Disability is no barrier for determined Highland ramblers
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WHEN Forestry Commission worker Martin Rodgers took early retirement at the age of 57 he was looking forward to spending his time enjoying outdoor pursuits. "I was doing a lot of hill walking and mountain biking but within six months I had arthritis in my knees," he recalled.
Despite this, he is still managing to enjoy regular rambles across the Highlands. Mr Rodgers, of Balmacaan Road, Drumnadrochit, is vice-chairman and a founder member of the Highland Disabled Ramblers (HDR). Established 10 years ago and run by disabled people with able-bodied friends, the group organises monthly walks of up to five miles, whatever the weather.
While he may not be able to undertake challenging hill climbs or go mountain biking as he once intended, Mr Rodgers finds that HDR has its own appeal. "It is the compensation of being able to go out with other people on a walk and also to help others," the 70-year-old reflects. "I do the transport side of things and help others to get out into the countryside."
The group comprises about 50 members scattered across the Highlands. Disabilities range from wheelchair users to people who are partially-sighted, while one member is deaf.
"We don’t ask people what their disability is," Mr Rodgers said. "But a lot of people have severe arthritis which has perhaps come with age — and we used to have a lot of people with multiple sclerosis." Family members, carers and other able-bodied members can also join in just for the walk and a blether.
Chairman Sheelagh Mosley,who joined the group eight years ago, used to be a keen walker and enjoyed sport. But a spinal problem means she now needs walking sticks, as well as a wheelchair or scooter.
Mrs Mosley, of Castle Heather, Inverness, has also suffered six heart attacks in the last two years. Being able to join others on the monthly rambles makes a huge difference, according to the 70 year-old. "Sometimes I wonder if I can be bothered but once I get out there it’s great," she explained.
The club owns a fleet of nine sturdy electric scooters thanks to funding from organisations such as the Great Wilderness Challenge, the Highland Cross and Inverness Common Good Fund. They can be booked by members and are transported in large hire vans to the start of each ramble by volunteers.
Before each outing the walks are checked to ensure they are suitable for members. So far, about 50 different routes from as far afield as Ullapool, Nairn, Lairg and the Cairngorms, have been approved.
"We look at the roughness of the ground," Mr Rodgers said "Tree roots can be very nasty for scooters. We also look at inclines and drainage ditches." But these in themselves are not necessarily barriers. The club takes along a
couple of ramps so the scooters can negotiate gullies.
Small stones which get stuck in scooter wheels are one of the worst problems, while overhanging branches can be hazardous — particularly for those with little or no sight. "We try to keep together as a group," Mr Rodgers said. "Some disabled walking groups tend to meet and then split up, but we like to keep together. We stop and let the others catch up."
Often, rangers or professional guides join in the walks to point out interesting objects, land features, sights, birdlife or animals. "A lot of estates have been absolutely brilliant setting up a multitude of trails," Mrs Mosley said. "It isn’t only us who benefit. Parents with pushchairs do as well." Nor is the weather a deterrent, although Mrs Mosley urges people to take sensible precautions. "Folk sitting on scooters can get cold because they are not moving," she said.
"Most of us have waterproof trousers. I do say to people, especially new members, to layer their clothes because you can always shed a layer."
One of oldest members is Margaret Ackers, of Culloden, who admits to being in her late 80s. Mrs Ackers, of Culloden, used to go walking all over the UK in her younger days but osteoporosis and a heart condition have now restricted her activities.
But thanks to HDR and the use of one of its scooters, she still enjoys the outdoors.
"Obviously, I cannot continue with long walks but I can keep going out into the country," said Mrs Ackers, a founder member of group.
She adds: "I would not go out walking if it was not for this group. The whole thing is run on goodwill. They are a very nice bunch of people."
? As part of the events during its 10th anniversary year, HDR is holding a fundraising day in Inverness on Saturday. Members will stage displays in the Eastgate shopping centre and Falcon Square.
They are also asking companies and organisations to sponsor a ramble, while Simpsons Garden Centre has made the group its charity of the year.
