Welcome, listeners. It’s a pleasure to have you with me today as we wander through time and terrain. Picture yourself stepping through a massive oak door, the scent of ancient stone mingling with fresh meadow air, and finding a place where you can simply sit on the green, gaze over rolling hills and let the stories of centuries drift around you. That is the feeling I want to explore, the surprising truth that some medieval castles, built for cannons and carts, can feel more welcoming than many polished Victorian mansions.

Thanks for listening,

Paul P.S. If you enjoy my work and want to support my writing and podcasting you can buy me a coffee over on "Buy me Coffee" - https://buymeacoffee.com/blindlywheeling

If you’ve ever watched a film about a road‑trip, you’ll recognise the montage of maps, fuel stops and scenic vistas. For most of us those moments are simply a backdrop to the real goal, the beach, the concert, the cosy B&B. For many wheelchair users, however, the journey can be the main plot.

Podcast 30 – Why Accessible Design Doesn’t Have to Be Boring, Grey and Grumpy

Hello and welcome to episode 30 of the Blindly Wheeling podcast.

Now, I don’t know who first decided that “accessible design” meant painting everything hospital beige, sticking up a few plastic grab rails, and hoping nobody complained … but whoever they were, I’d quite like a word.

Because here’s the truth: accessibility doesn’t have to be bland, grey, or grumpy. Done well, it can be stylish, joyful, and even Instagram-worthy. And the best bit? It’s better for everyone, not just disabled people.

So let’s roll into this properly; powerchairs and all.

Podcast episode number twenty nine: “Know Before You Go”

Hello and welcome to episode 29 of the Blindly Wheeling podcast.

Today we’re talking about something simple, practical, and often overlooked. The idea of knowing before you go.

Now, if you’ve ever planned a trip to somewhere new, you’ll know that flutter of excitement mixed with just a pinch of uncertainty. Where shall we park? Will the café still be serving cake by the time we arrive? Soup or sandwich?

But for many disabled people, the questions run deeper. It’s not just about opening hours or menus. It’s about essentials like:

• Can I park close by?

• Is there step-free access from the pavement?

• And that famous one: will the “accessible” toilet actually be accessible?

These aren’t unusual questions. They’re everyday, practical details that make the difference between a great day out … and a wasted journey.

Listen to find out more.

Episode 28 - A Wee Dram, A Big Welcome

Today we’re diving into something a little unexpected, but I promise it’s close to all our hearts. Or should I say … close to our bladders? Yes, today’s theme is about how doing the unexpected as we talk toilets and tours and how they can transform a visitor experience into something truly welcoming.

Let me paint you a picture.

You’re nestled in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Heather on the hills, the crisp scent of malted barley in the air. You’ve made the journey, maybe from Glasgow, maybe from overseas, to a place where history seeps from the stonework and the welcome is as warm as a Highland hug. Listen in to find out more.

Episode 27: Rolling Through Time

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling, the podcast where a set of wheels can take you just about anywhere and even back in time.

Today we’re off on a whirlwind tour of ten of the UK’s most accessible historic spots. Think castles with stories in every stone, countryside walks with views to spare, Roman baths that are still making a splash, Belfast streets buzzing with history, plus museums, trams, crown jewels and even a few Vikings thrown in for good measure.

So buckle up, or should I say, roll on, it’s going to be quite the journey through time.

Episode 26: Streets Connect My World

Welcome to Blindly Wheeling, the podcast where lived experience meets everyday journeys. In this episode, we’re heading out onto the streets. Those very paths that connect disabled people to work, to shops, to friends, and to the wider community.

Streets aren’t just tarmac and kerbs. They’re lifelines. They can be welcoming, safe, and full of possibility. Or they can be barriers that cut us off.

Join me as I share stories of the pavements and crossings that have shaped my adventures, the frustrations that trip us up, and the small changes that can transform a street into a gateway to the world.

I never really set out to write a book. At least, not in the traditional sense. There was no moment of thunderbolt inspiration, no quiet study piled high with manuscripts, and certainly no grand plan to see my name sitting proudly on an Amazon listing.

What I did have was years of lived experience and stories gathered from rolling into distilleries, exploring historic castles, navigating visitor centres, theatres, ferries, cafés, and every place in between. I had moments of delight when things worked well, and the occasional moment of sheer frustration when a simple step or missing bit of information turned an anticipated day out into something quite different. In this episode I want to share my thoughts about writing a book.