La Palma is in the north west of the Canary Islands: together with Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and El Hierro, it makes up a group of seven islands, under Spanish sovereignty. This group of islands is located about 100 kilometres off the African coast, out in the Atlantic Ocean. La Palma has a privileged environment, which is why UNESCO declared it a World Biosphere Reserve in November 2002. One National Park, 19 nature reserves (representing about 35% of its surface area), dozens of black sand beaches and breathtaking volcanic landscapes are only some of the island's assets. Its mild and stable climate throughout the year makes this island a year-round destination.

This 20 kilometres wide island offers more than 1,000 kilometres of approved and neatly signposted paths and trails which constituted the only way of communication not a long time ago. Most of these paved paths date from the time of the pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the island, who lead their cattle along these paths from the winter pastures at the coast, to the summer pastures at the heights of La Palma.

The Insular Councils of La Palma, Gran Canaria and El Hierro (Canary Islands), together with the Autonomous Governments of Madeira and Azores, bring the TOURMAC project into operation for the development of an integrated offer of "Trekking Tourism", within the framework of the Community Initiative INTERREG III B - Azores-Madeira-Canary Islands. "A path for all " is part of this project: it will enable disabled people to enjoy eight paths in an island where walks are one of the main tourist attractions and are considered unique. The paths are in the following areas: La Laguna de Barlovento, El Paso, Fuencaliente, Puntagorda y Garafía.

Several Joëlette one-wheeled chairs have been bought: they consist of two shafts in front and behind the seat, to drive it or to carry it if necessary. A suspension, brake, and a jack to adjust the shafts, complete the features of the Joëlette, which can be adapted to the disability of each person (seat, pillow, feet). The chair is held by two assistants, thus the Insular Council is giving training courses for volunteers, trekking companies, disabled organizations and tourist guides.

"Un sendero para todos"
Cabildo Insular de La Palma
Consejería de Infraestructura y Medio Ambiente
Avenida Marítima, nº 1
38700 Santa Cruz de La Palma
La Palma - Canarias.
Tel: (+34) 922 423 350

La Palma, Tourist Information: www.tourlapalma.com
TOURMAC, trekkking in La Palma: www.tourmac.info/regiones/canarias/la-palma/la_palma.htm

 

Rebecca Arce