National Parks launch accessibility guide

The UK’s National Parks have launched a 'Guide to accessible activities in Britain’s National Parks'.  It’s packed with ideas for young families and anyone with limited mobility, including those needing access for pushchairs and wheelchairs or those whose legs aren’t as young as they used to be. The guide, produced by the UK Association of National Park Authorities, details some great accessible activities which can be enjoyed in Britain’s most beautiful countryside – the family of UK National Parks. Available in a number of different accessible formats the guide can be found on www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/accessforall.htm Accessible activities in the Guide include: * A circular walk in the New Forest National Park featuring a beautiful collection of trees from many countries. There is a sensory trail encouraging people to touch, smell and listen to the sounds of certain trees. * Sailing on a solar powered boat in the Broads (a guided tour) with panoramic views over Barton Broad and a great place for wildlife on land or water. Or perhaps take to the water sailing in specially adapted boats on the 374-acre Wimbleball Lake (pictured; credit - Heather Lowther/Exmoor NPA) in Exmoor National Park, an opportunity for people with a range of abilities. * Mini bus tours with a National Park guide visiting sites on the beautiful high moor in Dartmoor National Park. * Cycling or perhaps fishing around the beautiful Mawddach estuary in Snowdonia National Park, a chance for visitors to experience some of Snowdonia’s splendour, striking scenery and beautiful wildlife. * The trail following the edge of Loch Morlich in Scotland with spectacular views towards the Cairngorm mountains. These accessible activities provide an opportunity to relax, explore, enjoy life and even get fitter and healthier. Carl Lis, Chairman of the UK Association of National Park Authorities, said: “The UK’s National Parks are here to be enjoyed, irrespective of age and ability. This new guide gives some great ideas about how everyone, including people with limited mobility, those who are partially sighted, and parents with children in pushchairs can enjoy the great outdoors in a way that’s not only fun but healthy and good for the body and mind. At a time when people are likely to have less money to spend it’s worth remembering that visiting their nearest National Park is a free, fun way to spend some quality time.” There are 15 members of the National Parks in the UK. These are the Brecon Beacons, the Broads, the Cairngorms, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, South Downs, Snowdonia, Yorkshire Dales. For more information on UK National Parks, visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk.