A brilliant batch of wheelchairs has arrived on the coast to support access to the King Charles III England Coast Path for those with mobility issues
The work, which is already opening up areas that were previously difficult to reach for the less able-footed, has been coordinated by David Rodger, National Trails Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, who oversees the Lincolnshire section of the route.
Lincolnshire is already well placed to offer accessibility to the coast, and these new improvements will improve this facility even more.
“These projects add to the services already provided by Beach Mobility Lincolnshire so all sections of the community are covered, and the coast path can be used by as many people as possible.”
The specialist wheelchairs make it easier for people to get onto the sand. Where everyday wheelchairs sink into the soft stuff, the new kit uses bigger tyres and a different chassis to make getting about a lot easier.
Eight beach wheelchairs and a Tramper motorised all‑terrain scooter have been placed at Ingoldmells, Chapel Point and Mablethorpe. National Trust Sandilands now has two Tramper scooters and a beach wheelchair and another Tramper has been added at Frampton Marsh Nature Reserve.
Visitors are already making use of the new kit. Oliver Ellison, aged 15 and from Sheffield, said the service has made a big difference to his visits: “I’ve been coming for years. The Hippocampe chair, I’ve been using it for quite a while. It helps me to get on the beach which is something that would be very hard for me to do in my usual chair.”
Alongside the new equipment, funding is being used to install safety fencing in places where views across the salt marsh were previously out of reach for people with mobility needs. Work is also underway to remove sand that has built up on parts of the path following beach replenishment, helping to keep the route suitable for wheelchairs and scooters.
The improvements are particularly valued by people who return to the coast each year. Gemma Bateman, from Nottingham, uses the service due to having a condition called Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome. She said the accessibility offer is the reason her family keeps coming back. “I’ve been coming here for years. We travel down for a week and stay in a fully adapted caravan which is easier than getting around my home but the whole reason we come here is because of this service.
“Being able to get my children on the beach, have picnics and not have to just stay on the promenade is life changing. It’s opened up the beach for me in such an amazing way.”
For some, the service has changed how they experience the coast entirely. Mandy Pemberthy, who has cerebellar ataxia and ME, moved from Kent to Anderby with her husband Mark, after discovering how accessible the area was. “Mark’s friend lives in Huttoft and he told us how nice it is around here so we visited and went on the car terrace there. We realised how accessible it is and that started our time here.
“When you have conditions like the ones I am dealing with, your mental health is affected badly and it can be a real struggle - but being able to get by the sea again is an amazing boost and it really makes a difference to be able to do that on this equipment. It’s opened that up for us again and we love it.”
Mark added: “The thing that nobody talks about is the benefit to those who support and care for the people with limited access. Something like this is terrific and means that Mandy and I can both get to the beach for a much needed lift.
“These schemes make the word of difference for not only the people in the wheelchairs, but for those who are with them. The positive difference is felt in a much wider way than many people appreciate.”
Beach Ability Lincolnshire run by volunteers, provide all‑terrain wheelchairs, walkers and scooters from bases including Ingoldmells and Chapel Point. The service is free to use, although advance booking is required. More details are available at Beachability Ingoldmells or through the National Trails website.
David Roger
David Rodger, Public Rights of Way and Access at Lincolnshire County Council said: "This project will make a real difference to people with a mobility impairment who want to access the England Coast Path. These new machines are a great way to access the splash deck and enjoy Lincolnshire’s coastal views.”
With more improvements planned and continued investment in accessibility, the latest funding is expected to help even more people enjoy the Lincolnshire coast for themselves.