If you're living with mental health issues or have a physical disability, visiting new places can often hold a lot of un
Accessibility guide to the UK’s National Parks
If you’re living with mental health issues or have a physical disability, visiting new places can often hold a lot of uncertainty and sometimes be an anxious experience. But getting out and about is hugely important to your health, so you can remain active and independent. The UK has 15 National Parks across England, Scotland and Wales, each of which strive to cater for people of all abilities so everyone can enjoy natural and cultural areas of interest. With the goal of creating a more inclusive society, the National Parks have focused on making various places accessible to those with mobility issues.
WALKING POPULAR is the most
ACTIVITY IN THE NATIONAL PARKS
FOR
40%
OF VISITORS
This is why it’s so important to have accessible trails to ensure those who are differently abled don’t miss out on seeing some of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS GUIDE 1.
Map of the UK’s National Parks
2.
Accessible activities in each area – from easy walks and cycle routes to snow sports and water excursions!
3.
Products for independent travel:
a. Staying mobile
b. Picnic perfection
c. Enjoying the outdoors
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Our National Parks offer something for everyone so take a look at what’s available and let’s all enjoy the outdoors this summer.
MAP OF THE UK’s NATIONAL PARKS
14 CAIRNGORMS
15 LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS
6 NORTHUMBERLAND LAKE 4 DISTRICT
7 NORTH YORK MOORS
YORKSHIRE 9 DALES
PEAK 8 DISTRICT
SNOWDONIA 13 NORFOLK BROADS PEMBROKESHIRE 12 COAST
11 BRECON BEACONS
EXMOOR 3 DARTMOOR 2
1
10 SOUTH DOWNS 5 NEW FOREST
1. NORFOLK BROADS
A
B
A
B
The Nancy Oldfield Trust Offers trips on the water for those living with mental health issues or a physical disability.
Barton Broad Boardwalk A trail which is easily accessible by wheelchair and leads visitors above a swampy, wildlife filled woodland.
2. DARTMOOR A
B
A
A
A
B
Easy Going Dartmoor Mini Bus Tours will take you on a day out around Dartmoor, visiting beautiful sites so you can take in stunning views, and recommending easy walks for the more adventurous.
Hire a Genny XR an innovative powered chair, based on Segway technology, which allows differently abled visitors to move around safely on various terrains.
http://bro.gs/gqqf
A
3. EXMOOR
A
A
Wimbleball Sailability has a power boat designed to fit wheelchairs. They also offer sailing boats to suit people with limited strength, dexterity and balance.
4. LAKE DISTRICT
A
http://bro.gs/huif
A
Coniston Boating Centre offers an accessible electric boat to accommodate up to 6 wheelchair users.
There are 48 Miles without Stiles routes which enable access to this picturesque National Park for those with limited mobility, wheelchair users and the visually impaired.
5. NEW FOREST
B A
A
B
Avon Tyrrell offers Inclusion Events for families of children who are differently abled to experience outdoor adventures in a well-managed environment.
Blackwater Aboretum has a 0.9km trail on a smooth, gravelled track around the arboretum.
6. NORTHUMBERLAND
A
A
Kielder Water has accessible canoes, kayaks and boats.
7. NORTH YORK MOORS
B
A
B
Forge Valley is a 2.7km route on a level, wooden boardwalk which follows the River Derwent.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has accessible carriages for wheelchair and mobility vehicle users.
http://bro.gs/drgc
A
8. PEAK DISTRICT
A
B
A
B
The 18 mile circuit at Upper Derwent Valley offers disability-adapted bicycles.
A tarmac path leads to the Dovedale Stones, enabling access to wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
9. YORKSHIRE DALES
B A
A
B
The Green Trail, Bolton Abbey is made of compacted stone, at least 200cm wide, and enables you to follow a 1km trail through Strid Wood.
Malham Tarn has an allterrain, four wheel drive buggy for hire called the Tramper, which is ideal for those who are differently abled.
10. SOUTH DOWNS
There are 4 Miles without Stiles routes throughout this National Park which enable easier access to trails for wheelchair users.
11. BRECON BEACONS
A
B
A
B
Talybont Reservoir & Forest walk: the 3km long reservoir is surrounded by wide pathways and walks with no barriers, along the Brinroe Tramroad and Taff Trail.
Hire a Tramper or mobility vehicle for easier access at Abergavenny shop mobility.
12. PEMBROKESHIRE COAST B
B
B
B B
B
B
B B
B
A B
B
B B
B B
B
B
A
B
Amroth to Colby Lodge Walk: a 2.8km path with wide tracks along the coast and a wooded valley. Gradients steeper than 1:12 are indicated on the walk map.
There are 18 identified easy access beaches, some with beach wheelchairs available to hire.
13. SNOWDONIA
A B
A
B
The Eryri Walking Club meets monthly to enable blind and visually impaired people to explore the National Park on guided walks.
The Mawddach trail, following the Mawdacch estuary, has wide gates which enable wheelchairs and mobility vehicles to go through seamlessly.
14. CAIRNGORMS
B
A
A
B
Disability Snowsport UK have specialist trained instructors who offer skiing lessons to those who are differently abled.
The Highland Wildlife Park has wide and smooth boardwalks to allow wheelchair and scooter users to view more than 200 animals.
15. LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS
B
A
A
B
Callander Meadows Riverside Paths: the circular route with a tarmac surface has 2 way opening gates and is wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility scooters..
The Steamship Sir Walter Scott at Loch Katrine is wheelchair accessible and has a live commentary of your tour of the lake.
STAYING MOBILE
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2-in-1 Rollator and Transit Chair Can be used as additional support when walking or a chair to rest in when tired.
Handy Bar Provides extra support when getting into and out of the car.
Mobility Care Folding Ramp Easy to transport and makes places of interest more accessible for wheelchairs.
Dobuggy Umbrella Fold Stroller Ideal for children with special needs and has a range of accessories to suit individual requirements.
PICNIC PERFECTION
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Antibacterial Pro80 Clothing Protector Protects clothing from spills and stains to make cleaning up easier.
The Hydrant Bottle Can be attached onto the back of a wheelchair to encourage independent drinking.
Knork Fork Perfect for one handed eating, this handy piece of cutlery acts as a knife and fork in one.
Man’s Best Friend Cushioned Lap Tray Provides a surface to lean on for those who are unable to leave their chair.
ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS
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Spillproof Male Urinal and Female Urinal For when nature calls and there’s no toilet close by.
Cane Seat Gives extra stability when walking and a seat to rest on when tired.
Man’s Best Friend Permit Badge Cover A modern and stylish cover to display your blue badge parking permit.
3 14 14 3
Daily Pill Reminder and Timer Never forget your tablets again when you’re out and about.
