The Disabled Ramblers' Association recently visited this rugged section of the Coast Path in Cornwall.

EASY ACCESS WALKS ONLINE

The South West Coast Path is the perfect place to get away from the crowds. Fresh air, stunning sea views, maybe even a quiet beach are on offer just a short stroll away from our busy coastal resorts and villages. But what about families with pushchairs, people with walking or breathing problems, or those in wheelchairs or mobility scooters? To help them find some Coast Path magic, a new feature has been added to this website.

Descriptions of easy-going sections of the Coast Path likely to be suitable for most, if not all users are now available in our online walks library. This can be found by clicking on the flashing acorn on the Coast Path signpost on the home page, or clicking here . So far eighteen easy-access walks have been added covering all areas of the Coast Path and more will be added in future. Already, 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 Durlston and Studland in Dorset. All 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 physical features of the route 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. We 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.

When you've tried one out, we'd love to know what you thought of the walk itself, and the way we have provided the information about it. Use the 'Review this walk' button to tell us how we can improve anything. It's at the foot of the main walk description page not the easy access pdf.

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 here on the official Coast Path website.