Eype Tramper Route
Every Mile Matters because we should all be able to benefit physically and mentally from the Trail
Access to and enjoyment of the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast’s golden cliffs near the villages of Eype and West Bay was very difficult for people with limited mobility and families with pushchairs and young children. This was due to the combination of steep gradients, uneven surfaces, narrow pathways and cliff erosion. Getting out and about in the coast and countryside is essential for everyone’s health and wellbeing - both mental and physical - so we want to improve access for everybody.
What we did
We worked in partnership with Dorset Council, Highlands End Holiday Park and Countryside Mobility to create a new accessible route suitable for use with off road mobility scooters (trampers) between Eype and West Bay. This includes new less steep pathways and surface improvements, opening up areas of coastline and countryside to people previously excluded. As part of the project local business, the Highlands End Holiday Park, is providing tramper hire.
How it Helped
The new accessible route has opened up a great new way for people with limited mobility to enjoy the coastline and countryside in this area and better connected the two communities of Eype and West Bay. The project also improves access to the coast year round by providing a robust Path that is more resilient to storms and rain. Year round access supports local businesses by extending the tourism season – encouraging more visitors to the area to use local shops, cafes, accommodation and beaches along the Path.
Total project cost: £19,900
Association contribution: 20%
Partners: Dorset Council, Countryside Mobility, Highlands End Holiday Park
Completed date: February 2020
This project was funded with support from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas. Thanks to supporters of the South West Coast Path Association, we have been able to allocate £100,000 to leverage in £750,000 worth of improvements across the Trail as part of the RDPE programme 2019 - 2020.