming or unsafe, even when paths appear accessible.

Social barriers can include:

• Lack of understanding from others

• Pressure to “keep up” or not use rest breaks

• Judgement when using mobility aids or accessible facilities

These attitudes can make people feel unwelcome or excluded, reinforcing the idea that the outdoors is “not for them.”

Facilities That Don’t Meet Real Needs

Accessible facilities are essential for many disabled people, yet they are often unavailable or inadequate in outdoor spaces.

Common issues include:

• No accessible toilets or facilities that are locked or poorly maintained

• Lack of Changing Places toilets for people with complex needs

• Picnic tables and viewpoints that are not wheelchair-accessible

Without appropriate facilities, trips must be shortened or avoided altogether.

The Impact of These Barriers

When disabled people are unable to access outdoor spaces, the impact goes beyond missed walks or days out. It affects:

• Physical health and mobility

• Mental well-being and connection to nature

• Social inclusion and independence

Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors, regardless of ability.

Working Toward a More Inclusive Outdoors

At Access the Dales, we believe barriers are not inevitable — they are the result of choices in design, planning, and priorities. Positive changes, such as step-free gates, well-maintained paths, accurate access information, and inclusive attitudes, can make a huge difference.

By listening to disabled people, sharing lived experiences, and advocating for inclusive design, we can create outdoor spaces that welcome everyone.

Together, we can ensure the countryside is a place of freedom, not frustration.

How You Can Help Make the Outdoors Accessible for All

Real change happens when people come together. Whether you live in the Dales or simply care about inclusive access to the outdoors, there are many ways you can support this work.

You can help by:

• Supporting Access the Dales through donations or fundraising, helping us improve access routes and facilities

• Sharing your experiences of barriers or good practice, so we can continue to campaign for meaningful change

• Volunteering your time to help maintain accessible paths, promote inclusive routes, or support events

• Spreading the word by sharing our work and encouraging landowners, organisations, and local authorities to prioritise accessibility

Every improvement — a gate replaced, better information shared, or awareness raised — helps open the countryside to more people.

If you believe the outdoors should be for everyone, stand with us. Together, we can break down barriers and ensure that disabled people have the same opportunities to explore, connect, and enjoy the natural world.

Because access to nature should never be a privilege — it should be a right.