An Accessible Walk along the River Rawthey

Our walk initially takes us through the centre of the town. You may want to pause for a moment to explore what the high street has to offer.

When you come to the main road turn left onto Long Lane and cross the road at the zebra crossing next to the Fire Station. The route takes us left past Settlebeck High School before turning right along a quiet road. This is where the steep section is!

Turn left through the kissing gate and follow the path to the next kissing gate. The gate does open fully so that you can get through if you’re a wheelchair user. Here you will find a lovely picnic area with tables and benches.

The path follows the riverside for a while. Take time to use your senses to enjoy the wildlife here on the river. There are so many sounds to absorb! There is plenty of wildlife to spot along the river. There are heron, dipper and goosander as well as nuthatch, tree creeper and long-tailed tit in the trees and hedges. In autumn salmon can be seen jumping the weir.

Our route stops at the next kissing gate (it’s too narrow for a wheelchair to get through). When you’re ready we’ll need to retrace our steps back to the car. Or, if you’d prefer to avoid the steep section, then you can pass through the alternative gates at the picnic area and travel back on to the roadside for about 50 metres before you can get up onto the curb. Please take extreme care if you do go on the road as traffic will not be expecting to meet a wheelchair user travelling in the opposite direction.

Access TOG Verdict:
This is a lovely walk that is manageable in a manual wheelchair – although take care with the steep section down to the river. You may, like I was, be grateful for the help of a friend in places. The paths in town can get a little narrow – but are still manageable.

This walk has been designated ‘Miles Without Stiles’ by the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Nearest railway station: Oxenholme station is 10 miles from Sedbergh.
Local bus services between Kendal and Sedbergh stop at Oxenholme Station.