Overview

The unexpected thought that has gone into making the forest experience accessible was fantastic. Not only forest walks but access to the beach, good parking and an accessible loo. A great place to go off the beaten track and enjoy the forest and then venture to the beach. So much to stimulate the senses with beautiful colours, the wind, the smell of pines and the saltiness of the sea.

Transport & Parking

As a remote forest with is a bit off of the beaten track the best way to get here is by foot, cycle, horse or perhaps even a car. Public transport kit pretty scarce and the only way you'd get here is by taxi from one of the nearby villages. You leave the main road and follow the Forest signs that direct you down a long driveway bordered by fields until you enter the forest. Soon you are completely under the canopy of the tall pine trees as the single track tarmac road loops into to a clearing and the parking 'slots' beneath the trees. At the centre is a small wooden building where there is an information point and toilets. You find three or four accessible parking bays for Blue Badge holders just beyond the building. A pathway links the parking bays to the toilet block for easy access.

Access

A well deserved five stars. When we arrived we didn't expect to find the dedicated parking bays so that was a big plus. Next to come to mind as is often the case; was where is the loo? Seeing the toilet block it was not obvious if there would be an accessible loo. A wheel around to the other side of the building and there was an accessible toilet. Next on the agenda was a stroll through and amongst the trees. It was great to discover a firm tarmac path and so curiosity took over as we wheeled along it. After a short distance the trees became thinner and you appeared to go uphill a little. At the top the surprise was delivered as here was a wheelchair accessible view point where you could look down on to the sandy beach. The lines of concrete blocks marking the defences from invasion. A little further round and the tarmac path turns into a wooden boardwalk where you can wheel along between the sand dunes and down on to a lower viewing platform at the top of the beach. Great views and the sense of being on the beach like everyone else but without the sand in your wheels and the usual sinking feeling as you contemplate whether beaches and wheelchair were particularly compatible. For the brave at heart the boardwalk continues right down on to the sands of the beach if you want to try that. Well signposted walks were way marked, as well as being able to pick up a map at the information point, and you could choose where you wanted to explore. each well documented in the leaflet and clear indications of time and terrain. In the main open area there was a children's playground as well as spaces for barbecuing. All in all a real good find!

Toilets

For a timber cabin like building in the middle of a forest the accessible loo was just fine.

Staff

There were no staff at this attraction.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

A great space and place, combining WWII history, forestry, beaches, and beautiful walks. A good spot for a family visit and particular for people who may want a more relaxed and tranquil environment.

Photos