Alzheimer’s walks – July / August 2025
This post is quite lengthy as the Rotary Club of Consett are trying to be as inclusive as possible.
On all walks there is no race, no time limits and you simply do what you can, you do not need to do all walks, just what you feel you are capable of!
Short Walk Options:
Walk 1.
2pm 27th July – Meet In the car park outside Sweet Things cafe
Fawcett park (behind Tesco) – Suitable for wheelchair users and all family members.
Exactly 1.6km (or 1 Mile) Circa 9m or 30ft total climb over the whole distance– hopefully, this is suitable for all Rotarians and of any ability, even wheelchairs, David has run this route – paths in places are a little rough but predominantly good solid ground, though very little tarmac.
We would start at the new café and end at the new café for tea/coffee and cake. The café is open 9am to 3pm 7 days. Week. There is also some outdoor picnic benches.
Walk 2.
2pm 2nd August – Blackhill and Consett Park
Blackhill and Consett Park. Circa 1.34km – ¾ of a mile but steep in places and half if it is uphill. Very good walking surfaces – all tarmac, for the more adventurous there are some very short woodland paths.
Other than the woodland paths this is a good route for wheel chair users etc but total climb height is about 90m or 295 feet. This Park is a jewel of Consett and very beautiful, and if you are feeling adventurous there is a play park with swings etc. There is a café but im not sure if it will be open. The Sweet Things cafe is also an option or even a local bar for afterwards. The Cricketers is not far from this walk but does not do food or cake !
Walk 3.
2pm 3rd August – Allensford Park. Meet at the car park at the end closest to the cafe.
Allensford Park. Circa 1.58km Very nearly 1mile. Total ascent 9m – 27 feet. Fairly flat walk. Nearly all on well-kept grass which in the majority is always solid unless there has been heavy rain. There is a good café onsite too. This is a beautiful park with picnic tables half way round if you want to sit and have cuppa – bring a flask if you like. This walk is comparable to walk 1 but with it been grassy can be more challenging for some. At least half the walk is along the river Derwent. There are also public toilets on this walk.
These short walks can easily be done on an evening and we could even do all 3 walks over the month if you like, please let David know.
Medium distance walk.
Walk 4.
9th August Meet at the car park at Allensford Park – the end closest to the cafe.
River Derwent and Allensford. Circa 6.5km or 4-mile, total ascent 95m or 285 feet. Not a hugely challenging walk. But some steady incline towards the start of the walk for about half a mile then flat until very near to the end of the walk where there is quite a sharp incline for a short distance, the less fit or those with mobility issues will struggle with this walk. It is suitable for families with reasonable fitness.
This is predominantly a river and woodland walk and as it incorporates Allensford it also has the café option at just over the half way point.
Long Walk
Walk 5.
20th July 9:30am Please get in touch if you would like to do this beautiful walk. It will involve car share – you of course are able to make your own way there, but in the interest of the envionment, car share would be sensible.
This Walk starts in Warkworth and ends in Boulmer, A coastal walk but no walking on beaches, unless of course you want to.– it is a longer route at 13.54km or 8.5 miles with a total ascent over that distance of 119m 357 feet. There are no really difficult climbs but there are a couple of very short steep sections but generally any climb is gradual. Suitable for all fit persons but not generally wheelchair accessible – (great for families.
We will need to drop a vehicle off in Boulmer (maybe more than one depending on the number of walkers) and then go back to Warkworth, where there are pubs and cafes that do good food and CAKES !!!
Please let David (me) or Lynne (my wife) know if you can take part.
Please read the following very important information – while the walks are great for headspace and socialising this is about raising money for the Alzheimers Society.
The link for the Alzheimer’s registration is here:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/organise-your-own-fundraising/organise-your-own-challenge/organise-your-own-trek – There is a Sign Up For Free Box in the top left of the screen when viewed on a computer.
You have to sign up as an individual and enter the challenge you are setting yourself.
If you have family and friends who would like to take part please share within your Network Groups.
Dogs: I love dogs and have 2. Dogs are welcome. You will need a lead for some of the walks so bring one regardless of your dog walking to heal/having good recall etc.
Below are some screen prints of each walk.
David and Lynne
Rotary Club of Consett
Short Walk – 1
Short Walk – 2
Short Walk – 3
Medium Walk
