Two guide books and a map highlighting some of the accessible countryside trails and accommodations in Powys have been officially launched, the county council has announced.
The books and map are part of the Accessible Powys Project, and have been produced in partnership with Powys County Council’s Countryside Services Team and the Disabled Holiday Information charity.
The first guide book – A guide to Countryside Trails and Sites – highlights and details the accessible countryside trails and sites across the county that are suitable for people requiring easier access such as wheelchair users, parents with small children and people with limited walking ability.
The second guide – A Guide to Accessible Accommodation – gives an insight into the wide variety of accessible accommodation on offer within Powys and aims to address the complex issues that can face visitors when making decisions about finding somewhere to stay that will meet their individual access needs.
Every single site, trail and accommodation in the leaflets has been visited by a small research team with easy access needs from the Disabled Holiday Information charity, which has ensured that all the information published is awareness-led and as accurate as possible. The research teams are entirely made up of volunteers who have donated their time and expertise.
All the information gathered from the research teams was then collated, designed and printed by the charity, which has worked closely with Nina Davies, the council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan Officer, throughout the project.
Cllr Graham Brown, Cabinet Member for Countryside Services, said: “It is our duty to enable all people to access and enjoy the Powys countryside and promote the benefits of accessible natural green space for all and these guides clearly demonstrate this.”
Sue Napper, Disabled Holiday Information’s Acting Administrator, said: “As an entirely awareness-led organisation, we’re extremely pleased to be commissioned to conduct the research and compile the text for the new Accessible Powys guides. We are pleased to be involved with promoting the wide diversity of places to stay and visit within Powys that are accessible to all residents and visitors, especially those with easier access needs.”
The guides and map are available at Tourist Information Centre across Powys. Alternatively visit
www.powys.gov.uk/countryside and click on Accessible Powys to view the project and guides.
PICTURE: With the Accessible Powys Guides in front of the Caban Coch dam in the Elan Valley are (from left to right) Cllr Graham Brown, Cabinet Member for Countryside Services; Nina Davies, the council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan Officer; Chris Jones, the council’s Head of Leisure and Recreation; Sue Napper, Disabled Holiday Information’s Acting Administrator; and Frank Napper, Chairman of Disabled Holiday Information.