TRAVEL
Inclusive Travel in Scotland: Tips for Adventurers with Mobility Needs
With its rich history and incredible natural beauty, Scotland is a top-rated holiday destination. Some of the most popular Scottish cities include Edinburgh and Glasgow, where you can visit a wide range of top-rated attractions.
One of the top benefits of visiting Scotland is its inclusivity. Travellers with mobility needs will find they’re well-catered for, as most national monuments have impressive accessibility features. However, it’s essential that you’re fully prepared. In this article, we’ll provide tips for safe and enjoyable travel in Scotland, as well as advice on hiring a mobility scooter.
Planning Your Trip for Accessibility
If you have mobility needs, it’s a good idea to plan your trip well in advance. This helps ensure that your itinerary is suitable for your level of mobility. Do some research into the accessibility of the places you plan to visit.
You should also determine whether or not you want to travel with your own wheelchair or folding scooter, or if you want to hire a mobility scooter once you arrive in Scotland. Keep in mind that most airlines charge a hefty fee to carry large items like wheelchairs.
When planning your trip, you should determine whether or not any family members will join you, or if you’ll be travelling solo. If you’re travelling from London, or any other major UK city, you may want to consider taking a train that travels up the South East coast instead of flying.
Visiting Scotland’s Accessible Attractions
Scotland is filled with accessible attractions, which do not require you to be able to walk in order to enjoy them. Some of the best local attractions for those who use mobility scooters and walking aids include:
- Balmoral Castle
- Riverside Museum
- Scottish Football Museum
- Abbotsford House and Gardens
- The Helix
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Edinburgh Castle
Essential Mobility Aids for Travelers
Remember to pack the items that cater for your specific needs, including medication, canes, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, etc. If you are travelling internationally, you may want to opt for mobility scooter hire instead of bringing your scooter with you.
While public transport is typically wheelchair-friendly, you may want to consider hiring a car for added convenience. Additionally, remember to bring any documentation regarding your disability with you.
Local Support and Resources
Disability Information Scotland offers a wealth of helpful resources. Their website includes absolutely everything you need to know about travelling through the country if you have mobility issues. If you have any questions, you can always call their helpline number on 0300 323 9961.
Hiring a Mobility Scooter
Thistle Help is one of the best mobility scooter hire companies in the UK. They offer nationwide delivery, affordable monthly payments, and absolutely everything you need for a comfortable vacation. The company provides wheelchairs, folding scooters and powerchairs, among other walking aids.
While rental packages require deposits, the costs involved are very affordable. Rental customers can decide how long they require the scooter hire service and where they need the device delivered to.
Mobility scooter rental allows you to make the most of your family trip. You’ll get to see more of the country without worrying about accessibility issues. The cost is well worth it!
Final Thoughts
When planning to travel to Scotland, put together a list of all the places you intend to visit and research their accessibility features. In this modern day and age, all attractions should permit mobility scooters and wheelchairs, but this is sadly not the case.
Thankfully, Scotland is a fantastic destination for those with mobility needs. Whether you’re travelling in Edinburgh or Glasgow, you are sure to have an amazing, accessible time in this beautiful country.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
