Mobility scooters offer the perfect way to get around if you’re wanting to explore the great outdoors. And the destination we’re focusing on this time certainly has fresh air in abundance: the Lake District is famous around the world, and the great news is that much of it is accessible. So, here Quingo Scooters finds out what this incredible National Park has to offer.
The Lake District
Never mind just the UK: we’re going to be bold with this one and say that the Lake District must be truly one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It really does have it all, from breathtaking mountains and forests to yes, lakes (although strangely, only one, Bassenthwaite Lake, is officially a lake by name). There is also a rich vein of artistic connections to explore in the Lakes as well, with many painters and writers over the years, from Turner to Wordsworth, being inspired by this incredible place.
The great thing about the Lake District is that there really is a day out to suit every taste. If you love to explore the wilds of the fells and the valleys then there are plenty of accessible routes for you to try. But the towns are also well worth a visit, despite getting incredibly busy in the summer tourist season. Whether you’re looking to pick up a bargain in one of the countless outdoor shops in Keswick, or if you want to enjoy the Beatrix Potter Experience in Windermere, there are lots of options.
Accessibility
The Lake District National Park is an area of great natural beauty and of course, as with any of the UK’s wild places, access to it on a mobility scooter or wheelchair can depend heavily on the weather. That said, the National Park authority website is a good place to start your journey: their dedicated Miles Without Stiles page gives a great overview of the 48 routes in the Lake District that have been identified as being particularly accessible for all. One of our favourites is a fairly lengthy route alongside the stunning Coniston Water. The views are out of this world and one of the best things about it is that is very adaptable if the Cumbrian weather turns against you suddenly (as it often does!). It’s easy to cut the 4.3 mile route short and turn it into just a couple of miles if you need to by getting on one of the Coniston Launches from the jetty at Torver. There is also a car park, accessible toilets and café on Lake Road near to the Coniston Boating Centre.
Another great Miles Without Stiles route is along the shore of Derwentwater, surely one of the most beautiful of all the lakes in the park (and one that has even had a role in Star Wars, of all things!). It takes you along the western shore of the lake, with great views of Skiddaw and the other local mountains that surround Keswick. You can park at Hawse End where the walk starts, but there is also the option to take public transport by using the Buttermere Rambler (service number 77 / 77A). We’d recommend checking with the team there on 01228 597222 to make sure it will be a low floor bus that is operating on the day you want to travel.
As we mentioned earlier, the Lake District isn’t just about the great outdoors. The Beatrix Potter Experience in Windermere is a real family favourite, and is fully accessible. There is an accessible entrance on Crag Brow, and although it is an old building they’ve done a great job of ensuring everyone can enjoy it. There is also lift access to the Tea Room. It is open every day, from 10 until 6.30pm, with last entry at 5.30pm. If you’re blind and partially sighted then there is also the opportunity to go on a ‘touch tour’ (with authentic aromas) of the exhibition. Just give the team a call on 015394 88444 a couple of weeks before you go to book it in.
Getting there
The Lake District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK and it is well served by the M6 motorway that runs north and south along its eastern edge. Junction 36 and then A590 will take you to the southern Lakes, while Junction 40 and the A66 or A592 will take you to the north. You can also take the train, either to Carlisle, Oxenholme or Penrith from London and Glasgow, and there are direct trains from Manchester to Windermere too. Buses also link many of the towns within the park itself, but again we’d recommend checking to make sure they are accessible, on 01228 597222.
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 Scooters
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.
