Dartmoor is a place for everyone to enjoy and explore, no matter what their level of mobility. Many of the more popular locations have accessible trails that are suitable for wheelchair users. For the really adventurous, it’s also possible to go off-road in a Tramper (powered all-terrain wheelchairs) – these are available to hire at many locations, including most of the National Trust properties within the National Park.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority has introduced several initiatives to make access easier for everyone. The Miles Without Stiles routes are completely stile-free. This means they are suitable for a wide range of users, including those in all-terrain scooters, as well as families with very young children. The routes are graded according to their level of suitability, with grade 1 providing the easiest access. At the moment, the principal routes run between Shipley Bridge and the Avon Dam, and Princetown to Nun’s Cross. The Park Authority also publishes a guide, Easy Going Dartmoor, which lists many other walks and trails and gives useful information on the accessibility on the major moorland towns and villages (a copy of this guide is available in Acorn Cottage).
There are accessible trails in many other locations across the National Park. At Lydford Gorge, wheelchair users can visit the Whitelady Waterfall via the ‘Long and Easy’ path, but the main gorge path is not suitable for those with limited mobility, as it is steep and narrow in parts. There’s a tearoom at each end of the gorge, both of which are wheelchair-accessible. Nearby, the Lydford Easy Going Walk follows a 2 km section of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 27. The surfaced route is built along a stretch of disused railway line. The route crosses the open fields of Fernworthy Down and offers lovely views of the Tamar Valley. At its most northerly point, this trail joins The Granite Way, which also forms part of NCN Route 27, and is mostly accessible to wheelchair users. Meldon Viaduct gives spectacular views of Meldon Reservoir and Dartmoor beyond it, and there’s a visitor centre and tearoom. As you near Okehampton, you can see the atmospheric remains of the castle, which was destroyed in 1539 by Henry VIII. The majority of the castle site is accessible, although some of the paths are steep.
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Fernworthy Reservoir. This beautiful lake is surrounded by forest and open moorland. A purpose-built path gives views over the lake and dam, and you can also take in the archaeological heritage of the area, which includes Bronze Age hut circles, ancient stone cairns and clapper bridges. There are numerous stopping points and seats, as well as a picnic area. There are two bird hides on site, one of which is suitable for wheelchair users and gives a view over a protected area of the reservoir. You’ll often see common sandpipers and great black-backed gulls on the reservoir and its banks, while the surrounding conifers host flocks of crossbills. The area is also a haven for the Marsh Fritillary butterfly. If you’d prefer a more hands-on nature experience, the Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group organises day tasks suitable for those with disabilities.
