Accessible Britain

150 RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, Conwy
Address: Llandudno Junction LL31 9XZ Web: www.rspb.org.uk/conwy Tel: 01492 584091 Hours: daily
9.30am–5pm; coffee shop 10am–4.30pm, or 4pm in winter Dates: closed 25 Dec Entry: members free,
non-members [D]£5 [C]free [A]£5 [5–15s]£2.50 [Fam]£12.50
RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve is the perfect place to get back to nature. The estuary is
home to many varieties of birds; the star species to tick off here are black-tailed godwits,
shelducks and, with a bit more difficulty, water rails poking about furtively in the reeds.
It is a fascinating place to visit, even for ornithological novices.
At Conwy you’ll find an impressive mix of untamed nature – including serious winds
across the estuary – and decent access for all, which is a difficult trick to pull off. The
boardwalk is superb, taking you straight into the reeds on a level wooden track. The
main tracks are firm and hard, with only slight gradients, and because they are well
drained, puddles rarely muddy the issue. The looser-surfaced, more distant trails can
be difficult in poor weather though, and the boardwalk can get slippery when wet. The
Grey Heron Trail, which leads around the perimeter of the reserve, returns to the visitor
centre via the entrance driveway and main car park. In rain, it’s sensible to visit using
a powered scooter, although updates are posted on the notice board when conditions
get particularly challenging. The hides and screens are solidly constructed with hard
floors, all adapted for the comfort of wheelchair users, with wide doorways, plenty of
turning space and viewing points at various heights. RSPB Conwy has recently been
transformed with a fresh look and exciting new facilities. A village square has been
created, called Y Maes, which includes an accessible landscaped area providing elevated
views of the reserve and the Conwy valley, a play area, graffiti tunnel and picnic area.
The staff here are enthusiastically trying to improve accessibility at all times and are
helpful without being fussy. The visitor centre has a welcoming reception area (with low
counter and knee recess) and a well laid-out shop with spacious aisles and low displays.
There are seven designated disabled parking spaces.
FOOD & DRINK aa The Reserve’s wheelchair-accessible Waterside Coffee Shop is a wonderful
place to enjoy a hot drink and bite to eat. With huge picture windows looking over
the lagoon and to the Carneddau mountains, it’s a picturesque place for a cuppa.
WALES
151 Electric Mountain, Gwynedd
Address: Llanberis LL55 4UR Web: www.electricmountain.co.uk Tel: 01286 870636 Hours: Jan–May &
Sep–Dec daily 10am–4.30pm; school holidays, bank holidays, Jun–Aug daily 9.30am–5.30pm Dates:
closed 1 Jan & 24–26 Dec; underground tours on selected dates only Sep–Easter (call for details; no under
4s) Entry: [D]£8.50 [C]free [A]£8.50 [4–15s]£4.35 Students with ID and over 60s £7.65
A working electric power station may sound like an unlikely choice for a family day out,
but First Hydro’s tours of its Dinorwig pumped storage plant – set in the magnificent
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