Accessible New Forest
Activity:
Blackwater Arboretum 0.9km trail
Location:
Blackwater car park on the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, which runs on the road between Brockenhurst and the A35, grid reference SU 266 057
Description:
The Blackwater Arboretum is a 0.9 kilometre circular walk from Blackwater car park. It houses a beautiful collection of trees from many countries and the sensory trail that runs through it includes a number of points that encourage you to touch, smell and listen to the sounds of certain trees. The path is a fairly smooth gravelled surface with one very gentle slope and frequent resting places. Short level paths with seats and picnic tables make this a pleasant destination in any season.
Tramper hire / mobility services
www.thenewforest.co.uk/information/accessible-information
You can hire trampers for the day from the New Forest Disability Information Service www.newforestdis.org.uk/equipment
You can also hire scooters at Beaulieu www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu/promotions/getting-around
Mobility scooter hire is also available at these attractions just outside the National Park:
- Blashford Lakes Wildlife Reserve Tel: 01425 472760
- Moors Valley Country Park Tel: 01425 470721
For accessible walks see www.newforestaccessforall.org.uk
And for specially adapted bikes (for cycling in the National Park) see: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/inclusivecycling
There are details of accessible walks in the New Forest here: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/visiting/vi-whattodo/walking/easy_walks
Contact:
Forestry Commission
T: 023 8028 3141
Accessible parking: Blackwater car park has space for 50 cars with 2 spaces reserved for disabled visitors. Car parking on a level area of short grass is available for RADAR key holders next to the Arboretum entrance gate. There is a locked vehicle barrier which can be opened with a RADAR key.
Accessible WC: Disabled accessible toilets available in the main car park.
Grounds access: The surface of the walk is compacted gravel with some loose stones near the car park; there maybe some protruding stones up to 2cm high. The narrowest point of the walk is 1.1m at the entrance gate to the Arboretum. The maximum gradient of the walk is 38m of 1:10 on the approach to the Arboretum from the car park. There are no steps, stiles or bridges on this walk. There are frequent seats with backs along the way.
Map:
Other accessible activites:
- Audio tours - 4 audio trails from different parts of the National Park
- New Forest Access For All - Easy going walks, access and facilities information
