All-terrain mobility scheme opens up access to the North Pennines

A network of Tramper all-terrain mobility scooters has been launched in the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark, enabling more people to access the countryside.

North Pennines Outdoor Mobility has been developed by the North Pennines AONB Partnership, with funding of £44,000 from Defra’s Access for All programme. Additional funding of £11,000 came through the AONB Partnership’s Tees-Swale: naturally connected programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Working with partners across the AONB, there will be five sites across the North Pennines with one mobility scooter available at each location, and eight identified routes to explore and enjoy the landscape.

At the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Bowlees Visitor Centre in Upper Teesdale there are three routes to explore, including a route through hay meadows and woodland to Low Force waterfall, an uphill stretch to enjoy open views of the Teesdale landscape, and a tranquil journey to the wildlife site at Bowlees Quarry.

At Killhope Lead Mining Museum in Upper Weardale, users will have a flexible route around the grounds of the museum to enjoy the mining heritage of the site.

In partnership with Raby Estate, there is a direct route to experience the views of one of England’s most magnificent waterfalls, High Force. The Tramper trail follows a woodland path overlooking the River Tees to a viewing point of the falls.

At Derwent Waterside Park there are two longer routes, available from 24 July. These take in the south side of the reservoir, alongside the water, across the dam wall, past meadows and through woodland, seeing the variety of wildlife at different times of year as well as views of the wider North Pennines.
On the north-west fringe of the AONB, at Talkin Tarn in Cumbria, there is a flat route around the perimeter of the glacial tarn, taking in woodlands and wildlife.

Mike Ogden is Access and Rights of Way Team Leader at Durham County Council and Chair of the North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Access and Recreation Working Group. He said: “It has been a long-held ambition of the Partnership to improve access to the North Pennines for people with mobility issues. This new network brings opportunities to get out into the countryside where there would otherwise be barriers.”

Molly Jones from the North Pennines AONB Partnership said: “Getting out into nature is known to improve wellbeing. The North Pennines Outdoor Mobility Network will enable people to get closer to nature, enjoy days out with family and friends, and experience some of the sights and sounds of the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark. We’ve been able to open up access to some popular and iconic places to visit, taking in dramatic waterfalls, historic places, nature sites and more.”

The AONB Partnership has worked with Outdoor Mobility as the delivery partner for the project. Outdoor Mobility has an existing membership scheme and established networks of Tramper mobility scooters across the North. Anyone who wants to hire a Tramper at any of the North Pennines hire locations must be a member of Outdoor Mobility. Membership options are either £2.50 for a two-week taster membership, or £10 for an annual membership. Both passes allow you to use any Tramper at North Pennines Outdoor Mobility sites, as well as at hire locations in the North York Moors and Lake District national parks.

Access for All is a three-year funding programme (2022-25) which will improve access to the outdoors across the country. Defra has committed £14.5m to make targeted access improvements in our protected landscapes, national trails, forests and the wider countryside to help bring the benefits of spending time in nature to everyone.

Through Tees-Swale, the North Pennines AONB Partnership and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are delivering an innovative programme of interpretation, activities and rights of way improvements, to enable people to discover, explore and enjoy the stunning landscapes of Teesdale and Swaledale.

Visitors can book the all-terrain mobility scooters from 3 July at Bowlees, Killhope, Talkin Tarn and High Force. Derwent Waterside Park bookings open on 24 July. For more information on the hire locations and how to book, visit https://northpennines.org.uk/visit-explore/north-pennines-outdoor-mobility/