South West Coast Path

Disabled access made easy in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.

Descriptions of easy-going sections of the South West Coast Path likely to be suitable for most, if not all users are now available in the online Coast Path walks library. This can be found by clicking on the flashing acorn on the Coast Path signpost on the South West Coast Path website home page.

So far nine easy-access walks have been added covering all areas of the Coast Path and more will be added in future. Already, less able users can choose from walks at Lynton and Baggy Point in North Devon, North Cliffs and Godrevy in North Cornwall, Bolberry Down, Berry Head and Budleigh Salterton in South and East Devon and Lulworth and Studland in Dorset.

All of these walks are along fairly flat paths that are at least 850mm (2'6") wide, have a minimal cross camber, and no steps or stiles.

A detailed map and description of each one with photographs illustrating the nature of the walk can be printed from the website. Variations in gradients, camber and path surface, as well as the width of any gates are all noted so that people can make their own minds up about whether the walk is suitable for them.

The walk descriptions have been developed by the South West Coast Path team, led by Adrian Roper who says, "I am delighted that we have been able to provide this information for those people who may not find it easy to use all parts of the Coast Path. I hope that the easy-access walks will help and encourage many more people to discover the stunning coastline of the south west. These are Coast Path walks that people of all abilities can enjoy together."

The easy-access walks are an addition to the existing online library of over 50 Coast Path walks of varying length and difficulty in all parts of the region.

The varied terrain of the Coast Path means that much of it cannot be made accessible to everyone. But nearly 100 of its 630 miles either are suitable or can be made so by removing physical barriers such as stiles, gates and uneven surfaces. This work is in progress as part of the ongoing maintenance of the Coast Path, and as new sections become suitable, more easy access walks will appear on the official Coast Path website.

A group from the Disabled Ramblers' Association rounded off a visit to Cornwall with an invigorating day exploring a section of the Coast Path between Geevor mine and Kenidjack, passing the famous Crowns engine house and visiting the restored Levant mine. Mark Owen of the South West Coast Path Team who accompanied them, was impressed at how easily their 'Tramper' all-terrain mobility scooters coped with rough tracks and allowed them to reach places that would not normally thought of as being wheelchair-accessible.

Over lunch the group looked at the new easy-access walks on the website and Rosie Norris, the secretary of the Disabled Ramblers says, "The way the web site walks are set out is really good - it's great to be able to have so much clear information to judge how accessible a walk is before you leave home, and we will definitely be trying some of them out soon."

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