MAWDDACH ADAPTIVE ACTIVE
Routes, maps and guides for adaptive adventures
Active people can find plenty of outdoor challenges around the Mawddach Estuary, whatever their level of ability. We have pulled together some of the facilities in the area that might be of interest to visitors with specific needs.
Adaptive Trails
Wheelchair accessibility is a difficult one to grade, particularly when off-road capable chairs come into the equation. On difficult terrain, the properties of the individual off-road chair will have a far greater influence on what is possible; all chairs are almost certainly not alike, and the capabilities of chairs on the market will improve with passing time.
The level of assistance that the individual feels is acceptable will also influence what they consider as do-able. In the absence of better information, for the purposes of this guide we have made the assumption that users of off-road wheel chairs enjoy the same legal status (in terms of Rights of Way) as pedestrians, and as such can make use of public footpaths and Right to Roam land. As such these routes should not be inferred as suitable or legal mountain bike routes.
Trail Grading and Suitability
To try and get a feel for what is possible, we were very fortunately able to tap into the experiences of Arthog Outdoor Education Centre, who use a Fieldmaster chair in their activity provision. We are not seeking to promote this particular brand as better than others (though our impression is that the centre is very happy with it). It is simply that because we could draw on real experiences and put the chair through its paces, we have used it as a benchmark for what is possible in an off-road chair.
The following observations are based on the chair model we tested:
Good Points: A multi-hour battery range. 4-wheel drive. A seat that can be tilted backwards for going down hill. An appetite for steep gradients, up or down.
Challenges: Because of how the drive system works, the steering behaved oddly when a wheel lost traction. Steep up-hills can be a problem where traction is poor. A low ground clearance means that although the chair has the power to drive up steps, the chair can ground out on the step edge. Many of these challenges in performance may be overcome with the assistance of a non-disabled companion.
All Ability Trails:
These are wide paths with a good surface and modest gradients. All ability trails are suitable for non - specialised wheelchairs.
Off-Road Wheelchair Routes
Paths with a rough uneven surface and steep gradients both up and down. The successful completion of the trail may require the help of a non-disabled companion to negotiate specific sections. These trails generally offer nothing in the way of specialised facilities other than the fact that they should not contain stiles or locked gates. The individual trail notes, combined with an understanding of the capabilities of the chair to be used should hopefully guide the user as to whether they wish to attempt a particular trail. Please note that the ultimate responsibility for personal safety rests with the user; we cannot anticipate individual abilities, or the capabilities of the equipment being used, and can accept no responsibility for what happens if you choose to follow one of the routes (except if you think it was great, in which case we will take all the credit we can!All Ability Wheel Chair Trail Routes
Off-Road Wheel Chair Trail Routes
New Precipice Walk
(800m there and back)
The all-ability section of this classic is short, but the views are unrivalled. More...
Mawddach Trail
(15 km one way)
A popular route along the Mawddach Estuary. Chair-users may find it easier to start at Pont y Wernddu to avoid the narrow footbridge. More...
Coed y Brenin
There are four easy access all-ability trails in the Forest Park. At the visitor centre, which is fully accessible, there is an all-ability play area and all-ability trail (the Afon Eden Trail) leading to the riverside picnic site. All-ability trails can also be found at Tyn y Groes (King’s Guard Trail), and Glasdir (Forest Garden). These are all marked on the Coed y Brenin Walks map
Dôl Idris
1.2 km at the foot of Cadair Idris.
More...
Traeth Benar Boardwalk
200 m of beach boardwalk set within the Morfa Dyffryn site of special scientific interest. More...
Dôl-goch
800 m there and back to the first waterfall. More...
Coed y Garth
A 10 km route on the south shore of the Mawddach estuary. Mainly very straightforward if a little overgrown, but a couple of tricky sections may limit access.
Download Free Routecard.
Cregennan & Ffordd Ddu
A higher more exposed 8 km route with a real sense of a mountain environment.
Download Free Routecard.
More Outdoors Adaptive SnowBikers Adaptive Mountainbiking
Tandem tours
Meirionnydd Special Riding School Barmouth Bowling club
Visually Impaired Walking Scheme
Braille Map of Snowdonia
