DISABLED ACCESS TO EXMOOR

WALKING | CYCLING | FISHING

In 1996 the Moor Access Group was established to look at ways of making Exmoor accessible to disabled people. They produced a guide, researched and written by disabled people in an effort to share the delights of Exmoor, "which we feel is one of the most beautiful areas of England".
The guide covers absolutely everything for planning a visit to the area, and includes details of 11 walks, street maps of the major towns and villages with disabled toilets, car parks and level routes marked, disabled-friendly accommodation and eating houses.
The guide book is entitled "Accessible Exmoor" (A5 paperback format) & is available from the Exmoor National Park Authority, Dulverton, TA22 9HL tel:(01398)323665

The Calvert Trust Charity specialises in outdoor activities for the disabled and have a superb centre at Wistlandpound near Blackmoor Gate on the western edge of Exmoor. MAP www.calvert-trust.org.uk

WALKING FOR THOSE WITH RESTRICTED ABILITIES

During 1999 The National Trust, The Exmoor National Park Authority and other countryside organisations developed three "Easy Access" sites in the Park. These are properly constructed fairly level footpaths in beautiful locations for use by disabled people, wheelchairs, buggies etc. Horses and bikes are excluded. A leaflet with plans of the locations is available from the Exmoor National Park, Dulverton, TA22 9HL tel:(01398)323665

These sites are at :-
Bossington Hill Webbers Post Weir Water

Bossington Hill

(MAP-SS911476)
Access is via North Hill, Minehead by road.
There are 2 routes: Long is approx. 830 metres, short is approx. 350 metres. Both are ideal for wheelchairs and buggies.
There are super views of the coast and the hills inland. Some of the path meanders through peaceful birch and pine woodland leading to a stone Memorial Hut where you can sit. The hut was erected in memory of Sir Thomas Acland of the Holnicote Estate who died in 1871, by his son John in 1878 and features some fine views inland.

Porlock Bay and Foreland Point from the car park on Bossington Hill
View West along the coast from the car park at Bossington Hill

The Acland Memorial seat on Bossington Hill above Selworthy
The Acland Memorial seat on Bossington Hill

There is an excellent carved route guide at the start of each walk
The start by Bossington Hill car park

The path has been especially laid for narrow wheeled chairs and buggies

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Webbers Post

(MAP-SS903438)
SW of Minehead on the road between Luccombe and Wheddon Cross via Dunkery.
The circular, fairly level path meanders through some mixed woodland (mainly pine, oak and birch) for about 800m with super views to the SW of Dunkery Beacon, Horner Wood and Cloutsham Ball. There are a number of benches and a stone seat (another memorial to the Acland family) facing the west and this is a lovely elevated spot for everyone to watch the sun go down over Exmoor on a fine evening.

A beautiful man-size wood carving beside the path at Webbers Post

The Acland Memorial seat at Webbers Post

Weir Water, Robbers Bridge

(MAP-SS822465)
S of Culbone just off the A39, 4 miles W of Porlock. The approach from Oare, west of the site is easiest.
This path follows a small river called Weir Water in this famous beauty spot. There is a pick-up/set down area for wheelchair disembarkment just east of Robbers Bridge (car park at the bridge). The site has a circular walk up the valley and back, the first section of which consists of a 100m 'boardwalk' along the edge of the river, which is e specially for wheelchairs. This leads to a level grassy meadow ideal for just sitting or picnics. This is a secluded, peaceful spot, surrounded by moorland hills.

The "boardwalk" at Weir Water

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CYCLING

Despite first appearances, Exmoor and North Devon offer plenty of opportunity for everyone including families and disabled people to go cycling.

On Exmoor itself there are many miles of way-marked bridle paths and forest tracks suitable for mountain bikes;
The Exmoor National Park produce 3 "Bike It" leaflets, each featuring a number of different grade routes at a specific location: Dunster, Wimbleball, Holnicote Estate North Hill.
These are available from the Information Centre in Dulverton - (01398)323841 telephone credit card payment accepted.

Pompey's Cycles in Minehead hire out all kinds of bikes and route guides for cycling on Exmoor.
Mart Road, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BJ Tel: 01643 704077

Mountain Bike competitions are regularly held at Combe Sydenham Park, where there are a number of trails for all to try.

To the west of Exmoor is the Tarka Trail. This is a 30 mile stretch of 'reclaimed' railway line which connects Braunton, Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington and Meeth via the Taw and Torridge valleys. The surface is excellent for bikes and is flat, so suitable for all abilities. This provides opportunities for a great family day out. The route runs alongside the Taw estuary where all kinds of sea birds can be seen. Spoonbills are reputed to have been seen and you may catch sight of the occasional Egret.
The beach at Instow is another popular stopping off point.
The trail is named after Henry Williamson's 'Tarka the Otter' which was based on many locations along the Trail - the scenery and wildlife are spectacular.

Biketrail cycle hire and shop at Fremington Quay (between Barnstaple and Instow on the route) specialises in hiring out all kinds of bike for every ability and many disabilities. There is also a nice cafe and picnic area at Fremington. The Quay is accessible off the B3233 and there is a car park.
Biketrail's shop in Fremington is adjacent to the RSPB Reserve at Isley Marsh where you can see flocks of estuary birds - Wild Duck, Widgeon, Teal, Mallard, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Turnstone, Little Plover, Heron, Godwit and Ringed Plovers.

Tarka Trail Cycle Hire is another bike hire shop based at the old Railway Station in Barnstaple. tel: (01271)324202

The Rolle Quay Inn in Rolle Street, Barnstaple also hires out cycles tel:(01271)345182

The Tarka Trail near Bideford. picture courtesy of Biketrail

This post beside the road marks the start of a family cycle route along the hill top between North Hill and Bossington Hill above Minehead. The views south across Exmoor and north over the Bristol Channel to Wales are superb.

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USEFUL INTERNET CYCLING LINKS

National Cycle Network

The National Cycle Network in Devon

Cyclists Touring Club

Cycle Somerset

FISHING

See our general fishing guide on our Outdoors page.

SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR DISABLED FISHERMEN

Wimbleball Fly Fishing Club have a boat equipped for wheelchair users which is maintained by South West Water. Anyone interested should book in advance (01837 871565) and take an able bodied helper with them.