Scaling the Peak District in a wheelchair? Surely there are too many hills and stiles? Don't believe it - stunning views and country trails are perfectly accessible to disabled people.

A new DVD is available in Peak District National Park visitor centres that will inspire disabled and non-disabled people alike. “Access Passport” is presented by former paralympian John Harris, 63, who makes a gold-medal presenter as he explores the possibilities in his wheelchair.

South Wales-based John was paralysed in a fairground accident at 18 and took part in five Paralympic Games, winning gold in the discus. Having never visited the Peak District before making the DVD, he said it was “a fantastic experience. It gave me a sense of space and achievement that you just couldn’t get anywhere else.”

It opens up like a travel passport, with John giving his reports at each venue, including Surprise View, Curbar Edge, the Goyt Valley and Lathkill Dale. He gives a realistic view of what most wheelchair-users could achieve, and he does so with infectious enthusiasm. John uses an adapted cycle along traffic-free trails at Parsley Hay, he rolls up to a cavern in Castleton and he joins young disabled people abseiling at Millers Dale. Here’s a flavour of his reaction: “If someone said a fortnight ago, John, you’ll be in the Peak District National Park abseiling 90ft off a bridge over a river, I’d’ve thought, you’re crazy - but it was one of the most unbelievable experiences I’ve ever had in my life."

The “Access Passport” DVD is available at £2.99 from National Park Visitor Centres in Bakewell, Castleton, Edale and Derwent Valley or you can see it free online at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/accesspeak

You’re Welcome! - free guidebook
Wheelchair-users and families with children in pushchairs will also benefit from the “You’re Welcome” guidebook, which comes free with the “Access Passport” DVD. The 48-page “You’re Welcome” guide offers a range of easy-going trails, viewpoints and things to see across the national park. It's not just aimed at disabled people, it is ideal for anybody just beginning to explore the countryside, and includes information on wheelchair/pushchair access, toilets, playgrounds, car parks and public transport.

The guidebook is available free from national park visitor centres at Bakewell, Castleton, Edale and Upper Derwent (tel: 01629 816558 or email bakewell@peakdistrict.gov.uk). Some pages are also online at: www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk/mftf/yourewelcome.htm

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