Access information for Dalby Forest

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The nation's forests are for all to enjoy

This page offers helpful information help you plan a stress free visit to Dalby Forest.

Forestry England staff member talking with a wheelchair user

Essentials

Toilets

There are toilets around Dalby Forest, some of which are portable toilets. More are provided in the summer months. 

Accessible toilets are found at Low Dalby Courtyard, Low Staindale, Dalby Visitor Centre (Outside), Dalby Visitor Centre (Upstairs), Adderstone Field and Dixon’s Hollow car park (in the summer). 

Changing Places

There is no Changing Places facility at Dalby Forest, adult changing mats are available to hire from the Visitor Centre information point.

Needing help

Our friendly staff are all first-aid trained, some staff have disability awareness training. They can be found at the Visitor Centre information point.

Arriving at the forest

We have 13 car parks, use the Visitor Centre car park to access the Visitor Centre. There are bollards, over two metres apart. 

There are no public transport links directly to Dalby Forest, the nearest bus stop is a 1-mile away located at the Fox and Rabbit Inn on Whitby Gate, using the regular Coastliner bus service.

Dalby Forest is free to enter if you arrive car-free.

Car parking

We have 17 accessible parking bays at Dalby Forest.  

Nine of which are situated in the Visitor Centre car park, four near the building and five at the courtyard end. Two are at Staindale roadside, two at High Staindale (nearest ot the start of the Lakeside Trail), three at Nissen Hut car park (nearest to the start of the Nissen Hut trail) and one at Crosscliff, in a separate accessible parking area (follow signs from main forest drive). 

Car parking is not free, two pay machines are available at the Visitor Centre Car Park and one at the Seivedale overflow car park. There are help buttons on the machines if you need it. 

Car parking can also be paid for at the Visitor Centre information point. 

The Visitor Centre and Courtyard

There is flat level access to the Visitor Centre from the car park.  

Doors to the Visitor Centre are power assisted and open outwardly. The doorway when open is 1.74 metres wide.

Accessible seating is available in the Visitor Centre and both cafes.

There is a portable hearing loop available and music is not played.

Getting out in the forest

You can hire an all-terrain mobility scooter from the Visitor Centre information point or by calling 01751 460295.  

Our easier access trails are Ellerburn Red Walking Route, Housedale Rigg Trail and Crosscliff Easy Access Trail (you can't use hired scooters on this one). 

Seating and shelter

Benches are available across the site to stop for rest.

There is no sheltered seating out in the forest.

Trails and activities

Many of our walking and cycling trails are suitable for a range of abilities. See our Things to Do page for inspiration.

Below are our recommended accessible activities at Dalby.

Trails and activities

children cycling on family friendly trail
Cycling & mountain biking

Located near Low Dalby along the Ellerburn Trail, the cycle skills area is a series of technical loops ranging from green through to red grading, where you can test your ability to...

Grandfather Oak wooden sculpture carving
Play areas

Grandfather Oak play area

Swing, climb, hide and spark their imaginations at the Grandfather Oak playground in Dalby. 

Test your climbing skills on this fun playground with so much...

An image collage of forest views and groups of people on various cycling bikes
Other active things to do

Fantastic Riding for Everybody

Start your biking adventure at Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, your gateway to North Yorkshire's premier mountain biking destination.  Located at the...

Archery arrows generic
Orienteering

Based just a short walk from Adderstone Field and Dixon's Hollow car park, Dalby Activity Centre can host an exciting day or half day of outdoor activities including paintball...