Disabled ramblers experience the wild areas
Disabled ramblers powered onto the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail and into the Preseli Hills during a ‘reconnaissance weekend’ in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Supported by National Park Rangers and Voluntary Wardens, the ramblers first took to cliff top routes in Castlemartin Army Range West, by kind permission of the Commandant, Colonel Johnny Rogers. These did not present any major problems for the powered wheelchairs, the majority of them all-terrain Trampers.
Members of the Disabled Ramblers Association travelled from as far afield as London and Southampton and were particularly pleased to successfully tackle a route onto the Preseli ridge.
On the third day came the bigger challenge - attempting to reach Bedd Arthur in the Preselis. Six Trampers and five helpers took up the challenge.
Dave Maclachlan, National Trail Officer with the National Park Authority, said: “This reconnaissance of the route was made by the more adventurous disabled ramblers and it is clear they enjoyed themselves immensely. They achieved their access objectives without any environmental impact and the message they give is that if disabled people equip themselves properly they can access wild country.
“The National Park Authority continues to make improvements to help as many people as possible gain access to the coast and hills. For example, in the last ten years around 300 stiles have been removed, along with steps, from the Coast Path allowing easier access.
Group leader on the Castlemartin Range was Dr Mike Bruton MBE and the guide was Mick Brown. For the Preseli ridge the leader was Robin Helby and Park Ranger Richard Vaughan was the guide.
Voluntary Warden helpers on the Range were Mark Newton and John Archer.
Added Dave Maclachlan: “It is clear that Pembrokeshire has the potential to market itself as a walking destination for wheelchair users, and comments made by the visitor on the need for good accessible accommodation and improved public toilets are very helpful.
“The ramblers were delighted at being able to get out and about under their own steam. A number said that they had been overwhelmed by the freedom that their transport gave them after thinking that they would not be able to experience the wilds again.”
(The Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail is funded by CCW and maintained by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park)