A Sussex Rambler has been inspired to create an innovative, comprehensive online county-wide guide of disability accessible walks, that is online FREE and available for everyone to use.

Rambler Chris Smith, who has M.E. (chronic fatigue syndrome) and has recently had his knee rebuilt, has created a guide to rambles in Sussex that are over 4KM and suitable for people who are mobility impaired or less fit. Criteria includes no stiles or rough ground, and as much detail as possible given about surfaces, gates, height gain, toilets and how to get there.

Chris Smith comments: “The average person spends 20% of their life with a disability or health condition, yet current provisions for ramblers do not reflect that! Many people who can’t move about so easily would love to walk more, but just can’t get the information.

“The Ramblers comprehensive online guide to accessible Sussex walks, sets out to change all that. It’s based on the ideal that everyone should be able to enjoy walking in Sussex, so its free, downloadable and designed to be passed on.

“We hope it will be used as a model in other counties.”

Author Chris Smith comments: “When I was recovering I was shocked to see how little information there was about the countryside for the less fit. For example West Sussex County Council had recently removed over 100 stiles to improve access, but didn’t list where they were! Only a few organisations had really thought about access for all. The idea seemed to be that if you were not really fit you ought to be satisfied with a little circuit round a country park or a nature reserve.”

The guide can be found on the web site of Sussex Ramblers at www.sussex-ramblers.org.uk/ Organisations and individuals are encouraged to print off copies to give to individuals who do not have internet access.