While I’m a self-confessed sunshine lover, Autumn is my favourite season. It truly is a feast for the senses! The crisp air, crunching leaves, and bursts of golden colour make even the simplest walk feel special. While it can be more difficult to get out and about with a disability when the weather turns colder, wetter, and darker, it can still be managed with a little planning. Come with me on my Autumn walk to Elvaston Castle and I’ll share some of my tips and tricks with you. 

Elvaston Castle is a beautiful country house with sprawling grounds in Derby, Derbyshire. Growing up nearby, I often visited with family and friends, and now continue the tradition with my own children and partner. I’m lucky enough to live within walking distance, though today, with my rheumatoid arthritis flaring, I made the trip by car. The car park is large, with Blue Badge bays and toilets close by. Depending on the season, there’s usually an ice-cream van or a coffee cart - perfect for a quick treat before setting off. 

There’s a pretty, circular route around the estate that’s suitable for people with mobility issues and wheelchair users. Around the castle itself, the cobblestones could make for a slightly bumpy ride. Our first stop is the English country walled garden. While the bright summer flowers are fading, it’s still a lovely, peaceful place to take a seat and enjoy the view. After a little break, we continue our walk into the tree lined forest path. 

These are still full of chirruping birds, including the parakeets which have set up home in the grounds of the Castle. The leaves crunch under our feet, one of my favourite sounds. We wander past the ‘secret garden’ – it is what I called it as a child and we used to play hide and seek between the trimmed, sphere bushes that made both a great maze and hiding spots!  

We make it up to the castle for our second drink stop. While in the summer the drink of choice is their delicious peach iced tea, now it is getting cooler a vanilla latte or hot chocolate is on the cards. They also have a café serving lunches and a small shop where you can purchase snacks too.

Sometimes the castle is opened and there is a monthly craft fair and other events taking place. Again, there are toilet facilities here including an accessible toilet. As I have an ileostomy bag, knowing where the toilets are is a must when I am going somewhere. My bag needs emptying often throughout the day and it can be nerve-wracking going somewhere new and not knowing if I will have access to a bathroom. 

After a rest and a recharge (I may have partaken in one of their yummy brownies as well as the coffee!) we get back to our walk. We head through the nature reserve trail which has a little more uneven ground – and the squirrels did not disappoint!

One of my favourite things about Autumn is the smells. From the yummy coffee and cakes sat in the café area, to the gentle breeze and fallen leaves of the forest – bliss! 

Once we are back at the car park I am more than ready to have another sit down. While my knees are aching, I know the exercise and fresh air will have done me the world of good! 

If you’re planning to get outdoors this Autumn, here are a few things that help me make the most of it: 

1. Choose the right footwear. 

Sensible shoes make all the difference. I rely on Skechers as they’re soft, supportive, and prevent pressure points and blisters. The right pair keeps me comfortable even when my arthritis flares. 

2. Take regular breaks. 

It can be hard to slow down, especially when you don’t want to stand out. But listening to your body is essential. I’ve learned to rest when I need to – and a café stop with cake and hot chocolate is a lovely treat! 

3. Research before you go. 

Even if you’re visiting somewhere familiar, it’s worth checking accessibility information before setting off. AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guides are brilliant for this. Just pop in your location and you’ll find detailed, reliable information about toilets, parking, step-free routes, cafés, and attractions nearby. It helps me plan ahead with confidence, whether I’m exploring close to home or travelling further afield. 

4. Use all your senses. 

As a teacher, I remind my Year 4 pupils to use all their senses in their writing, and the same applies to exploring outdoors. Feel the breeze on your face, listen for birdsong, smell the pine needles, and really notice the colours around you.  

5. Capture the memories. 

Take photos of the little details - the golden leaves, a steaming mug of coffee, your favourite view. Looking back at those moments can lift your mood on difficult days and remind you of the beauty waiting outside. 

However you like to enjoy Autumn - whether you’re a conker collector, a coffee-and-cake kind of explorer, or someone who loves to sit quietly and read on a park bench - there’s a way to make it work for you. AccessAble’s Detailed Access Guides can help you do just that, giving you the confidence to plan your day and know what to expect before you go. 

So wrap up warm, get outside, and make the most of the season. You can search for accessible parks, cafés, and attractions at www.AccessAble.co.uk. Let the colours, sounds, and scents of Autumn remind you that the outdoors is for everyone.