The best-placed accessible walks in Potters Bar for an older parent are in Oakmere Park, which has a dedicated 1.4km accessible route, disabled toilets and pay and display parking at Salisbury Close. For something greener and a little wilder, Furzefield Woods and Lower Halfpenny Bottom off Mutton Lane offer a 1.7km route, though the path surfaces are not described, so it suits a parent who is steadier on their feet.
To talk anything through with someone local, our Potters Bar team is on 01707 714 000.
Getting out of the house matters more once the clocks go back. The trick is choosing a route that feels manageable, with somewhere to sit, a toilet within reach and somewhere to park.
Our guide to preventing falls at home covers balance, footwear and confidence, which all carry over to walks outside.
Why short walks help an older parent through autumn and winter
The NHS advises that adults aged 65 and over should "be physically active every day, even if it's just light activity". It also suggests they "reduce time spent sitting or lying down and break up long periods of not moving with some activity".
That does not need to mean a long hike. A slow loop of a local park can be a good way to stay in touch with the world outside.
The NHS is clear on one point that matters here: "Speak to a GP first if you have not exercised for some time, or if you have medical conditions or concerns." If your parent has not been out walking for a while, a quick word with their GP is a sensible first step.
Oakmere Park: the most accessible walk in Potters Bar
Oakmere Park is the main park in Potters Bar, covering 6.2 hectares and bordered by Tempest Avenue. ParksHerts lists four routes, and the one that matters most here is the Oakmere Park accessible route, at 1.4km.
ParksHerts lists disabled access, pushchair-friendly paths and disabled toilets, which makes it the natural first choice for accessible walks in Potters Bar.
Toilets. The public toilets, including disabled toilets, are open from April to October, 7am to 9pm, and from November to March, 7am to 4pm. In winter, a late morning walk works best.
Parking. There is a pay and display car park at Salisbury Close, run by Hertsmere Borough Council.
Shorter options. If 1.4km feels too far, the History Trail is 0.6km. Turning back early is still a good walk.
A little history to talk about on the way
Oakmere Park was once the grounds of Oakmere House, and its 19th century layout, with lakes and specimen trees, is largely intact.
On the night of 1 October 1916, a Zeppelin was shot down over the park by Second-Lieutenant WJ Tempest. Tempest Avenue is named after him.
Furzefield Woods and Lower Halfpenny Bottom
Furzefield Woods and Lower Halfpenny Bottom have been a Local Nature Reserve since 1998. Access is off Mutton Lane, and ParksHerts lists one route through the woods and along Lower Halfpenny Bottom, at 1.7km.
This is a quieter walk that needs a little more planning:
- Paths. ParksHerts lists disabled access but does not describe the path surfaces. Walk it yourself first if your parent uses a wheelchair or walking frame.
- Toilets. The toilets are at Furzefield Leisure Centre, not in the woods themselves.
- Parking. Parking is free at the Furzefield Leisure Centre car park, or by the Crusaders Football Club clubhouse off Mutton Lane.
- Seating. ParksHerts lists sheltered seating among the site's facilities.
Planning accessible walks in Potters Bar in the colder months
A few simple habits make winter walks easier and safer:
- Go in daylight, ideally late morning, when paths have had time to dry and the toilets are open.
- Choose a route with benches and plan to use them.
- Wear well-fitting shoes with a good grip, and bring a walking aid if one is normally used.
- Keep the first walks short and let your parent set the pace.
If a parent feels unwell, dizzy or short of breath while walking, stop and rest. For health concerns, speak to their GP or call NHS 111, and call 999 in an emergency.
How a companion carer can go along
Some parents would love to get out but feel unsure going alone, and family cannot always be there on a weekday morning.
On a visit, our carer can help your parent get ready, walk alongside at their pace and stop for a sit down whenever it is needed. Afterwards, the family hears how it went.
Our later life care is built around familiar carers, consistent visit times and a care plan agreed with the family. We are a CQC-regulated home care provider with local teams across Hertfordshire. Visiting care is from £34 an hour, and live-in care is from £255 a day (couples from £295 a day). A price is agreed after an assessment.
Our Potters Bar team supports families in the town and nearby, including Cuffley. You can reach them on 01707 714 000 or at pottersbar@starlinghomecare.co.uk, and read more on our home care in Potters Bar page.
Common questions about accessible walks in Potters Bar
Which park in Potters Bar has an accessible route?
Oakmere Park has an accessible route of 1.4km, with disabled toilets and pushchair-friendly paths listed by ParksHerts.
Are there toilets at Oakmere Park in winter?
Yes. From November to March, the toilets are open from 7am to 4pm, according to ParksHerts. From April to October they are open 7am to 9pm.
Is Furzefield Woods suitable for a wheelchair?
ParksHerts lists disabled access but does not describe the path surfaces, so we would not assume it suits every wheelchair. Walk it yourself first.
How much walking should an older person do?
The NHS suggests adults aged 65 and over aim for "at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week". It also advises speaking to a GP first if they have not exercised for some time.
A short walk in a familiar park will not change everything, but it can lift a grey afternoon and keep a parent connected to their town. Start small, pick a route with a bench and a toilet, and build from there.
Details checked against ParksHerts and NHS pages on 19 October 2026. Our prices are starting rates, checked on the same date.
Arranging Care Is Simple
Starting care can feel like a big step. We keep it calm and straightforward, and we are here to guide you from your very first call.
1. Talk to us
Get in touch by phone or request a callback. We will listen, answer your questions and help you understand the options, so you can decide what feels right in your own time.
2. A home visit and initial consultation
We arrange a visit to understand your routines, your home and what matters most to you. Together we agree an initial consultation and shape the support that feels right.
3. Your care begins
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