Pembrokeshire beach wheelchairs available for winter adventures

The project is managed by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and part-funded by Welsh Government with support from communities and organisations who have helped to fund the chairs in previous years.

The National Park Authority’s Beach Wheelchair and Outdoor Access Coordinator Sarah Beauclerk said: “Seeing the positive difference that beach wheelchairs have made to people has been a revelation and inspiration and adds tremendous value to all the good work happening in the National Park.

“Events with disability charity partners, like the successful Whizz-kidz and Versus Arthritis days, assisted by volunteers and National Park Authority staff this summer, introduced beach mobility equipment in a fantastic natural environment across a wide range of ages and abilities.

“We wanted to let people know that those with limited mobility can still access our wheelchairs, and we’ve removed the 48-hour booking notice during this quieter period. During these darker and wetter months, it is more important than ever that we find ways to support access to the National Park’s stunning beaches, especially as we now know that spending time immersed in nature can lead to better physical and psychological wellbeing.

“As well as our beach wheelchairs, there is a Mountain Trike ‘Push’ available at Carew Castle and Tidal Mill. There is safety information and guidelines on the booking site that people can read prior to booking to ensure they will be able to use and operate the chair safely.

“The beach wheelchairs support the National Park Authority’s ‘access for all’ objectives. Their availability for this season would not have been possible without the involvement of the local businesses and community groups who have shown immense generosity by hosting a beach wheelchair for the summer season.”

Standard-sized beach wheelchairs, and a small number of children’s sizes are available. Beach wheelchairs will be available at as many as five of Pembrokeshire’s accessible beaches over winter.

Subject to availability, it is also possible to borrow a beach wheelchair over Christmas and New Year. This can be done by contacting Sarah directly.

You can currently pre-book a beach wheelchair through an online booking site at pembrokeshirecoast.wales/beachwheelchairs, meaning a reserved chair will be available when you arrive at your chosen beach.

More information about beach wheelchairs, booking costs and their locations can be found on the booking site: https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/beachwheelchairs.

For more information about the beach wheelchair project please contact the Beach Wheelchair Coordinator Sarah Beauclerk on sarahb@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk.