North York Moors National Park Responds to Online Criticism of Hole of Horcum Viewing Platform

The North York Moors National Park Authority has issued a statement in response to recent online criticism regarding a new viewing platform at the Hole of Horcum.

The new accessible viewing platform has been created by The North York Moors Ranger Service working with a local blacksmith using Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) accessibility funding for protected landscapes.

The Nation Park posted pictures of the new facility on social media last week which have attracted criticism from local people about the look and functionality of the platform.

Comments on social media included...

"that's attractive! who the hell allowed that monstrosity. Surely it could have been made using a better choice of materials and less like an agricultural cow pen!"

"As a disabled person I find this awful. It is unnecessary and ill conceived. A total waste of money. If you can get to it you could gave got to see the same view without it. I dread to think how much the whole thing has cost too"

"It's great that you're thinking about accessibility.

However in this instance, the rails are too high, a wheelchair user will have to look through them, not over them. So it'll be like looking through prison bars.

This could have been avoided by speaking to actual wheelchair users at the design stage."

"What a complete waste of money if can get to the platform in a wheel chair then you can get a better view from the path without looking through the railings"

Joel Brookfield, Director of Recreation and Wellbeing at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:

“We are aware of recent online criticism regarding the new viewing platform at the Hole of Horcum, but it’s important to be clear: this is part of a carefully planned programme to improve access, and the work is not yet complete.

“The North York Moors National Park Authority has a statutory duty to ensure that visitors with additional accessibility requirements can enjoy our area’s natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

“In 2023, our Disability Access Group highlighted that there were significant barriers preventing safe enjoyment of the natural amphitheatre that is the Hole of Horcum. The steps down from the car park at Saltergate have always been problematic, and with DEFRA funding available precisely for this purpose, we’ve replaced the steps with a gently sloping path. We have also constructed a viewing platform that connects to the wider footpath network, opening up this incredible place to more people than ever before.

“We have a strong track record of delivering sensitive, landscape-led accessibility improvements. The platform will be further refined with timber cladding and seating and a smoother top surface will soon be added to the path. Moreover, while the rails must meet important height safety requirements, the finished design will see the front panel change, as a yet-to-be-installed interpretation board will increase the viewing window.

“This work has been shaped by consultation with conservation and heritage bodies and follows national accessibility standards. We are confident in our approach and proud to be making this much-loved location more inclusive for everyone, as we have done with locations including Sutton Bank and Cawthorn Roman Camps.

“Anyone interested in the many accessible viewpoints and experiences we have on offer can visit the Access for All pages of our website at northyorkmoors.org./access-for-all”

“If you have any further questions about our accessibility work at the Hole of Horcum or elsewhere in the National Park, you can email paths@northyorkmoors.org.uk”

The National Park Authority encourages anyone interested in the accessible viewpoints and experiences available to visit the "Access for All" pages of their website. The website details several accessible viewpoints within the National Park, including one at Whitby Abbey, where a wheelchair accessible trail leads along the cliffs. Information on accessible paths and facilities at other locations such as Sutton Bank, Cowhouse Bank, and Ravenscar can also be found.