Written by Carrie-Anne Lightley, June 26, 2024
The Peak District and Derbyshire, home to Britain’s original National Park, is a place to refresh and recharge. From wild peaks to market towns, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
I’m fortunate to have visited several times, for weekends tucked away in farm lodges, long walks with my dog Poppy, copy pub meals, and I’ve even tried driving a boat! The Peak District is also a popular destination for walkers, cyclists and families planning a countryside break.
So, if you are planning an accessible trip of your own, read on to discover some of the best wheelchair accessible things to do in the Peak District that you should add to your list.
Disclaimer: this post is part of a paid collaboration with Visit Peak District.
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in the Peak District
There’s something for everyone in the Peak District. Check out my guide to some of the top wheelchair accessible things to do in the Peak District to make the most of your trip.
1. Explore Miles Without Stiles
Miles without Stiles are well-surfaced easy access walking / wheeling routes without stiles, steps, or steep gradients. They provide access to amazing views and countryside and are suitable for people of all fitness levels and those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users.
The routes are accompanied by photographs, maps, and a handbook, and are graded to show whether they are accessible for ‘all’, ‘many’ or ‘some’.
The handbook is priced at £5.95, with every penny going towards local access improvements. You can purchase the book from any of the Peak District National Park’s visitor centres or through their online shop.
2. Hire a Peak District Tramper Mobility Vehicle
Trampers are all-terrain mobility vehicles which are safe and easy to use and perfect for enjoying more of the Peak District.
What is a Tramper? Ideal if you have mobility needs and want to explore longer all-terrain routes.
All Trampers have a comfy seat, armrests, and large wheels for a safe and smooth ride. Twist-grip hand controls allow left or right-handed use. No action is required with your feet.
The Peak District National team will provide a full demonstration of the Tramper to ensure you feel confident before you leave the hire centre, and can help advise on suitable routes.
One of my favourites is the impressive approach to Peak Cavern, leading to ‘The Devil’s Arse’!
Where to Hire a Peak District Tramper
3. Visit Accessible Castleton
The picturesque Peak District village of Castleton is famous for its hilltop castle ruins, charming streets and stunning surrounding countryside.
The village was recently the focus of an accessibility project – called Accessible Castleton – which included the creation of accessible itineraries including a Scenic Drive in the Hope Valley and How to spend an Accessible Day in Castleton.
I was lucky enough to be the first person to test drive the new Castleton Tramper all-terrain mobility vehicle, which is available to hire at Castleton Visitor Centre from mid-June 2024.
Castleton Visitor Centre features a shop, interactive displays and video walls, plus a permanent exhibition on the area’s rich cultural history.
Within the centre you’ll find the Blueberry Café, selling a range of local food, lunches and coffee. The cafe welcomes everyone including dogs with well behaved owners and muddy boots. A wheelchair accessible toilet is available.
4. Take in the Views at Monsal Head and the Monsal Trail
One of the most iconic viewpoints in the Peak District, this pay and display car park (max stay 1 hour) is free to blue badge holders. It overlooks Monsal Dale and the scenic Headstone Viaduct, where the combination of the winding River Wye in the steep sided dale, the wooded slopes, and the striking viaduct (now the popular Monsal Trail), make it one of the most photographed locations in England.
After soaking up the views, you can drive the short distance to Monsal Trail Cycle Hire and Station Café, near Bakewell, where you can access the flat-level Monsal Trail and cross the viaduct yourself. Accessible tricycles, a wheelchair platform bike and an electric Babboe cargo tricycle are available for hire.
5. Enjoy Shopping at Peak Village
Near Bakewell, Peak Village offers a quality accessible shopping experience. The site has named retailers, independent shops, and restaurants including Chatsworth Kitchen. All offer level access with open courtyards in between.
6. Captain the Ladybower Fisheries Wheelyboat
The Ladybower Reservoir is particularly stunning and is situated in the Peak District’s beautiful Upper Derwent Valley. Historically significant as the training home of ‘Dambusters’, the reservoir also has award-winning accessible boats (they are dog friendly too!). Ladybower Fisheries has 4 accessible adapted boats, adapted fishing equipment and an accessible education room.
Troy Chadwick, the Accessibility Coordinator for Ladybower Fisheries is a fantastic advocate of accessibility in the Peak District. I had never before driven a boat, or even held a fishing rod! But Troy’s patience and enthusiasm made our experience so special.
7. Hire an adapted bike from Parlsey Hay Cycle Hire
Parsley Hay Cycle Hire is located for easy access on to the beautiful Tissington and High Peak Trails.
The Cycle Hire Centre and trails are accessible for wheelchair users or those with specific access needs. The site also offers specially adapted bikes including hand cranks, tandem trikes, trikes, Tramper and wheelchair bikes.
8. Visit the World Heritage Site at Cromford Mills
Visit the world’s first water powered cotton spinning mill at Cromford Mills and learn all about the first complete, factory system. At the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, Cromford Mill was developed in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright. Discover how the site changed the world we live in today with a guided tour and trip inside the visitor centre, cafes and shops.
Audio Tours are available every day, and opposite the mill is Wheatcroft’s cafe with level access and a great location situated next to the Cromford Canal.
9. Explore Carsington Water
The scenic Carsington Water is England’s ninth largest reservoir and is open all year round. Look out over the water from the level paths and accessible viewpoints, admire the wildlife in the accessible bird-watching hides, and learn all about the role of water in our daily lives in the Visitor Centre.
There is also wheelchair access to the courtyard shops and restaurant, including an ice cream parlour. Admission is free and there is free parking for blue badge holders. Mobility scooters and electric bikes are also available to hire.
10. Enjoy Award-Winning Food at The Prince of Wales at Baslow
The Prince of Wales at Baslow is a great dog friendly, accessible pub that recently won Gold at the 2024 Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Tourism Awards.
They serve fresh local produce and have an open kitchen where you can get a view of the action. I am still thinking about their spicy Thai red curry seabass with salty peanuts and zingy charred lime!
Wheelchair Accessible Things to Do in The Peak District
There are many more wheelchair accessible things to do in The Peak District. I look forward to sharing more with you in future blog posts, so be sure to subscribe to be updated with new posts. You can also follow me on social media at the links at the top of the page.
I hope this guide helps you plan your accessible trip to The Peak District.