footpaths
our footpaths.
If you have not visited the Zoo before, here are some important things you need to know about our footpaths.
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The majority of our pathways are made from loose tarplanings. This means that the paths can be quite gravelly in places making it difficult to push through with a wheeled chair.
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Even though we have spent many hours compacting these stones, the changes in weather can affect these tarplanings and they can become loose. This is also being impacted on by the amount of footfall they experience every day.
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The map shows the areas of footpath that are Tarmac in GREY and the areas of footpath that are tarplanings in YELLOW.
What we would recommend currently:
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Use pushchairs with bigger, outdoor/off-road pneumatic tyres, they cope much better than the small plastic wheels.
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Don't bring a pushchair if you can manage without! Child backpacks or pouches that you can carry are even better.
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Wheelchair users - chairs with larger, outdoor and pneumatic tyres cope better on our paths currently.
We appreciate that these paths are not ideal for anyone using pushchairs or wheelchairs, but this is why we want to ensure that you are aware before you visit the zoo.
We want you to enjoy your day out and visit with us, not be frustrated with getting around the zoo.
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What are we doing about it?
We have now had tarmacking completed in three different areas of the zoo. The tarmac is very hard and smooth, making it very easy to push wheeled vehicles.
We understand how important it is to make the zoo accessible for all of our visitors, however, this is quite an investment and we have to do it in small sections at a time.
We will be completing additional stretches of pathways with tarmac as time goes on and as we can afford it.
We apologise for any inconvenience and we hope to see you soon.
Kind Regards
Northumberland Zoo Team
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