Category Archives: Accessible Routes

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: Dunwich Coast

There are so many wonderful places to explore right here in the UK, and at Quingo Scooters we want to do everything we can to share them with you. So, in our latest series of the best accessible routes in the country that you can enjoy on your mobility scooter, we visit Dunwich in Suffolk.

The Dunwich Coast

If you love history, beautiful nature and even the odd ghost story, you’ll love Dunwich. It’s remote, far out on the Suffolk coast, and a fantastic place to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Today, it’s hard to believe but this quiet village was once a city as important as London, the capital of the kingdom of the Eastern Angles, the seat of Anglo-Saxon bishops and a busy port. Slowly, over the centuries the city has been consumed by the sea. The largest part of the destruction took place in one day, in 1286, when the city lost many of its buildings, including churches and monasteries. Which is where the ghost stories come in. The stories go that on a dark and windy night you can still hear the ghostly bells tolling under the waves.

Whether that’s true or not, Dunwich certainly has a special atmosphere. We recommend visiting any time between July and September, when Dunwich Heath is a riot of spectacular colour. And if you’re a nature lover, there are also hides between Dunwich and Minsmere Nature Reserve that are a perfect place to spot birds and other wildlife. Once you’ve enjoyed a day in the fresh air, we also highly recommend a meal at the village’s lovely Ship Inn.

Quingo Scooters Accessible Routes: Dunwich Coast - Dunwich Heath

Accessibility

There are three ways around the Heath at Dunwich, which all have flat paths. Take your pick from the 2.5-mile Gorse route, the 1.2-mile Heather route and the 1.1-mile Birch route. Again, go in spring or summer when the gorse and heather is out, you might even get to see red deer!

If you want to park at the Dunwich Beach and Heath car park, there are four Blue Badge parking bays behind the Coastguard Cottages. There is also ramped access and an accessible toilet at the Coastal Centre.

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Down the road, Minsmere Nature Reserve also has eight Blue Badge spaces. While the paths and hides at the reserve vary in terms of accessibility, a number have been adapted for access. To find out more, check out their accessibility page here.

Of course, this is a remote spot, but it’s still surprisingly easy to get there. By road, it’s well signposted from the A12. There are buses from Darsham and Saxmundham (although you’ll need to call them to book, on 01728 833526).

The nearest railway station is Darsham, which is just a short taxi drive away.

Share your accessible route with Quingo Scooters!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes on your Quingo Scooter, or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres.

For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC). AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Accessible Routes, Attractions, Days Out

Quingo Scooters Accessible Attractions: Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival

Bigger than ever before, the Liverpool Christmas Ice Festival is returning to its Pier Head location. This winter staple includes everything from ice skating to delicious food and drinks. As part of this week’s Accessible Attractions series, Quingo Scooters is heading to Liverpool for the Ice Festival.

Whether you want to see the sights from the Ferris wheel, visit the enchanted-forest themed ice bar or browse some of the delightful market stalls, there are plenty of activities taking place that everyone will enjoy!

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What’s on

  • Christmas markets: Home to over 50 market stalls, this traditional Christmas market offers all the festive favourites. With stalls selling trinkets, crafts and decorations, its perfect for all your shopping needs. The markets also boast three outdoor German style bars and a Bavarian food court. Here you’ll be served international specialties, as well as classics, such as mulled wine and hot chocolate. As Liverpool’s biggest Christmas market, this is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit.
  • Fairground rides and games: New to the festival this year, there’s so much entertainment to be found. A notable attraction is the Ferris wheel, from which you can take in the sights of Liverpool’s famous waterfront and skyline. From rides for children to exciting attractions for adults, there’s something for the whole family.
  • Ice skating: Bigger than ever before, the ice rink makes a return to Pier Head. Situated at this historic location and with the Three Graces as a backdrop, you can ice skate under a clear canopy. The rink is accessible and carers skate free of charge.
  • Santa’s grotto: If you’re visiting with children, you can treat them to a visit to Santa in his grotto. Open until Christmas Eve, your children can talk to Father Christmas and receive a present.

Opening times and prices

The festival is open from 17 November 2017 to 7 January 2018, excluding Christmas Day. The opening times vary per day, with longer opening hours on weekends. Full information on opening times can be found here. Prices vary per person and can be booked through the event’s website, found here.

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Getting there

Located at Pier Head, the festival is accessible by all major forms of transport. If you are travelling by car, follow signs to Liverpool city centre, Albert Dock and central tourist attractions. You’ll find signposts for Pier Head Ferry Terminal from the city centre. Car parking is available near the waterfront. Blue badge parking is available nearby, at Q-Park Liverpool ONE, which has 81 Blue badge spaces. The festival can also be reached by public transport, including bus, coach, ferry and train. A timetable and route finder can be found here. Further information on getting there can be found here.

Accessibility

The Liverpool Ice festival is fully accessible for all guests. Surfaces are even and smooth, with many events taking place outside and on ground level. Attractions are accessible too, including the ice rink. Here you can find free tickets for a carer to accompany guests on the rink. For more information on this, you can call the event’s organisers before your trip on 0151 559 3728 or email [email protected]

Further information can be found here.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooters range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme, which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this, or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up-to-date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up-to-date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Routes: The Monsal Trail

Do you want to explore the great outdoors? At Quingo Scooters we’re constantly bringing you our top picks of the most breath-taking accessible routes the UK has to offer.

In today’s article we head to Derbyshire, one of England’s most scenic counties. Here you’ll find the Monsal Trail in the picturesque Peak District – one of the nation’s most mobility scooter-friendly routes.

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Monsal Trail

The Monsal Trail is a former railway line that was transformed into a track and opened up for the public to enjoy in 1981. This route begins just north of the small Derbyshire market town of Bakewell. Although 8.5 miles in total, you can pick and choose parts of the route you wish to see, and there are many amenities along the way, such as cafes, pubs and shops. Your Quingo is well within range of this, however we do recommend you charge it up fully before venturing out.

The route, which is free to travel, will take you all the way to the head of Chee Dale, allowing you a glimpse of the region’s glorious limestone valleys as you pass. The Trail is great for nature spotters. You’ll get the chance to see lots of birds, trees, cows, sheep and more as you travel. Monsal Trail includes six tunnels for you to journey through as well, giving you the chance to really experience what this railway line used to be like. There are two short tunnels, Chee Tor No.2 and Rusher Cutting and four longer tunnels – Headstone, Cressbrook, Litton and Chee Tor No1. The bigger tunnels are fully lit in daylight hours, so you’ll have no problem finding your way.

You can also make several stops as you go along the Monsal Trail, giving you a unique glimpse into local Derbyshire life. Not far from Bakewell, you’ll encounter Hassop Train Station, which opens daily from 9am to 5pm and is definitely worth a visit. It has a café, which serves a great selection of tasty, home-made snacks and is known for its delicious breakfasts, which they begin serving from 9am. The station also has a book store where you can pick up some great literature before going on further.

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Traveling the trail

If the Monsal Trail sounds like your cup of tea, you can get there easily enough. Visit the ‘how to find’ page on the Monsal Trail section of the Peak District’s website to find information on your travel options, so you can plan your journey. The Trail is easily reachable by car and there are a number of pay and display car parks along the way. If you want to do the whole route, it’s a good idea to use the car park at Bakewell Station, which is right next to the Trail’s starting point.

The Monsal Trail itself is perfect for mobility scooter users, as it’s fully accessible. You’ll find several access points along the way, where you can join the Trail via ramps. These points are at Bakewell Station, Hassop Station, Great Longstone Station and Millers Dale Station. The route itself is mostly flat and very well-maintained, so you’ll have no trouble getting around.

There are also various facilities throughout the Monsal Trail. You can find accessible parking spaces at Bakewell Station. Meanwhile, Hassop Station has an accessible toilet, while its book shop and café are also fully accessible. The café also has free Wi-Fi, so you can get online and find out more about the Monsal Trail before you carry on!

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Routes: Barnett Demesne

Quingo Scooters encourages users to get out and see the world, from the comfort of their mobility scooters. In our series of articles, we’re drawing your attention to the accessible routes throughout the UK which are fully accessible, helping you discover the nation’s natural beauty.

Heading to the other side of the Irish Sea, we’re stopping in County Antrim in Northern Ireland today. Here you’ll find Barnett Demesne, a former estate which is now a public park with accessible routes.

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Barnett Demesne

In County Antrim (South Belfast) you’ll find Barnett Demesne, which first opened to the public in 1951. It has since become a popular natural attraction, due to its closeness to the scenic River Lagan, Shaw’s Bridge and Clement Wilson Park. On the former estate’s grounds, you’ll find an arboretum, a daffodil garden, and trails. The Lagan Towpath is a particularly popular trail, as it takes you along the beautiful riverside.

Barnett Demesne boasts stunning natural beauty. It is home to various tree and plant collections, as well as woodlands and wildflower meadows. Over 70 species of wildflower grow in Barnett Demesne in the summer months. The estate also features various fascinating creatures, including grey and red squirrels, badgers, rabbits, rooks, jays and a plethora of songbirds. April in particular is a great time to visit, as Barnett Demesne holds its annual Spring Fair, with entertainment, wildlife and music.

On the grounds, you’ll also find Malone House. This provides everything from information on the park to refreshments in its popular café and restaurant. Barnett Demesne is free to enter and open all year round. However, it is worth noting that Malone House opens from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays, with an earlier start time of 9am on Sundays. Barnett Restaurant opens from 12 noon to 3pm every day.

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Accessibility

Barnett Demesne is one of the Belfast area’s most accessible attractions. You can reach the park by public transport from Belfast City Centre. It is also accessible by car, with entrances through Dub Lane, Milltown Road and Shaw’s Bridge. There is a car park at Barnett Demesne based just outside Malone House which provides free accessible parking.

You can take a level path from the car park around to the front of Malone House. The café and restaurant in Malone House are accessible to mobility scooter users. The complex also features fully accessible toilets. You can contact Malone House on 028 9068 1246 to speak to staff and find out more.

The Lagan Towpath is perfect for mobility scooter users, with two options available. You can take the short, circular Lagan Towpath, which carries you on a one mile circular route along the edge of the River Lagan from Shaw’ Bridge to Lock Keeper’s Cottage, allowing you to view some stunning historical attractions. You can also take the 11 mile linear Lagan Towpath route down a tarmac path.

Share your accessible route with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.

Accessible Routes, Days Out, Quingo Scooters

Quingo Accessible Routes: Danbury Country Park

Quingo Scooters empowers our users to go forward and explore the UK’s glorious natural beauty at their leisure. In our series of articles, we’re bringing some of the nation’s best accessible routes to your attention, highlighting various green spaces you can discover on your mobility scooter.

Today, we’re travelling down to Essex, the UK’s most southerly county. The area plays host to Danbury Country Park, a popular natural attraction which boasts various accessible routes.

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Danbury Country Park

Based in Danbury, Essex, Danbury Country Park lies on an estate which was originally constructed back in the 13th Century. Today it includes a range of stunning natural sites, such as meadows, woodlands, lakes and ornamental gardens. Its main route will take you past the Park’s stunning lakes, where you can get a glimpse of fascinating wildlife such as carp, ducks, coots, moorhens and even kingfishers. You can also go fishing on its lower and western lakes from 8.30am until dusk from 16th June to 14th March.

The park’s greenery is simply breath-taking. It’s a good place to visit in late spring, as this is when the rhododendrons in its ornamental gardens start to bloom, providing you with a spectacular show. The space also plays host to wildflower-strewn meadows, which are known for attracting butterflies in the summer, as well as majestic trees such as sweet chestnuts, hornbeams and ancient oaks.

Danbury Country Park is also a history enthusiast’s dream, as it features various ancient structures for you to check out. This includes an old ice house, where before the invention of refrigerators, ice from the lake was stored in winter for use in the palace which once existed on its grounds. The venue also puts on various events such as its annual Easter Bunny Trail, where kids can hunt down and paint eggs. Danbury Country Park is free to visit and opens daily from 8am until dusk.

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Accessibility

Danbury Country Park is a fully accessible attraction for mobility scooter users. It is accessible via the Essex public transport system and you can book a trip through Traveline South East’s Journey Planner tool. You can also reach Danbury Country Park by car, with the venue’s primary car park located between Woodhill Lodge and its main lakes, providing easy access to the park. There are small fees for parking, ranging from £1 for up to 30 minutes to £4 for over three hours.

The space is known for its hard-surface and well-maintained tracks. Most of Danbury Country Park’s trails are suitable for mobility scooters, with the popular lakeside path being the easiest, as well as most scenic, to travel. There are also plenty of picnic tables dotted around Danbury Country Park, providing various spaces to stop, rest and enjoy a bite to eat as you enjoy some natural sights.

There are also two accessible restroom complexes, which include disabled facilities, in Danbury Country Park. These are located across from the site’s main lakes carpark and adjacent to the smaller woods car park. These facilities, however are closed in the period between November and April every year.

Share your accessible route with Quingo!

If you’ve been to visit any great accessible routes on your Quingo or would like us to write about a particular place you have visited, we’d be delighted to hear from you! You can email your stories, recommendations and pictures by filling out the contact form on our website and we’ll feature them on our blog.

About Quingo

The Quingo Scooter range features six models to suit your needs and budget. New models are now available from just £22/week on our new contract hire scheme which includes all servicing and maintenance, Insurance, Roadside Recovery, Call Outs and Consumables including Batteries and Tyres. For more information on this or the latest Quingo Scooter range, please visit our website. Alternatively, if you have any Service questions you can always contact us or call customer services on 01582 430 900.

Keep up to date with the latest mobility scooter advice, tips and interesting places to visit on the Quingo Scooter Users Blog. Connect with Quingo and keep up to date with all our latest news on Facebook and Twitter.

All Quingo Personal Mobility Vehicles are provided by Forever Active, the UK’s exclusive distributor. Forever Active is a trading name of Advantage Marketing Corporation Limited (AMC).  AMC Limited is an appointed representative of First Senior Insurance Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. First Senior Insurance Services FSA Register number is 308478.