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Address: Cheddar BS40 7XU Location Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar, Somerset, England. Cheddar Gorge is not only one of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks, but also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The gorge is the site of the Cheddar show caves, where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was found in 1903. What's there? Cheddar Gorge is a popular place to pass through during road trips, with its winding roads and towering rock faces. There are multiple car parks along the way, and with the full drive only taking a few minutes, I would recommend stopping to take in the views. You could also stop in the town of Cheddar, located at the south end of the Gorge. Parking Parking is pay and display, and costs £5 for a full day. After buying one ticket, you can make use of multiple car parks along the road to see everything without having to walk too far. Accessibility Cheddar Gorge offers impressive views without even needing to leave your car. The green areas at the side of the roads make a great place to stop for lunch; the ground is uneven, but there are lots of places to sit, so you won't need to walk too far. There are steep slopes, but in small bursts, it can be worth pushing yourself to see as much as you can. Conclusion When visiting Cheddar Gorge, you have the option to do as much as you feel comfortable with, and even if you don't stop, I would recommend adding Cheddar to a road trip. With lots of history, great views and Cheddar Town, it's definitely worth a visit.

Address: Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BE Location Millmead Lock is located along the River Wey, just outside Guildford town centre. It's a quiet place, with open green areas great for picnics. There are plenty of benches around this location, with views of the picturesque lock and river. During your visit, you could also visit The Britannia pub, adjacent to the Millmead car park. Parking The Millmead Car Park is located right next to the River Wey. It's pay and display, with a maximum stay of 2 hours. There are around 30 spaces, making it rather small, but I have always been able to find a place to park. An alternative place to park is the "Portsmouth Road Car Park," located 200 metres away, just down the road. Parking is free for visitors with a blue badge. Accessibility With plenty of benches and places to rest, Millmead Lock is a great place to visit for people with POTS, or any other condition that makes walking long distances a challenge. The car park is right next to the river, so there is very little distance needed to travel. The paths are level and the bridge across the river (pictured below) is suitable for wheelchair users. The car park is tight, so this could be an added difficulty for some visitors. Conclusion Overall, Millmead Lock is a great place to visit. With its open space and quiet location, the lock is an ideal picnic spot to get away from the busyness of Guildford town centre. Other Accessible Places to visit in Guildford- Guildford Castle Guildford Cathedral Stoke Park Newlands Corner

Address: Faggs Rd, Feltham TW14 0LZ Hounslow Urban Farm is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week. There is a large selection of animals, many rescues, for such a small centre. Entry costs £6 for children and £7.50 for adults. The farm is suitable for all ages, with a clear focus on families with young children. They offer encounters a few times a day where you can hold a variety of animals. You can also feed many of the animals around the farm at all times. Parking There are two disabled parking spaces outside the centre and the main car park is around 50 metres from the entrance. There are places to sit as at the entrance before you pay, I went during the week and it was fairly quiet with no queues. Accessibility There are plenty of benches throughout the farm making this location ideal for those who struggle to walk long distances. There is a small section at the back of the farm where it may take 5-10 minutes of slow walking until you can sit down again. A large number of the enclosures had benches in front of them and for the majority of the farm, there are benches every 20 metres. The total length of the farm is just under 100 metres. Wheelchair Accessibility About 80% of the centre has paths, with only a small section at the back being grass. The paths are a bit rough in places but would still be manageable in a wheelchair or mobility scooter. I visited midday, during the week and it was quiet with only a handful of other visitors. The Animals You can see typical farm animals such as cows, sheep, goats, chickens and pigs. But there are also various owls, peacocks, lamas, reptiles and more that you can find on their website. https://hounslowurbanfarm.co.uk/animals/ Conclusion Overall, Hounslow Urban Farm is a great place to visit. Being able to feed the animals, and the activities they offer are fun for people of all age. There's a play area and bouncy castle for kids, as well as a café on site. The farm is a little rough around the edges and with Heathrow airport next-door you do hear the planes go by, other than that it can be a great way to see a good selection of animals. The small size of the farm makes it a lot less intimidating for those with mobility issues, and as someone who used to enjoy going to zoos, this is an accessible way to see and learn about different animals again.

Address: Ranmore Common Rd, Dorking RH5 6SR Location Denbies Hillside is a part of the Surrey Hills, located just 4 miles from Box Hill. This location tends to be less busy than other notable parts of the Surrey Hills, such as Newlands Corner or Reigate. What's There? There is a small car park and the Café La Creme coffee van, which sells great coffee, cakes, pasties and sausage rolls. There's also a seating area next to the car park, and short walk to a near by bench with views of the surrounding countryside. Parking The car park is just off Ranmore Common Road, and has around 50 spaces. Pay and display: £1.50 per hour for the first 2 hours £4 for up-to 4 hours £6 for 5 hours and above Paybyphone - area code 803454 (0330 060 4037) National Trust members can scan their membership card for a free ticket. Visitors with a blue badge can park for free. Accessibility Denbies Hillside is an ideal place to stop for lunch or a picnic if you struggle to walk long distances, with lunch tables right next to the car park. To access the lunch area, you open a gate and walk around 30 metres; this area would not be suitable for standard wheelchairs as the ground is bumpy and can be muddy after rain. Walking 100 metres down the hill, there is a bench with a view towards Leith Hill (pictured above). During the summer people sit all around the hillside, so you can walk as far as you feel comfortable. Conclusion With the lunch area right next to the car park, Denbies Hillside is a great place to stop for lunch or a picnic. Its peaceful scenery and great views make it an ideal location to visit if you struggle to walk long distances.

Address: Salt Box Rd, Jacobs Well, Guildford GU4 7PX About Brittens pond is a popular fishing spot in Guildford, Surrey. Spread over 5.5 acres, this location is also popular with dog walkers and families visiting to feed the ducks. Fishing In the pond, there's both Common and Mirror Carp, with the average Carp caught around 12lb. Other species Brittens Pond can offer anglers include Perch, Crucian Carp, Tench, and a good stock of Roach and Rudd. For more information about becoming a member, visit-https://guildfordanglingsociety.co.uk/places/ Parking There is a free car park next to the lake that's open from 9am - 5pm. The car park is fairly small with uneven surfaces. Accessibility With level paths around the pond, this location is suitable for wheelchair users. There are 8 accessible swims for fishing around the pond (pictured below). There are benches about every 25 metres following the path around the pond. Conclusion Overall, Brittens Pond offers good views with lots of wildlife. The pond is popular, so visiting during off-seasons when fewer people are fishing can offer more places to stop and rest if you need to take breaks while walking. The level paths and plentiful seating make this location ideal for wheelchair users, and people with limited mobility.

What is Post-exertional Malaise (PEM)? Post-exertional malaise is a worsening of symptoms after exercise, triggered by ordinary activities that healthy people can tolerate. PEM is a hallmark symptom of ME/CFS and is common in long covid. The crash caused by PEM can happen instantly, or take days to appear, with 12–48 hours being most common. Tips for Managing Post-Exertional Malaise Keep a diary- With some symptoms taking days to appear, keeping a record of your activities and health can help you identify your triggers. With this information, you can make the adjustments you need to minimise your symptoms. Make accommodations- For example, using a stool while cooking can alleviate the strain from standing for long periods of time. Camping stools are great if you are going somewhere that may not have many places to rest. If you know heat triggers your symptoms, taking a handheld fan out with you can also help lower the strain on your body. Pace yourself- Pacing yourself is one of the most important adjustments you can make for many chronic illnesses. Taking things slowly can pay off in the long run, helping to stop burnout. This could mean planning places to stop and rest while out, or separating out your tasks so you don't do too much in one day. Prioritise rest- When PEM does occur, it is often helpful to rest in a dark, quiet room. While resting, avoiding screens and other forms of stimulation can help to calm your nervous system. Many people with chronic illnesses often struggle with sleep or feel less rested when they wake up, so creating good sleeping habits can give your body the rest it needs. Stress management- Many chronic illnesses are believed to be worsened by stress. Managing your stress may help you reduce chemicals like cortisol, a chemical known to make PEM worse, as well as interrupt sleep. Your body works best and is more resilient when you're relaxed. Some ways to combat stress are: Learning to say "no" and limiting your commitments Meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques Yoga, if you're able to tolerate the activity without triggering PEM Delegating or asking for help with stressful tasks Practice self-care- Everything on this list so far is a form self-care. Another important part of self-care is listening to your body. Stopping to have a break when you start feeling strained and not pushing through things can help to stop burnout; practising this is a form of self care that anyone with a chronic illness can benefit from. For more information visit- https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-post-exertional-malaise-716023 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/long-term-effects-of-covid-19-long-covid/ https://www.accessibledaytrips.com/post/travelling-with-pots-or-dysautonomia-tips-and-tricks https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html

A new study has shown how returning to exercise too soon can be harmful for long covid patients "We very clearly show that excessive exercise – only 15 minutes, but this is excessive for the patients – causes a lot of damage," says Brent Appelman, a researcher at Amsterdam UMC. The research has confirmed what many long covid patients have experienced while struggling to recover after their diagnosis. With symptoms such as muscle cramps, pain, fatigue, and even brain fog – lasting from anything from two days to two months, depending on the person. "The crash that these patients experience is so severe that it can set their rehabilitation back for many months. And you can imagine that regular exercise of one hour, intense working days of eight hours, or social activities of two hours, can show similar effects." These symptoms are similar to those of patients with ME/CFS and POTS, and are a form of post-exertional malaise. With the number of POTS diagnoses doubling since the covid pandemic, learning more about this could be the key to treating long covid. What is Post-exertional Malaise (PEM)? Post-exertional malaise is a worsening of symptoms after exercise, triggered by ordinary activities that healthy people can tolerate. PEM is a hallmark symptom of ME/CFS and is common in long covid. The crash caused by PEM can happen instantly, or take days to appear, with 12–48 hours being most common. Tips for managing Post-Exertional Malaise Keep a diary- With some symptoms taking days to appear, keeping a record of your activities and health can help you identify your triggers. With this information, you can make the adjustments you need to minimise your symptoms. Make accommodations- For example, using a stool while cooking can alleviate the strain from standing for long periods of time. Camping stools are great if you are going somewhere that may not have many places to rest. If you know heat triggers your symptoms, taking a handheld fan out with you can also help lower the strain on your body. Pace yourself- Pacing yourself is one of the most important adjustments you can make for many chronic illnesses. Taking things slowly can pay off in the long run, helping to stop burnout. This could mean planning places to stop and rest while out, or separating out your tasks so you don't do too much in one day. Prioritise rest- When PEM does occur, it is often helpful to rest in a dark, quiet room. While resting, avoiding screens and other forms of stimulation can help to calm your nervous system. Many people with chronic illnesses often struggle with sleep or feel less rested when they wake up, so creating good sleeping habits can give your body the rest it needs. Stress management- Many chronic illnesses are believed to be worsened by stress. Managing your stress may help you reduce chemicals like cortisol, a chemical known to make PEM worse, as well as interrupt sleep. Your body works best and is more resilient when you're relaxed. Some ways to combat stress are: Learning to say "no" and limiting your commitments Meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness techniques Yoga, if you're able to tolerate the activity without triggering PEM Delegating or asking for help with stressful tasks Practice self-care- Everything on this list so far is a form self-care. Another important part of self-care is listening to your body. Stopping to have a break when you start feeling strained and not pushing through things can help to stop burnout; practicing this is a form of self-care that anyone with a chronic illness can benefit from. For more information visit https://inews.co.uk/news/long-covid-patients-serious-injury-running-cycling-2837180?fbclid=IwAR1-ZloPHb8gl39X5GJesi2DVHzld6nxAKldpEQLJe1ZCXyiWer_ceTot84 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44432-3#:~:text=All%20long%20COVID%20patients%20experienced,2A%2C%20B). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36911963/ https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-post-exertional-malaise-716023 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/long-term-effects-of-covid-19-long-covid/ https://www.accessibledaytrips.com/post/travelling-with-pots-or-dysautonomia-tips-and-tricks https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html Products for POTS/Dysautonomia https://www.accessibledaytrips.com/productsforpots

Address: 32 Digswell Park Rd, Digswell, Welwyn AL8 7LU Location & History The Digswell Viaduct is a railway bridge that carries the East Coast Main Line over the River Mimram in Hertfordshire. The viaduct is 475 metres in length and 30 metres tall. It was designed by William Cubitt in the style of a Roman aqueduct. Construction took two years and was first opened for use on the 6th of August 1850. A three-year project in the mid 1930s encased the viaduct's deteriorating brickwork in the blue engineering brick seen today. Overhead lines were added when the line was electrified in the 1970s. What's There? The viaduct is the main attraction at this location, but there's also a local park, which offers an ideal place to stop for lunch or a picnic. There are plenty of benches around the park, and at the far end you will find a small pond that you can walk around. For the best view, you can follow a path from the car park under the viaduct for around 50 metres. Parking There's a free car park located right next to the viaduct that's open 24 hours. Stays are limited to 2 hours on Mondays to Fridays between 9am - 1pm. There's one blue badge parking space. Accessibility With the car park right next to the viaduct, this location is ideal for people who struggle to walk long distances. There is a level path under the viaduct suitable for wheelchairs. Unfortunately there are no benches along this path, but walking around 50–75 metres will give you the best view of the structure. The park is just across the road from the car park and also offers a view of the viaduct. The park is around 100 metres in length, with benches located at the far end. The pond area is located at the far end of the park, with a bench facing over the water. The park is all grass with no paths, so it may be unsuitable for wheelchairs, especially after rain. Conclusion Overall, the Digswell Viaduct is a great place to visit, particularly during good weather, with the park nearby offering a good place for lunch or a picnic. This location is ideal for people who struggle to walk long distances, given the close proximity of the car park. There is also a long walk for more able visitors that takes you around the local area.

Sound Of Metal Review Sound of Metal is a drama film directed and co-written by Darius Marder. It follows the story of a drummer named Ruben, portrayed by Riz Ahmed, who loses his sense of hearing and his struggle to come to terms with his new life. Sound of Metal premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival on September 6th and was received with critical acclaim. The film opens with Ruben performing on stage with his girlfriend Lou. It then shows their close relationship as they travel in a campervan while they're on tour. But soon their plans for the future are challenged when Ruben starts experiencing hearing loss. After visiting a doctor, Ruben is told he has lost most of his hearing and that the rest will deteriorate rapidly. Struggling with his diagnosis and a history of addiction, Ruben is recommended a shelter for deaf recovering addicts. The film then follows his journey as he joins a deaf community and learns sign language. But when he seems to have found his place in his new life, the opportunity to have a cochlear implant challenges his acceptance of his illness. I think the theme of self-acceptance is something anyone with a chronic health condition will relate to. Throughout the film you see Ruben fight to hold on to what he knows, reluctant to accept this big change in his life. The film demonstrates the high cost of denial, but also the importance of community and finding value in yourself, despite things not going as expected. The use of sound to represent Ruben's experiences really helped to show the impact of his condition and will draw audiences into the film. Darius Marder shot Sound of Metal on 35mm film, giving it a gritty, authentic look with rich colour and a great use of natural light in many of the scenes. The way Marder displayed Rubens life at the start of the film, with few shots giving a sense of location until he finds the community at the shelter, was a great way to show audiences how his lifestyle and emotions change throughout the film. Sound of Metal was nominated for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, and won for Best Sound and Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards. Overall, I would highly recommend checking out Sound of Metal.