Updated 19/09/2025
A new all-terrain wheelchair is available to hire at Malham National Park Visitor Centre, increasing accessibility to one of the Yorkshire Dales most popular locations.
The wheelchair, funded by clothing company Damart with support from Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust (YDMT), is the second based at Malham. Managed by the charity Access the Dales, visitors can hire the wheelchair free of charge via their website.
Suitable for a wide range of accessibility needs, the motorised wheelchairs enable users to access more of the Yorkshire Dales’ outstanding landscapes, taking in the spectacular views of Malham Cove. The wheelchairs can be used along a 1.5-mile accessible Miles Without Stiles route from Malham National Park Visitor Centre to the Cove and back, covering a short section of the Pennine Way National Trail.
A launch event for the new wheelchair was held at Malham Visitor Centre on Monday, where staff from Damart and YDMT were able to try the wheelchair out for themselves and see the impact it will have on people’s access to the countryside.
Co-Managing Director of Damart, Ed Friel, explained how the project reflects the company’s commitment to supporting senior communities. He said: “At Damart we are committed to supporting our local communities and environment, so partnering with Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust was a rewarding opportunity as we know so many of our customers appreciate getting outside and visiting our beautiful countryside. The new all terrain mobility vehicle will be vital for helping even more people to make the most of this spectacular area.”
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Access and Recreation Officer, Rachel Briggs, said: “It’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come, from early accessibility projects with YDMT to now offering 19 different Miles Without Stiles routes across the National Park.
“Having two all-terrain wheelchairs at Malham means two people can now head out and enjoy the landscape together. We’ve had so much positive feedback, with people telling us how good it feels to get out with their family again.”
YDMT Development Officer Richard Hore added: “One of our core aims is breaking down barriers to nature, so it made a lot of sense to support this initiative. We’re very pleased to be working alongside the National Park Authority, Access the Dales and companies like Damart to make the landscape accessible to more people.”
The addition of a second all-terrain wheelchair at Malham builds on wider accessibility improvements in the National Park, including the introduction of Changing Places toilets in Grassington and Hawes, and the completion of a new circular accessible route at Aysgarth Falls, made possible with funding from Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
Member Champion for Recreation Management Lizzie Bushby said: “Making the Yorkshire Dales more accessible is a priority for us, and initiatives like this mean more people can experience the joy of visiting places like Malham Cove. We’re extremely grateful to Damart and YDMT for supporting our efforts to make our landscape accessible to everyone.”
You can find more information about our Miles Without Stiles routes and how to book an all-terrain wheelchair on our Access for All page.
About Damart
Damart is a Bingley-based fashion retailer that has been creating high-quality styles for over 70 years. Damart designs and produces an impressive range of specially created clothing, aimed at making wearers feel fantastic through thoughtful details. From perfect fits to confidence-boosting colours, Skin Soft Knits to Toasty Thermal Coats, Damart offers clothing ranges that empower customers to feel confident on any occasion.
Damart’s charity foundation, On Seniors’ Side, works to encourage seniors to be active to improve their wellbeing, encouraging them to engage in society, promoting intergenerational links and supports caregivers to facilitate healthy aging at home.
