11 Cranley Wharf used to be A a grain warehouse B a boat-building yard C a ticket office
12 What is planned with regard to the Harbour Steps? A A ramp will be built beside them B They will be replaced with a flat path C They will be blocked off completely
13 The barrier-free route has been changed because of A resurfacing work B a public event C high tides
14 Visitors are advised to A follow the blue access signs B download the route on their phones C ask staff at each information point
15 What does the speaker say about the canal footbridge? A It is the quickest option for everyone B It is not recommended for wheelchair users C It is closed until further notice
Questions 16–18
What comment does the speaker make about each of the following route points?
Choose THREE answers from the box and write the correct letter, A–D.
Comments A tactile maps available B staff can assist C seating provided D automatic doors
Route points 16 Mariner’s Museum Entrance ______ 17 Willow Park Pavilion ______ 18 Eastgate Library Desk ______
Questions 19 and 20
Choose TWO letters, A–E.
Which TWO optional guided sessions are new this season?
A sign-language tour B children’s treasure walk C audio-described tour D evening photography walk E short history talk
Keys
11 B 12 A 13 A 14 A 15 B 16 D 17 C 18 B 19 A 20 C
Transcript
Part 2: You will hear an access officer giving information about a barrier-free walking route at Cranley Waterside Trail.
SPEAKER: Hello everyone, and welcome to the Cranley Waterside Trail. My name’s Erin Holt, and I’m the access officer for the site. Before we set off, I’ll explain today’s barrier-free route, point out three help points, and mention two new guided sessions.
To begin with, a quick note on the place itself. Cranley Wharf looks modern now, but it used to be a boat-building yard. People sometimes say it was a grain warehouse, but the historic records show it was mainly used for repairing small fishing boats.
Next, an update on the Harbour Steps. They’re staying in place, because removing them would mean closing the riverside path for months. Instead, we’re building a ramp beside the steps, with handrails on both sides and a non-slip surface. Work should start next month, so the route will be even smoother later in the season.
Now, why is the route different from the one on last year’s leaflet? The short answer is resurfacing work. There are temporary barriers along Dock Street and a section of uneven paving, so we’re avoiding that stretch and keeping to the wider promenade.
Here’s the key instruction: follow the blue access signs. They’re fixed to the posts at each junction, low enough to be seen from a wheelchair, and they indicate the gentlest gradient. If you miss a sign, don’t guess-turn back to the previous corner, because some side lanes have high kerbs.
Please keep backpacks to body on the narrow sections, and give way at pinch points. If you need to stop, pull to the side so others can pass.
A warning about the canal footbridge: it looks like the quickest way across, and for confident walkers it’s fine, but the approach on the far side is steep. Also, the metal surface can be slippery after rain. For that reason, it isn’t recommended for wheelchair users. Stay on the riverside path and cross at the traffic lights on Market Street instead.
Now, the three help points. At the Mariner’s Museum Entrance, you’ll find automatic doors, which means you can enter without needing someone to hold them open. The staff inside can also lend a small ramp for the display room, but that’s only during normal opening hours.
At Willow Park Pavilion, seating is provided under cover. It’s a good stop if you need a break, and there’s a drinking fountain beside the benches. Please keep the central space clear, as emergency vehicles may need to pass.
Finally, at the Eastgate Library Desk, staff can assist with directions, accessible toilets, and taxi numbers. They also have large-print leaflets, though we’ve found the blue signs are the easiest way to navigate.
Before I finish, two new guided sessions: a sign-language tour on Saturday mornings and an audio-described tour on Sunday afternoons. The children’s treasure walk and the evening photography walk continue as before, but please book those online because places fill quickly. If you need extra help, please speak to me now, not later today. Right, let’s get started.
