At Walk Wheel Ride, we love shining a light on people who are breaking down barriers and helping others discover the joy of moving through the world in ways that work for them. One such person is Peter Lau, the founder of Accessible Nature—a free, user-friendly guide created to help people with mobility issues safely explore the natural world.
Peter’s connection to nature runs deep, and after a life-changing accident in 2014, he channelled his love for the outdoors into a new purpose. As part of his rehabilitation, Peter focused on learning new skills like photography and expanding his knowledge of UK wildlife. This journey eventually led to the creation of Accessible Nature UK, a resource designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy safe, verified, and enriching outdoor experiences.
All routes on the site are personally tested by Peter and designed with accessibility and safety at their core. Whether you’re using a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or simply need a smoother path, Accessible Nature takes the guesswork out of planning a day in the outdoors.
An Interview with Peter Lau
What inspired you to create Accessible Nature UK, and how did your own experiences and challenges shape the project?
I was at home trying to plan a day out – I needed to find an accessible place – with a suitable and accessible route, long enough to fill a nice few hours. My research led me to find a place that had been featured on a well known BBC countryside programme. The presenter said there were miles and miles of accessible trails to discover. We went to the location and found that in truth less than quarter of a mile was suitable for myself and my wheelchair, then you arrived at a stile over a wall. It was hardly worth the 1 1/2 hours drive to get there, and all the effort I had put in, to be able to go.
On the way home debriefing my day with my wife, it struck me, that there was a real need for someone to list, describe and use photos of locations from an “on wheels” perspective. One written by someone who truly understands the issues faced using mobility equipment to get around and explore. Small issues can stop you making any progress, a small step, even one 25mm high can prevent some people from going any further, an adverse camber or steep slope again means some people and their equipment can not explore a place fully.
I use a manual type self propelled wheelchair, often with a Batec Electric front wheel attachment, this turns my standard type wheelchair into a powered mobility scooter. I have also used many types of mobility scooter, and off road wheelchair. This amassed knowledge allows me to write a description of a place / location with everyone, and all abilities in mind. Many of my photographs show the features that are great and truly inclusive, but also the issues that people on wheels need to be aware of. In this way people who know their own and their mobility equipment’s capabilities best can decide if a place is suitable for them to visit too.
How do you select and test the routes featured on your site, and what makes a route truly accessible?
I try and research places that I hope to explore. Of course this has and does offer some challenges. Many are supposed to be fully accessible, but when I commence my wander I often find this is not the case. People not living a life on wheels often are the ones who write the guides on places. It’s frustrating, and has led to some interesting “oh no! I’m rather stuck” moments.
A truly accessible places is one that has been tested by people, using various kinds and types of mobility equipment. Gates are designed to be functional from a sat position and are maintained so that undergrowth is not affecting how the gate open. There are so many gates that could be removed – the best type of accessible gate is “no gate”. But where a gate is needed it should be designed to be easily opened by a person unaided. Slopes should be reasonable and not too steep, the surface of paths should be suitable for small wheels.
Since launching Accessible Nature UK, have there been any particularly memorable moments or feedback from users that reinforced why this work is so important?
I started with the hope of perhaps helping even just one person, allowing or aiding them to be able to explore a place. That would be enough accolade to make my efforts worthwhile. I have now received many e mails or messages from people who have said my web site had changed their quality of life. I was puzzled by this – how could a little information achieve that? The answer is that tested – quality – reliable accessible information is vital for anyone planning a day out – who have mobility issues to manage. The web site has now been visited by over 9 million people worldwide, with many people revisiting the site. The free downloadable guide available on the web site is updated every three months – to include new locations as these are tested.
What are your hopes for the future of Accessible Nature UK, and how can people support or contribute to your mission?
My aim is that people add to the web site – following my format, the only criteria is that it is tested by people who use mobility equipment to move and explore.
Ultimately – I would love Accessible Nature to be a UK wide resource, thinking bigger perhaps worldwide coverage, free to use and a go to site to draw information and perhaps inspiration for reconnecting with nature and our beautiful wilder places, regardless of how or what you might use to mobilise.
Thank you, Peter, for sharing you story and for the incredible work you’re doing through Accessible Nature. Your passion, resilience and commitment to making the outdoors inclusive for all is truly inspiring.
Inspired by Peter’s story? Please check out Accessible Nature UK here.
Peter’s Wildlife Photography
Scroll through and check out some of Peter’s amazing wildlife photography. More images available via his website.
Get Involved with Walk Wheel Ride
Walk Wheel Ride is all about making walking, wheeling, and cycling accessible to everyone. Whether you’re looking for inclusive routes, local activities, groups to join, or inspiring stories, we’re here to support you on your journey.
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