Rambling around Britain

By Judith Parker

Having limited mobility is no longer a reason to miss out on the joys of the countryside, as Judith Parker explains.

As my husband Steven is a keen walker, he regularly purchases a copy of the Country Walking Magazine, which gives ideas and suggestions for walking around the British countryside. As this type of walking was becoming more difficult for me I had started to lose interest in this hobby we had once shared. That is until an afternoon recently when looking through the latest addition of this magazine I found an article on how to 'Walk when you can't walk'. It listed some areas that are suitable for disabled people who struggle with any sort of incline.

Easy-access walking trails

The Forestry Commission have developed some easy-access walking trails around the country. They are 'short way' marked routes starting from car parks, which are often suitable for wheelchair users and those needing to avoid inclines as they are relatively level. One example is around Glecoe Lochan, which goes through a kilometre of woodland. For more information call the Forestry commission on 0131 314 6322 or log on to www.forestry.gov.uk.

SUSTRANS (the sustainable transport charity) have a network of cycle, wheelchair and walkers' paths around the country. One example is the Bristol to Bath railway path. This is a flat Tarmac path that passes through woodlands and a sculpture trail. For more information call SUSTRANS on 01 17 929 0888 or log on to www.sustrans.org.uk.

Canal towpaths

The British Waterways have been upgrading canal towpaths. Again these towpaths are usually relatively flat. One example is to walk beside the London Regents canal, where there are mile-long stretches accessible at locations such as Little Venice, Regents Park and Camden. For more information call British Waterways on 01923 201 120 or log on to www.waterscape.com.
Regular outings

Disabled Ramblers is a registered charity that organises regular outings throughout the UK for wheelchair users. Recent trips included the Peak District, the Lake District and Cornwall. The group also campaigns for easier access to the countryside for those with limited mobility. For more information contact Mike Bruton on 01628 621414 or log on to www.disabledramblers.co.uk.

The Scottish Disabled Ramblers organises trips all over Scotland once a month. Walks include Kingcraig in the Highlands and Dunfermline Glen in Fife. Contact Phyllis McIntyre on 01337 858699 or log on to www. scottishdisabledramblers.org.uk.
Booking accommodation

As many of us have difficulty in walking up inclines or stairs, it is sometimes a challenge to arrange a weekend away -- maybe to try some of the above walks -- particularly with Bed and Breakfasts, as so many are not on one level and don't have a chair lift. I have recently been sent a copy of Bed and Breakfast Nationwide, which has a section on accommodation with special facilities for the disabled. If anyone would like a copy of this book, or more details, contact: Bed & Breakfast Nationwide, PO Box 2100, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO16 9BW, tel: 01255 831235 or log on to www. bedandbreakfastnationwide.com.

Printed in GUCH News - Issue 40, Summer 2004