Accessible North Devon
Enjoy accessible holidays in North Devon, there are many accessible trails throughout North Devon enabling those who cannot manage steep or rough terrain as well as wheelchair and scooter users to enjoy the wonderful scenery. Download this guide to Explore Devon for more information on some of them. Also Accessible countryside for everyone (ACE) promote accessibility to leisure and sport, signposting family, carer and disability support.
Getting out and about...
You can hire a mobility scooter for all or part of your holiday from Braunton Mobility or make use of an all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter, available at many of North Devon’s beauty spots and attractions including Woolacombe, Exmoor and RHS Rosemoor, an all-terrain wheelchair at Saunton beach. Or a Wheelyboat at Wimbleball Lake.
Close to Lower Campscott Farm – the old railway runs from Lee Bridge to Ilfracombe. With its hard packed tarmac surface it’s ideal for mobility scooters and offers a great opportunity to enjoy our beautiful countryside then explore Ilfracombe town and harbour. There is a steep gradient down into Ilfracombe so wheelchair users would be well-advised not to go down into the town but would certainly be able to enjoy the route from Lee Bridge to that point.
The Tarka Trail – follows the line of a disused railway between Braunton and Meeth via Barnstaple, Instow and Torrington. It is surfaced throughout and is suitable for all users. Parking is available at many points along the way.
Beach wheelchairs – At Saunton, Landeez all terrain wheelchair for hire. Able to traverse all areas and be used in the shallows of the sea it is easy to use and operate and is available for hire on a half day, daily or weekly basis. Contact Saunton Sands Beach Shop for further details and to book 01271 890771. Beach wheelchairs also available at Putsborough and Woolacombe.
Woolacombe – the National Trust, in conjunction with the Countryside Mobility Scheme and Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre, provide an all-terrain Tramper mobility scooter for use exploring the UK’s favourite beach.
Choose from two routes:
A coastal route following the popular South West Coast Path through the sand dunes of Woolacombe Warren or a second short route providing access on to the beach so that families and friends can enjoy the sand and surf together.
Call 01271 870553 to make a booking.
RHS Rosemoor – eight manual wheelchairs at the garden entrance which are available for ‘on the day’ use or for booking – book the day before your visit. Three powered mobility vehicles (Trampers) are available for guests with limited mobility, free of charge, subject to membership to the Countryside Mobility South West Scheme.
NT Arlington Court – wheelchair to borrow for use in the house and a Tramper Mobility Scooter available for hire to explore old lake walk and wilderness. Must be pre-booked on 01271 850296, conditions apply.
Glen Lyn Gorge – a dramatic gorge near the mouth of the River Lyn near Lynmouth on Exmoor. A number of steep paths lead to waterfalls and viewing areas with great views into the gorge, across Lynmouth and over to the Welsh coast. The Tramper can be used on two paths. The first gives access alongside the river to ‘Moses Pool’ and the second leads upwards through woodland to a viewing area at the top of the gorge. Both options are ‘out and back’ along the same route. Call 01598 753207 to book.
Wimbleball Lake – Trampers for hire as well as ‘Wheelyboats’ The boats are ideal for less able groups, including wheelchair users, to go on the water. More information on the South West Lakes website.
