Gloucestershire Accessible Countryside
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Gloucestershire.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Amberley Walk on Wheels- "This 4km walk is not recommended for hand propelled wheelchairs. On the way to the turn around point at the Bear of Rodborough Hotel you are on minor village paths and roads, with gentle ups and downs but one steep 250 metre descent. The return is largely level: after a short section of tarmac you walk on grass along the edge of the common. The common is habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies and orchids. This section may be difficult, even impassable, after heavy rain."- from the Cotswolds National Landscape website
Badminton Walks on Wheels - (PDF Download) - The easy 3km walk is generally level, on village lanes and public rights of way. On the return there are views through the trees of Badminton House, the 17th century stately home of the 11th Duke of Beaufort. (The extra 600 metre circuit of the hamlet of Little Badminton has steeper gradients and is not recommended for hand-propelled wheelchairs) - from the Cotswolds National Landscape website
Batsford Arboretum - (Charges) "About 25% of the Arboretum is accessible by manual wheelchairs but electrically powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters will make the paths easier to negotiate" - a Tramper is available for hire - from the Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre website
Cleeve Common Walk on Wheels - (PDF download) - These walks on the highest point of the Cotswolds are on short grass and surprisingly easy. The 600 metre route is almost level,while the longer routes cross uneven ground with several slopes. You are advised not to take any route on Cleeve Common in poor visibility - from the Cotswolds National Landscape website
Crickley Hill Walk on Wheels - (PDF download) - A pleasant walk of 700 metres suitable for all in a country park, with views from the escarpment over the Severn Vale and then through woodland. The surface is tarmac, crushed stone, short grass and earth - from the Cotswolds National Landscape website
Cyril Hart Arboretum (Forest Of Dean) - The stone path is not waymarked but is easy to follow in a loop around the arboretum. To extend your walk follow the grass path around the North Eastern end of the arboretum. - A Tramper is available to hire - from the Forestry England website
Dundas Walks on Wheels - (PDF Download) - This is a rural waterfront path of 400 metres along the Avon Valley to a magnificent aqueduct that carries the Kennet and Avon Canal high over the river Avon and the railway. You can return the way you came (total 800 metres) or take in an interesting extension alongside the largely disused Somersetshire Coal Canal, making a total 1,200 metres. The walk to the aqueduct is on gently climbing tarmac, and the canal towpaths are on level smooth grit. The route can be further extended as far as you wish in either direction along the Kennet and Avon towpath. The walk is open to all from the Cotswolds National Landscape website
Hinchwick Walk on Wheels - An easy there and back path of 1,800 metres on tarmac between woodland and fields. After a short rise, there is a very gentle ascent and descent, suitable for all wheels - from the Cotswolds National Landscape website
Up to Lansdown Walking on Wheels - "Strenuous 4km climb, only for Tramper-type scooters and mountain buggies" - This walk, with magnificent views from the Cotswolds escarpment over the Severn Estuary and Avon valley to Wales and the Mendips, is feasible only for Tramper-type scooters and large-wheeled mountain buggies. It rises 120 metres (395ft) to Lansdown Hill, then after a level section (with an optional extension to the Civil War memorial) it either returns by the same route or (for those with two cars) continues on a 150m (490 ft) descent to Upton Cheyney. The surface varies from tarmac to gravel, uneven grass and rutted stony paths. Sections may be muddy - from the bathnes.gov.uk website
Mallards Pike Path (Forest Of Dean) - The path around the lake has a surface suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There are several benches where you can rest a while and enjoy the fabulous views or watch the ducks.
Soudley Ponds - 1000 metres. A linear route starts at the main car park on the minor road between Soudley and Littledean.The ponds are set in attractive woodlands and are a haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users - see the Forestry England website
Symonds Yat - "Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint is well known as one of the best places in the country to watch Peregrine Falcons. However, with a little patience, there are many other birds that you can seen here." "This circular walking trail follows paths through the Iron Age fort and into attractive woodland. There are ten nature trail boards with things to look out for along the way" - Tramper hire is available at the site - please see the trails leaflet - from the Forestry England website
- Download the leaflet from the Forestry England website 
Tetbury ups and downs Walk on Wheels - (PDF Download) - This 2.8km town tour, mostly on pavement and tarmac, winds through narrow streets with some steep ups and downs which are not suitable for hand propelled wheelchairs, and will be hard work for parents pushing buggies. Tetbury is a charming Cotswold market town with many listed buildings, among them the Market House, parish church, merchants’ houses and craftsmen’s cottages - from the Cotswolds National Landscape website
The National Arboretum, Westonbirt - (Charges) We understand that Scooters and wheelchairs are available. All hard paths are accessible for wheelchairs and scooters and buggies. Trails off the paths are accessible depending on weather conditions.
