AFTER the winter hibernation, this certainly feels like a good time of year to get out into the fresh air. It is to encourage those of us who need extra help and support to be able to enjoy the outdoors that I recently undertook my "Wandering Wheels" Millennium Awards project.

The main problem, I felt, was that there was insufficient information to enable ramblers in wheelchairs to know whether a route was suitable for them. My project involved surveying routes in our patch, looking out for such things as path-surface quality, gradients, the location of gates and steps and the availability of suitable toilets and refreshment areas. One year later, I had amassed enough information, photographs and sketch maps to produce a booklet of ten routes which I called "Ways To Wander". The routes cover an area from Prudhoe in the north to Sutton Bank in the south and visit a range of locations including the seaside, riverbanks, parks and the open country. Readers can find details of how to obtain a free copy in the fact file at the foot of this article but below is an example of one of the routes, along Roker seafront in Sunderland.

This two-and-a-half mile route covers a varied stretch of coastline on tarmac-surfaced paths that are, for the most, part traffic free. Begin at the car park by the lifeboat station just below Roker pier. Here there are two bays reserved for visitors with disabilities and level access across the quiet, traffic-calmed road to the promenade.

From the promenade, head left (northwards) along the shore. On reaching the head of the pier, the road to the pier needs to be crossed and there is no dropped kerb to help. This unfortunate oversight could be avoided by crossing Marine Walk at the traffic pinch points and crossing back again to rejoin the prom.

A roundabout is reached at the point where Marine Walk narrows and again, there is no dropped kerb to help cross the slipway that leads down to the beach. Negotiate this as best you can and continue northwards, passing a caf and toilet on the left. The toilets are RADAR key operated and one of two accessible toilets on this route. This one was quite small inside and some folk may have difficulty transferring from a wheelchair in such narrow confines. The caf is seasonal with limited opening hours but a most welcome facility when it is in use - take a flask just in case.

This route overlooks the beach and is a wonderfully refreshing outing, with the sea and open views to the east never far away. When the path reaches Roker Ravine, head left (westwards) towards Roker Park.

The path now passes under the A183 Roker Terrace and begins a gentle climb into the park overshadowed by the spectacular dolomite of Spottees Cave and the wall of the ravine. A bandstand is reached on the left with seating around - after this long climb a rest might be just what is needed. A little further on, a junction in park paths is found, above which stands the lodge housing the "Parks Warden Information Point". Turning right here, another slightly steeper (1:16) gradient is met but, while this is a toughie, it is short lived and becomes gentler where it meets the children's play area. To the left of the play area is a toilet block containing the second accessible toilet on this route.

Climbing up the path that passes the seating and play area on its left, there is a lovely view to the right of the ravine below. This is a time to feel proud as the climb you have just nearly completed is laid out beneath you. Shortly, the park gates are reached on Roker Terrace. Cross this road by the pedestrian crossing a little to the right and continue along the cliff path. To the south there are views, on a clear day, of the distant Cleveland coast while to the north are Parson's Rocks, complete with lighthouse - our destination.

Continue travelling parallel to Whitburn Road and, eventually, the path bears right to the wide open spaces of Roker Cliff Park. At last the path begins to drop gently towards the lighthouse, where there is an area of seating suitable for a rest before the return leg.

FACT FILE:

"Ways To Wander" is available free at all Stockton Borough and Middlesbrough Borough libraries; from The Northern Echo reception at Priestgate, Darlington; Stockton Shopmobility, Bridge Road, Stockton-On-Tees and BBC Radio Cleveland Reception, Newport Road, Middlesbrough.

DDA Disabled Ramblers (for more information on organised wheelchair/scooter rambles) : Dr Mike Bruton, 14 Belmont Park Road, Maidenhead, SL6 6HT. Tel: 01628 621414

City Of Sunderland: for further information on this route which is part of the "Wearside Wildlife" series, contact: Countryside Officer, Department of Architecture and Planning, PO Box 104, Civic Centre, Sunderland, SR2 7DN.