People with Limited Mobility and Wheelchair Users

Everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors, no matter what their ability. However the outdoor environment is not always friendly to people with limited mobility, including wheelchair users.

The issues in accessing the outdoor environment vary greatly. Some people are capable of walking long distances on unobstructed paths but may have major problems with stiles and steps. Those who cannot bend easily may have problems with overhanging trees. The impact might vary from a minor inconvenience, to something that could be overcome with the help of a companion, to an obstacle that spoils an entire walk.

Users of traditional wheelchairs can encounter major problems especially on country paths. Wheelchairs are legal anywhere that is open to walkers, but users may still encounter difficult services, slopes and obstructions.

Powered wheelchairs designed for street use also have problems on many off-road paths. Three-wheeled battery-powered all-terrain mobility scooters designed for use on more rugged routes widen the options, but these can be expensive and will still encounter problems with stiles, steps, and narrow or blocked paths.

People with limited mobility are also likely to require other facilities such as regular rest stops; accessible toilets; suitable parking spaces at the start of a walk which may need to be wide enough for wheelchair use; or accessible public transport.

The lack of accessible routes is worsened by the lack of detailed information about physical conditions along paths. When reliable information is available, people with limited mobility can decide for themselves if a particular route is within their ability

However there are an increasing number of accessible trails, sometimes with special gates that can be unlocked with a RADAR key. Some trails have signed diversions avoiding steps and other obstructions. Some country parks and other countryside sites have mobility scooters for loan, and may be able to arrange special assistance for visitors with disabilities.

The following are useful sources of information:

• Councils, National Parks and AONB offices, National Trail/Long Distance Route officers, the Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts and similar organisations for information about access to parks, country parks, nature reserves, other green spaces and trails. See More about places to walk.
• Tourist/Visitor information centres and libraries, for local information
• The Fieldfare Trust’s website which gives detailed accessibility information and photographs of particular trails.
• The independent website www.walkswithwheelchairs.com
• Disabled Ramblers, who organise countryside visits using all-terrain scooters.

Several short easy access and easy walks are available from this website. The Ramblers Group Walks Finder also highlights easy access walks.

Filed under: Advice for People with Disabilities
Tagged: disabled, mobility, Ramblers, walk, Walking, wheelchair
Comments: You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.