Access Laws

We are often asked for help on access issues. As a small Charity, we are not able to help in every individual case.  As a starting point, please refer to the following documents:

Gov.UK – “Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970” Section 20 states that an Invalid Carriage (scooter to us) is allowed on a Footpath

Gov.UK – “Public rights of way: rights and responsibilities” https://www.gov.uk/public-rights-of-way-rights-and-responsibilities#public-rights-of-way-and-cross-compliance

Natural England – “By All Reasonable Means” which the Disabled Ramblers helped to write: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/inclusivetcm2-27716_tcm6-4032.pdf

Natural England – “A Guide to Definitive Maps”

DEFRA – Rights of Way Improvement Plan: http://archive.defra.gov.uk/rural/documents/countryside/prow/rowip.pdf

Environment Agency – “Access for all design guide“: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140328084622/http://cdn.environment-agency.gov.uk/lit_7571_bba664.pdf

In general, remove all steps, stiles and, wherever possible, gates.

Centrewire supply a range of gates. If kissing gates must be used, we recommend the Centrewire Woodstock Large Mobility which can be opened wide with the use of a RADAR key: http://www.centrewire.com/woodstock.htm

A Guide to Bridle Gates – A Trial of Self-Closing Bridlegates. This report is the result of a trial of 10 self-closing bridle gates in order to determine the safest features overall for incorporation to new gates.

The Disabled Ramblers cannot be responsible for the content of external web sites.  The content of these sites might be updated without our knowledge and the user must satisfy themselves that it is correct.