The countryside is for everybody, and despite the fact that Cornwall tends to be pretty hilly, and many of its paths uneven, there are a good number of places where you can access our green and pleasant land... Several of the locations below have Trampers available to hire. It is always advisable to contact them beforehand to reserve as often they only have one.
Argal Reservoir (nr Falmouth and Penryn) Follow the 2km circular lake trail for a picturesque round lake walk; the path passes through woodlands, wetlands and meadows, providing stunning views of the lake
Bude Canal and Marshes The tow path beside the Bude canal is very accessible for wheelchairs and has a fully accessible bird hide.The Wier Cafe at Whalesborough Farm have a Tramper for hire.
Camel Trail The Camel Trail is an 18 mile largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level, multi-use trail providing access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line. This runs between Wenfordbridge, on the edge of Bodmin Moor, to the town of Bodmin. From there it’s onto Wadebridge where it follows the Camel Estuary, finishing at the popular harbour of Padstow. The trail is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and wheel-chair users.
Cardinham Woods Between the town of Bodmin and the moors, these conifer woodlands offer several trails suitable for all abilities. Plenty of parking near to the Woods Café. For those with limited mobility, there’s a Tramper that can be hired.
Coronation Park and Boating Lake (Helston) The accessibility of the site has been greatly increased for wheelchair users and people with visual impairment. Features a café and play area for children.
Goss Moor Multi-Use Trail This 7 mile (c. 12 km) circular trail winds its way around the little known expanse of Goss Moor. A nature reserve of upland moorland and ponds, it is mostly flat and relatively easy, much of it off road, allowing disabled and novice walkers and cyclists easy and safe access to one of Cornwall’s inland gems.
Looe Coastal Walk The seafront at West Looe has a level walkway above Hannafore Beach, with ramps down to it from the road. There’s also access along the South West Coast Path which is stile free (one large kissing gate at the start) for about ¾ of a mile over fields, with good views of Looe Island.
Mount Edgcumbe Country Park A multi-use trail extends from the Lower Park gates at Cremyll along the park road up the hard-surface woodland paths to reach the reinforced grass track which circles the Deer Park. Several of the paths in the formal gardens are also suitable for wheelchairs and a Tramper is avilable to hire.
National Trust Most National Trust properties in Cornwall have accessible paths and several of the larger estates such as Lanhydrock, Antony and Glendurgan have Trampers that can be hired out.
North Cliffs An easily accessed stretch of the South West Coast Path runs between the cliffs and the road from south of Portreath to Hells Mouth. There are excellent views of Cornwall’s rugged north coast as you walk amongst the gorse and heather.
Penrose Estate and Loe Pool A selection of routes from Helston lead you down through the Penrose Estate to the sea at Loe Pool. Wonderful views as you wind your way through woodland to the sea, with refreshments available at Penrose Stables Café on the way.
Penzance to Marazion A 2 mile virtually level walk along the seawall on a surfaced multi-use path suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs. A new art trail beside the path opened in early 2022.
Porth Reservoir (nr Newquay) Take a lovely circular route right up to the water’s edge, past two bird hides and over boardwalks. Find your way on to the nature trail, which passes through a wildlife reserve. Wheelchair access fishing platforms are in place below the car park.
Seaton Valley Nature Reserve (nr Looe) Starting at the beach, where there are all facilities including a children’s playpark and a sensory garden, this nature reserve follows the valley inland past ponds full of dragonflies into thick woodland. A hard surfaced level path runs about a mile inland before it takes to boardwalks.
Siblyback Lake Country Park (Bodmin Moor) A multi-use trail runs for just over three miles around the perimeter of the reservoir and through woodland, with great views and good access to the water for fishing. A Tramper all-terrain mobility buggy is also available to hire for use on paths and trails.
Stithians Lake Country Park The circular walk around the lake is just under 5 miles long, of which parts of it are suitable for all. The lake can be explored using our wheelyboat, or you can take part in a Sailability session.
Tamar Lakes Country Park (Near Bude) It is now possible for anyone with wheelchairs or mobility scooters to comfortably enjoy the stunning views and wildlife on a level path around the lake. There’s also a wheelchair accessible wheelyboat available to hire for pleasure boating which can carry a maximum or 8 passengers or 5 wheelchair passengers.
Tehidy Country Park A number of circular walks can be followed around the historical estate at Tehidy, taking in beech woodland and lakeside views. Most routes are suitable for wheelchair users, though some can be muddy and uneven.
Tin Coast This stretch of the South West Coast Path passing through Cornwall's iconic mining heritage, including the engine houses at Botallack and Levant (as featured in Poldark) is partly accessible to all, although a little uneven in places. The National Trust run count house cafe at Botallack has two trampers available with car parking nearby.
Tresillian Riverside Walk (nr Truro) This mile and a half walk follows the river downstream and is best done when the tide is high, unless you have an interest in wading birds! It’s suitable for off-road wheelchairs, but users need to be aware that it is stony and bumpy in places and can be quite muddy at times. Access beyond the pretty hamlet of St Clement is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Trenance Gardens and Boating Lake (Newquay) Situated just on the outskirts of Newquay town centre you will find these picturesque gardens, one of the towns hidden gems. There’s a tearoom at the Grade II listed Trenance Cottages, plus the boating lake is alive with different types of wildlife.
Wheal Martyn Clay Works (St Austell) The interactive gallery, shop and cafe at this museum to Cornwall’s industrial past are fully accessible and every effort has been made to make as many areas of the wider site as accessible as possible. (Due to the historic nature of the site access to some parts of the site is limited).
This is just a small selection of places suitable for those with accessability problems, don't forget Cornwall's great gardens, it's many seafronts and urban parks. We would always advise planning beforehand, as you or your carer are the only one who really know your limitations, and we hope you can get out and see as much of Cornwall as possible.
For more information about access to the countryside, click here