Walks in Cornwall with a pushchair

Counting_Pennies_2

Can anyone suggest any books or leaflets or indeed websites that give suggested walks in Cornwall with a pushchair?

I have been going to Cornwall for years and have done lots of coastal path walks, but now we have an 18 month old, we don't always want to put him in a backpack but still want to go for nice walks with him in the buggy. We now just tend to pop into some of the towns and villages, but if anyone knows of a publication of any kind or have any suggestions I would be grateful.

We stay near Falmouth, so anywhere within a 3/4 hr drive we are happy to do.

Thanks for your help.

robnye

wot about the 'Camel Trail' goes from near bodmin to wadebridge, then on to padstow

bodmin to wadebridge it apporx 6 miles
waderidge to padstow is 5.5 miles
i believe this also another bit from bodmin onwards about 4 miles

Counting_Pennies_2

Thanks, Is it totally flat for a normal pushchair all the way?

Spendless

What sort of pushchair are you using Counting pennies? I find my 3 wheeler loads better than my standard 4 wheeler buggy, for doing all different terrain.

robnye

Counting_Pennies wrote:

Thanks, Is it totally flat for a normal pushchair all the way?

the route from wadebridge to padstow is definately smooth enough for a pushchair..... dont know about the other way.
you could always ask at one of the bike hirer places

sooz

i think sea britain and the bbc coast programme were showing coastal walking routes recently. try their website

se999

Hi,

When our two were small we always used to look for wheelchair access symbols. There was only 18 months between them, so we needed a twin pushchair, so needed wide gates, and preferably no steps, just the same as you need for wheelchairs.

So I'd contact the local tourist information people, and ask them for the ideas, and suggest that your access requirements are similar.

carol_a_3

I live in Cornwall. The coastal paths can be very tricky with rocky paths in places, fields, stiles, narrow "kissing" gates etc. Some areas better than others of course. The National Trust properties are becoming more wheelchair/buggy friendly, Trelissick gardens, Glendurgan etc with lovely views. Falmouth seafront and along Pendennis point up around the castle is smooth, I agree with the recommendation of Camel trail, it is used a lot by bikes so has to be smooth enough for them. Penzance too has the long sea front. I also agree that your best bet is to write/e-mail the Cornwall tourist board http://www.cornwalltouristboard.co.uk/

or this site looks quite interesting...http://www.explorecornwall.com/cycling.htm

carol_a_3

Also found this site. You can type in your requirements...eg Easy Easy/moderate. No obstacles etc and it gives you some options

http://www.southwestcoastpath.com/main/walks/index.cfm?fsa=dspWalkSearchShort

Counting_Pennies_2

I want to thank you all. I got a fantastic reply from the Cornish tourist board, they have a printed list, they must get asked regularly!!!

ACCESSIBLE WALKING ROUTES

The following routes are accessible to those people with walking difficulties and to people in wheelchairs or with pushchairs. Some surfaces may be smoother than others and the weather may also have an effect on the trail surface.

I have copied it below in case people are interested, although it hasn't come out in the same format, but hopefully you can get the gist of it!

Boscastle, Valency ValleyAn attractive, wooded valley with a fast flowing stream and lots of wildlife. Access to the valley bottom is from the top end of the car park. The path is well walked and flat and relatively easy to negotiate.
Bossiney Common (National Trust)Access over moderately level common with good views out to Lye Rock and Long Island. Can be muddy when wet with some bumps. No
Bude Canal and River Neet WalkThis route offers users the option of three circular routes, each of differing lengths.All of the routes follow a level, surfaced (i.e. tarmac) path along the bank of the Bude Canal, before returning along the other side of the valley with views over the meadows. Yes, at Bude Tourist Information Centre Bude Canal and Harbour Society
Camel Trail (Bodmin to Padstow)The Camel Trail is arguably the most successful recreational trail in the UK, providing access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line.Traffic-free, relatively smooth surfaced and virtually level, the trail is safe and easy to use for families and the mobility impaired. In main towns on route David Attwell (01208) 265642
Cardinham (Bodmin)A circular, woodland trail running alongside Cardinham Water River. The Trail has a few bumps and a slight incline at the start, but if an anti-clockwise direction is taken, there is a downhill slope at the end. Suitable for wheelchair users. Some benches on route. Forest Enterprise (01392) 832262
Carnewas (North Coast Newquay Area) Wheelchair access along part of the Coastal Footpath to give views over Bedruthan Steps. The path is relatively level but a little bumpy in places. There is no access to the beach due to a large number of uneven steps. Owned by the National Trust. Bob Wilson (01841) 540540
Cornish Way (between Marazion and Penzance and on to Mousehole) Approximately 3.5km one way.Offering fantastic views across Mounts Bay to St Michael’s Mount, this section provides a level, traffic free, relatively smooth surface route right behind the beach.(Your outing could be extended to Mousehole by using the footways behind the sea wall through the urban areas – approx. 8km one way). Highway Services 901872) 222000
Cornish Way (between Sennen and Land's End)Although only a short route (approx. 2km one way) this route is worth checking out if you want to get out and about near the coast.Please be aware that the path is slightly undulating and the surface is not sealed. Highway Services 901872) 222000
Cornish Way (between St. Austell and Pentewan)Following the valley beside the White River, this off-road route provides a level, relatively smooth surfaced path which emerges in the pretty coastal village of Pentewan. Highway Services 901872) 222000
Cornish Way (between Bude and Helebridge)This linear route takes you alongside the canal for a short way before heading off across the valley, offering views across the meadows.The path provides a level, tarmacked route which is safe and easy to use for families and the mobility impaired. Highway Services 901872) 222000
Roadford Lake (near Launceston. South West Lakes Trust)A path specially surfaced for wheelchairs radiates from the main car park, a distance of about 1 mile. There is a wheelchair available for hire and 2 wheelchair accessible bird hides overlooking wildlife ponds on the eastern edge of the lake. Yes, open April - October South West Lakes Trust (01409) 211514
Respryn Riverside Walk (near Bodmin. National Trust)Countryside path alongside the River Fowey. This hard, re-surfaced level path leads from the Lanhydrock Estate, along the riverbanks and is accessible for wheelchairs. Fishing platforms on route. Yes, at Lanhydrock House Matt Lewis (01208) 265211
St. Clement to Tresillian Riverside Walk A linear route which follows a level, unbound (natural stone) path along the banks of the Tresillian River.
Swanpool Nature ReserveThere is a good tarmaced footpath to one side of the lake with viewing platforms. Falmouth TIC (01326) 312300
Tamar Lakes (Upper and Lower. Near Kilkhampton)A wheelchair path leads from the car park to a viewing point and picnic table suitable for wheelchairs. A wheelchair is available to borrow from the Upper lake. Lower Tamer has footpaths and toilets suitable for the less able. One of the footpaths links up with the Bude Aqueduct walk, along the old canal. A path suitable for wheelchairs leads from the car park to a viewing point and picnic tables suitable for wheelchairs. Yes, open April - October South West Lakes Trust (01288) 321262
Tehidy Country Park (Portreath, North Coast)Owned and managed by Cornwall County Council, Tehidy Country Park comprises over 250 acres of woodland, lakes and river. One of the trails is advertised as a route for the mobility impaired, offering users the chance to explore the woodland and its lakes. Approx. 2km in length, this circular route follows a natural surfaced, level but sometimes bumpy path. Countryside Ranger (01209) 714494
Tintagel, Glebe Cliff (National Trust)Wheelchair access across the cliff top on a path from St Materiana’s Church. Some parts can be hard going, as path is quite bumpy and uneven. Wheelchair access into St Materiana’s Churchyard is possible, but over a raised entrance. No

For further information for all these routes please visit: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/Tourism/caccess/prow/access.htm

carol_a_3

Swanpool nature reserve....I live about half a mile from there! It's always nice to get other ideas though for weekend walks. have a lovely holiday.