“I used to love walking coastal paths with my dog. But after I started using a wheelchair, I thought those days were behind me. I didn’t know where I could go, or if I’d even be welcome.”

That’s what Rachel, one of our community members, shared when she first discovered Access Trails UK. Like many new wheelchair users, she faced more than just physical obstacles. Uncertainty, hesitation, and the quiet fear of being turned away by inaccessible terrain often stood in the way.

Then she found our listing for the Tarka Trail in Devon.

“It was the first time I felt like I could just go, no second-guessing, no awkward surprises. The surface was smooth, the signage was clear, and I even found a café with a ramp and an accessible loo. I cried a little, to be honest. It felt like freedom.”

Why stories like Rachel’s matter

They remind us that accessibility is more than ramps and gradients. It’s about rebuilding confidence, restoring joy, and reclaiming independence—trail by trail.

At Access Trails UK, we’re proud to feature real voices from our community. Every route we list is shaped by experiences like Rachel’s and yours.

Have a story to share? Whether it’s a breakthrough moment, a favourite route, or a lesson learned, we’d love to hear it.

Submit your story here and help others find their way back to the wild.