Our path network is our gateway to the outdoors. And for millions of us, walking on paths is the primary way we gain access to nature. But while our paths are open to us all, unnecessary barriers can block far too many of us, especially those with reduced mobility, from enjoying their benefits. 

According to Natural England, over 20% of England’s population cannot currently use our network of public rights of way. And from stiles and steps to overgrown paths, our public paths can be full of barriers to access.    

So in 2021 thanks to the support of an anonymous donor, we established the Path Accessibility Fund. Dedicated to making sure our path network can be enjoyed by more of us, the Fund supports projects to make paths more accessible, particularly focusing on removing the barriers that prevent those with reduced mobility getting outdoors. 

How you can get involved 

In 2023/24, our Path Accessibility Fund enabled significant accessibility improvements on public paths.  

We are delighted to announce that we have received further funding from the same wonderful anonymous donor, as well as East Berkshire Ramblers, to improve the accessibility of more paths.  

If you’re interested in applying to the Fund, make sure to check out our FAQ document first. Applications are now open.

This has all the information you need about the type of applications we’re looking for, what applications must have to be considered and how much funding is available for each project.  

Once you’ve had a look through the FAQ document, please submit your expression of interest by 1 November 2024. Any proposed projects must take place on definitive public rights of way. It's also essential that landowners have given written permission for the project, and you have agreement from the relevant rights of way/access team in the highway authority where the project will take place. We 

If you have any further queries about the application form or the fund, please email paths@ramblers.org.uk