Level Two – Wheelchairoffroad.org

The Dell at Saltram House

Hopalong — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 14:20:11 +0000

Location : Plymouth

Starting Point : National Trust Saltram House

OS Grid Reference : SX520555

Distance : 3 miles

Route Surface : Asphalt, Fine gravel / sand, Compacted stone / earth

Category : Level 2

A mobility scooter is available for hire at this site through the Countryside Mobility Scheme.

This route is only 3 miles but the section through the Dell, is compacted stone and earth. Therefore not suitable for small wheeled scooters, and some Powerchairs.

The track through the Dell on the Saltram Estate

This track has a narrow strip of trees, on either side for most of its length, so plenty of birds in the trees. Most of the time it is a case of hearing them, rather than seeing them.

Me in the Dell on the Saltram Estate

This is still a good surface after rain, if there are any puddles, it is easy to avoid them. The route can be shortened, by cutting out the section alongside the Plym Estuary. For more detailed information, speak to the National Trust staff or volunteers.

Grand Western Canal Route 1

Hopalong — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 16:41:17 +0000

Route 1 is a ramble along the eastern end of the canal from Sampford Peverell to Lowdwell Lock, This route is a Level 2 as far as Waytown Tunnel, where the route crosses a road. There is a steep slope up to the road, with a gate and a short steeper slope the other side of the road. Therefore the last 600/700 meters is a Level 3

Location : Sampford Peverell

Starting Point : Village car park

OS Grid Reference : ST032144

Distance : 9.6 Miles

Route Surface : Gravel

Category : Level 2 / 3

This route can be shortened at any point, dependant on your personal / Scooter abilities. I have graded it a Level 2 as far as Waytown Tunnel, purely on distance. The level 3 tag for the final part, is a combination of steep path and opening a gate.

The Waytown Tunnel entrance partly obscured by the undergrowth

A Chapel in the garden of a farmhouse alongside the canal

There is plenty of wildlife to look out for, on this section of the canal. The feature photo is the Waytown Lime Kilns.

Semington to Bradford upon Avon via towpath

Hopalong — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 08:59:47 +0000

This ramble starts at Semington to the outskirts of Bradford upon Avon along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Location : Semington

Starting point : Bridge north of the village

OS Grid Reference : ST900612

Distance : 9.1 miles

Route Surface : Mainly gravel, with a few stoney sections

Category : Level 2

On paper this looks like a nice easy route, on a towpath that is also a national cycle route. The towpath is very narrow in places, making it difficult to pass other users. The grass between the gravel and the hedge, is at such a slope it is difficult to pass cyclists with our Trampers.

Steep approach to the bridge over the entrance to a marina.

I have graded it a Level 2 partly on distance, but also on the quality of the path in places.

Woodland alongside the canal near Trowbridge

Mamhead Obelisk Long Loop

Hopalong — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 16:32:25 +0000

This route adds a quarter of a mile to the short route, but there is a section of about 3 to 4 yards that has exposed tree roots. This could be a problem with chairs/scooters with very small wheels.

Location : Haldon Forest

Starting Point : Obelisk car Park

OS Grid Reference : SX921808

Distance : 1.25 Miles

Route Surface : Gravel

Category : Level 2

No facilities

This again is an easy short circuit, apart from a few exposed tree roots, which would be difficult for scooters with the very small wheels ( less than 4 inches in diameter ).

The narrower track on the Obelisk long loop

As with the short loop walk, the viewpoint is the main feature of this walk. Although it is a very short walk, I have rated it as level 2 due to the tree roots

The view of Exmouth from the Viewpoint above Mamhead House

Exmouth via Coast Path to Sandy Bay

Hopalong — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 20:51:56 +0000

This ramble is from Exmouth Lifeboat Station to Sandy Bay via the Geoneedle marking the start of the Jurassic Coast.

Location : Exmouth

Starting Point : Exmouth Lifeboat Station

OS Grid Reference : ST012800

Distance : 3 Miles

Route Surface : Part Asphalt, part crushed stone, part grass / bare compacted soil.

Category : Level 2

Disabled Toilet in the car park opposite the Lifeboat Station

The original plan was to do from the Exmouth Lifeboat Station to the to the Geoneedle marking the western end of the Jurassic Coast. This section of the route is easy Level One, we split into two groups for the first part. Group 1 went up the narrow footpath off Foxholes Road, which starts just up from the car park. Group 2 went up Foxholes Road on the pavement, which is a steady climb, but no problem for the smaller scooters.

Some of the group on the return journey

The last section to the Geoneedle is on gravel/crushed stone, and again the smaller scooters were fine. We were unable to reach the Sandy Bay Holiday Park, as the last 100 yards are too steep and stepped. In good dry conditions the route to the point at the top of the slope, above the Holiday Park is a Level 2. In wet conditions it is a Level 3, as the bare soil can be Slippery.

Some of the group looking a bit bedraggled after one of the couple of showers we had.

We did this route, with representatives of the Southwest Coast Path Assoc. National Trust and East Devon District Council. It gave them an opportunity to see first hand the capabilities of the different types of Scooters / Wheelchairs.

Exeter Quay to Bridge Road

Hopalong — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 17:34:01 +0000

This is a Moderate Category 2 ramble due to overall distance and a short distance of fine gravel.

Location : Exeter

Starting Point : Exeter Quay

OS Grid Reference : SX920921

Distance : 5.5 Miles

Route Surface : Asphalt with a short section of fine gravel.

Category : Level 2

This is an easy moderate walk at just over the 5 miles, with about 0.5 miles of fine gravel. There are several paths to choose from, on the route between the Quay and the Swing Bridge on Bridge Road.

Gill on the footpath between the crematorium and the pitch and put near one of Exeters busiest roads

It is also possible to park at the end of Salmon Pool Lane (OS Ref. SX931909) for this ramble. There is a third option to park, just off Bridge Road, the entrance is between the two bridges. See photo below. (OS Ref. SX900894) This is also one of the access points, to the Riverside Country Park. But due to the kissing gates at either end, we are unable to access the park. I have been advised that Access is going to be improved in the current financial year.

The entrance to the car park on Bridge Road between the Swing Bridge and the River Exe Bridge.

With so many options of different paths available, you can increase the amount of gravel track, or avoid it completely. Which ever paths you choose, it will not affect the overall distance of the ramble by any significance distance.

Swans Nest to Matford Marshes

Hopalong — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 13:56:31 +0000

This is a Moderate route on Asphalt with a distance of over 7 miles.

Location : Exminster

Starting Point : Exminster Marshes Car Park

Ordnance Survey Reference : SX954873

Distance : 7.5 miles

Route Surface : Asphalt with Speed Bumps ( which can be avoided )

Category : Level 2

Description : You can park in the Swans Nest car park (with permission ) or the Exminster Marshes car park. Head east towards the Exe Estuary Trail alongside Exeter Canal going pass the Lions Rest Business Park. Turn left towards Exeter on the cycle path, after passing under the Motorway the canal widens.

Approaching the Motorway bridge

At this point there is the option to go along a lane to the A379 near the Matford Business Park. Follow the cycle path towards Exeter, crossing Bridge Road by Matford Roundabout. Turn left here to follow cycle path onto Marsh Barton, the RSPB Reserve is on your right with two viewing points. Then retrace your route back to Bridge Road crossing over by the canal swing bridge, to follow the canal south and back to your starting point.