Accessthedales will be donning their rucksacks and heading to the hills on April 10th 2016 for the start of their new long distance trek designed especially for all-terrain wheelchair users.
Debbie North, founder of Accessthedales, and husband Andy were keen hill walkers before ill health meant Debbie had to start using a wheelchair. Since then the pair have been promoting accessibility in the countryside by pioneering new routes which are suitable for all-terrain wheelchair users.
Last April, Debbie and Andy completed their version of the Coast to Coast from St Bees on the west coast to Robin Hood’s Bay on the East Coast. The route, which was mainly on bridleways and small country roads, took two weeks to complete.
Their book, ‘In The Spirit of Wainwright’ is a guide to the route which they took and will be available in July 2016.
Debbie commented: “We have some wonderful countryside in the UK but it can be very difficult for people living with disabilities to enjoy it in its full glory. Through Accessthedales we are aiming to open up new routes and increase accessibility for all.”
Their latest long distance trek ‘The Coast To Coast To Coast’ is a newly devised 81 mile route that will take seven days to complete. It starts on the shores of Semerwater, North Yorkshire before passing into Ullswater and ending on the shores of Lake Bassenwaite in Cumbria.
A number of people will be joining the group for parts of the trek including Jonathan Smith from Where2walk who has helped with the planning. He will be joining the group as they head through the Howgills.
Rachel Briggs, Accessibility Officer for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, will also be taking part as they pass through the Yorkshire Dales from Ribbleshead to Sedbergh.
Judith Richards, Managing Director of Yorkshire Trike Tours, will be experiencing her first long distance walk as part of the group and commented: “Yorkshire Trike Tours are very proud to be part of this exciting adventure. Debs is an inspiration and accessibility to our stunning countryside for all is a joint passion!”
Debbie’s sister-in-law Suzanne North, who has co-ordinated fundraising for the trek, is another walker planning to join the group.
The group is raising money for the Calvert Trust Kielder. Last year Accessthedales raised £5,300 towards the cost of buying a TerrainHopper for the Trust and this year they are hoping to raise the rest of the money needed to secure the purchase.
Debbie is now the wheel friendly guru for Julia Bradbury’s The Outdoor Guide.
“Debbie’s story touched our hearts and we are thrilled to support her campaign” commented Julia.
TerrainHopper have kindly agreed to sponsor the trek.
“It is great to be able to support accessthedales in their campaign to promote accessibility in the countryside,” said Debbie Danztie, Managing Director of TerrainHopper.
Bradford-based disability charity Bradnet are also putting their weight behind the challenge with £500 of sponsorship and specially designed hoodies for the party. Bradnet staff Scott Williams and Sarah Meredith will be joining Debbie and her team for the first day of the trip.
“We’re delighted to be supporting such a noble cause. Debbie is helping to open up the countryside for all, regardless of ability, and we are right behind her endeavours,” exclaimed Bradnet’s Sarah Meredith.
For more details on donating please visit www.justgiving.com/accessthedales4 or contact Debbie by email accessthedales@gmail.com
