See our virtual tours and leaflets here
Introduction
Somerset’s Accessible Coast is a set of resources to help more people plan and enjoy visits to the coast and the King Charles III England Coast Path. It highlights accessible routes and provides practical information to support your visit.
We have selected five sections of the coast path. For each, we provide leaflets and virtual tours with routes for different access needs.
To explore all locations, download the Somerset’s Accessible Coast leaflet.
Leaflets and tours
Each location in Somerset’s Accessible Coast includes a leaflet and a virtual tour. You can download the leaflet or pick up a printed copy at nearby visitor centres and libraries.
The leaflet includes a map of the routes and their accessibility ratings. It also provides location details and safety advice for your visit.
The virtual tours let you explore each route. You can use hotspots for information and jump to different points along the path.
Use the links at the top of this page to view the tours or download a leaflet.
Accessibility ratings
What feels easy for one person may feel difficult for another. The virtual tours help you preview the terrain and decide where you feel comfortable.
Each route has been assessed for surface, width, gradient, cross slope and barriers. These factors create an overall accessibility rating.
Accessibility ratings.
1 – For all
- Smooth, firm all weather surfaces at least 1.5m wide.
- Gentle slopes no more than 10% (1 in 10).
2 – For many
- Good surfaces at least 1.2m wide with occasional softer or uneven ground.
- Slopes up to 12.5% (1 in 8).
- Class 2 scooters.
3- For some
- More varied mixed surfaces at least 1.1m wide, including grass, stony tracks and soft or uneven ground.
- Slopes up to 20% (1 in 5).
- Heavy-duty Class 3 scooters.
4 – For the adventurous
- Narrow paths (over 800 mm) with rough or muddy ground.
- Steep slopes up to 25% (1 in 4) and over longer stretches.
- You may need to go around pinch points or steep cross slopes.
- Use a Class 3 scooter designed to cope with this more rugged terrain and battery demand.
5 – For walkers
- Very narrow paths (less than 800 mm)
- Uneven surfaces, such as shingle
- Barriers such as steps, locked gates or stiles.
For more detail about route conditions and suitable mobility equipment, download the Accessibility Ratings document.
To see how each route has been rated, download the detailed route assessments below.
Help and support
There are organisations that can help you enjoy the Somerset coast, whether you prefer to visit alone or with a group. You can also find advice and resources on our SEND Leisure pages.
Disabled Ramblers
Disabled Ramblers is a charity that works across England and Wales. It helps make the countryside more accessible for people with limited mobility. The charity organises group rambles for members who use mobility scooters and provides advice on equipment and safety. Find out more on the Disabled Ramblers website.
Somerset Sports and Activity Partnership
SASP promotes health and wellbeing through physical activity. It runs regular Health Walks for all fitness levels. The Walk Your Way section also includes guided walks for different mobility needs. Find out more on the SASP website
Useful links
- Get Outside in Somerset – Advice and activities in Somerset
- Countryside Mobility – Off-road scooter hire at selected locations
- Ramblers – Advice to walkers with health concerns
- Every Body Moves – Disability sport & inclusive activities
- Changing Places Toilets – Locations and information
Mobility vehicle hire
Not sure if your mobility scooter can manage the terrain? Want to explore more but need help with distance or hills?
Some locations are close to scooter hire centres. These may offer equipment to help you get out and explore. Some attractions also provide mobility vehicles for hire.
These providers offer day hire for mobility aids and scooters. They can support you to explore the coast more easily.
- Minehead – Independent Living Minehead
- Burnham-on-Sea – Apex Mobility
- Burnham-on-Sea – Burnham Mobility
- Brean – Brean Hire Centre
Coastal attractions with tramper hire
The following coastal attractions offer tramper hire to help you explore the coast.
- Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) at Steart Marshes
- National Trust at Brean Down (hire is currently suspended)
Getting to the coast
Getting to the Somerset coast by road is straightforward. From the M5, use junction 22 for Burnham-on-Sea, 23 for Bridgwater and the Quantocks, or 24 for Watchet, Blue Anchor and Minehead.
The nearest train stations are Highbridge and Burnham, Bridgwater and Taunton. Great Western Railway (GWR) operates these services. First Bus runs routes to coastal towns and villages.
Plan your journey using the Think Travel Somerset website. Select the “Accessibility” option to include any specific requirements.
Community transport
Community transport schemes in Somerset offer travel for individuals and groups. Services include accessible and door-to-door options.
Parking
Find details of council-run car parks, including opening times, charges and Blue Badge access.
There are also private car parks along the coast. These are shown in the virtual tours and the Somerset’s Accessible Coast leaflet.
Tell us what you think
If you have used the Somerset’s Accessible Coast leaflets or online resources, we would like your feedback.
Is there anything you would like us to add? Or anything you think we should change?
We have created a short Feedback Form here where you can let us know.