Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Wales offers wheelchair-accessible tours

From BBC News:


Wheelchair users will be able to visit some of Wales's most striking locations on a series of tours.

The scheme, supported by Gwynedd Council, starts this month and runs until September.

The aim of the guided tours is to give wheelchair users the chance to enjoy rural habitats and nature reserves, but they must book their place in advance.

The walks will visits areas like Bardsey Island (pictured) and Lôn Goed, a path built in the 19th Century.

Gwynedd Council said from the safety of the boat, wheelchair users will see Bardsey Island in its full glory, and study the rich marine life that surrounds the historical island.

Along with hundreds of sea birds nesting on their rugged cliff side colonies, they will be able to look out for other wildlife such as dolphins and seals.

They will see sea caves and listen to tales of old about local mariners and pirates.

Lôn Goed is an historical path that was built in the first half of the 19th Century to transport goods from the coast to farms in Eifionydd, and area on the Llŷn Peninsula from Porthmadog to the east of Pwllheli.

Gwynedd Council's senior countryside warden, Haydn Hughes, said: "These walks are great opportunities for people to get put and enjoy the great outdoors and the wonderful locations we have on offer locally.

"I hope that a number of people attend, and make these walks worthwhile, memorable and motivate them to want to experience and see more."

Other walks will take in Morfa Mawddach, Dolgellau, the RSPB reserve in Conwy, the Dingle Nature Reserve, Anglesey and Holyhead Breakwater Country Park.

Wheelchair users are asked to bring at least one relative or friend with them.

Officers and volunteers will be available throughout the day to offer help.