My Adventures with the TerrainHopper

Some moments change the direction of your life. For me, one of those moments happened in 2012, when I first discovered the TerrainHopper.

The Moment It All Began

I was watching television when I saw an interview with Sam Dantzie, who had just won an award for innovation. He was talking about the TerrainHopper – an incredible off-road powered wheelchair designed to tackle terrain that most mobility devices simply couldn’t.

I remember feeling giddy with excitement seeing footage of the TerrainHopper driving across a beach. My mind immediately started racing with possibilities.

Without hesitation, I picked up the phone and rang the company to ask if I could try one.

My First TerrainHopper Test Drive

The test drive took place in a woodland setting – muddy, atmospheric, and perfect for putting the TerrainHopper through its paces.

After showing me the controls and explaining how it worked, the instructor pointed towards a fallen tree across the path.

“Drive over that,” he said.

I laughed.

There was no way that could be possible.

But I lined up the machine and slowly drove towards the obstacle. To my amazement, the TerrainHopper simply climbed over the log like it was nothing.

I couldn’t believe it.

Then the adrenaline kicked in.

Soon I was driving up steep tracks, through mud, and even across shallow rivers. At that moment I realised something powerful:

This machine was going to open up my life.

Suddenly, I could see what was possible.

The Coast to Coast Dream

In 2015, following spinal surgery, I set myself a challenge that meant a great deal to me.

I wanted to complete the Coast to Coast — travelling from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay.

It’s a famous long-distance walk across England that I had already completed twice on foot. But this time, I wanted to do it using a TerrainHopper.

And what an adventure it was.

Against all odds, we completed it.

That journey proved something important to me: adventure doesn’t have to end because of disability.

Back in the Hills

After the Coast to Coast, my late husband Andy and I continued exploring together.

We returned to the hills and began tackling new challenges, including:

• Several Wainwrights in the Lake District

• A number of the Dales 30 in Yorkshire

• Creating our own long-distance route

One of our favourite adventures was designing a route from Semerwater to Ullswater, following a network of bridleways across spectacular countryside.

These journeys reminded me again and again how powerful access to the outdoors can be.

Creating Opportunities for Others

These experiences inspired the creation of the charity Access the Dales.

Our aim is simple: help more disabled people experience adventure in the countryside.

We have created several TerrainHopper hubs where people can try these amazing machines and explore the landscape.

Current hubs include:

• Forest of Bowland – at the beautiful Whitewell Estate

• Yorkshire Dales – with access to open fell land above Nateby

You can find details of where to try a TerrainHopper on our website:www.access-the-dales.com

And we’re not stopping there.

Coming Soon

A brand-new hub is being developed at Coldstone Cut, where people will be able to use the new Flatlander from TerrainHopper.

Another step towards opening up the countryside for everyone.

What’s Next?

As for my next TerrainHopper adventure…

Well, that’s still in the planning stage.

But one thing is certain.

I’ll be travelling with my faithful TerrainHopper – Harriet.

So keep watching this space. The next adventure is never far away. 🌿