Summer is just around the corner and although we are at the mercy of the British weather, like us I am sure you cannot wait to get outside in a pair of shorts and t-shirt in the sunshine.

With the launch of the XRover all-terrain stroller at the start of the year, we hope that it has enabled our customers to get outdoors more. We asked the National Trust for some advice on the best places to go to make the most of summer and our new XRover.

Top National Trust accessible walks

The national trust has some excellent walks with terrain more suited to pushchairs, wheelchairs and buggies. Many walks feature routes with gravel or tarmac paths for easy access.

The Top 5 accessible walks are available on the national trust website, there are several other routes around the country with easy access paths and trails, and these are just a few of the best ones!

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/our-top-accessible-walks

Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire has all weather paths suitable for wheels including bikes and wheelchairs (photo: Dominic Russel-Price)

Baggy Point right on the Devon coast is a great way to breath in the sea air (photo: National Trust/John Millar)

Wicken Fen is set in the countryside near Cambridge (photo: Richard Nicoll)

Top National Trust Cycle Routes

The XRover can be used as a bike trailer as well as a buggy. It is a great way to go outdoors without having to take another wheelchair or pushchair when you get to your destination. Simply unhook the bike attachment and re-attach the fixed front wheel or castor.

Here is a selection of cycle routes through the national trust parks around the country. Note that not all of the cycle routes are fully accessible. Always check the difficulty level of the route before travelling.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/best-cycle-routes

White Edge Loop near Longshaw, Derbyshire has a smooth off road cycle path with no steep hills (photo: Paul Evans)

Lanhydrock, Cornwall features a green route suitable for trailers and buggies (Photo: National Trust)

Before you travel

Make sure you have packed all of the essentials for your trip including sun cream or an umbrella.

If you have any doubts about the suitability of a walking or cycling route, contact the national trust for advice. There is often a local contact that will be able to answer your questions.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Need more information about the XRover?

Please visit the XRover page on our website for more details.

https://www.specialisedorthoticservices.co.uk/product/xrover-all-in-one-buggystroller/

Free demonstrations

If you would like a free demonstration please contact our offices on 01283 520400 or email enquiries@specialorthotic.com

Help Support Harriette and Zoe’s Place Trust
If you would like to sponsor Harriette please visit her Just Giving Page.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harriette-parker-harrison1

We are pleased to announce that SOS is sponsoring Harriette Parker-Harrison in her charity running events in 2018/19.

All of the super hero mums and dads out there will know all too well the extra work that comes with taking a child with special needs out on day trips or to organised events. It can be hard to overcome uneasiness about going somewhere new or doing something adventurous.

Harriette Parker-Harrison’s family have worked hard to ensure that she has the same opportunities as any other child. As part of a family of running enthusiasts, they wanted to get her involved with the family hobby.

In 2016/17 Harriette successfully completed several local running events for charity with her mum and dad in her SOS seating system. This includes the Darlington 3K and more challenging Darlington 10K.

Both Harriette’s father Allan and Partner Claire are keen runners with Claire leading the This Girl Can Darlington Running Club. Allan explains more about his passion for running and inclusivity:

“It can be really difficult at times to take children who need specialist equipment to events like kids parties, barbeques in public places. Some parents just say no if for example they cannot find the nearest toilets or if there isn’t a changing area or they don’t know if there is accommodation for specialist equipment or wheelchairs.

We do everything we can to get Harriette involved with family events and activities in our community. I like to think that if other people see us running it will inspire them and give them the confidence to get active and get outdoors. Harriette seems to really enjoy running with us, our therapist recommended getting her outdoors for fresh air and it seems to really help.

We usually do a challenge in the summer park run, our challenge last year was to complete a 5K run in under 25 minutes which we missed by 12 seconds! So this year we may have to up the ante a bit”

After hearing about Harriette’s successes last year, SOS are providing a brand new XRover for running throughout 2018 and 2019. Harriette normally runs in her SOS MoJo wheelbase, the lighter XRover should help her reach the 5K in under the 25 minute target.

The XRover All-Terrain Stroller is great for running, walking or just getting out and about

Harriette is planning to attend the Sunderland 3K in May to kick off her race calendar.

Follow us on Facebook for more updates from Harriette and Allan throughout the year.

Help Support Harriette and Zoe’s Place Trust

This year Harriette is supporting Zoe’s Place Trust who offer respite care to children.

If you would like to sponsor Harriette please visit her Just Giving Page.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harriette-parker-harrison1