Accessible Countryside - what do we mean?
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles, Buggy Walks - all terms that imply 'accessibility' and this site is about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces, for leisure, recreation and sport.
Lack of accessibility Info
It this year of the London Olympics it is sad to see that so many top brand names in the hospitality industry (particularly some of the big pub chains) do not provide accessibility info on their websites. What will disabled visitors think of this country?
Of course I would implore all service providers large and small to provide accessibility info as a mater of course and I will continue to support those who do and cajole those that don’t.
I would like site owners to be proud of their efforts to provide accessibility and put it up front on the first page, sadly when it is provided it can be hidden away under additional info or an access statement document.
In researching this site I have found local authority and tourist sites that make the effort to tell you which beach you can walk your dog on but make no effort to publish which are wheelchair accessible.
There are many good examples of websites providing accessibility info and where I can I include this and links to their websites. For all those that make the effort I thank you and applaud your efforts, for those that don’t I can only ask “why not?”
Neil Pedley Feb 2012
Welcome to ACE
The site promotes accessibility to the countryside of England and Wales
Accessibility for all – and we hope that everyone will find it useful, wheelchair users, families with buggies or joggers looking for a pleasant run.
The walks and sites listed will generally be easy going, pleasant and enjoyable, though we may throw in a few long distance and more challenging trails as well.
The listed sites are selected for the physical access aspect however a number also have facilities for those with sight or hearing impairment generally this will be mentioned in the text.
You will also find listings of Accessible Taxis, Pubs and Restaurants and links to specialist sites for Accessible Camping, Family and Disabled Support and Disabled Sport organisations.
Please note the information on the site is provided in good faith, we are dependant on the information we receive. We do not have the resources to inspect or check any site and recommend that you always check directly with the place you intend to visit, to be sure of suitable accessibility and facilities
About the Site
Each Region has its own sub-site, with information provided at County / District level. Where we have it we include information on walks, parks, nature reserves, beaches, sport, recreation, support organisation , useful tourist info, disabled friendly taxis, accessible pubs, restaurants and hotel dining.
We also list National Organisations supporting disabled people and carers, National Organisations supporting Children, Parents and Families and organisations offering sporting and recreational activities for disabled people.
For anyone thinking of 'creating accessibility' at a site or project there is a page with links to reference material and best practice.
The site is updated when we have new information or amendments are made to the design. The site is evolving and we hope that you will keep coming back to the site, it is here to save you searching the internet for information, ACE does this for you bringing together in one place, what we believe to be reliable information, from reputable sources
The Countryside is for Everyone
England and Wales has some of the most fantastic countryside, from mountains and valleys to rolling hills and scenic coast. There are thousands of miles of public footpaths, bridleways, green lanes, trails and tracks however we have found that so little appears to be accessible to those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, parents with buggies or those with mobility impairment who find stiles difficult to negotiate. We are not able to remove the obstacles but we can publicise the places that are accessible. We all have a right to enjoy the countryside and our hope is that this site will help in making it more accessible to more people.... Enjoy. . . The Countryside is for Everyone.
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Latest News
NEW
18 very easy to follow routes across Suffolk - Designed for all abilities download PDF
If you get a drop down box on the site - this is to comply with a change in the law- it is not a scam or hack - all sites now require consent to use cookies - (other sites should be doing similar) - just tick the box and it will go away
The Floral Fringe Fair at Bignor Park,Pulborough
West Sussex
May 19th / 20th
Buggy and Wheelchair accessible
From April 1st 2012, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care have merged to form a new carers charity called “Carers Trust”
There is a new wheelchair accessible private hire service available in North Norfolk - All Star Access - with lift and restraint systems.
The Garstang Walking Festival Friday 11 May to Sunday 20 May - has Tramper walks and (Trampers available) download the leaflet from this link
The National Forest Walking Festival
19th-31st May 2012 has wheelchair / buggy accessible walks
The listing of National / International holidays and holiday accessible accommodation have proved popular
There are now Regional Accessible Accommodation pages for the South West and South East
The ACE Internet Search has been updated - powered by Google it is a Search Engine with the emphasis on disability - click here to try it
Website - Spotlight
www.chuc.org.uk CHuC
(the Ceiling Hoist users Club) was set up to promote the interests of those disabled people who need to use hoists and particularly those who need, or prefer, ceiling track hoists (also caller tracker and tracking hoists)..
Disability Sport
As well as accessible countryside we try to promote accessible sport and recreation - if your club / association is not listed on our Activities page or on the relevant county / regional pages please send in the details