Borrow a Tramper at Malham Tarn

What is a Tramper?

A Tramper is an electric all-terrain mobility scooter specially designed to cover rough ground and grass safely. It's able to go up and down slopes, over bumps, through mud and shallow puddles, enabling people who have difficulty walking to enjoy the countryside with friends and family.

Who can use it?

The Tramper can be used by anyone with reduced mobility, as long as they are able to use the handlebar steering and hand controls. The scooter is easy to use, and we’ll give you a full induction, so don’t worry if you’ve never used one before. With a top speed of four miles an hour you will easily keep up with your walking companions.

Where can I go with the Tramper?

We have a specific circular route that takes you on a track from the estate office and along the shore of Malham Tarn. From here there is a short section off-road on grass before you come back round on the road and join the track again. The track goes through woodland and leads you back to the estate office. This walk is approximately 4.5 miles long and you will be given a map and directions to take with you. You also have the option of doing a shorter linear route to the shore of the Tarn and back (approx. 1 mile).

Find out more about the circular Tramper trail in this video (please note, the starting point has changed but the route is the same):

Exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park with Experience Community

How do I book the Tramper?

We have one Tramper which is available to book Monday - Friday 10am – 2pm.

Booking is essential. We recommend you book well in advance, ideally a minimum of two days before your planned visit. This is because the Tramper is popular, and a trained member of staff must be present on the day of hire.

You can email the team at yorkshiredales@nationaltrust.org.uk or phone the estate office on 01729 830416 to make a booking.

Cancellation

We might occasionally have to cancel a Tramper booking due to severe weather conditions or factors out of our control; if this happens we will try to contact you as soon as possible.

Please do contact us to cancel if you change your mind so that someone else can use the Tramper instead.

Cost

There is no charge for use of the Tramper.

Tramper guidelines

• You must be accompanied by a companion when out on the Tramper.
• All users of the Tramper must be aged 14 or older.
• The weight limit for the Tramper is 21 stone.
• You must stay on the designated Tramper route.
• Please remember to bring glasses with you if you normally need to wear them for driving. There will be an eyesight test as part of your induction - you will need to be able to read a number plate at an approximate distance of 12 metres (40 feet).

Using the Tramper

On arrival, you’ll be introduced to the Tramper controls by a trained member of staff and given the opportunity to practise. That way you'll feel confident that you can safely control the Tramper before setting off. We will assess your ability to drive the vehicle in this terrain. Unfortunately, if we do not feel that you are able to drive the route safely, you will not be able to borrow the Tramper.

Bring your own Tramper?

You're welcome to bring your own all-terrain mobility scooter to Malham Tarn. The circular Tramper route is available to download. This route has been tested and deemed suitable for Trampers. However, the route may not be suitable for other types of mobility scooters.

Tramper hire in Malham village

There is also a mobility scooter available to borrow in Malham village (not National Trust). The Lister Arms have a Breeze 4 Mobility scooter. This all-terrain vehicle makes it possible for people with mobility difficulties to access the beautiful walks to Gordale Scar and Malham Cove. For more information, please visit Access the Dales.

Thank you to our supporters

We bought the Tramper largely thanks to the efforts of enthusiastic fundraiser, Debbie North. Debbie’s fundraising was also supported by a grant from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.