Hercules! Hercules! Hercules!
3
3
Date of visit: July 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
If this was any other venue, my rating solely on access might be lower. I recognise that this is woodland and I'm definitely not for tarmacking the woods, but the terrain is best suited to those with a decent amount of power or travelling with a companion, as some of the paths are really steep. Even my Triride power attchment struggled. The large gate at the entrance is pretty much impossible to navigate whilst using a mobility device. As well as the amazing views, the highlight of this location is the statues to commemorate Hercules the Bear who became famous in 1980 when he escaped while filming an advert on Benbecula and spent 24 days roaming across the Uists, before eventually being found and safely recaptured on North Uist.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
Beyond the car park, the giant gate is quite the barrier to access. Whilst using my wheelchair, I couldn't manage it. I understand its purpose but it's not accessible. The route is a combination of woodland and shallow gravel. On the more level parts, I managed okay with the assistance of a power attachment. For steeper sections, I had to reverse up. There are posts marking the route, supporting wayfinding in a simple way. Early into the route, we found a picnic spot. One of the tables had space for a wheelchair user on the end, but the area around it was very overgrown. We came across a small hut where activities clearly take place. There was a ramp leading up to it, and there is a red and yellow bench on the inside. Further benches are dotted around the route. There are no alternative formats in use.
Accessible facilities: Single-level venue, Step-free entrance
Parking & Transport
Poor
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
Parking is very limited, bays are not marked, and it's on an incline.
Accessible facilities: Dedicated on-site parking
Accessible Toilets
There are no toilets at this venue.
Staff
This venue is not staffed.
Additional Information
I loved my time here, but it's just not that accessible. If you don't have a mobility impairment and can walk the route, it is lovely.
