While Summerleaze has a ‘Changing Places’ toilet facility in the car park itself, those with mobility issues may find it easier to not take the upper access road near the toilets. It may make more sense to leave the vehicle where it is and to double back. By taking the slightly longer approach of exiting out of the car park and joining Summerleaze Crescent, you will be able to traverse along the Downs to the Pool on a flatter terrain. The path behind Life’s a Beach from the upper access road in the car park proved too steep for a wheelchair in a recent Disability Access Audit conducted by Active8.
Although slightly further to the top of cliffs above Bude Sea Pool than from Summerleaze, there is an easier access and lower gradient access point from Crooklets Car Park. There is a small path behind the Crooklets beach huts that can accommodate a wheelchair.
Unfortunately, there isn’t dedicated disabled access to the Pool itself. There are steep steps to the Pool, down from the RNLI Hut perched on the top of the Downs, and from both Summerleaze and Middle Beach for those who are able. There is clear signage that the Beach Huts are for private access only to those renting them. Those needing disabled access are the exception to this rule and may follow the stepped path in front of the Beach Huts that zigzags down the terraces. Please note that it is not currently wheelchair accessible.
The area around the Pool is level. There are concrete steps on to the Pool floor in the shallow end and metal steps from the sides of the Pool. There is gentle shelving in the shallow area, although care should be taken as this can be slippery.
The Disability Access Audit conducted in late 2022 by Active8 identified areas for FoBSP could improve access and usability provisions. These are being considered and prioritized in terms of cost and ability to be implemented effectively.