Miles without Stiles is a series of walks on easy surfaces, chosen for people with pushchairs, accompanied wheelchair users and walkers who prefer to take it easy. All of the walks incorporate flat, easy sections, and many have optional sections with rocky ground or increased gradient that may be navigated by walkers and those with off-road pushchairs. Wherever possible, the walks begin and/or end where there are facilities for refreshments...

This is a delightful walk for everyone open fields, woodlands, riverbanks and plenty of wildlife. What's more the route is on a level country lane suitable for wheelchairs and buggies alike. It is particularly nice at this time of year, when the farmers are out cutting the last of the summer grass and seeing the birds gathering and feeding on the wealth of berries, nuts and seeds that make up the rich and diverse hedgerows. It's also a popular place for parents teaching their kids how to ride a bike!

As an added attraction, the walk also takes you to Roudsea Wood - a wonderful mosaic of mixed deciduous trees oak, birch, willow, hazel and ash. There are raised bogs here too which are a rarity in England. As you might expect the wildlife is also fantastic - woodcocks, tawny owls, red starts you might even see the shy and elusive red squirrel and the occasional otter on the banks of the River Leven.

Roudsea woods are leased to English Nature which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year that's 50 years of dedicated woodland management, making Roudsea one of the oldest and one of the best National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in the country. Access to the woods is by permit which is easy to obtain (see below for details).

Route...

The walk starts at Low Wood just over the bridge on the River Leven on the B5278 - about 500 metres south of Haverthwaite. There is a roadside verge next to the river where people tend to park their cars (1). Follow the tarmac road heading west along Fish House Lane there are a few paths heading down to the river but these are not suitable for wheelchairs. Fish House Lane forms part of the Cumbria Coastal Way.

Stay on the lane along open fields on both sides for about 2km until you arrive at Roudsea Wood (2). The second of two entrances is best for wheelchair users (make sure you have your permit see below). There are a few paths in the woodland open to the public and one that is suitable for wheelchair users goes from the entrance (2) down to the edge of the estuary (3). This path is mainly gravel and mud with some concrete sections; there are also a few gradients to negotiate although these are not too difficult.

Getting there...

From Haverthwaite take the B5278 south crossing over the River Leven and stopping on the other side of the bridge.

From Ulverston take the Stagecoach 618 or the more regular X35 service to Haverthwaite. For further information call Traveline on 0870-608-2608.

Information...

Overview: The route is tarmac from Low Wood to Roudsea Wood and generally in good condition there are a few cattle grids but you can go around these. Roudsea has gravel paths.

Gradient: Level along Fish House Lane to Roudsea Wood. There are a few gradients in the woods.

Distance: About 2km from the start at Low Wood bridge to Roudsea Wood and a further 1km down to the estuary.

Time: Allow 2 hours to do the route from Low Wood bridge to Roudsea Wood and another 1.5 hours if you go into wood.

Grid ref: Bridge over River Leven (1) at SD346835.

Map ref: Explorer OL7 The English Lakes South-eastern area. Also, Landranger 97 Windermere, Kendal and Silverdale Refreshments: Available in Haverthwaite.

Parking: There is a roadside verge next to the bridge or parking in Haverthwaite about 500 metres away.

Permit: You can obtain a permit to visit Roudsea Wood and receive a free information booklet by sending a SAE to Roudsea Wood Base, Fish House Lane, Haverthwaite LA12 8PE or call them on 015395-31604 Flooding: Please note that the land around Fish House Lane is subject to occasional flooding. Please check before taking this route.

l If you know of local trails suitable for wheelchair access why not tell us about them. Send a letter to John Barwise, The Westmorland Gazette, 1 Wainwright's Yard, Kendal LA9 4DP or send an email to john@engagetm.co.uk