7x19 creates fully accessible ropes course for Barretstown

Chris Proud, 7x19 founder and construction director, says:

"Our goal was simple: make adventure accessible without compromise. Turning those early ideas into a ropes course that genuinely works took time, listening, and a lot of experience built up over the years.

"We drew on everything we know — the products, the materials, the engineering, and the network of experts we trust — to shape something that was not only inclusive, but safe, practical and buildable.

"Watching children and families use the course together, exactly as it was intended, is the most rewarding part. That’s why we do what we do."

See also: How 7x19 builds confidence & connection with aerial experiences

Accessibility built in

The course is accessed by an 80-metre ramp. This provides all participants with a single, shared route to the start platform, without lifts or separate access.

On the course, two belay systems, one cable and one rail, run side by side. This allows children, carers, and siblings to take part together and provide emotional support, physical assistance, and shared experience.

James Casserly of Jimbo’s Accessible Adventures participated in early programme delivery, and says: "As a wheelchair user, opportunities like this matter. The ropes course created aspace where ability didn’t define limits — it opened possibilities.

"Being able to take part in an outdoor adventure in a way that felt safe, supported and fun was incredible. It shows what can happen when accessibility is built in from the start and everyone is considered. Making the impossible possible!"

Drawing on its extensive experience in adventure construction, 7x19 selected steel, GRP, and recycled plastic timber components for this project. These are proven, long-lasting materials that are durable, safe and reliable in outdoor environments, so offering a balance of technical performance, accessibility and ease of use.

Based on traditional designs, all course elements were customised to be wider and more accessible, offering safe and meaningful adventures for children with a range of mobility needs.

As such, the course is believed to be the only ropes course of its kind designed in the UK and Ireland.

'Genuine collaboration'

7x19 collaborated with Steve Woods, technical director of Vertex Instructor Training Ltd., which helped shape the course to meet the needs of both participants and facilitators, and provided specialist training for the Barretstown team on the safe and inclusive operation of the course.

"Working on this project from idea to completion has been a real privilege," says Woods. "7x19 Building Adventure listened to our requests, needs and ideas. Then designed a course that will work for all."

Asa Gurden, 7x19 director, says: "Being involved in the very first conversations was a privilege. From day one, it was clear this project needed more than a standard approach — it needed genuine collaboration and the right expertise around the table.

"Working with inclusion specialists and the Barretstown team helped us understand exactly what the experience needed to be, and why it mattered. Once that foundation was set, our technical team could take the vision and turn it into something real.

"Seeing that early thinking come to life on the course is incredibly rewarding."

Since its launch, the course has become a central part of Barretstown’s offering. Hundreds of children have enjoyed climbing, swinging, and challenging themselves, many for the first time.

This demonstrates what can be achieved when inclusion is built in by design.

Mairead Forristal, Barretstown finance and operations director, says: "It was great to work with the team from 7x19 on our new ropes course which has quickly become the favourite activity on site for the children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses and their families who attend our life changing therapeutic programmes.

"We are delighted with the ropes course and found the team to be highly professional and understanding of the needs of our children and families."

Barretstown relies on donations to offer free, life-changing programmes for children and families affected by serious illness. To contribute, please visit the Barretstown website.

Last year, 7x19's 650-metre multiline zip wire launched at St Andrews Lakes, an adventure park in Kent, UK, known for its beautiful lake and wide range of activities.