Overview

The idea of visiting Ness Islands was not one of great appeal when reading about them on paper. Who’d want to trek along the river bank from the town centre, cross a wobbly bridge, walk through some woods and then come back again? Oh, how wrong we were as the childhood visions of Swallows and Amazons came back to life. Walking along the river bank on the town side the path was easy to follow and at times left the road behind to become a peaceful byway. Nearing the Islands excitement and curiosity mounted as you could see the outline of the first Victorian suspension bridge crossing the fast flowing water. Where did it lead, what would we find, was it going to be wheelchair friendly?

Transport & Parking

The Ness Islands were a fair distance from the main town centre if you walk. It would be very easy to drive to locations near to the bridges to the islands. The best would probably be on the Leisure Centre side of the river as there is a handy car park area near to the bridge.

Access

Leaving the quiet path and nearby road our path headed from the river bank to the white painted suspension bridge; the first of two mid nineteenth century replacements. The first bridges having been washed away in a flood. The bridge was wide enough for people to pass, and a wheelchair to cross, but not much more. It was level access on both ends which was great but the surprise came when sitting in the middle and others came on the bridge as it started to ‘bounce’ up and down. A sensation not far removed from being aboard a boat in a choppy sea. The paths on the Islands came as a surprise as they were wide enough for wheelchairs to pass, had surfaces that were tarmac, and had the occasional old style street lamp. It reminded us of the street lamp in Narnia as the children entered the woodland from the wardrobe. Oh, the imagination could easily run wild in the marvellous setting. Moving along the path we were struck by the objects lurking in the undergrowth and bushes. A snake’s head peered toward the path; no small snake as this was a carved sculpture created from a massive fallen tree. In a nearby glad another large tree turn had been shaped to become some impromptu seats for weary walkers to rest awhile. All around the gushing and rushing of the river could be heard or seen. Crossing between islands we passed over a more modern looking bridge that had become a padlock paradise as young romantics attached engraved padlocks to the railings in the style of the Pond des Arts in Paris. Our exploring on the islands came to an end as the array of paths, there are several, eventually led us to the larger second bridge. A white painted, bouncing bridge to the far bank and the awaiting park. Once on terra firma we had the choice of venturing along the riverside walking back to town or exploring the immediate area. We opted to explore and discovered a skate park close to hand, another park, and the nearby Botanic Gardens, the Ice Rink and the Leisure Centre.

Toilets

Being islands and a river walkway there weren’t any toilets. However, once on the riverbank furthest from the town centre there were accessible toilets in the Botanic Gardens and the Leisure Centre; as well an accessible toilet in the Cathedral as you get nearer to town. The Leisure Centre has a Changing Places Toilet.

Staff

The Ness Island are an outdoor space and so don’t have any staff as such. That said, it is a popular place for local walkers and tourists so you will meet other folk out and about.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The Ness Islands are a great place for children who want to explore the outdoors. For those who don’t want to walk too far and can manage the bridge there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the views, the wildlife and the great outdoors.

Photos