A new trail at a heritage site in the Lake District will allow more people than ever to experience its beauty.

The National Trust officially opened the Holeslack accessible trail at Sizergh Castle, near Kendal, on Monday, March 25.

The 1.5km circular route will be suitable for prams, buggies, Trampers, wheelchairs and visitors with reduced mobility. 

The Westmorland Gazette: People with reduced mobility can now enjoy the castle in all its gloryPeople with reduced mobility can now enjoy the castle in all its glory (Image: Steve Barber)

Matt Croney, a Lake District National Park Authority area ranger, said: “We are delighted to support this new accessible route through the Defra Access for All fund.

"The Sizergh route is one of our 50 Miles without Stiles routes throughout the Lake District for people with limited mobility."

The trail was opened by councillors Janet Battye and Will Clark and was built with local contractors Terra Firma.

It has been designed for all to enjoy, with accessibility in mind – all of the gates are easily accessible, and a large part of the route is fenced off from livestock.

The Westmorland Gazette: People came out on Monday to put the new trail through its pacesPeople came out on Monday to put the new trail through its paces (Image: Steve Barber)

The benches along the route were made by volunteer Steve Satterthwaite, using wood felled on the estate.

Sam Stalker, lead ranger for the National Trust in South East Cumbria and Morecambe Bay, said: “We want to make sure that Sizergh is accessible for all visitors.

"The historic house, garden and estate we care for present challenges in creating access for all, but we are excited about the steps we’re taking to ensure that as many people as possible are able to experience Sizergh’s history and beauty.”

A second Tramper is also now available, in partnership with Outdoor Mobility.

The powered mobility vehicles can be pre-booked online - over the Easter weekend, extra Tramper slots are available to allow the whole family to take part in the Easter egg hunt along the Holeslack trail.

The Westmorland Gazette: Benches have been made from locally felled woodBenches have been made from locally felled wood (Image: Steve Barber)

Fundraising is underway for future access ambitions at Sizergh, including reinstating Cecilia’s ramp, an 18th century access ramp used by Cecilia Strickland, who had reduced mobility.

If you would like more information about ambitions and fundraising for access at Sizergh, or you would like to help, you can contact sizergh@nationaltrust.org.uk.