Walking and climbing with disabilities

Being able to walk and climb in Scotland’s mountains is taken for granted by so many of us, but people living with disabilities can face extra challenges that may seem insuperable.

Most, however, can still enjoy the great outdoors. It may take determination, ingenuity and the support of others, and plans may have to be adjusted to ability, but many people who face seemingly insuperable difficulties still manage to live an active and fulfilling outdoor life.

Jamie Andrew is an active mountaineer and indoor climber, despite having lost his hands and feet to frostbite. He’s received a lot of help on the journey to where he is, but the key factors he says are determination, positivity, resilience, resourcefulness and patience – all attributes learned in the outdoors.

Help is a vital part of the equation though, and besides making use of the help of willing friends, there are a number of charities and organisations which offer assistance in outdoor activities.