Outdoors is for everyone

21/11/2025

Magical opening parade for last night.

People often worry about risk and danger in the outdoors - tbh most of our really scary moments happen in urban environments (we temporarily lost A in the parade when she did a runner to be with the band).
Tripping and falling when distracted; Unpredictable people and traffic; loss of visibility and jostling in crowds and most of all the overstimulation from so much going on - judgement and concentration go out of the window as excitement rises.

Give us a wild environment where we are fully present and concentrating on our bodies, what our feet are doing and people are calmer, focused and more aware. We are much more likely to actually think about the risks and take appropriate action.

It is a strange idea - bringing a load of people who love the outdoors together in a crowded tent full of noise and bustle but it is a great place to celebrate the diversity of what goes on and its not difficult to step out from the festival into green space - we've just got to remember for some people, who need support, to do it sooner rather than later.

If you are at the festival, come and say hi!

19/11/2025

I set off grumpy and out of sorts. My bad mood continued throughout the first half mile - the wind was too cold and my nose and eyes were streaming. My mind was still latched onto the problems common to most carers - funding, managing the team, upcoming appointments and most importantly my daughters' health and happiness.

The steady rhythm of walking, the opening out of the view and the grandeur a sprinkling of snow gives to the tops gradually thawed my mood. By the time we reached Rydal cave, at the end of our circuit, I was re-set.

If this is so important to me, I guess it'll be important to many others, and of course that includes learning disabled people too - but getting the opportunity isn't that easy.

10/11/2025

Well - yes and NO!

If you need a support assistant/carer to access the films you currently have to pay for their ticket too. It says you can get a carer companion ticket free but its taking me 5 days and counting to get one. You cannot do it online. Email, phone, no joy.

Pip needs a support assistant sat next to her (for reasons I won't go into) - should she buy a ticket now on the off chance KMF will still have a seat free next to her? Or should she just pay double and buy an extra ticket?

These costs really mount up for someone who can't work (

29/10/2025

There's something really magical about a board walk through wetlands - as if someone has rolled the red carpet out for you.

This new one is beautifully level and non slip - great for wobbly walkers, good visual contrast with the bog below, and a sturdy 'kerb' along the edge. The gradient down to the boardwalk has been lessened by a wide bend and is on packed gravel from the road and parking opposite.

have done a great job at improving accessibility. I can't wait to visit in spring and summer when there will be all the multi sensory joy of taller vegetation rustling in the wind, the subtle colours of the bog wildflowers and the scent of bog myrtle, which I love. It does, however, have a stark beauty in its newly managed state.

Time for wooly hats and many layers of clothing. Why not top it off with a small cuddly toy for extra warmth 🙂?

26/10/2025

Well said! And that's goes for learning disability too...
https://theconversation.com/autism-charities-portray-autistic-people-as-helpless-and-a-burden-our-research-shows-why-it-matters-267385?fbclid=IwdGRjcANrJFhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHpYZq9PFKvdVtIao9R4TKUd5BFv6pm0G2DC-ttXfdA9-JL_WnDreoFcaeVHq_aem_23vxoqYAjmrr2wgckcAUtw

New research finds that the language and imagery used by autism charities often reinforce stigma instead of challenging it.

21/10/2025

One of my aims in this blog is to shine a light on some hidden aspects of learning disability.

We've had an amazing weekend of adventure (climbing, canoeing, caving) and catching up with friends but it is really hard if you have a communication difficulty to keep up with all the chat. If you have visual processing difficulties every uneven step is extra effort, if you don't hear clearly, understanding words takes more time and concentration. It all takes extra energy.

We often think about the physical exhaustion of adventure but the work needed to cope with new challenging environments mentally is huge. To cap it all, if you struggle with communication you may not be able to express how you are feeling. Then, suddenly, it is all too much. When you are supported by shift workers this is compounded if your next support worker doesnt know you need a 'recharge' day and you can't get the words out.

Pip loved the caving, and loved seeing her friends but I think her face is that of someone ready for a sleep! (Caver on the right)

19/10/2025

Hey! We don't dissolve in the rain. We are tough, resilient and remain cheerful despite the damp. Sometimes the weather makes the trip even more of an adventure.....the wind whipping through those canal bridges - whoosh!

Yes - think ahead about the location (canal rather than lake), and make sure there's a pub or café at the end for a warm up but don't let it put you off. Thanks for helping these lovely friends to get together today.

11/10/2025

'Follow their lead'.

Its great to be in the front, making the decisions and its something Pip doesn't often get to do. Having said that, I think she was taking it to extremes in being fickle with her choice of side to paddle!

A relaxing autumn paddle, going nowhere in particular, just enjoying the autumn colours and the company of the geese.

09/10/2025

Our great friend Vicky Balfour on Woman's hour today. A brilliant advocate for our cause!

04/10/2025

Why do so many people with disabilities only manage outdoor adventure at specialist centres? Why aren't they out just meeting up with their mates?

We're still striving for the latter. Its difficult, but it's worth it:

It gives you more choice of what you do and when and who with.

It costs a whole lot less.

It means you can cancel without huge financial loss if the weather is wrong.

There is time to fully involve anyone learning disabled in the prep.

Why it doesn't happen:

Difficulty communicating with people in supported living and their helpers - because it is hard, people work shifts. You are not necesarilly talking to who is on the trip.

You need people on your team with knowledge, equipment and safety awareness.

You need to be able to meet all the needs in your friendship group.

Transporting the whole lot, including extra spaces for support staff, to the site of your adventure.

I get that adventure is meant to be a challenge but......

Picture is from a glorious day out with . We made it happen!

29/09/2025

Great attitude today!

Sometimes people worry that learning disabilities are incompatible with being put in a situation where you might get a bit uncomfortable. As a friend put it 'the urge is to wrap them up in cotton wool'.

Within the bounds of a good risk assessment, its all part of being outdoors .

Thanks for the video JB. Great attitudes.

26/09/2025

What I love about is that they try to think about everything and everyone:

How people get there;
What warm and waterproof clothes they need;
Whether they need a hoist to access the boat and supportive seating;
What they want out of the trip;
Social time to meet the other sailors;
Accessible toilets and shower;
Safety whilst getting ready.....and probably much more.

These 'behind the scenes' details are just as important as the activity itself.

Thank you Blackwell staff and volunteers for a wonderful sailing season. See you next year!