Bluebells and Waterways A two day accessible canoe trip

Accessible Adventure. Pushing the boundaries of inclusion in the stunning landscape of Lough Erne. An environment that is both beautiful and serious in nature and one that doesn't always lend itself to disability access. In conversation with one of my steering group for Accessible Adventures Ireland over the winter we hatched an exciting plan. Could we support a group of people who have a range of disabilities to go on a 2 day wild camping expedition amidst Lough Erne's many wooded islands? The plan involved almost 20 km of unsupported expedition (carrying all our kit in canoes) landing on places that have no formal paths, no surfaced roads. Enniskillen to Castle Archdale on Lower Lough Erne (slightly trimmed at the end due to force 4 westerly winds and big waves)

Add in a landing on the historic monastery ruins of Devenish Island (no formal inclusive access) plus lunch/toilet stops along the way on further wild islands.

Add in some canoes, kayaks and colleagues from Tollymore National Outdoor Centre and some kit from GM4X All Terrain Wheelchairs. Bikes. Services. ,BOXIO (separating loo) BLUETTI (chargers) and some custom designed access ramps, rafting poles and canoe seating (all from my home workshop)

Our Bluebells and Waterways Lough Erne's expedition was born.

Sitting back at home with tired muscles 💪, a wee bit of sunburn and perhaps a few hours short of sleep but with joy in my heart ❤️

The photos explain the rest, but with a wee bit of determination the right kit, skilled and professionally qualified instructors some of our wildest places open up.

A final note of thanks to Trevor Foster at Blue Green Yonder Canoe centre for their launching, and meeting facilities and logistics support to send us on our way, the team at Historic monuments in the Department of Communities NI for their support on Devenish Island and NIEA Northern Ireland Environment Agency colleagues in Castle Archdale for logistics support with our vehicles.

https://lnkd.in/ewWAeRXC

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