Praise for accessibility project in beauty spot

The village of Castleton is in the heart of the Peak District

A new online map has been produced to make it easier for disabled people to visit a Peak District beauty spot.

The village of Castleton is popular for its caves, history, shops, Christmas lights and walks.

Surrounded by hillsides and overlooked by Mam Tor and the ancient Peveril Castle, it is one the most popular villages in the area.

Now a project, called Accessible Castleton, has resulted in the map that shows locations for wheelchair hire, disabled toilets and parking.

Gary Flint, who uses a wheelchair, says the map has made visiting the area easier

The Peak National Park Authority had funding from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and worked with charity AccessibleUK and local businesses to create Accessible Castleton.

Gary Flint, who uses a wheelchair, usually finds organising a day out takes a lot of planning.

But he has not had nearly as much work to do before visiting Castleton after the launch of the map.

"Normally I would have to do extensive research online to make the day pleasurable for myself or any family member that joins me," Mr Flint said.

The authority revealed last February plans to improve accessibility in the Peak District.

Castleton Visitor Centre has since been made into the "ideal starting point" for the accessible route.

Park access officer Sue Smith says the village is "one of the most popular" in the Peak District

The project is also designed to help people with other needs.

The map shows where there are hearing loops, and which places are dementia and autism-friendly.

Park access officer Sue Smith said: "Not everywhere is accessible for everyone but, with the right information, everyone can find their own place in one of the most popular villages in the Peak District.

"Providing this extra support is what can open up people's worlds."

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