6 Wheelchair Friendly Walks in North Somerset
We’ve picked 6 of the best walks with wheelchairs so you can explore the countryside via easy and accessible routes all over North Somerset.
Leigh Woods, Clifton
Distance: 1.5km round, level paths, unsurfaced.
Leigh Woods are some of North Somerset’s most popular woods, and the Purple Trail’s level paths make them very accessible to wheelchair users. The Purple Trail is 1.5km and lets you enjoy beautiful forest, Leigh Wood’s celebrated sculptures, pretty ponds and an excellent designated viewpoint. The Leigh Woods Coffee Co. are on site every weekend and during school holidays, serving a range of hot drinks and snacks.
Route: Start at the main car park and the Purple Trail is well marked all the way.
Portishead Marina
Distance: 1.8km round, level, traffic-free, surfaced.
Portishead Marina makes a great day out whether you like boats or not! With amazing views, on a clear day you can see both Severn Bridges. There’s a great choice of bars, cafes and restaurants if you want to somewhere to stop for lunch. As well as great views, the marina has a lively atmosphere, and the easy-going round route is very wheelchair friendly.
Route: The official Marina car park is right at the end of Newfoundland Way. It’s pay-and-display: 15 minutes free, thereafter £1/hour. Start here and simply follow the pathway round, along the way you’ll see dozens of sculptures that are part of the Portishead Public Art Project.
Clevedon Beach
Distance: 1 mile round, level, surfaced, 1 road to cross.
The Grade I listed Clevedon Pier is the main attraction on this route, but other sights along the way include the Doulton Fountain – a Grade II Listed Structure erected in 1895 on Alexandra Road, the Old Market Building and great sea views. You’ll also find several cafes and good public toilets along the way as well, perfect for a mid-walk pit stop.
Route: Start your journey at The Pier and follow the beach with the sea to your right until just before Elton Road. Turn left here into Seavale Road. At the top of Seavale Road turn left into Alexandra Road and go back towards The Pier.
Weston-Super-Mare Promenade
Distance: 1.5km, level, broad and traffic-free, surfaced.
Few places in North Somerset say traditional seaside more clearly than Weston-Super-Mare Promenade. Wheelchair access to the beach, on The Grand Pier and along the promenade is well thought out, and the promenade route lets you see the main sights with ease.
Route: Start at the Grand Pier and walk with the sea to your left. You will have views of islands Flat Holm and Steep Holm. As well as viewing some of Weston’s charming sea front buildings, you will also get to see Marine Lake which is lovely to dip your feet in. Marine Lake is an infinity lake and is said to be the largest of its kind in the world! There is a bridge that runs between Marine Lake and the sea, well worth going on this, especially if the tide is up! There are several cafés around here, including Dr Fox’s Tearoom, situated at the beautiful Knightstone Island, Stones Café, and further down, in a lovely little nook, is Cove Café.
Summer Lane Pond, Weston-Super-Mare
Distance: 1.7km, level, surfaced.
Summer Lane Pond is about 10 minutes by car from the seafront at Weston-Super-Mare. It’s a favourite with local anglers and good for bird watching, look out for Kingfishers!
Route: There is a small car park just off Summer Lane, designated for the pond. Once you have parked up, start the walk from the orientation board next to the willow sculpture and follow the path round the pond. The surfaced route continues until halfway round the opposite bank, double back to Summer Lane.
Apex Park and River Parrett Pathway
Distance: 5km, surfaced. Some dips.
A lovely, scenic 5km loop trail in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hour to complete. This is also a popular trail for running, dog walking and cycling, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. There are public toilets when you get to The Apex Park, and they sometimes have a catering van and ice cream van selling refreshments. The park is home to various duck and geese varieties, as well as mute swans. Why not take some duck feed along and enjoy a break by the lake.
Route: Park up at the roadside pay and display parking on the boat yard end of the sea front. Follow the pavement along the beach and through the boatyard. You will have views of the River Brue before you turn left into the Apex Park for a circular walk. There are some road sections on this route with other parts around the park being on paved surfaces. Circle round the whole of the park and return along the boatyard path back the way you came. If you fancy a shorter walk, you can park at The Apex Park car park and just walk around the park its self.
