Today members of 3 different disability groups met representatives of Devon County Council, to look at any access issues on the Exe Estuary Trail in the Topsham area. The three groups being the Wheeled Access Group, Exeter Polio Group and the Cornwall Rolling Ramblers. There were eight of us on buggies, with five walkers.
We met at Darts Farm to do a short route into Topsham via Bowling Green Lane and the Goat Walk, to Topsham Quay. The Devon County Council Natural Environment Officer wanted to see first hand how different types of Power Chairs and Mobility Scooters can be used.
There were 4 Power Chairs and 4 Mobility Scooters, so covering quite a wide range of capabilities. DCC are going to start listing Accessible Walks on their website, with a lot of detailed information. This will include Refreshments, Toilets, different types of road/path surface etc.
We were stopping every few hundred yards, to discuss different aspects of the route that could be included in the routes description.
The RSPB hide has a ramped access, so is accessible to most types of buggy. But the Viewing platform overlooking where the River Clyst joins the Exe Estuary, has steps so is off limits. Also the circular walk at this point is off limits, due to a narrow footbridge.
We then made our way along the Goat Walk, Gill and I opted to go on the mud alongside the Goat Walk. Gill and I have done this route many times, without any problems. But today I managed to get stuck, in the narrow strip of soft sand at the base of the ramp up to the Strand.
We stopped for lunch in a small public garden opposite the Topsham Museum. I have passed the garden many times and always assumed it was a private garden. After lunch we made use of the WC facilities at Topsham Quay, before following the cycle route back to Darts Farm via Monmouth Street.
Despite the forecast of showers, we were lucky that it stayed dry for us on the day.
