Useful Info

Access in Northern Ireland is often on private land and depends on the goodwill and tolerance of local landowners.  Walkers are encouraged to respect the interests of the landowners.  Walkers are also encouraged to make themselves aware of and adhere to the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ www.leavenotraceireland.org.

For further information on access in Northern Ireland, contact Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland on 028 9030 3930 or email info@walkni.com.

Overview

The Accessible Walks Scheme is aimed at informing people with mobility issues. This covers a wide range of users and includes those with physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, learning disabilities and hidden disabilities, but can also include other users such as parents with push chairs or cyclists. People with physical disabilities may require the use of a wheelchair, a mobility scooter, a walking aid or an accompanying carer to provide stability and or physical or emotional support.  People with learning disabilities may also require the use of mobility aids and an accompanying carer, to guide them around their chosen route.

Walks on WalkNI.com have been classified into grades according to the accessibility of features on each route. Each walk will attain grade 1-5, with grade 1 being the most accessible and grade 5 being the least accessible. Examples of features to be taken into consideration are path surface, path gradient and presence of obstacles on the route.

Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland set up a steering group to advise on the development of the scheme. Organisations represented on the steering group were Disability Action, Disability Sports NI, Disabled Ramblers, Local District Councils, Mencap, Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities (NICEM), Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). A consultee group was also set up for the scheme, bodies on the consultee group included environmental organisations, local government and organisations who deal with people with disabilities.

Walk Accessibility Issues

There are several components that can dictate the accessibility of a route i.e. those features or issues which could severely impact somebody with mobility issues either completing the route or putting their health and safety at risk. These are discussed below:

Features affecting Walk Accessibility

The issues taken into consideration by the Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland grading system are discussed below.

• Path surface
  Path surface type is one of the most obvious features to be taken into consideration when assessing walk suitability for people with limited mobility. Path surface fragments or uneven surfaces could present a tripping hazard to those unstable on their feet or prove to be hard work for wheeled vehicles such as wheelchairs or pushchairs. Ideal path surfaces will be compact, stable, non slip and obstacle free. Suitable path surfaces include concrete, tarmac, timber, paving and mown grass. Unsuitable surfaces include sand, loose gravel and stone and woodchip. Wheelchair and walking aid users are most likely to be affected by irregular path surfaces.

• Path width
  Path width is an important factor to consider with regards to those with limited mobility. The standard width of a wheelchair is 700mm, a double stick user is 950mm, a double buggy 1000mm and an adult supporting another adult 1200mm. When considering path width, the amount of useable surface should be measured, excluding encroaching vegetation. In order for a path to be fully accessible, the minimum width of the path should be 1.2 m. This will allow two people to walk side by side comfortably and support each other if necessary.

• Path gradient
  Sustained slopes and steep slopes can be a barrier to those with mobility issues. For example, those using a wheelchair may be able to ascend a short steep slope easier than a prolonged length of gentle slope. Other users such as ambulant disabled people may also find steps easier to use rather than ramps. Different users may also be able to cope with differing slopes, such as a wheelchair user with a high level of fitness, compared to wheelchair user with lower upper body strength. Therefore the Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland grading system merely states the gradient as a ratio and a percentage and also provides an indicative symbol to illustrate the angle of the slope. This will allow users to make an informed decision with regards to the walk and their ability. Path gradients greater than 6^o or 1:10 could prove to be a barrier to those with limited mobility. 6 degrees was arrived at after considering other grading systems as well as consulting and pilot testing with disability organisations.

• Cross Slope
  The cross slope of the path is the slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel. Cross slopes can be a barrier to those with balance and co-ordination problems who rely on a flat stable surface in order to feel comfortable when participating in outdoor recreation. A path falling away to either side of a person with limited mobility, does not provide for an accessible route given the potential for the user to become unsteady on their feet or loose control of a wheel chair, walking aid or pushchair. Cross slope with gradients greater than 6^o or 1:10 could prove to be a barrier to those with limited mobility. 6 degrees was arrived at after considering other grading systems as well as consulting and pilot testing with disability organisations.

• Obstacles
  Obstacles are the most obvious barrier for people with mobility issues wishing to participate in outdoor recreation. They are physical features present on the ground that would mean that a route could be impassable for a person of limited mobility. Some obstacles present more of a barrier to some users than others, for example a parent with a pushchair may be able to negotiate some steps whereas this may be a complete barrier to a wheelchair user. Obstacles taken into consideration with regards the Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland Accessible Walks Scheme include kissing gates, wheelchair accessible kissing gates, mobility vehicle accessible kissing gates, gates wider than 81cm, gates narrower than 80cm, locked gates, steps with a ramp, steps with a handrail, steps with no handrail or ramp, stiles, cattle grids or grates.

• Surface breaks
  Surface breaks do not pose a definite barrier to a person of limited mobility as an obstacle would. They may prove to be a tripping or sticking hazard for people unsteady on their feet, using a wheeled device or a walking aid.  Examples of path surface breaks would be a cross drain or a gap in a timber board walk. These can cause problems for people using walking sticks, wheelchairs, walking frames or push chairs. A surface break of greater than 12mm could pose a problem to a path user of limited mobility.

• Clear Head Height
  A clear head height is important for visually impaired people and people who might have problems with bending or manoeuvring. A clear head height should apply at a vertical height of 210cm across the full width of the path. Features such as overhanging vegetation or built structures such as bridges or buildings hedges could mean that a clear head height of 210cm across the entire width.

Accessibility Grade Definitions

Grade 1

• The path can be expected to be hard and firm with no loose material and will be over 2m wide for its entire length, or over 1.5m wide with adequate passing places.
• The path will not be steeper than 3° or have a cross slope of greater than 3°.
• There will not be any obstacles such as steps, stiles or surface breaks and there will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m in width and height for the entire length of the route.
• There will be passing places at least every 50m and rest areas at least every 100m.

Grade 2

• The path can be expected to be hard and firm with some loose stones (not bigger than 1cm) and will be at least 1.2m wide for its entire length.
• The path will not be steeper than 5° or have a cross slope of greater than 5°.
• There will not be any obstacles such as steps or stiles and surface breaks will be a max of 12mm in width.
• There will be a clear head height of at least 1m wide and 2.1 in height for the entire length of the route.
• There will be passing places at least every 150m and rest areas at least every 300m.

Grade 3

• The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 5cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 1m wide for its entire length.
• The path will not be steeper than 6° or have a cross slope of greater than 6°.
• There will not be any obstacles such as steps or stiles and surface breaks will be between 12mm and 75mm in width.
• There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
• There will be passing places at least every 150m and rest areas at least every 1km.

Grade 4

• The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
• The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
• Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
• There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
• Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.

Grade 5

• There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
• Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
• Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
• Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.

Please remember to practice the principles of ’Leave No Trace’ when enjoying the outdoors in order to minimise your impact on the environment. For more information, visit www.leavenotraceireland.org

For all walks, but in particular for hill and mountain walking, it is recommended that you take an Ordnance Survey map with you. For Northern Ireland, ordnance survey maps can be purchased at Tourist Information Centres, good bookstores, petrol stations, and from Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI):

OSNI Online Map Shop
Land & Property Services
Lanyon Plaza
7 Lanyon Place
Town Parks
Belfast
BT1 3LP

Telephone: 028 9025 5755
Fax: 028 9025 5700
Website: www.maps.osni.gov.uk
You can contact them via their online feedback form

Walkers are recommended to use the OSNI Discoverer series, scale 1: 50 000, which covers all Northern Ireland. In addition, OSNI Activity maps are available at a scale of 1:25 000 for the more popular areas for outdoor pursuits, namely Sperrins; Mournes; Upper Lough Erne, North Coast and and the Glens of Antrim.

For details on the range of OSNI paper maps and to purchase online, visit the OSNI Paper Products section of their website.

Northern Ireland is full of unique accommodation options. From castles and mountain lodges to coastal lighthouses and glamping there is something for everyone.

Check out Discover Northern Ireland for Accommodation.

In 2007, Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland set up a Volunteer Ranger Programme.  The aim of the programme is for volunteers to audit the ‘Quality’ walks in Northern Ireland as listed on www.walkni.com  The resulting information is then forwarded to the relevant land managers (through Product Management Groups) in order that they can carry out the necessary remediation work.

To date this has involved auditing of the long distance walks known as the “Waymarked Ways”, with Volunteer Rangers completing audits of these routes twice a year.

In 2009 Outdoor Recreation NI, extended the audit programme to include the short and medium distance walks and also the Canoe Trails and Ecotrails developed by Outdoor Recreation NI over the last 5 years.

There are now over 100 registered volunteers, the majority of which have received training on how to complete an audit.

Being a Volunteer Ranger is a great opportunity to become an active member of the Northern Irish walking community.  It also means that through their work the Volunteer Rangers can play a key role within Outdoor Recreation NI.  Outdoor Recreation NI provide complimentary social and training events for the volunteers, examples of which inlcude a summer walk through the high Sperrins and a training day held at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre to learn mountaineering skills.

Register as a Volunteer Ranger

Please see here for a list of current vacancies within the Volunteer Ranger Programme.

To register as a Volunteer Ranger, please download the appropriate application form and send the completed form to Diane Crookes at the address below.

Application  – Volunteer Ranger – Ulster Way and Quality Walks

Application  – Volunteer Ranger – Canoe trails

Make sure you stay safe whilst walking in the hills and countryside.  Below are a number of free downloadable brochures featuring important safety information as well as details on how to enjoy the great outdoors responsibly.

Mountaineering Ireland Happy Hiking Leaflet – Stay safe when walking in the Irish hills and countryside.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors Responsibly

Produced by Sport Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency the following guides contain information on how to be responsible for yourself, others and the environment whilst enjoying Northern Ireland’s outdoors.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors – A Guide for Responsible Users

A guide to using the great outdoors responsibility

Enjoy the Great Outdoors – A Guide for Responsible Dog Owners

A guide to enjoying the great outdoors responsibly with your dog

WalkNI is supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Belfast City Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Mid Ulster District Council and North Down & Ards Borough Council.