In the Forest of Bowland AONB we want to enable access to the countryside for everyone; access for people with wheelchairs, pushchairs, limited mobility, or simply for those whose legs aren't as young as they used to be. All the family can experience the unspoiled beauty of the area along trails with fantastic views, wildlife rich hedgerows and through tranquil woodlands and parklands.
We have now established two locations in the AONB in which Trampers can be accessed and used along designated Tramper trails. Follow this link for a location map and Tramper Trails to download. The Tramper Trails have been graded using the Disabled Ramblers 1 to 5 categories. These vary in distance and terrain, providing a range of experiences to suit those seeking a simple ride to those looking for something more challenging.
Trampers - the Tramper is a specially designed, all-terrain electric buggy, which can be used off road and even on rough ground, mud and grass. It enables people who have difficulty walking, who are less able or who may be disabled to experience the countryside; and to accompany friends and family when out walking.
It is strongly advised that you refer to the page on walking safely before undertaking a ramble. This page highlights safety information and the Countryside Code and also provides further information about sustainable tourism and how you can make your contribution towards keeping the Forest of Bowland special!
Follow this link for FAQs
Hiring Trampers
When you use a Tramper for the first time you will be given an induction on how to use the vehicle.
Our aim is to reduce the barriers that some people face when looking to access the outdoors, therefore we don’t have a fixed hire price for our Trampers - we simply ask for a donation to help us continue to provide this service across the Forest of Bowland AONB.
Champion Bowland Tramper
There is one Tramper at Gisburn Forest, which can be booked in advance by contacting the Hub café on 01200 446387 or by emailing gisburncafe@outlook.com
You can download the easy access trail here - 'Birch Hills Trail', and if you have a smartphone be sure to download the Outdoor Active version before visiting.
Sabden Tramper
The Sabden Tramper is owned by the Forest of Bowland, with thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The service here in Sabden village is run by local volunteers and is linked to an easy access trail around the fields and up to Churn Clough reservoir. You can download the route here on Outdoor Active .
Please note that you can ONLY use the Tramper on this route: it is not insured to be taken anywhere else.
Follow this link for further details about how to book the Sabden Tramper.
Trampers available through other providers:
Bowland Wild Boar Park Tramper
A Tramper available to access the various trails at the Wild Boar Park. Entry fees apply. Telephone 01995 61075. It is advisable to book beforehand.
For further information visit: www.wildboarpark.co.uk/disabled-access/
Cobble Hey Farm & Gardens
Tramper available on-site and for use on the trail around the farm. Entry fees apply. Telephone 01995 602643.
Wyre Estuary Country Park
Outside of the AONB, but Trampers are available to hire at Wyre Estuary Country Park. For further information visit: https://www.wyre.gov.uk/walking-wyre/tramper-trails/1
FAQs
What is a Tramper? the Tramper is a specially designed, all-terrain electric buggy, which can be used off road and even on rough ground, mud and grass. It enables people who have difficulty walking, who are less able, or who may be disabled, to experience the countryside and to accompany friends and family when out walking. Gradients of up to 1 in 4 (25%) are comfortable for Tramper use.
How much does it cost to hire a Tramper? Although we don’t have a fixed charge for hiring a Tramper, we would appreciate a donation towards our Champion Bowland Fund, and this will go towards the electricity to charge the Tramper, along with the maintenance and upkeep of the vehicles and their place of storage.
Do I have to be 'registered' as disabled or have a Blue Badge? You do not have to be 'registered' as disabled or have a Blue Badge to enjoy the use of a Tramper. You may be recovering from illness or surgery and have experienced a loss in stamina or mobility, or you may have difficulty walking on rough tracks: you are all welcome to use the Tramper.
What happens if I get lost or break down on a Tramper? All of the sites listed on this website have been thoroughly checked and tested to make sure they are safe and easy for you to use with a Tramper. The paths on most sites are way-marked with blue signs, so it should be easy for you to follow.
Please note that all Tramper users must be accompanied by one other person and one of you must be in possession of a working mobile phone.
Please ensure you download and print your route before arriving and keep it with you on the Tramper trail so it is always to hand.
When you take the Tramper out, our volunteers will give you a phone number to call should you have any problems.
Where can I use the equipment? The Trampers are available to hire at two locations shown on the map - Sabden and Gisburn Forest, and can only be used on the trails indicated. You are not permitted to use the Tramper on any other route and it cannot be taken away for use elsewhere.
You do need to book a Tramper in advance by making a reservation, preferably at least 24 hours prior to your planned visit.
Will I get training on how to use the Tramper? You will be given a brief training session upon arrival at your chosen site, so we can make sure you have the skills and confidence to safely operate a Tramper. We have also put together this introductory video so that you can familiarise yourself with a Tramper beforehand. Please take the time to watch this video and note down any questions you have, so that you can ask them on arrival.
I have limited strength or control in one arm - can I use the Tramper? You should have sufficient upper body strength, upper limb mobility and hand dexterity to grip both Tramper handlebar grips securely and operate the twist grip. The Tramper uses handlebars for steering and a twist grip to start and stop - speed is controlled using a combination of a dial and a switch.
To assist there is a switch on the Tramper that allows you to choose which twist grip to use - left or right. Please watch the video shown.
The key factor is therefore whether you can safely steer and control the Tramper.
We encourage anyone who would like to see whether the Tramper is suitable for them to go to one of our hire locations and try the Tramper. If you find you can control it safely in the induction at the hire base then you can head off to explore using the recommended routes. The member of staff or volunteer hiring the scooter has the authority to make the final decision as to whether it will be safe for you to proceed.
If a hire site has more than one Tramper route then they may be able to advise you as to which routes will be easiest for you or parts of the route that could be more difficult.
How do I make a booking to use a Tramper? See details above
What restrictions apply to use of the equipment? The safety of our users and other visitors visiting our sites is very important to us. Because of this, there are some restrictions on how and where the equipment can be used.
- You must complete some basic training before hiring a Tramper for the first time to demonstrate you can operate the Tramper safely.
- You need to provide valid photo ID - driving licence, Blue Badge, Bus Pass, passport; and proof of address - bank statement, utility bill, credit card bill.
- The hire periods and induction session times will vary at each site according to volunteer/staff availability and opening hours.
- Site staff will advise which routes are suitable for the Tramper - weather conditions may restrict access to certain routes.
- Trampers are limited to a maximum of 4mph for safety reasons.
- There are Terms and Conditions of Tramper use - users must sign a disclaimer each time they want to hire a Tramper to confirm that they still meet them each time equipment is hired.
- You are required to carry a mobile phone and any other safety items issued by site staff.
- You must be accompanied by another person when using a Tramper so they can assist you if required.
- The minimum age to operate a Tramper is 14 years, however, our volunteers will check that the person is able and confident in operating the Tramper independently prior to use.
- Users must be under 25 stone in weight (160kg)
Can I use my own Tramper on the dedicated trails? You are welcome to use your own tramper on the trails, though it is worth contacting the site in advance so you can obtain any keys required for opening gates, etc. Where keys are required, a RADAR lock has been used (which is a commonly available key for disabled users) so you may well already have your own key.
If you have any feedback following your Tramper experience, please let us know here, we would love to hear your thoughts.