Ramble on: Scooter power takes to the trail

THE newly formed Cornwall Scooter Ramblers has held its first all-day ramble along the Camel Trail.

Four members took mobility scooters from Wadebridge to Padstow and back. The group was supported by Scoot-a-Long, a Plymouth-based charity that hires out scooters for those who cannot supply their own. Cornwall Scooter Ramblers now has a dozen members and is keen to welcome more.

It plans to ramble at least once a month from April to September, organising suitable routes for members with their own scooters and, with the help of Scoot-a-Long, making available up to six scooters for those whose own scooters are not suitable or cannot be transported.

Founder member of the group Helen Purchase said: "We all met up in the car park at the start of the trail where Scoot-a-Long was waiting for us. After a cup of tea from their mobile backup caravan and brief instructions for those hiring a scooter, we set off. It was a breezy, sunny day, just right for our journey as we travelled among the walkers and cyclists.

"Tandems, single bikes some with trailers for dogs or children whizzed passed us as we kept up our steady speed of four miles an hour.

"By lunchtime we reached Padstow for a welcome cup of tea and special fish and chips.

"There was a bit of excitement on the return journey when one scooter started to go slow, but Scoot-a-Long came to the rescue with advice and help.

"We arrived back in the afternoon to tea and pasties from the caravan.

"It was a most successful and enjoyable trip."

Anyone interested in joining future rambles should e-mail helen.purchase@homecall.co.uk