This podcast is a celebration of a lovely walk that links dementia-awareness, the outdoors, wellbeing and the city of my birth.

My dad has dementia and over the years he has gradually deteriorated. He no longer remembers who I am and he often gets confused finding his way around his own home.

When I take my dad out, he loves to say hello to people, but often gets muddled when he tries to have a conversation. I’m so grateful to those strangers who realise dad has dementia and continue chatting with him, even if they don’t understand what he says. The kindness of strangers is very powerful indeed.

When two dear friends of mine in Exeter (both of whom are passionate about raising awareness around dementia) teamed up to create a walking route around the outskirts of Exeter that adds up to the length of a marathon (26.2 miles) I asked if I could meet them.

The route is split into shorter sections ranging from 3-7 miles each and each section explores footpaths, lanes and villages that circle the heart of the city. I joined them on a 3 mile route linking Clyst St Mary and Clyst St George. We took our dogs and had a leisurely stroll on a sunny late September day.

Here at the Inner Compass Guide we shine a light on wellbeing and Jo Earlam (who’s husband has dementia) and Gina Awad (founder of the Exeter Dementia Alliance) both ooze wellbeing – I’m inspired by what they’re up to.

Exeter Dementia Action Alliance:
Cosy Route (Circle of Somewhere Yours):