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Embracing September with Access the Dales: Walks, Wonder, and Inclusion
- accessthedales
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
1. Friday, 5th September 2025 – Guided Walk at New Laund Farm, Clitheroe
Kick off September with a refreshing 4-mile circular walk around the working upland haven of New Laund Farm, nestled in the beautiful Hodder Valley (Whitewell, Clitheroe, BB7 3BN). This scenic route offers panoramic views across the Forest of Bowland and a peek at the farm’s inhabitants—including Swaledale and Lonk sheep, Holstein Friesian dairy cows, and Aberdeen Angus cattle (learn more here).
Why join? It’s the perfect blend of rural charm, farm life, and calm countryside paths. The walk is moderately challenging, so please wear sturdy footwear and prepare for the famously changeable English weather (layers and waterproofs strongly recommended).
Accessibility update: All of our all-terrain wheelchairs for this walk are now fully booked. However, participants with their own Trampers, TerrainHoppers, or all-terrain wheelchairs are welcome to join us. Please check with your manufacturer that your equipment is suitable for covering rough ground and steepish inclines.
On-site facilities include hard-standing car parking, accessible toilets, handwashing stations, a wet-weather shelter, a picnic area, and some surfaced paths. Spaces are limited (max 15 participants), so early booking is essential.
2. Sunday, 21st September 2025 – Festival for Children at Gisburn Forest
Next, join a day full of magic and inspiration at the Festival for Children: A Celebration of What Is Possible, set in the serene Gisburn Forest in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. This free, inclusive event is tailored for families with disabled children aged 7-16, offering activities that spark creativity, exploration, and joy (read the full details here).
Here’s what’s in store:
Nature-based experiences like bushcraft, forest bathing, and woodland crafts.
Art workshops, storytelling sessions, and sound bathing for sensory delight.
All-terrain wheelchair and adaptive cycling trials.
A heartwarming campfire finale with stories and shared reflections.
Event schedule:
Registration opens at 9:30 AM
Activities run from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Campfire begins at 3:30 PM
Set your sat nav to BB7 4TS, where there’s free, ample parking. Accessibility is central to the event, with onsite Changing Places, accessible toilets, inclusive sessions, and the opportunity to test adaptive mobility equipment. Just remember to bring a packed lunch—the forest café will be closed during the festival—and dress for outdoor conditions.
3. Wednesday, 24th September 2025 – Guided Walk from YHA Malham
Wrap up the month with a soul-refreshing walk through the limestone landscape of Malham, guided by Access the Dales in partnership with YHA England & Wales (find out more here).
Walk options:
Morning: a 2.5-mile journey to the dramatic Gordale Scar.
Afternoon: a 2.5-mile ramble to Malham Cove.
Or combine both for a full, figure-of-eight 5-mile adventure.
Expect accessible, wide tracks and quiet lanes embedded in breathtaking scenery—ideal for walkers, wheelers, and families. Your guides, Jonathan Smith (Access the Dales) and Andrew McCoy (YHA), will lead the way. Plus, enjoy refreshments at YHA Malham mid-walk.
Accessibility update: Our all-terrain wheelchairs for this walk are fully booked, but if you have your own Tramper, TerrainHopper, or all-terrain wheelchair, you are very welcome to join us—just check with your manufacturer that your chair can manage rough terrain and inclines. Facilities include a mobile Changing Place, accessible toilets, wet-weather shelter, and hard-standing parking.
A Difficult Setback
Sadly, we must also share some difficult news. Recently, one of our smaller, foldable scooters was stolen from our van, and the battery taken from a second scooter. These scooters are vital for helping people who cannot get outside on their own to experience the Dales. Their loss directly affects our ability as a charity to offer events and opportunities to the people who need them most.
We can only hope that those responsible realise the serious impact of their actions.
In response, we have launched a JustGiving campaign to raise the money needed to replace the stolen scooter and buy a new battery for the second one. If you are able to support us, no matter how small the contribution, it will make a world of difference. You can donate here: JustGiving Campaign – Mobility Scooter for Access the Dales.
Why September with Access the Dales Matters
From farm trails to forest festivals and limestone delights, these events are more than walks—they’re gateways to inclusion, nature exploration, and community spirit. Access the Dales continues to champion accessible outdoor experiences, reducing barriers so that everyone can enjoy the Dales' beauty on their terms.
Plan Ahead & Join Us
Spaces are limited, especially for the farm walk. Reserve your spot early, note activity-specific timings, and be prepared for changeable conditions. Most importantly, bring curiosity, kindness, and an openness to discover—and you’ll leave with more than just stunning views; you’ll carry memories of belonging in the outdoors.
