On Disabled Access Day (16 March), FLS outlined its continued efforts and ambitions to increase and improve recreational opportunities for disabled visitors across its sites.

Included in plans to improve accessibility at FLS visitor sites is work on a section of path at Loch Katrine’s Brenachoile Point Trail to make it fully wheelchair and buggy friendly. This will allow everyone to access the popular viewpoint and visitor interpretation. It is anticipated the improvements will be completed by the end of 2025.

In the north, FLS teams are planning to undertake path improvement work at Aldie Burn and Contin to improve accessibility and maintain high standards.

While In the south region, work is ongoing to reopen the wheelchair friendly Orchard Trail at Mabie following felling work to clear diseased and dead larch trees.

FLS teams in the west plan to undertake work on the wildlife trail at Barnluasgan to ensure the forest’s star attraction – the beavers – are not causing issues with the wheelchair accessible path around picturesque Loch Barnluasgan. This will involve building small retaining walls to stabilise sections of the path where beavers were dragging the trees they had felled into the loch and inadvertently also taking the path edge.

In the central region, the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre at Aberfoyle continues to offer accessible paths and facilities including parking, toilets and café. The Waterfall Trail with gentle slopes, perch benches and a good surface is suitable for wheelchairs and there are two mobility scooters available for use free of charge. The trail leads to the discovery of a dramatic waterfall and a wildlife hide gives great views for potentially spotting birds and red squirrels.

Path improvements completed last year by FLS East Region staff at Faskally  <https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/tay-forest-park/faskally> mean wheelchair users and people with other mobility issues can enjoy the gentle scenic trail through the majestic trees around Loch Dunmore.

Andrew Howard, from FLS’ National Visitor Services Team said:

“With more than a dozen accessible trails, FLS already offers a good selection of paths that are suitable to wide range of people including those who use wheelchairs, mobility scooters and mobility aids. We are looking at ways to improve and increase the number of accessible trails and facilities throughout Scotland.

“We are also currently working in partnership to review and update our grading system and this will help to support and encourage more people to be confident in choosing the right path for them.

“The easy most accessible trails are wide, generally have a smooth, firm surface, and are marked with clear, easy to follow signage. They can often be found at destinations with accessible facilities such as toilets, parking spaces and visitor centres. Blue badge holders can park for free in any of our car parks.”

Accessible trails and facilities are on offer in forests in every region. We recommend checking the FLS website in advance to see what is available and for the latest updates before visiting a forest: Forests for everyone | Forestry and Land Scotland