Disabled People Check Out Obstacles of Travelling by Rail to Enjoy the Countryside

Published on: 22 Apr, 2026
Updated on: 22 Apr, 2026

A group of people with disabilities have been on trips to research the benefits of visiting the countryside and the barriers they experienced in doing this travelling by rail.

The group are supported by Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, while the Southeast Communities Rail Partnership organised their transport on the North Downs Line, funded by Community Rail Network.

Journeys were made in March and April from either Guildford or Redhill railway stations to countryside spots in Surrey.

Waiting for the train to the countryside.

A spokesperson from Surrey Coalition of Disabled People said all of the people taking part found their visit to the countryside hugely beneficial.

Many commented on how their mental health improved as a result of being in nature.

One person said: “It has helped my mental health and helped me feel better. Generally I manage and cope very well but it should never be under-estimated the power of getting out and socialising with others in a relaxed and friendly environment.”

Many also found their confidence improved on using the rail network as a result of these trips.

Another person said: “It was nice being able to go out in the country without having to worry too much about how to get to places.”

On board the GWR train on the North Downs Line.

Surrey Coalition added that the trips also highlighted the barriers to accessing the countryside by train for disabled people.

Travelling from home to the railway station was a concern raised by many as well as travelling from the station to the countryside.

Other comments from those who took part were…

“On-demand bus service needs to be from your door and not inaccessible virtual bus stops.”

‘There’s no useful bus link from the station to Guildford town centre, and to all parts of Guildford, the university or the hospital.”

“You have to rely on taxis to get from the station to the countryside.”

Those who took part said accessibility at railway stations was also a concern, adding: “Drains are a trip hazard.”

‘The only issue was that where the train stopped it was a bit tight to turn so that I could get on the ramp.”

“I worry about whether the platforms are accessible in both directions if the station is unmanned and whether I’d be able to get on or off the train.”

“If there are lifts, knowing that they are in working order.”

Members of the group who have travelled to the countryside by rail have produced artwork about their trips.

All members of the group said they found special assistance [by railway staff] was really helpful, but noted assistance is not always available making train travel inaccessible for some.

When asked if they would like to travel to the countryside again, it was a resounding “yes”.

Overall, the group believe local transport links to stations and from stations to the countryside must be improved.

In addition, some of the railway stations visited need to review their accessibility, with many stations having stairs, uneven and steep paths and no accessible toilets.

This week, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People had a display at Guildford railway station with artwork to promote what they have been doing and to gather feedback from other rail travellers.