Award winning accessibility work brings all-terrain mobility scooters to Dartmoor
People can explore the rich history and sweeping beauty of the Bellever area more easily, thanks to the introduction of two all-terrain scooters.
Dartmoor National Park Authority and Countryside Mobility, an initiative of charity, Disability Together, have worked together to provide Tramper hire from the National Park Visitor Centre at Postbridge.
Two all-terrain 'Tramper' electric mobility scooters are now available for hire, opening up a stunning 2.5-mile trail. The accessible route guides visitors through the wildlife-rich Bellever Forest, offering sweeping, panoramic views of Bellever Tor and the historic Powder Mills gunpowder factory.
The new addition follows a hugely successful trial of one Tramper for hire at the visitor centre last summer.
Both vehicles, pictured above, have now been given names inspired by moorland myths.
Bowerman is named for the huntsman who, along with his hounds, was turned to stone after disrupting witches at their spells. The hunter became the granite outcrop known as Bowerman’s Nose on Hayne Down.
Crockern is named for Old Crockern, described by Victorian folklorist and author Sabine Baring-Gould as the ancient spirit of the moor who punishes a wealthy man for trying to enclose land.
To celebrate the arrival of the new and second Tramper, the Authority hosted a ‘Dartmoor for All’ event at Postbridge. Visitors had the chance to try the vehicles in a safe and supportive setting, explore the award-winning visitor centre, join a guided trail through Bellever Forest and connect with representatives from partner organisations.
Tim Russell, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Recreation & Access Projects Officer said: “The addition of the two Trampers, made possible through Defra funding, is an important contribution to our award-winning work, making places easier to access. We’ve been thrilled to work with the Dartmoor Wheeled Access Group and Countryside Mobility to add Tramper hire to our offer.
“Access to green spaces and nature is vital in maintaining our mental health and well-being, and our National Parks are ideal places to provide this facility. We hope people will enjoy hiring Bowerman or Crockern so they can spend quality time in one of the UK’s premier landscapes.”
Neil Warren, Countryside Mobility Strategic Manager from Disability Together, said: “We’re delighted at the commitment shown by the team at Dartmoor National Park Authority and the addition of a second Tramper. This will both increase availability and mean that hiring is possible when there is more than one person in the group requiring a Tramper. It’s been so encouraging to read the positive feedback from locals and visitors who have used the service in the first year and to see it go from strength to strength.”
Dartmoor National Park Authority has worked with partners across the National Park to provide easier and better access for all. The National Park Visitor Centre at Postbridge won Silver in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism category of the Devon Tourism Awards 2025.
In 2022 the Authority’s Miles Without Stiles programme was awarded the prestigious Gordon Miller Award by the Countryside Management Association in recognition of how the routes were improving access for all.
Those wanting to use Bowerman and Crockern Trampers are encouraged to book ahead by contacting Postbridge Visitor Centre. Countryside Mobility membership, giving access to more than 60 hire locations, and a Tramper introduction will be arranged on the day for anyone who is not already a member. Route maps are provided.
The visitor centre is free to visit. More details are online.
