Dorset 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 Dorset.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Chesil Beach Centre - There is disabled parking next to the Centre (charges apply) and a disabled toilet outside the Centre. The Centre itself is wheelchair accessible, and the boardwalk is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility vehicles but does not extend over the beach - from the Dorset Wildlife Trust website
Durlston Country Park's Woodland Trail - A ¾ mile walk using the South West Coast Path that is likely to be suitable for people with impaired mobility or with a pushchair, wheelchair, or mobility - also see the entry under Nature Reserves below - from the South West Coast Path website
Kingston Lacy - Woodland Trail - (NT) - "Follow this multi-use trail through quiet woodland and historic carriageways with gorgeous views of the house and parkland. The smooth gravel track makes it perfect for family outings as the route is fairly flat and both pushchair and wheelchair friendly. You can also loan off-road wheelchairs from reception" - from the National Trust website
Lawrence of Arabia Trail - "follows a route near Bovington along country lanes and through leafy woodland and heathland" - "Section 2 (¼ mile) between Moreton and the ford over the River Frome is the most accessible part of the route for wheelchairs/mobility scooters. It is a wide, well surfaced quiet lane. The track to St Nicholas Church is also well surfaced" - from the Dorset Council website
Lulworth Cove & the Fossil Forest - A relatively short walk across a beach and uneven ground with an optional steep hill. The section to Stair Hole is suitable for pushchairs and some wheelchairs - from the South West Coast Path website
Mude Valley Nature Reserve - Largely flat terrain, paths mainly gravel based, including cycle track/greenway which run for much of length of site - from the BCP Council website
North Dorset Trailway - "The largest section provides a continuous route between Blandford and Sturminster Newton - a distance of 9 miles " - "The trail runs along a flat, surfaced three metre wide track suitable for pushchairs, mobility vehicles, horses, bicycles and walkers" - from the Dorset Council website
Poor Common - "The site consists primarily of Scots and Corsican Pine, mature Rhododendron, Birch and Willow scrub. Look out for a variety of woodland birds and heathland insects" - "Over 2km of well surfaced and level paths run throughout the site and all entrance points are kissing gates which can be assessed by large mobility vehicles" - from the Dorset Council website
The Purbeck Way - "The first ½ mile (0.8km) of the Purbeck Way has been improved for wheelchair access so that it is a level, well surfaced path with seating. At the start of the Purbeck Way there is access into Priory Meadow which is also wheelchair/mobility scooter friendly (gravel paths). The rest of the route is on public rights of way with stiles and gates" taken from the Dorset Council website
Slop Bog - "A circular route which includes a boardwalk can be accessed from West Moors Road. This is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Other paths can be uneven or muddy in places, although passable with care and sensible footwear" from the Dorset Council website
Studland village to Old Harry - "Generally flat and easy, but near the start there is a short section where the path surface is uneven and there is a slight incline. There are some long but gentle climbs and descents" - from the Dorset Council website
Upton Wood - "There is wheelchair and mobility scooter access from Pony Drive, Upton Heath Estate or Gorse Lane. The main paths are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters" - from the Dorset Council website