The Tramper at Lydford Gorge

Visitor on all-terrain mobility Tramper viewing Whitelady Waterfall in the background, Lydford Gorge, Devon — Access Whitelady Waterfall on the all-terrain mobility Tramper at Lydford Gorge | © National Trust/Rose Cooke

Enjoy the spectacular sight of Whitelady Waterfall thanks to the all-terrain Tramper, which is available to hire March to October - please book in advance.

What is a Tramper?

The Tramper is an electric all-terrain mobility scooter designed specifically to cover rough ground and grass safely. It can go up and down slopes, over bumps and tree roots, through shallow puddles, mud and soft ground. With a top speed of four miles an hour it can keep pace with the briskest walking companion.

Where can I explore on the Tramper?

At Lydford Gorge, the Tramper can be driven to the base of the Whitelady Waterfall and back up again and can also be driven along the railway path to the bird hide and back the same way. To cover both routes, with time to admire the views, usually takes between one and two hours.

There are steep slopes on the route to Whitelady Waterfall, there are some very rough, uneven sections of path that are bare bedrock, and there are drainage channels at intervals across the paths that are rough to travel over. On the route to the bird hide there's a short slope at the start after which it's flat but muddy in places.

Please note: The Tramper can be used to reach the toilets, tea-room and bird hide but cannot be taken into these due to a lack of space.

‘The use of the Tramper has meant that we can all come to this special place together with my parents, four generations all together. Thank you, your team have been brilliant and so helpful.’

Visitor comment, May 2023

Visitors using the all-terrain mobility Tramper at Lydford Gorge, Devon — Visitors using the all-terrain mobility Tramper at Lydford Gorge | © National Trust/Paul Stapleton

How to hire the Tramper

To guarantee that the Tramper is available we ask you to book at least three days in advance, and we can take bookings up to four weeks in advance.

Please call us on 01822 820320 and leave a message with your name, contact number and preferred date so that we can get back to you between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or email lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk to discuss a suitable date.

Normal National Trust admission charges apply; entry is free for National Trust members. If you need to bring a carer or essential companion to accompany you, they are free of charge, if you’re not a National Trust member you’ll still need to pay for your own entry.

To use the Tramper you’ll need to become a member of Countryside Mobility which then gives access to Trampers at 50 other hire locations. This costs £15 per year, £5 for a two week ‘taster' membership, or £3 for a single day hire. We will sign you up on the day and give you training on how to use the Tramper, which takes around 15 minutes.

On the day of your booking, we'll give you a briefing of the route and can offer existing Countryside Mobility members refresher training on the Tramper controls.

Please be aware that all Tramper users must be accompanied by one other person. This person needs to reasonably fit as there is limited mobile phone signal in the gorge - in an emergency help can be found at visitor welcome.

Please note

We might occasionally have to cancel a Tramper booking due to severe weather conditions, but will try to contact you as soon as possible, if this happens.

Who can use it?

The Tramper can be used by anyone who struggles with walking, and who can use handlebar steering and hand controls (a short introductory session will be given before use).

You don’t have to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge to use the Tramper. It can simply be that your difficulties are caused by a permanent or temporary condition.

If you're a first-time user, please read the important medical and health information, and watch the introductory video. Carefully check that the scheme and equipment are suitable for you - you are the best judge of your own ability.

Tramper user information

The benefits of Countryside Mobility membership

Once you’ve signed up for membership, you can use Trampers at 50 Countryside Mobility sites across South West England, and return to your favourite spots again and again.

Countryside Mobility locations

Further accessibility information

For further information about accessibility at Lydford Gorge please head through the link below. And if you'd like to to visit Lydford Gorge with your own mobility aid please get in touch for further information as there are things to be aware of before visiting.

Accessibility at Lydford Gorge

Contact us

Email

To request further information, or make a booking for the Tramper, please email us. We monitor the inbox Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

lydfordgorge@nationaltrust.org.uk

Call

Please call and leave a message with your name and phone number so that we can get back to you.

01822 820320

Visitors standing on the new railway inspired bridge at Pixie Glen bridge in Lydford Gorge, Devon

Discover more at Lydford Gorge

Find out when Lydford Gorge is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Countryside Mobility provides safe, enjoyable access to the South West's most scenic locations for anyone who has difficulty walking, through an off road mobility scooter hire scheme.

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