A companion who shares their interests, in Somerset

Somewhere to go

Level birdwatching tracks at Ham Wall

RSPB Ham Wall, Glastonbury

A large reedbed reserve on the Somerset Levels with more than three miles of trails, hides and views towards Glastonbury Tor. A carer can drive there, push a wheelchair along the main track and plan the walk around the benches and hides for regular rests.

Getting around: The RSPB says the main track and Reedbed Trail, Waltons Screens and Tor View Hide are wheelchair accessible, with regular seating along the trails.

Source: rspb.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Towpath strolls on the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath, Taunton

A fourteen mile canal between the two towns, with locks, bridges and boats to watch from the towpath. A carer can park near one of the road bridges and walk a short there-and-back stretch, turning round whenever it suits.

Getting around: The Canal & River Trust describes the towpath as well maintained.

Source: canalrivertrust.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Terraces and lakeside paths at Hestercombe

Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton

Georgian landscape garden, Victorian terrace and Edwardian formal garden on one site just outside Taunton, with a café in the old stables. A carer can follow the marked accessible routes, stop for coffee and pick one section rather than the whole garden in a visit.

Getting around: Tourism For All lists level or ramped access to main areas, seating at intervals for visitors with limited mobility, and accessible toilets near the entrance, house and café.

Source: tourismforall.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Margery Fish's cottage garden at East Lambrook

East Lambrook Manor Garden, South Petherton

A Grade I listed cottage garden made by the plantswoman Margery Fish, with dense borders, a tea room and a plant nursery. A carer can take the visit slowly, sit in the tea room between borders and help choose plants to take home for a pot or window box.

Source: rhs.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

In the calendar

Winter starling murmurations on the Avalon Marshes

Glastonbury

From November to late February huge flocks of starlings gather over the Avalon Marshes reedbeds at dusk, best seen in the last hour of light. A carer can ring ahead or check the roost updates, arrive early for a parking space and bring a folding seat and warm layers for the wait.

Source: avalonmarshes.org. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Cliff views in Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar

Britain's largest gorge, with limestone cliffs of more than 100 metres rising either side of the road above Cheddar village. The National Trust notes the cliffs are difficult to reach for those with limited mobility, so a carer can stick to the gorge road at the bottom, where the cliffs photograph well from level ground.

Source: nationaltrust.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.