When I started my access course, I was concerned if I would receive offers or not and if it was viewed as a lesser qualification to A levels. However I got an offer from every university I applied to (Durham, Newcastle, Nottingham and York if I remember correctly, all asked for 30 distinctions for molecular biology). The admissions tutor at Durham went as far as inviting me along for an informal look around the labs. So I certainly didn't find the access course any impedement to getting on to a degree. The majority of competent students on my access course who applied for courses at competitive universities recieved places.
I can offer the advice of do well at the start of the access course and make yourself look like a good student as tutors only have a short time to assess your ability before writing your reference.