This is one of my favourite short routes in Grizedale, a managed forest criss-crossed by many paths, cycle routes and tracks.

You could enjoy this as part of a longer day in the forest. The Ridding Wood Trail has been specially designed with children, wheelchair users, art lovers and families in mind it's easy to follow and is dotted with sculptures.

There are also great views across the wide valley bottom towards the hills beyond. Right now, with the fresh spring growth, the trees are looking superb and bluebells carpet the ground.

This is a good walk at any time of day, but best in the evening when the route is bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. It's also good in drizzle or light rain, as it is sheltered in most parts by the trees.

Route

Begin at Grizedale Hall car park 1. With the old buildings on your left, follow the wide tarmac path which soon passes beneath a curved wooden sculpture. Look out for uniquely carved benches, hogs in the hedges and other woodland animals. The path crosses a small stream and then bends to the right. On the left, the bank rises steeply with the fresh green of spring leaves high above deep purple bluebells. To the right, the view takes in the valley: in the mature copper beech, you may notice a large steel circle. This is Ting, a sculpture woven through the tree's branches 20 years ago by Colin Rose.

A few yards further on are the musical sculptures great fun for kids and adults alike, with the chance to fill the trees with woody echoes. At the covered shelter, which gives the impression that the forest floor is growing above your head, the path bends to the left.

Follow the bridge 2 high above the river, and stick to the path as it curves to the right. Small paths lead up and into the woods from here: one is lined with curled-up wooden sculptures, giant fern spores that make perfect seats for small children. Further along the path, you'll come to a beetle-carved seat. A little way past this, cast your eyes high into the trees on the right there is a beehive, created by Jony Easterby, that flickers with sparkling lights powered by sunlight.

The track eventually emerges from the tree cover to open grassland. A large curved seat made by Nigel Ross is perfect for taking in the view and, a little further, the Grizedale Mosaic 3, made by Rosalind Wates in 1992, offers fun for children as they guess what animals are depicted.

On the way back, follow the left branch of the path. You'll pass more sculptures, including fairy-tale houses and carved benches, before meeting Reece Ingram's friendly-looking sheep, and passing beneath the bridge.

Here, the path runs beside the river, which often tempts children in for a paddle. It runs to a miniature slate-roofed house 4 before climbing with a gentle incline back to the sheltered seat. From here, the path returns to the car park.

l This walk is taken from a collection of more than 20 routes in the Lake District National Park that have been earmarked and maintained by the LDNPA and are suitable for people with limited mobility. The routes, which have been checked by park rangers, are described in a special booklet Countryside Access For People With Limited Mobility available from Tourist Information Centres and are covered on the authority's website: www.lake-district.gov.uk.

Information

Overview: A blend of tarmac and fine gravel path specially adapted for wheelchairs. Mostly flat, some slight inclines.

Distance: 2km Time: 1 1.5 hours; though you could easily spend a day in the forest Map Ref: Outdoor Leisure 7 The English Lakes South-Eastern Area GR 336943 Parking: At start of walk at Grizedale Hall and at Grizedale Forest Centre.

Gradients: Mostly flat, a few very slight gradients.

Refreshments: Caf at the Grizedale Centre.

Toilets: At the car parks, including disabled access.

Public transport: The Cross-Lakes Shuttle (525) from Bowness Pier 3, Hawkshead or Coniston Pier runs at weekends, school holidays and daily throughout July, August and September (call 015394-45161 for details).

Miles without Stiles is a series of walks on easy surfaces, chosen for people with pushchairs, accompanied wheelchair users and walkers who prefer to take it easy.

All of the walks incorporate flat, easy sections, and many have optional sections with rocky ground or increased gradient that may be navigated by walkers and those with off-road pushchairs. Wherever possible, the walks begin and/or end where there are facilities for refreshments.

The walks have been selected by Harriet Sharkey, of Levens, from routes recommended by the Lake District National Park Authority and assessed by rangers; and from a network of established 'Greenways' and quiet roads in the Barrow Peninsular.