Our 'Access All Areas' columnist Zoe Maclean recently enjoyed the opportunity to try out a range of watersports on a visit to Clyde Muirshiel Country Park. Here is her story...

A number of weeks ago I came across an event advertised on social media by Scottish Disability Sport . The name of the event ‘Wheels to Water’ particularly intrigued me so I decided to find out more.

The event was hosted by Scottish Disability Sport in partnership with Clyde Muirshiel Country park. It was also supported by The Big lottery Fund and The Celtic FC Inspiring sport project.

The aim of the event was to open up a range of outdoor activities to disabled people along with their friends and family. The event has taken place over the last two years in a different locations each year with different sports on offer. This year the event took place at the Castle Semple Visitor Centre and country park in Lochwinnoch. There were various water sports on offer for everyone to try these included, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, power-boating and rowing as well as hand-cycling. Each sport was represented on the day by the respective member organisations, each had an information tent with help, information and and advice offered by volunteers.

I really enjoyed being able to participate in a range of different water sports which I had never thought would be possible in the past. It turned into an action packed day, I went along with my mum Barbara and brother Graeme to see what was available. In the morning session Graeme and I went sailing; this was something I had never done before and I was very pleased to be able to participate alongside Graeme for the first time. In the afternoon we moved on to hand - cycling and canoeing. Hand-cycling works in a similar way to cycling the only difference being that you propel the tricycle using the strength in your arms and moving the handle bars while your legs remain still. It is safe to say that by the end of the day my arms had been given a thorough workout!

My thanks go to the event organisers at Scottish Disability Sport and to the staff and instructors at Castle Semple for making the day possible. Thanks also go to my mum Barbara and brother Graeme who supported me to take part in a fun filled day. The staff and volunteers involved in the day could not have been more helpful and assisted everyone to take part as fully as possible. The event was fully accessible with hoist equipment available to help people into the boats.

The staff at Castle Semple are keen for more groups of disabled people to experience outdoor sports, particularly from within North Ayrshire. If you would like to know more about the range of activities available please call castle Semple on 01505 842 882 To find out more about disability sport in your area visit www.scottishdisabilitysport.com