Left to Right: Nick Tarrier (National Trust) Neil Warren (Countryside Mobility South West), Zoe Stansfield (National Trust), Sally King (Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site) at Golden Cap
An all-terrain mobility scooter that can go ‘off road’ is opening up the iconic Golden Cap estate to people who have difficulty walking.
The ‘Tramper’ scooter has been provided by the charity Living Options Devon that works with outdoor attractions across the region to open up the best of the South West’s coast and countryside to people with limited mobility. The Golden Cap estate, managed by National Trust, is the latest of 36 sites to become part of the award-winning Countryside Mobility scheme.
The routes at the estate, which includes the highest cliffs in Southern England, take in spectacular coastal views along the World Heritage Site as well as woodland walks in the rolling hills back from the coastline. Although the path to the very summit of Golden Cap is not currently suitable it is hoped that if demand for service is strong resources may be found for the necessary path works.
Nick Tarrier, National Trust’s Ranger at the Golden Cap said:
“Now we have the Tramper we can safely give people independence to explore areas of this spectacular estate. The Tramper will make a real difference for local residents from the surrounding area and those visiting from further afield.”
Neil Warren from Countryside Mobility explains:
“Many people have found that Trampers have given them back their freedom, enabling them to enjoy time outdoors alone, with their partner or on a family outing. We’re delighted to be working with National Trust at such a popular and scenic site which I’m sure will prove extremely popular.”
Sally King, Visitor Manager for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site also welcomed the new facility. “As a World Heritage Site, one of the aims of the Jurassic Coast Partnership is to increase access opportunities to all people, so we are really pleased to see the Tramper available in one of the most iconic and unspoilt parts of the Jurassic Coast. We’re sure it will be very well used!”
On arrival at Golden Cap those wishing to use the Tramper become members of Countryside Mobility, which costs £10.00 per year or £2.50 for 4 weeks. Training is provided on how to use a Tramper lasting approximately 10 minutes. As a member they are then able use a Tramper at any of the 36 sites around the South West.
Due to the small scale of the site booking is essential. The service is available at 9am and 2pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can also be booked for any start time on Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and 2pm. Call 01297 48948 or email [email protected]
Full details about Countryside Mobility and a list of the other Tramper locations available can be found on the website www.countrysidemobility.org or by calling 01392 459222. You can also find out more by following them on Twitter @CMSouthWest or Facebook CountrysideMobility.
Funding towards the cost of the Tramper was provided by The Wolfson Foundation and Barchester Foundation, both of which support disability projects.
