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As with urban pathways, countryside paths are vital to accessibility.
Without accessible paths, disabled people can only view the countryside from
a car park. Countryside paths share the same characteristics as urban paths
in terms of gradient and dimensions (see 5.1 Footways and
Footpaths, 5.2 Street Furniture, 5.3
Trees and Landscaping and 5.6 Tactile Paving).
The surface of a countryside path is one of the most important
considerations in terms of mobility. The surface needs to be smooth, firm and
non-slip. Loose and uncompacted materials, such as gravel, are totally unsatisfactory.
However, many materials that do provide the desired surface, such as tarmac,
concrete or asphalt, are not always appropriate in the countryside.
The most satisfactory surface is a well-compacted limestone or sandstone aggregate that contains adequate fine material for binding.
Once rolled, this provides a smooth and durable surface. However,
when work is being carried out at a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
then English Nature must be consulted.
Paths in potentially dangerous areas, such as alongside cliffs,
river banks and streams, must be given careful consideration and safety/hand
rails erected. These should be 1400mm high with the bottom rail being no more
than 100mm from the ground.
Handrails can also be used where the path is at a gradient of
greater than 1:20 and where disabled and elderly people may need assistance.
These should be 1000mm in height with a lower rail at 750mm for use by children
and adults of restricted growth.
Tapping rails can be provided adjacent to pathways to assist blind
and partially sighted people. These rails should be between 100mm and 400mm
from the ground depending on circumstances. Timber rails can be laid on the
ground. However, these are prone to rotting.
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