Young people with additional needs can easily take part in a DofE programme.
The following resources may be useful in supporting work with these individuals and groups.
DofE Resources
Success stories
Other resources (not published by DofE)
Useful links
The information recorded here is shared to improve access for DofE participants particularly those young people with additional needs. It is assumed that proposed routes will be researched thoroughly to ensure they meet any specific requirements eg terrain, obstacles, hazards etc of the individual participants.
If you have any suggestions you'd like to add to this list, please email them to webmaster@DofE.org
- Lee Valley and Epping Forest: Day one can be extended depending on capability of the group. Gilwell Scout Campsite was used. Day 2 could be difficult after heavy rain.
- Lee Valley: Advice available from Herts Young Mariners www.hymb.com
- East Sussex: Cuckoo Trail Heathfield to Polegate (18K) plus an extension as part of the National Cycle Route 21 into Hampden Park on the outskirts of Eastbourne (making a total of 23K or 46K if returning on the same route). Firm surface, fairly flat (gentle gradient north to south), no stiles. The route is fairly safe. A couple of sections are open to horse-riders. There are a couple of road crossings, and sections that now pass through housing estates. The A271 north of Hailsham could be hazardous – pedestrian controlled lights – depending on the capability of the group this may need to be supervised. One small river crossing (bridge) but no major water hazards.
- Dartmoor: Cycle Route 27 is mainly off road on the Plym Valley Trail on the edge of Dartmoor.
- Yorkshire Dales: although quiet moorland roads could be used and routes could be devised with campsites to replicate Bronze/Silver/Gold expeditions but they would not be level. Depending on capability of group there would be a feeling of remoteness and traverse beautiful countryside.
- The Marriott Way, Norfolk: 35 miles of traffic free former railway from the west side of Norwich.
- The New Forest: www.avontyrrell.org.uk http://www3.hants.gov.uk/tbc.htm
- Liverpool-Leeds Canal, from Gargrave near Skipton going east. Towpatm ostly good going with one or two gates or squeezes.
- Parts of the Trans Pennine Trail on the east of the Pennines. Quite a lot of gates and susceptible to heavy rain. Links to quiet roads towards Humber and the Lincolnshire coast.
- Selby Canal, good towpath south of Selby, links to quiet flat roads in the Vale of York.
- Selby to York Cycleway: 15 miles tarmac former railway line
- Clumber Park/Sherwood Forest, lots of gravel tracks, distance may be restrictive.
- Keilder Forest: good tracks but some gradient.
- Kingley Vale/Bow Hill area near Chichester, West Sussex.
- Thetford Forest
- Leeds Liverpool Canal
- Peak District – www.peakdistrictinformation.com Ladybower Reservoir – Tissington Trail www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
- Sustrans www.sustrans.org.uk – provides details of traffic free cycle routes