National Park Rangers guide the way for walkers with dementia

People with dementia and their carers are invited to take part in the Derbyshire Dales Walking Festival (September 19 to 25) with three walks designed specifically to meet their needs.

National Park rangers will lead the fully accessible, dementia-friendly walks, guiding people at their own pace for an opportunity to take some exercise and enjoy the Peak District countryside.

Details of the National Park ranger-led walks are:

Monday 19 September – Tissington Trail

10am Meet at Tissington Station pay and display car park for a walk (up to two hours) on the Tissington Trail. Find the location with what3words: ///wagers.slowly.chum

Wednesday 21 September – Tideswell Dale

2pm Meet at Tideswell Dale pay and display car park for a stroll (up to 1.5 hours) through the dale. Find the location with what3words: ///text.wisdom.comedy

Friday 23 September – Monsal Trail

10am Meet at Hassop Station pay and display car park for a walk along the Monsal Trail (up to 1.5 hours) accompanied by Peak District National Park Rangers. Find the location with what3words: ///towns.kiosk.gown

The walks are free of charge but must be booked in advance by contacting Helen Milton, DDDC Health Walks Coordinator, by email: helen.milton@derbyshiredales.gov.uk or by phone or text on 07775 931 047.

For the full list of walking festival walks, or to download a free leaflet, visit www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/walkingfestival. The programme offers something for everyone including fully accessible routes, dementia friendly walks, social dog walks, heritage walks and wellbeing walks.

The Derbyshire Dales Walking Festival has been organised in partnership with Derbyshire Dales District Council, Peak District National Park Authority, Derbyshire Dales Ramblers Group, Eastern Moors Partnership and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Anyone taking part is advised to wear suitable footwear and take water with them. The Ramblers have guidance on how to prepare for a walk at www.derbyshiredalesramblers.org.uk