Accessible with the right wheels and some help!
2.5
2.5
Date of visit: August 2016
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Average
This outing to Malham Cove is another "Miles without Stiles" route -- it won't be for everyone but a great close up view of the Cove awaits if you can manage it. A route card is available free of charge from the Visitor Centre in Malham or see the National Park/Miles without Stiles webpage.
Disabled Access In and Around
Poor
Access is classified by the National Park as suitable "for some" which is fair. Once you arrived at the gate to access the path, the route goes sharply uphill on loose chippings - grip for wheels is poor and even my battery powered Viper powercycle needed help. The route undulates a bit before heading downwards to the stream. There are lots of cows here in the lower section but they ignore visitors. The path is compacted earth by now but littered with rocks, tree roots and cow pats. There's another gate, wide enough for a chair but help will be needed to open it. The very last bit is inaccessible due to rocks and narrow gate but you'll get close enough for a wonderful view of the cliff face. Bit tricky to turn round on the bumpy, narrow path so care needed. Rating reflects trickiness of route but it's worth the effort if you have reasonable equipment.
Parking & Transport
Average
Designated parking at the Visitor Centre in Malham. Then travel about ten plus minutes along the road to get to the start of the route. There are quite a lot of cars passing but not too fast as it's a small lane. Just need to take care. Plenty of bluen badge spaces. Fee payable.
Accessible Toilets
Bad
Loo at Visitor Centre. Didn't use it. There was a separate accessible one, near the blue badge spaces.
Staff
Average
No one at Cove but staff in Visitor Centre most helpful.
Additional Information
There's a free NT dales barn at the roadside by the start of the path - very interesting and level entry. (Though floor a bit uneven). Worth a visit.
