Walks for All aim to improve people’s health in the Peak District National Park

People who need help getting started with going out for a walk are being encouraged to join the new Walks for All programme.

Fully accessible and dementia friendly Walks for All events each month gives people the opportunity to meet up regularly for a free and friendly, walk or stroll with trained walk leaders.

The events are designed for people who need a bit of support to start going for a walk or who need a short supported walk and some company, whether they are living with dementia or in a wheelchair, or whatever reason.

Peak District National Park ranger Jo Hanney said: "Walks for All are gentle walks that last for up to an hour. We go at a pace to suit the walkers and we follow fully accessible paths and trails.

"It’s a sociable time as we walk along and chat away, looking for flora and fauna, and then we have refreshments together afterwards.

"New walkers and their carers are always welcome. You just turn up, there’s no need to book in advance."

There are two opportunities every month for people to take part in Walks for All:

• at Whitworth Park, in Darley Dale, on the second Tuesday at 2pm, meeting at the war memorial with Health Walk leaders;
• and at Hassop Station, near Bakewell, on the fourth Tuesday at 2pm, meeting in front of the Station with Peak District National Park Rangers.

Walks for All are arranged in partnership with the Peak District National Park rangers, Health Walks Derbyshire Dales, Walk Derbyshire, Dementia Friends, Derbyshire Dales District Council.

For more information about Walks for All and walking to improve your health, please contact sportsdevelopment@derbyshiredales.gov.uk or 01629 761194, or visit: www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/walksforall