Access for all

Did you know that our five activity centres are managed by South West Lakes Trust? We aim to provide social inclusion and accessibility for all. We want more people to engage with the outdoors and have fun, irrespective of ability, age and background.

Accessibility, both on and off the water

Enjoy a wide range of inclusive facilities. Take part in a Sailability session or explore our specially designed nature paths which are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Please see below to check availability of equipment at our individual centres.

• Roadford Lake: Accessible Paths, Tramper/ Mobility Scooter 
• Tamar Lakes: Accessible Paths
• Siblyback Lake: Accessible Paths
• Stithians Lake: Accessible Paths, Sailability
• Wimbleball Lake:, Accessible Paths, Tramper/ Mobility Scooter

Exmoor National Park has produced a Sensory Story for Wimbleball Lake, designed to help people with autism and their family and friends prepare for their visit by highlighting the key things they might see, hear, touch, taste or smell when they visit. In addition to supporting autistic visitors, Sensory Stories can also be helpful for younger people, families, visitors with learning disabilities and those living with dementia.

Accessible Paths 

Our five main sites benefit from maintained and accessible paths suitable for both pushchairs and wheelchairs. 

For full details about accessibility at our other lakes, please visit the individual lake webpages on this website, but here's a list of a few you may wish to take a look at:

• Burrator Arboretum - a 0.6mile/1km sheltered, wide and level gravel surfaced route winding through woodland
• Fernworthy - a lakeside wheelchair and buggy accessible route of about 0.7mile/1.2km, forming part of a 2.6 mile/4.1km circular route
• Shipley Bridge to the Avon Dam - a 1.2mile/2km gentle gradient route with a wide, tarmac road and located in a sheltered valley setting
• Wistlandpound Reservoir - a 1.6mile/2.6km circular lakeside walk on a compacted stone path, with minor slopes and an accessible bird hide to visit
• Siblyback Lake - 3mile/5km round lake circuit, which is perfect for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles. The path runs adjacent to the lake and passes by the impressive Siblyback Dam and through woodlands.

We welcome any feedback you have so that we can improve the information we give all our visitors. Please email [email protected] or call 01566 771930. 

There are so many benefits to be gained from taking a walk and our lakes provide a great experience for people wanting to explore nature, get healthy or simply relax.

Please note that there are some slight inclines on our paths. Maps can be found on the site specific pages on this website. 

RYA Sailability 

Sailing is an inclusive watersport suitable for all to participate in.

Stithians Lake is a recognised RYA Sailability centre. Please contact them directly if you would like more information.

Sailability has allowed the sport to become accessible for all ages and levels of disability. The RYA Sailability sessions provide freedom and independence for all participants within a social and relaxed atmosphere.

Our sessions allow people to gain access to the water and maintain healthy lifestyles within a fun and friendly environment. Come along and participate in this great sport. Sailing allows able and less-able sailors to participate on equal merit.

Stithians Lake offers sessions for people with disabilities. Please contact the centre for further details.

Wimbleball Lake offers sailability courses externally. Please contact the local sailing club for more information.

Our mission: More people having great experiences 

Tramper / Mobility Scooter Hire

Tramper mobility scooters are available for hire at Wimbleball and Roadford. Our Trampers were generously supplied to South West Lakes Trust by The Countryside Mobility Scheme.

Anyone wishing to book must have a membership with Countryside Mobility South West - Membership must be taken out on-site if not already held. Anyone who needs to take out new membership must be on site 30 minutes early in order to complete the membership paperwork. Membership renewals or upgrades can be done online through the Countryside Mobility South West website.

Wimbleball Lake:

Wimbleball's Tramper allows visitors to gain independent access and explore all of the great things to do at the lake. Visitors hiring the Tramper can now explore sections of off-road trails, venture though woodland and across meadows to discover the superb wildlife of Exmoor National Park.

The Tramper can be hired at Wimbleball Lake for three hours, 10am to 1pm or 1pm to 4pm for £2.50 per hour (£7.50 total).  Advance booking is essential to guarantee use of the Tramper. Call us on 01398 371460 or email [email protected]  by 5.00pm on the day before you wish to hire the Tramper (or earlier if possible). 

Roadford Lake:

Enjoy a choice of routes at this beauty spot on the Devon/Cornwall border. Enjoy exploring the lake shore and peaceful woodlands with friends and family. Don't miss the spectacular Jubilee Sundial! 

The Tramper can be hired at Roadford Lake from 10am to midday for £5. Please call 01566 771930 for more information.