Introducing Paths to Inclusion: Opening up National Trails for Everyone

At National Trails UK, we believe the UK’s 21 National Trails are for everyone. Today, we’re proud to announce the launch of Paths to Inclusion - a new programme of work that will explore how we can make National Trails more inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all.

This is an important step forward in ensuring that these extraordinary routes into our shared natural and cultural heritage can be experienced by more people, from more backgrounds, in more meaningful ways.

Why Paths to Inclusion matters

National Trails pass through some of the UK’s most beautiful and historically significant landscapes.  Yet we know that not everyone feels able, or welcome, to access them. For many, the first step to visiting a National Trail is to learn about it online, in a magazine, or in the media. But what happens when they can’t see themselves in the shoes of the author?

We know that the language, culture and imagery used around long-distance trails can make some people feel the outdoors is ‘not for them’. This programme will work to change how the outdoor sector puts up barriers without realising, enabling the curious to become the converted.

What the programme will do

This new initiative focuses on one critical barrier: information.

We know that many people are simply unaware of National Trails, or struggle to find clear, relevant and accessible information that helps them feel confident visiting. Paths to Inclusion will address this by working collaboratively with communities, partners and Trail teams to co-design better ways of communicating and sharing information.

During this research and development phase, we will:

• Conduct national research into how under-represented groups access and use information
• Review existing accessibility guidance and information systems
• Work directly with communities to understand their needs and preferences
• Test new approaches through four co-designed pilot projects
• Develop recommendations and a scalable model for the future

Ultimately, this work will create a practical blueprint for improving access. Not just for National Trails, but for the wider outdoor and heritage sector.

Co-designing change: meet our partner organisations

At the heart of Paths to Inclusion are four pilot projects, delivered with organisations who are already leading the way in inclusive access. Together, we will co-create and test new ways of presenting and sharing information that better reflects the needs, motivations and experiences of diverse communities.

Black Trail Runners is a community and campaigning charity that seeks to increase the inclusion, participation and representation of people of black ethnicity in trail running. They will be working in partnership with the Cotswold Way National Trail.

"At Black Trail Runners, we believe that access to the outdoors is about more than having a trail that is physically open to everyone. People also need to see themselves represented, feel welcome and feel that they belong, with the confidence and opportunity to take part.

“We’re pleased to be part of Paths to Inclusion and to bring the experiences of our community to a project that can help us better understand the barriers people face and to explore how National Trails can become more welcoming, relevant and accessible to a wider range of people."  Phil Young, Trustee, Black Trail Runners

East and Southeast Asians Outdoors UK is a grassroots community celebrating East and Southeast Asian representation in the UK outdoors and fighting racism. They will be working along the Thames Path National Trail.

“We're pleased to be working with NTUK to help promote the amazing natural scenery the UK has to offer. Utilising our community's voice, we are excited to help shape this project and open up the outdoors to enable and encourage a more diverse group people to confidently head outside on our national trails.” East and Southeast Asians Outdoors UK

Experience Community helps physically disabled people enjoy the benefits of outdoor and green spaces. We will be partnering with them along the Pennine Bridleway National Trail.

“Our ultimate ambition is to provide meaningful information, including mapping and photos, about access and facilities on our National Trails so that disabled people can finally make informed decisions on the sections that are suitable for their individual needs and any mobility equipment that they use. The creation of a practical blueprint for improving access, not just for National Trails, but if also adopted in the wider outdoor and heritage sector, would be an absolute game changer.” Craig Grimes, Managing Director, Experience Community

Open Country helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. They will be running their pilot along the Cleveland Way National Trail.

"The Cleveland Way has some of the most varied scenery of all the National Trails and lies right on the edge of the large urban catchment of Teesside. This welcome project gives us a great opportunity to test some of the barriers preventing more disabled people from accessing and enjoying this stunning part of England." David Shaftoe, Chief Officer for Open Country

Working together to deliver impact

Paths to Inclusion is rooted in collaboration.

We want to connect communities with National Trails in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.

For Trail teams and the wider “trail family”, this programme will provide new insights, tools and approaches to help make National Trails more inclusive. For our visitors, this will make our Trails feel more like home.

Finally, this work represents an opportunity to create lasting, measurable impact that improves access to nature, heritage and wellbeing for under-served audiences.

Thank you to our funders

Paths to Inclusion is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are working with partners and communities to co-design more inclusive and accessible information, opening up National Trails for everyone.

"National Trails provide opportunities for people to connect with the natural heritage on their doorstep. However, we know that not everyone feels able to access or enjoy these places. Thanks to National Lottery players, we're proud to support Paths to Inclusion, a project that will work with communities to better understand barriers and help find ways to overcome these, ensuring that our shared natural heritage can be enjoyed by everyone." Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund

We’re also proud to share that National Trails UK has been named a 2026 Airbnb Best of British Fund winner. It’s fantastic to be recognised as an organisation helping showcase the communities and experiences that make the UK such a special place to live and explore.  We are tremendously grateful for the experience and funding of our partners, whose support for Paths to Inclusion is enabling us to take this vital first step towards a more inclusive future for National Trails.

What happens next

This is just the beginning.

Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing insights, stories and updates as the programme develops.

We invite you to:

• Watch this space as Paths to Inclusion grows
• Engage with us - whether as a partner, supporter or participant
• Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed and be part of the journey

Together, we can ensure that National Trails truly are for everyone.

Notes:

'The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.'

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