New accessible paths allow more visitors to explore further at Ilam Park.
- Published:
- 11 November 2024
The second phase of a project to create a 1km circular route at Ilam Park is now complete, making the historic and picturesque site more accessible for everyone. This is the latest part of a project where community groups and accessibility experts are working with the National Trust, to help them improve experiences for people with a range of needs.
Accessible route to explore more
The second phase of newly widened, resurfaced and extended pathways has created a loop through parkland surrounding Ilam Hall; an 1820’s country house, which is now operating as a youth hostel.
The first phase was completed in Spring 2024, as part of a wider project to improve access to the attraction, which welcomes around 120,000 visitors a year. The improved route now provides access to areas which have previously been difficult to reach for some visitors.
The walkways begin and end at the historic Stable Yard, which houses a tearoom, second-hand bookshop, and toilets. Benches have also been placed at various points to provide spots to rest.
Family return to Ilam Park to see improvements
A mum from Derbyshire, who had a dream of being able to make some of the Peak District’s top sites more accessible to disabled members of her family, has played a key part in this project. She returned to Ilam Park, to see the improvements and try them out with her mum.
Gillian Scotford, who is Director at AccessibleUK, says there’s a massive difference now, to when she first visited: “Ilam Park has been an attraction that my family have spent our whole lives coming to. It’s some of England’s finest countryside, it’s really beautiful.
“This site has been absolutely brilliant for recognising that disabled people want to go out and explore the countryside.
“Accessibility is not just about wheelchair access either. Only 8 percent of disabled people are wheelchair users, out of around 16 million people.
“The improvements to pathways, in particular, will also help many people with reduced mobility and those using pushchairs.”
Aim to become 'most accessible place in the Peak District'
Craig Best, General Manager for the National Trust in the Peak District said: “We definitely have the aspiration to make Ilam Park one of the most, if not the most, accessible places within the Peak District. It’s vitally important that everyone has access to nature, to history, to beauty – whether that’s experiencing the river, wildlife, or stunning views of Thorpe Cloud.
“Work we’ve done at Ilam is really important. There’s a lot more to do, but this is a great start and we’ll roll out further improvements over the next few years.”
Gillian used to bring her children to Ilam Park when they were younger for picnics, she says: "There were no paths that went down to the river. Although you could look at the view, it was too challenging to get across with a wheelchair.
“That wheelchair that we used to bring with us, we’ve brought back for my mum who has mobility issues – to see the difference in how we can use it. Now, we can enjoy far more of the stunning views together and I wish I could bottle the feeling you get here, especially when it’s a sunny day.”
Funding the project
The project was funded by the National Trust and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme delivered through the Peak District National Park Authority, which provides funding for farmers and land managers, to deliver projects for climate, nature and people, including to enable access.
Phil Mulligan, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority added: “Being at the very heart of the nation and close to so many towns, cities and communities, there’s a sense of real pride for me that the Peak District already offers some of the most accessible opportunities found within our UK National Parks.
“From traffic-free, all-user routes to Changing Places facilities and industry-leading Miles without Stiles trails, we are constantly expanding and improving the offer for those with additional access needs.
“The National Trust are one of many partners integral to this, so it’s exciting to see this second phase of path works complete at Ilam – combining the chance to experience both our cultural heritage and striking Peak District landscapes in every visit, whatever your individual needs or circumstances.”
Working in partnership
AccessibleUK worked with the National Trust to audit Ilam Park. They identified potential changes for improving accessibility and opening up the beautiful attraction for everyone.
The project has also been supported by Experience Community, a peer-led not-for-profit organisation that helps physically disabled people access the outdoors. The group has worked closely with the National Trust to identify improvements that will help more people access the area.