Extra care on Dartmoor
Having pushed a heavy wheelchair for my late friend Brian, and driven him around Dartmoor in his specially converted van, I do know the problems associated with getting around for handicapped people. And I use that term without any hesitation in p.c. terms. Because life for disabled people is hard enough without all the hype about 'what we should
call them' .If you or your friend is in a wheelchair then I hope that some of these suggestions are helpful to you.
Self catering accommodation. Use the lift to this apartment.
A 2nd floor holiday flat in Bovey Tracey. Modern and squeaky clean. Offering a double with en-suite and a bunk room which has the main bathroom opposite. Wheelchair access with lift. Quiet location with views over town + countryside. Parking. Easy walk to town.
Heathfield House, Ashburton Rd, Bovey Tracey, TQ13. Caretaker/cleaner. No pets. e-mail Tel 0033 562673902 (France)
How about ground floor self catering ?
The Smithy at Brentor is a sleeps 2 all on the ground floor level.
The main living room is nice and spacious.
The bedroom is a bit tight for anyone in
a wheelchair, but fine for anyone who
can walk a few steps.
Sally recently had a couple stay, the lady used a walking frame indoors, and they were so happy with the cottage, they booked again for later this year. There are 2 steps up into the property.
There is thoughtfully, an external charge point for an electric wheelchair which is located in the carport which is for your use. Oh and a grabrail fitted in the shower. Pleasant friendly hosts who will go out of their way to help you enjoy Devon.
Camping maybe ?
This is the best equipped campsite that I have ever seen for disabled campers. The toilet and washing block are 100% top rate.
Woodland Springs at Venton between Whiddon Down and Chagford. Easy access off the road. They will take dogs,
and offer a good size doggy exercise field and/or you can house your dog in a day kennel on the site if you want to.
BUT PLEASE NOTE they do not take children, not even babes in arms.Campers and tourers welcome. Open all year round.
Jill says: We can wholeheartedly recommend this site to anyone in a wheelchair. Telephone 01647 231695
What about Youth Hostelling on Dartmoor ?
Wheelchair facilities are available at Bracken Tor Youth Hostel on Dartmoor at Saxon Gate, Okehampton EX20 1QW website Telephone 01837 53916 e-mail This is an activity youth hostel with abseiling, climbing, canoeing and local kayaking. The large house can accommodate up to 56 people overnight. Common room, tv lounge and garden on offer. Parking and bike hire.You can camp here too. Drying facilities, and self catering kitchen on offer along with BBQ stuff.
A couple of things worth a mention about Bovey Tracey. The free playpark has a tailor made swing with a sensible chair
to hold a disabled child and the nearby swimming pool has facilities for the disabled including a poolside chair hoist.
And just worth a mention if your journey to Dartmoor takes you past Exeter.
A most wonderful playpark not far from the M5 where anyone in a wheelchair can enjoy a swing and a seesaw in the
free to enter park for all abilities The Playpark is just the most wonderful place to visit with handicapped children.
There is a safe net swing for children who cannot 'hold on', a roundabout for wheelchair users and it's full of
smiling faces. Easy parking adjacent. You will need a radar key for the wheelchair swing. Details and a map of how to
find The Playpark can be found on the website. Jill says: I was asked to take photos of the opening, this place is so good that we have sponsored the project by building and running their website foc. Do have a look. It really is a super place.
You might like to know about the South West Disability Show at Westpoint in July this year. Free entry and parking.
"Hello, I'm Jill Pendleton, 
Extra care
What's 
5 day 
