IN reply to my telephone question about wheelchair access in Bedale, I was told: "I don't think you'll have any problem, Bedale's just a small place you know."

There was news of car-parking for people with disabilities on the main street; the fact that the Tourist Information Centre is open Mondays to Fridays 10am to 4pm and Saturday mornings; and about the Heritage Trail that comes with a map. Ultimately though, it was clear that there was not a tremendous array of supportive literature. It was not quite the full picture I was hoping for.

The full picture would have included such things as maps of wheelchair routes, details of access paths across the cobbles, facts about those shops and public buildings which are fully accessible, location of accessible toilets and availability of RADAR keys to open them and so on.

The staff of information centres need feedback from people with disabilities who drop by regarding what we would consider to be appropriate advice so they can be guided as to the type of service to provide. This account of my visit will, hopefully, go some way towards starting that ball rolling.

Approaching the town from the A684 from Northallerton, I used the car park just off Bridge Street immediately on the right after crossing Bedale Beck. This is clearly signposted along with a sign for the accessible WC that can be found there. There are three reserved bays located near the toilet block - there would be more but one is now a Can Bank.

The toilet does need a RADAR key and these are, as the sign says: "available from TIC". There is scope for additional information here such as a map showing a wheelchair-friendly route to the TIC; otherwise a phone number would help.

The sign to the Market Place points through a passage that has a gentle incline leading to the main street. A right turn here takes you past Emgate onto North End. Before the church ahead of you and by the Dales Gallery, there is a handy crossing point where a smooth brick-paved path strikes across the beautiful but uneven cobbles. This leads to a point where it is easy to see approaching traffic, which is lively here, but the path brings you beyond the parked cars and the sight-lines are good.

Look ahead for the brown Tourist Information Centre sign on the opposite side of the road. After crossing the road, turn right, as the sign indicates, up a gradient that becomes slightly steeper but remains quite gentle, and look for the ramp to the left which leads to the centre's entrance.

I picked up a street map here, a guide to Bedale Hall and a Bedale Heritage Trail leaflet and still had change from a pound - no wheelchair-friendly routes though. But the ladies who staff the centre and I chatted about wheelchair access and help was instantly offered when it became clear that I was intending to visit Bedale Hall. I was most grateful for assistance to overcome the obstacles of heavy doors and a slight lip at the entrance. The rewards were views of the splendid cantilevered staircase and baroque ballroom.

I then followed the path out of the hall that runs near the A684 and skirts the parkland between Bedale Hall and the golf course. The route is on a smooth tarmac track that passes a children's play area and acres of open space where children could run and let off steam while you sit, get out the flask and take in the air. Following the path as it loops round, the highest point of the route is reached and a gentle descent eases you back to Bedale Hall and North End.

Crossing the road at the same point as before, take a left detour towards the church of Saint Gregory. Access in the grounds is level as the path passes the delightful old Grammar School en route to the Saxon church. The church was open when I called, with level entry through the first set of doors to the inner doors. Here, care is needed and help advised as a six-inch step stands between the visitor and the beautiful interior.

This manoeuvre affords a view along the aisle towards the stained glass window behind the altar. Another smaller step separates you from the interior but many would settle for the engaging and evocative view from the back of this delightful country church.

Heading back along North End I sought refreshment before heading home. The Farmhouse Teashop fits the bill perfectly. It is just beside the passage that leads back to the car park, the front of the shop is accessible, waitress service is offered and staff were most helpful when I visited. Lost energy was replaced by the tasty All Day Breakfast and then it was back up the alley to the car park and home.

FACT FILE

The whole trip lasted two hours including half an hour for refreshments and oodles of time to rest and take in the delightful surroundings.

Bedale Tourist Information Centre, Bedale Hall, North End, Bedale. Tel:01677 424604; Farmhouse Tea Shop Tel: 01677 424411.