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Beinn
Eighe NNR Visitor Centre and Trails Trails click on picture to enlarge |
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1.
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The trails are intended to provide a real experience of being out in the countryside. They seek to provide all visitors with the chance to experience the woodland environment, enjoy views of open hills/mountains and appreciate the wild land setting. |
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2.
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The new paths have been built, as far as possible, to the nationally recognised BT Countryside for All Accessibility Standards. Our working principle was to seek the least restrictive option. |
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3.
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The Picnic and Rhyming Trails have a tarmac surface that allows universal access. Path width is a minimum of 1300mm, with passing places (1500mm wide x 2000mm long) at least every 100m; gradients are not above 1:12 for more than 9m without the inclusion of a 2m level section; cross slopes are no steeper than 1:50; there are no steps and all water drains are below the path. |
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4.
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These trails are short, level and have plenty of stopping points with seats to allow people with mobility disabilities and older visitors the chance to rest. |
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5.
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The Lower Ridge Trail has a gravel surface that adventurous wheelchair users can pass over. Path width is at least 1000mm, with passing places well over 1500 x 2000mm; gradients are not above 1:10 for more than 9m without the inclusion of a 2m level section; cross slopes are no steeper than 1:35; there are no steps or open drains. |
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6.
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The
Lower Ridge Trail is less accessible than the Picnic and Rhyming Trails
because it has steeper gradients and a gravel surface. We felt the gravel
was more appropriate than a sealed surface given the trail’s undulating
terrain and our desire to provide a different type of experience. |
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7.
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This trail features a new bridge across a river. Bridges require a minimum clear width between handrails or edging boards of 1200mm for one-way traffic and 2000m for two-way traffic. |
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8.
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An exposed chip size of less than 10mm has been sought on all parts of the Ridge Trail. |
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9.
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The whole of the Ridge Trail has 'barrier-free' drainage methods. To comply with accessibility standards, in-path drainage features should stand above the path for no more than 15mm and have no surface breaks greater than 12mm along the line of the path. |
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10.
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The Upper Ridge Trail has a gravel surface wherever possible. Average path width is 900mm; steeper sections have the grade eased by forming single or double evenly pitched steps and flat gravel sections; where steps are required, they are a minimum of 700mm wide, with maximum treads of 260-300mm and 150-165 risers, and limited to a max of 10 steps without a landing; there is no sloping pitching and cross slopes do not exceed 1:30. |
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11.
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Not
everyone can access the Upper Ridge Trail. SNH discussed at length whether
the route could be made fully accessible, but decided against on the grounds
of landscape impact, funding deadlines and cost. We therefore sought the
least restrictive option which, in this case, meant a stable and firm surface,
even steps, drains not culverts and regular stopping points. |
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12.
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Small amounts of white gravel have been spread at the start and finish of steps to highlight them to people with visual impairments. Handrails were considered for the steeper sections but eventually rejected on the basis of landscape impact and incongruity with the mountain environment. |
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13.
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The path presents a low maintenance finish that is sympathetic to the surrounding landscape. |
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14.
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There are frequent seating areas with limited gradient and cross slopes at resting places and viewpoints. |
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