2025-03-31-accounts

Access the Dales

Annual Report and Financial Statements For the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Contents

• Reference and Administrative Details

• Trustees’ Report

• Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

• Statement of Financial Activities

• Notes to the Financial Statements

Reference and Administrative Details

Registered Name: Access the Dales

Registered Office:

Holme Lea Ingleton LA6 3ET

Trustees:

• Mrs D A North

• Ms H Brega

• Mr J M K Smith

• Ms M E C Globe

• Mrs A R Medlock

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Period Covered:

1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

The charity is incorporated in England and Wales.

Trustees’ Report

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable company for the period ended 31 March 2025.

Mission, Aims and Public Benefit

Mission

Access the Dales is devoted to making the countryside accessible to everyone.

Aims

Access the Dales exists to alleviate disadvantage and promote inclusion by enhancing access to the countryside for people with disabilities.

The charity achieves this by:

• Providing all-terrain mobility vehicles at accessible locations across the Yorkshire and Lancashire Dales, where need, demand, and capacity allow, enabling disabled people to enjoy outdoor environments independently or with others.

• Organising and supporting activities and events that enable disabled people, including those from underrepresented and hard-to-reach communities, to experience, access, and engage with the countryside.

Public Benefit

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The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

Access the Dales delivers public benefit in the following ways:

Inclusivity and Equality

By breaking down physical and social barriers, the charity ensures that disabled people can access and enjoy outdoor spaces, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Accessible outdoor experiences support physical activity, mental wellbeing, reduced isolation, and improved quality of life.

Education and Awareness

The charity raises awareness of accessibility needs in outdoor environments and advocates for inclusive design and practice.

Environmental Stewardship

Access the Dales promotes responsible outdoor recreation and respect for the natural environment, encouraging appreciation and conservation.

Economic Impact

Accessible tourism supports local businesses and contributes to the local economy within the Yorkshire Dales, Forest of Bowland National Landscape, and Nidderdale National Landscape.

Social Cohesion

Activities foster shared experiences, connection, and community cohesion by bringing people together in accessible outdoor settings.

Empowerment and Independence

By enabling independent access to the countryside, the charity empowers disabled people, increasing confidence, independence, and self-esteem.

Trustees Report

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During the 2024–2025 reporting period, Access the Dales experienced a year of significant growth, expanded impact, and national recognition as the charity continued to break down barriers and create opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the countryside.

Development and Growth of Accessible Hubs The heart of the charity’s work remained its network of wheelchair hubs. The hubs at Aysgarth and Malham continued to flourish, welcoming visitors from across the UK and abroad to experience the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales using all-terrain mobility equipment. In addition, the charity welcomed Swinton Estate into its family of hubs, supporting the use of a Tramper at The Luminescene to enable more accessible exploration of woodlands and parkland. These hubs are central to restoring independence, confidence, and connection with nature for many people whose access to outdoor environments had previously been limited.

Inclusive Events and Community Engagement

In September 2025, Access the Dales hosted its first Children’s Festival — a free, inclusive event designed for families with disabled children. Held in Gisburn Forest within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, the festival featured activities such as music, crafts, outdoor play, sensory experiences, and adaptive biking. More than 200 families attended, enjoying a space designed entirely around accessibility where children could fully participate without barriers.a

The charity also partnered with YHA England and Wales during the YHA Festival of Walking, hosting 40 children from Leeds Special Schools for a day of accessible outdoor exploration. This collaboration demonstrated the power of partnership working to widen access to nature for children and young people who may otherwise have limited opportunities to explore the countryside.

Partnership Work and Visits

Throughout the year, Access the Dales welcomed new groups and partnerships into the Dales. Highlights included a visit from members of the Parkinson’s Society – Skipton , who enjoyed a

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combination of accessible rail travel and countryside walking, and a weekend event with the Sheffield Environmental Movement , which fostered community, laughter, and resilience, underscoring that outdoor experiences can be enjoyable regardless of weather or ability.

Media and National Recognition

Access the Dales reached a wider audience through national media exposure, most notably a feature on ITV with broadcaster and Paralympian Ade Adepitan at the Aysgarth Falls hub. This coverage brought increased awareness, support, and bookings from families inspired to visit the Dales after seeing accessible experiences on screen.

The charity’s work was further celebrated when it received the Best UK Tourism Project award at the British Guild of Travel Writers and International Tourism Awards in London. This prestigious recognition highlighted Access the Dales’ leadership in accessible tourism and the impact of its work in creating inclusive outdoor experiences.

Impact and Reach

Through hubs, guided walks, community partnerships, and flagship events, Access the Dales supported more than 500 individuals and families, many of whom had previously thought the countryside was beyond their reach. These experiences contributed to increased confidence, independence, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging in nature.

Funding and Organisational Development The charity continued to secure important funding partnerships, including support from National Lottery, the DWF Foundation, Sport England, the Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, and the Bruce Wake Trust. National Lottery funding, in particular, enabled the appointment of a part-time project manager, strengthening operational capacity and allowing trustees to focus on strategic development.

Trustees and Officers

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The trustees serving during the year and since the year end were:

• Mrs D A North (appointed 2 August 2022)

• Ms H Brega (appointed 25 February 2023)

• Mr J M K Smith (appointed 2 August 2022)

• Ms M E C Globe (appointed 2 August 2022)

• Ms A R Medlock (appointed 2 August 2022)

Structure, Governance and Management

Access the Dales is a charitable company limited by guarantee and governed by its Articles of Association.

The charity is managed by its Board of Trustees, who meet regularly and are responsible for setting strategy, overseeing activities, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Trustees receive no remuneration for their services but may reclaim reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in accordance with the Trustee Expenses Policy.

Objectives and Policies

The trustees review the charity’s objectives and activities annually to ensure they continue to align with its charitable purposes and public benefit.

Key policies in place during the year included:

• Risk Management Policy

• Health and Safety Policy

• Safeguarding Policy

• Trustee Expenses Policy

• Campaigns and Political Activity Policy

• Bullying and Harassment Policy

• Social Media

• Mandatory Accounting Records

• Conflict of Interest

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• Investing Charity Funds Policy and Procedures

• Internal Risk Management

• Serious Incident Report Policy and Procedures

• Complaints and Whistle blowing

• Financial Reserves Policy and Procedures

Financial Review and Risk Management

Financial Instruments and Risk

The charity’s activities expose it to a number of financial risks, including credit risk, cash flow risk, and liquidity risk.

The trustees manage these risks by:

• Maintaining appropriate cash reserves

• Monitoring income and expenditure regularly

• Applying robust financial controls

The charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

Credit Risk

The charity’s principal financial assets are bank balances, cash, and receivables. The trustees consider that the charity has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread across a number of counterparties.

Reserves Policy

The trustees continue to review the charity’s reserves to ensure financial stability and the ability to respond to future opportunities and risks. Reserves are held to support ongoing operations and future development in line with charitable objectives.

Plans for Future Periods

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In the coming year, the trustees intend to:

• Continue developing accessible outdoor opportunities

• Strengthen partnerships with land managers and local communities

• Increase awareness of accessibility in outdoor environments

• Seek sustainable funding to support long-term growth

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees (are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards 2006

Company law requires trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of its incoming resources and application of resources.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

• Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently

• Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP

• Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

• Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records and for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Access the Dales

Charity Registration Number: 1199934 Company Registration Number: CE029882

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I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Access the Dales (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 March 2025 .

Responsibilities and Basis of Report

As the charity’s trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 .

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable guidance issued by the Charity Commission.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention:

1. Which give me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and

3. to prepare accounts which accord with those accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Companies Act 2006

have not been met; or

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1. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Conclusion

Based on my examination, the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 March 2025 , and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended, in accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP .

Independent Examiner: Name: Jacqueline Whittaker Relevant qualification (if any): M18 7LR Address: 18 Highfield Range, Gorton, Manchester,

Date: 8[th] January 2026

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Access the Dales Charity no.1199934 Annual Accounts 1[st] April 2024- 31[st] March 2025

Balance Brought Forward Year End 31[st] March 2024 £6082.56

	Total Income	Total Income	Unrestricted funds	Restricted Funds
Donations	7504		7504
Grants	25036		6500	18536
refunds	30		30
Total income	32570		14034	18536
Total Expenditure
Insurance		1512
M&Rof ATW		971
Events		15231
Admin		3704
Sundries		700
Total expenditure		22118
Income		32570
Expenditure		22118
Proft/Loss		+10452

Balance Carried forward year end 31[st] March 2025: £6082.56 + £10452 =£16535

Notes

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1. Grants this year include: Brelms Trust, North Yorkshire Sport, Alpkit, Brunton, DWF Foundation, Bruce Wake Trust

Tangible Assets Retained for Charities' Own Use

Vehicle	Purchase price (year)	Current value after depreciation @ 31st March 2025
Quingox1	3,000 (2022)	1920
MinimoPlusx1	3000 (2022)	1920
Paratrekersx2	12000 (2022)	7680
Terrainhopper x2	72000 (2022)	46080
TGAbreezex 4	32000 (2022)	20480
Tramper x 1	120002022)	7680
Tramper x1	12000 (2025)	12000

Accounts signed:

Jean Norris: Treasurer

Debbie North: Trustee

Date: 7[th] January 2026

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Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention:

1. Which give me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:

2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and

3. to prepare accounts which accord with those accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Companies Act 2006

have not been met; or

1. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Conclusion

Based on my examination, the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 March 2025 , and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended, in accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP .

Signed: J.Whittaker

Independent Examiner:

Name: Jacqueline Whittaker M18 7LR Address: 18 Highfield Range, Gorton, Manchester,

Date: 8[th] January 2026