Opening the Outdoors to Everyone
In Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, access to nature should not depend on age, fitness level or mobility. Ethical Tours was created with this belief in mind, designing cycling, walking and e-mobility experiences so that more people can enjoy the Royal Canal, local forests and the broader Midlands landscape at their own pace. Whether you use a wheelchair, prefer shorter distances, or have not been on a bike in years, there is a way to get outside and feel part of the adventure.
Accessible routes in Newcastle Forest
Newcastle Forest is one of Longford’s most beautiful woodland areas, with 28 kilometres of forest roads, trails and walkways to explore. Within this network is an “Access for All” walk- and wheelchair-accessible pathway through the trees, offering smooth surfaces, gentle gradients, and ample space for scooters, wheelchairs, and buggies. Ethical Tours uses these routes to build short, supported outings where everyone in the group can enjoy woodland views, birdsong and the River Inny without worrying about rough terrain.
Flat trails along the Royal Canal
The Royal Canal Greenway is another key part of making adventures more accessible. Its towpath is largely flat, traffic-free and well-surfaced, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups who want to walk, roll or cycle side by side. Ethical Tours’ routes follow some of the most scenic stretches of the canal, with regular rest stops, cafés, and safe meeting spots built into each itinerary so that no one feels rushed.
E‑bikes, scooters and inclusive equipment
Equipment can make the difference between watching the adventure and joining it. Ethical Tours provides high-quality e-bikes, helmets, and safety gear, enabling guests to cover longer distances or tackle gentle hills with battery-assisted power. For visitors with limited mobility or who are uncomfortable on a bike, guided e-mobility scooter tours are available, designed to open up accessible trails and sites without overexertion.
On many outings, families mix traditional bikes, e-bikes, and scooters in a single group, emphasising moving together rather than speed or distance. Parents or grandparents who might otherwise stay behind can glide along safely, stopping at viewpoints and picnic spots with the rest of the group.
Group pacing and gentle support
A key part of accessibility is how a tour is paced. Ethical Tours plans its timings around the slowest person in the group, not the fastest, and builds in breaks for rest, photos, and bathroom stops as standard, not exceptions. Guides are trained to check in regularly, adjust route options on the day, and split larger groups as needed so everyone feels comfortable and not pressured.
For example, on a Newcastle Forest outing, more confident riders might take a slightly longer loop while others enjoy the shorter Access for All section, re-grouping at a forest clearing so no one feels left out. This flexible approach means mixed-ability families, school groups, and older visitors can share the same day out without anyone exceeding their limits.
Real people, real adventures
Many guests who join Ethical Tours have not ridden a bike or scooter in years, and some arrive unsure whether they can complete the whole trail. With proper support, it often takes just a few minutes on an e-bike or e-mobility scooter for confidence to grow, especially on flat, accessible greenway and forest routes. Guests frequently describe the relief of “finally being able to keep up with the family again” or the pride of completing a loop they thought was beyond them.
Our commitment to accessibility
Ethical Tours’ accessibility promise goes beyond individual tours. The business commits to continually improving access, from clear pre-arrival information on routes and equipment to staff training to working with local partners as new “Access for All” paths and facilities are developed.
Before booking, visitors are encouraged to share any specific needs or concerns so that the team can suggest suitable routes, adapt equipment where possible, or design private experiences tailored to their pace. To learn more about current facilities, surfaces, and supports, readers of the blog can visit the dedicated Accessibility page on EthicalTours.ie for the latest details and contact options.
Accessible adventures do not have to end when the tour finishes. After a day on the trails with Ethical Tours, visitors can extend their experience by heading towards Lough Ree, one of the most beautiful lakes on the Shannon. The Lough Ree Access for All boat offers an inclusive way to get out on the water, with an accessible vessel designed for wheelchair users, older visitors, and families to enjoy a cruise together. A gentle boat trip on Lough Ree is a perfect follow‑on to time spent in the forest or along the Royal Canal, rounding off the day with open views, fresh air and a different perspective on Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.