THE going has got easier for walkers at a lakeside beauty spot in the heart of a North Yorkshire forest.

The Forestry Commission has teamed up with the North York Moors National Park and Whitby Disablement Action Group to create a new and easy route for walkers.

The half-mile long circular route runs along the shores of Staindale Lake, deep in the 8,600 acre woodland of Dalby Forest.

It features level terrain, built-up surfaces, rest stops and a new bridge to link it with a nearby car park.

It is the latest instalment in a push to broaden access throughout the National Park, which has seen nine new routes created since 1998.

"We are delighted to open this new trail, which will offer an opportunity to walk around the lake with lovely views of the water and its wildlife," said forester Peter Green.

"The woodland is here for everyone to enjoy, whatever their mobility and this is a significant milestone for better access in Dalby."

The walk's starting point can be reached at Staindale Lake car park, three miles along the forest drive from the Dalby Forest Visitor Centre.

The path has been built with the support of Sport England and is fully accessible to both wheelchair and pushchair users.