Accessibility audit of local routes

We want to enable more people to access the Chilterns and North Wessex Downs National Landscapes.

Access Audit

In 2024 Mend the Gap commissioned an accessibility expert to find and assess potential short walking routes in Pangbourne and Whitchurch, Goring and Streatley, and Cholsey. These villages were chosen because of their proximity to railway stations. The expert was asked to recommend improvements to make more routes accessible to a wider range of people with differing mobility needs.

A broad range of people from these local communities were consulted during the process to discover what they think is important. The detailed method is included in the report.

In summary the routes have been assessed on a number of factors including:

• path width, obstacles such as stiles and gates, gradient and surface, access to a ‘loo and a brew’ (cafe), and a view of the National Landscape

The report is now available to download here 

Next steps

Mend the Gap is now taking time to review the report and consult with relevant rights of way officers and landowners. We will then prioritise the recommendations which best meet community needs and implement recommendations where possible.

Mend the Gap cannot fund all the suggestions in the report, nor do we endorse all the recommendations. We do expect the report to support others involved in access improvements to search out further funding. If you would like to contact us further about any part of this report, please do email mendthegap@chilterns.org.uk