Glowing references to a fine collection of trees and shrubs on television lured us towards the Thorp Perrow Arboretum.

We fancied a quiet day in the country, so it was important to get it right.

The leaflet arrived and we studied it carefully, noting the 85 acres of walking and opportunity to stroll leisurely around the arboretum.

Our experience is often different. We are more used to pushing and struggling to get in and out of places.

However, we were comforted by the paragraph: "The arboretum is accessible to wheelchairs, and facilities for the disabled are available at the tea-room. An electric wheelchair is available free of charge but must be booked prior to visit."

So we booked a few days in advance and found plenty of parking close to the reception area, toilet block and tearoom.

As we arrived, the lady in front attempted to hire out the electric wheelchair, only to learn we'd got there first. We laid low and kept very quiet.

Our request for a disabled and carer rate ticket met with a blank response. We were instead offered two OAP tickets at £3.75 each.

The receptionist/cook seemed to be operating single-handedly, so it might be an idea to avoid arriving bang on lunch time, unless you want a croissant with your guide.

We entered as honorary OAPs via a gentle ramp which takes you onto a wide wooden-decked patio, with a delightful view of the acres of trees ahead.

The patio also serves as an extension of the tearoom in fine weather. It is wheelchair accessible but there is considerably more room outside and that's where we felt most comfortable.

This is where we found the electric wheelchair. "Thorp Perrow has one electric wheelchair, which is in great demand, but we are desperately seeking a sponsor for another one," administrator Lousie McNeill told us later.

No instructions were provided so it was a case of stepping into my Vessa Intermed Trekka - Model A and giving the myriad controls a quick once-over.

"It's all on the lever," a friendly and informative voice boomed from the patio. "Steering, power, everything...all on the lever." Our friend was making it sound almost as simple to operate as a toilet flush. "So it doesn't come with rocket-boosters then?" a lady passer-by whispered to me.

It was simple to operate and most comfortable to sit in. The machine was fitted with indicators and hazard warning lights, which perhaps would prove handy if you were to lose your way and find yourself on the main road to Bedale.

We eased our way towards Annabel's Walk, the Water Steps, Katie's Island and Henry's Island - enchanting names for an enchanting place.

This was a delightful experience. It was great to be among nature and not looking at it from a path or through a fence. Just being able to glide across lawns and through wooded glades, feeling the wind on the trees, was a great thrill and I am so grateful to Thorp Perrow for getting it right in such an unassuming way.

FACT FILE:

Thorp Perrow Arboretum Bedale North Yorkshire DL8 2PR.

Tel/fax: 01677 425323

Website: www.thorpperrow.co.uk

NOTICE BOARD:

Camping and Caravanning:

The Donegans are new to caravanning this year and I am hoping to write a feature, later on, about our exploits. It would be greatly appreciated if readers could send us tales of their experiences of such holidays that they would like to share with others. So, if you still explore, travel, go sightseeing and enjoy the great outdoors despite your disability, please get in touch. You can contact us at The Northern Echo, Priestgate, Darlington, Co Durham, DL1 1NF or via the Access All Areas website at : www.thisisthenortheast.co.uk/leisure/access/comments.html

Open Arts:

All those interested in the arts are invited to join Open Arts which aims to support and promote disabled arts and disability issues through the arts. Membership is £4 and this buys you the monthly Open Arts newspaper and a membership card giving discounts for arts events and products. It also includes use of the Cleveland Arts' Art Taxis which help get you to events.

Contact: Open Arts, c/o Cleveland Arts, Melrose House, Melrose Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 2HZ or phone 01642 264651.

Youth Hostels:

Back in the great outdoors and readers may like to know that the YHA is now employing access classifications in their guides. These can be found in the latest Youth Hostel Guide or on their website at www.yha.org.uk

Published: August 21st 2001