Accessibility Guide
Accessibility Guide
Welcome
The Japanese Garden at Cowden is centrally located in Clackmannanshire; located on Upper Hillfoots Road between Muckhart and Dollar, the garden can be accessed off the A91, half a mile west of Muckhart.
Our pathways have been updated to offer a more accessible visit for wheelchair users. Please be aware that areas of our Woodland Walk can become inaccessible for wheelchairs in certain weather.
Please get in touch if you require any further information about specific access or need advice on planning your visit.
Getting Around The Garden
From the main entrance to the gardens, there is level access however the route is sloped. The route is a minimum 200cm wide and the surface of the paths to and around the garden is loose gravel.
Paths slope upwards at various points; while people using motorised scooters rarely have an issue, most people in manual wheelchairs may need assistance.
The Welcome Gate
The Welcome Gate is 180cm wide and is easliy accessable. Paths are fine gravel and the base of the gate is flag stones.
The Garden Pavilion
Access to the Garden Pavilion is by two shallow steps or ramp (130cm wide) to the left of the double doors (maximum 200cm wide).
The Zig Zag Bridge
This bridge is very narrow (65cm) and has no side rails. Therefore, this is not suitable for crossing by most people who require mobility assistance. The narrowest paths in the garden are 80cm wide, but most are at least 120cm.
The Azumaya
This view point over looking the pond. There is a step up into the azumaya in addition to a raised platform in the center.
Garden Bridges
There are other wooden bridges in the garden which many wheelchair users can manage with some assistance; the narrowest of these is 75cm.
Additional Cowden Walks
The Christie Walk
Some of the trail has a loose surface. There is a small wooden bridge which is 90cm wide. The trail is sloped.
The Stewart Woodland
Some of the trails have a loose surface. There are some small wooden bridges which are quite narrow (120cm). The trail is sloped.At its narrowest point, excluding bridges, the trail is 140cm wide
The Lime Tree Avenue
Most of this trail has a grassy surface, which may be difficult to move on in a wheelchair when wet. however alternate routes are available.
Places To Eat and Drink
The Tearoom
There is level access throughout. The menu is offered in large print. The route through the dining area is 80cm wide, or more.
There is background music played in the tearoom.
The tables and plates have high colour contrast. We cater for vegetarian, gluten free (coeliac), lactose free (dairy free) and vegan specific diets. We can cater for all dietary requirements with advance notice.
Ice Cream Hut
The Ice Cream Hut is accessable by a level gravel path from outside the main building.
Getting Around Indoors
Visual Impairment - General Information
We have high colour contrast between walls and outside doorframes.
All pathways are kept clear.
Ticket/Information desk
Our ticket desk is easily accessible from the main entrance.
Accessible Toilet
There is 1 accessible toilet which is inside our main building. From the main entrance to the accessible toilet, there is level access. The toilet door is 80cm wide.
The toilet has handrails and an Emergency Alarm pull cord.
At A Glance
Level Access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
- The Tearoom
- The Japanese Garden
- The Christie Walk
There is level access from the car park to:
- The Picnic Area
- Woodland Walk.
Visual
- The walls and the doors have high colour contrast.
- The menu is in large print.
General
- We have a complimentary ticket policy for visitors with disabilities. We have a concessionary rate for carers.
- We have 1 accessible toilet.
Arrival
Path To Main Entrance
From the carpark to the main entrance, including our new Disabled Carpark, there is a level but sloped path. The path is 200cm wide. The surface of the path from the carpark to the main entrance is loose gravel.
Main Entrance
The main entrance has level access. The main building door is 80cm wide and is is side hung and manual. We have a bell to call for assistance.
There is a very small bump at the entrance; most wheelchair users can get over it easily, and staff are always on hand to assist if necessary.
Customer Care
Emergency evacuation procedures
We have emergency evacuation procedures for our visitors with disabilities.
Guide last updated: 29/07/2022