North Pennines network of all-terrain mobility scooters expands to RSPB Geltsdale

More people can now connect with nature and explore the upland landscape of the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark, with RSPB Geltsdale joining a network of all terrain mobility scooters.

The North Pennines National Landscape team has announced that the RSPB reserve will be the latest site to join its North Pennines Outdoor Mobility network. The Tramper mobility scooter will allow people to explore RSPB Geltsdale’s rugged beauty and diverse landscape of blanket bog, heath, grassland, meadows, woodland and rolling hills rising high above sea level. These habitats support a variety of threatened wildlife and the Tramper routes offer opportunities for birdwatching; species such as Golden Plovers, Lapwing, Curlew, Ring Ouzel, Merlin, Black Grouse and Short-eared Owl come to the area to breed. Notably, the reserve is one of a handful of Hen Harrier nesting sites in England.

Using the Tramper, visitors will be able to explore two accessible routes at RSPB Geltsdale, on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays for two and a half hours, with sessions starting at 10am. There are two different routes you can take on the Tramper from the Visitor Centre. The first leads you 1.6km on gravel paths towards and along the south side of Tindale Tarn. This track offers great views over the Tarn and you’ll spot plenty of birdlife enjoying the water, using the binoculars provided in the Tramper. The other route is 2.6km and leads you up the valley from the Visitor Centre, following a stream with meadows, marshes and views of the newly established woodland on the fellside.

The Trampers in the National Landscape have been provided by the North Pennines team using funding from Defra’s Access for All programme. Additional support for the network of mobility scooters has previously come from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Simon Wilson, Programme Manager for Business and Engagement at the North Pennines National Landscape said, “It’s great to be able to support even more accessible visits through the North Pennines Outdoor Mobility network, primarily funded as part of Defra’s Access for All programme. RSPB Geltsdale is a wonderful addition to the locations where people can come and explore and enjoy nature and the landscape.”

Ian Ryding, site manager at RSPB Geltsdale, said: “Nature is inspiring because it reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. Time spent outdoors can lift our mood, reduce stress and help us feel more grounded in a fast-paced world.

“Following the Stagsike trail will give everyone the opportunity to watch wildlife, hear birdsong and move among the trees in a spectacular Cumbrian landscape. Nature gives us resilience, so it is vital that everyone can access nature reserves because these spaces should belong to all of us.”

Phillip Wake, Development Officer from Outdoor Mobility said: “The Tramper at RSPB Geltsdale will provide users with a fantastic opportunity to explore the streams, meadows, tarn and woodland of this unique landscape. This is a wonderful new addition to the Tramper network.”

Bookings for the use of Trampers across the North Pennines are through delivery partner, Outdoor Mobility, which has hire sites across the North of England. Visit https://www.outdoormobility.org/north-pennines