Grassington Accessible Walk

This is a closed loop of 1.3 miles (2.1 km) total, measured as the full circuit from the Grassington National Park car park back to the same point. It is short, but the ground and gradients make it more demanding than the distance suggests.

From the car park the route follows a walled lane and accessible footpath down towards the River Wharfe. It then continues along the riverside to Linton Falls before returning to the car park by a short section of main road. The mapped line is continuous and includes that road return, so the road section is part of the walk rather than an optional variation.

The walled lane includes gradients reaching about 1:7. The riverside section is unsurfaced, so expect uneven and variable ground rather than a smooth all-weather surface. On the return, the first 50 m reaches roughly 1:6. The route also meets a busy road, so care is needed where walkers and traffic share space.

The classification is Route for some. In practice that means some people using wheelchairs or buggies will manage it, often with assistance, while others will find the steeper pitches and the unsurfaced riverside too much. It should not be treated as universally wheelchair suitable. Reviewing the gradients, the surface change and the road link before setting out is worthwhile, and turning back at the falls to retrace the lane is a reasonable choice.

Linton Falls is the focal point, where the Wharfe drops over rock ledges along the line of the North Craven Fault, a geological boundary that helps explain the limestone character of the surrounding dale. The walk also takes in village buildings, dry-stone walls and open riverside views.

Start from the Grassington National Park car park and National Park Centre, which has five designated blue-badge bays and public toilets including RADAR accessible facilities. Dogs may be brought on this route. Keep them on leads or under close control on public rights of way and around livestock, and be aware that seasonal restrictions can apply.