Accessibility Guide
Accessing the Boats:
To access the boats, you must go down 4-5 steps, with handrails on both sides. Wheelchair users can be wheeled up to the boat entrance but must be able to manage the steps with assistance if needed. Our staff will do their best to help with boarding and disembarking, and we can provide extra time if necessary. We can also store wheelchairs or walkers safely in our office.
At a Glance:
- Level Access: The outdoor areas are uneven with paving slabs and cobblestones. Once aboard the boats, access is level, but there are steps to enter the boats and seating areas.
- Hearing: Safety speeches and commentary are delivered via speakers or by the skipper. Printed copies are available for those with hearing impairments.
- Visual: Large print versions of the safety speech and commentary are available, both in print and digitally.
Arrival:
Skipton Boat Trips is located at the 18th-century canal basin in Skipton, a Grade II listed site. The area between our ticket office and the boats is cobbled and uneven. Our ticket office has a step but is even floored and well-lit inside.
Mobility Aids:
Wheelchairs and walkers cannot be stored on the boats due to space limitations but can be stored safely in our office.
Boat Accessibility:
- Cobbydale: This traditional wide beam canal boat has four steps down to board, with a handrail on each side. A steward is available to assist with boarding. Inside, seating is arranged in a coach-style with benches. A toilet with a small step into the cubicle is available.
- Dalesman: Similar to the Cobbydale, it also has four steps to board and steward assistance. Seating is in booths, with fixed tables and benches. The bathrooms are larger and at the rear of the boat, with a small step into them.
- Day Boats: These self-drive boats have four steep steps to enter the cabin and additional steps to access the front seating area. The cabin is level but has a small bathroom with limited space.
Customer Care Support:
- Accessibility equipment, including written safety speeches and foreign language versions, is available.
- Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, with water bowls provided.
- Staff are trained in first aid and some have qualifications in Disability in the Workplace.
- Emergency evacuation procedures are explained in safety speeches and available in print.
If you are unsure about access or need further information, please contact us at 01756 790 829.