Disabled RamblersDisclaimer
The information about rambles that is shown on the following pages can be obtained by clicking on any of the red location markers shown on the map of the UK. The number of rambles available will increase as resources permit. By clicking on the marker of your choice, you will be able to view or download a pdf file of the ramble description, together with an associated OS map. However, before you can proceed to the UK map, you must click the button at the bottom of this page to indicate that you have read and understood the following :
The rambles shown on the following pages were undertaken either as part of the annual programme of organised rambles by the Disabled Ramblers or have resulted from detailed survey work supervised by experienced disabled ramblers authorized by the organisation's Executive Committee. Each ramble was supported by able-bodied assistants, who were able to help with any difficulties or problems encountered - and a recovery vehicle was available in case of mechanical breakdown of powered scooters or wheelchairs. Bearing this in mind, anyone using the information provided on these pages should satisfy themselves that they have made all appropriate preparations before going on any of these rambles.
The information was accurate at the time of publication, and it should be noted that changes to the route and condition of the surface may have occurred since then. The Disabled Ramblers can accept no responsibility for any errors, omissions, accident or injury, nor for any actions taken, as a result of the information provided.
The Disabled Ramblers use a grading description to give members some feeling for the degree of difficulty of the rambles organized or co-ordinated by the Company.
The various rambles are described as either 'Easy' 'Moderate' or 'Challenging' and our current definitions, taken from our Health and Safety documents, are as follows :
There are four categories:
Category:
- (previously described as 'Easy')
- (previously described as 'Moderate;)
- (categories 3 and 4 were previously described as 'Challenging')
These definitions are for guidance only, and cannot be regarded as definitive. *They take into account path surfaces and general quality of the going and a view of the gradients and cambers likely to be encountered. Broadly these categories map on to the Zone definitions described in the Countryside Agency publication: 'By All Reasonable Means'. Category 1 maps to Zone A, Category 2 maps to Zone B, Category 3 maps to Zone C. Category 4 goes beyond the CA Zone guidance system.
CATEGORY 1 implies generally high quality surfaces along the route. The surfaces will be for the most part, smooth and all weather. This means tarmac or good quality crushed stone will predominate. However, there may occasionally be short stretches of rougher path and some seasonal surfaces such as grass or compressed earth. The path will be adequately wide, with a normal standard of 1.5m, though 'pinch points' may occur, for example through gates. Cross slopes will be normally very small say up to 1 in 12. Occasionally cross slopes may be steeper, but there will usually be ways around such sections.
There will be no steep hills greater than 1 in 12, except perhaps for very short stretches and the total significant (see Note below) height climbed during the ramble will not exceed 30 metres.
CATEGORY 2 expects generally good surfaces, but allows longer stretches of stony going (stones up to 40mm) beaten earth or grass track-way, The path will be adequately wide, generally of the order of 1.5m, though a number of narrow stretches down to 1.2m may be present as well as 'pinch points' through gates etc. Small steps not bigger than 40mm may be encountered. Cross slopes will generally be very small, but sections involving cambers, say up to 1 in 8 may occur for short stretches. Small stretches of soft going or involving ruts (up to 40mm) will occasionally be encountered, but usually these may be bypassed.
Hills will generally be no more than 1 in 10, with occasional steeper stretches up to 1 in 8. Total significant (see Note below) height climbed may be up to 150 metres in a day.
CATEGORY 3 means longer stretches of rough going with side slopes and some ruts (max depth 100mm). The paths may well be stony tracks with quite large stones (some stones max 100mm), or there may be very wet and soft sections. Occasional steps up to 100mm may be encountered). Cambers may also be correspondingly steeper, sometimes in excess of 1 in 8.
Hills may be long and steep, with some stretches even up to 1 in 5, or very *occasionally 1 in 4. Total significant (see Note below) height climbed during a day may be up to 300 metres.
CATEGORY 4 covers paths and trails outside of the three categories defined above.
*Note: the height assessment used as a basis of route classification is based upon clearly identifiable hills along the route. Normal small ups and downs encountered on any ramble are discounted. The purpose of this assessment is based upon recognizing the impact of hills on battery capacity and the heating and possible safety cutouts of small electric motors over sustained climbs
User Recommendations
These guidance classifications correspond very broadly to the following users equipped to differing standards.
CATEGORY 1 is designed for almost all scooters and buggies, and many power-chairs. Additionally, users of manual chairs may manage the routes provided the rider is either powerfully built with plenty of upper body strength, or is assisted by able bodied pushers. The distance travelled along the ramble will usually not exceed 8 miles.
CATEGORY 2 is considered generally suitable for very many scooters and buggies, particularly those with medium size, or large, wheels and adequate batteries (at least 50ah capacity, or preferably 60ah). Four wheel machines are recommended, although some 3 wheelers are acceptable, if driven with care. Some heavy duty power chairs may be used, if adequately supported by an able bodied helper who can steady the machine downhill or on cross cambers. Occasionally users of manual chairs will take part, provided the rider is exceptionally strong in the upper body, and/or has at least one strong fully able bodied helper. Maximum distance: usually 8 miles, but may be longer in special circumstances
CATEGORY 3 is designed for users of very heavy and powerful scooters or buggies only. The distance covered may be highly variable - from 5 miles if along a very hilly route with long steep climbs, up to 12 or 14 miles along more level routes. Category 3 routes will present few problems to experienced users of heavy duty buggies.
CATEGORY 4 is only for adventurous users of heavy duty buggies, prepared to try routes that may prove impassable. Participation in rambles of this nature will be on an 'invitation only' basis, and such rambles are unlikely to be advertised in the official DR annual programme of events
‡Note: the distance planned for each day's ramble will be clearly presented as part of the joining instructions issued to each participant.
By clicking this link,
which reveals the route maps,
you acknowledge that you accept this disclaimer
