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Route - West Stow Country Park - Red Nature Trail

Icklingham Road, West Stow, Suffolk, IP28 6HG

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • West Stow Country Park is located alongside the River Lark and adjacent to lakes and heathland.
    • Within the park is a Children's Play Area, Anglo-Saxon Village, Cafe, Museum, Visitors Centre and Shop.
    • There are 3 walks around the park.
    • The Red Nature Trail route is approximately 1 mile/1.5km.
    • The Red Nature Trail starts by the café and picnic site and takes a meandering route to West Stow Heath.
    • This is a lovely route at any time of year on natural paths with some exposed tree roots.
    • There are benches and information points.
    • along the route and don’t miss the very unusual Shepherd’s Hut.
    • The Yellow Pumphouse Route and Blue Lake Walk routes are approximately 2 miles / 3km.
    • The Yellow Pumphouse Route and the Blue Lake Walk.
    • are longer trails and on very bumpy ground.
    • Combined they make for a lovely exploration of the whole park.

Opening Times (Park)

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 09:00 - 17:00.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located to the front of the park.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 4 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the park entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

The Red Nature Trail

  • The trail starts by the side of the cafe and goes in a single circular route through woodland and heath and then returning to the car park.
  • There is seating and information points along the way.
  • The entrance and exit of the heath is by heavy, single gates with a opening width of 110cm.

Paths

  • The surfaces of the paths around the trail is compact earth and grass.
  • Along the trail some of the paths have some exposed tree roots and some paths have slight inclines.

Toilet with Adaptations (Toilet Block Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the car park.
    • This accessible toilet is located within a toilet block to the left as you enter the park.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 295cm (5ft 3in x 9ft 8in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 76cm (2ft 6in).

Level Change (Toilet Block)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the right going up.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).

Standard Toilet(s) (Toilet Block)

Level Change (Male and Female Standard Toilets)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the male and female standard toilets.
  • There is/are 1 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).