New wheelchair makes waterfalls more accessible

A Yorkshire Dales waterfall has become more accessible thanks to an all-terrain wheelchair.

The visitor centre at Aysgarth Falls has a new Tramper Scooter to loan to people with mobility issues so they can get near the water’s edge at the upper falls.

The wheelchair is available free of charge and means it is also easier to access a viewing platform in the woods above the middle falls.

Volunteer Keith Pritchard said the new service had already been “really popular”.

Mr Pritchard, who meets and greets visitors at Aysgarth Falls and gives people instructions on how to use the scooter, added it was “very fulfilling” to see everyone get the chance to see the falls.

“I’ve often seen people arrive and park in one of the disabled bays, and they can then be left behind, while their family goes to enjoy this beautiful site,” he said.

The wheelchair is designed for people who have use of at least one hand, due to the twist grip controls, as well as those who are able to get in and out of the chair.

It can travel at a speed of 4mph (6.4km/h), which is the legal speed limit for a footpath.

The wheelchair can be booked in advance on the Access the Dales charity website.

Lizzie Bushby, member champion for recreation management at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said the park had been working for years to make the site accessible for all.

She said: “Aysgarth Falls has been a tourist favourite for well over a century.

“We’ve been working with local partners for a number of years to make it into a flagship accessible site, so there are accessible toilets and parking bays, an accessible visitor centre and café, as well as an access guide produced for the site with maps and information.

“We are getting close to our ambition of making Aysgarth Falls and Freeholders’ Wood accessible to all.”

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