Gentle outings and walks close to home

Start small, close to home

• Coffee at a café around the corner.
• A bench in the local park, with a thermos and a view.
• The library, or a browse at the market.
• A garden centre, with time to potter.
• A short loop around the block, noticing the gardens.
• A gallery or museum, one room at a time.

Planning an outing

1. 1

   Choose together

   Start with what they enjoy. An outing they chose is one they'll look forward to.

2. 2

   Pick their best time of day

   Some people are brightest in the morning, some after lunch. Go when they're at their best.

3. 3

   Check the practical things

   Seats, shade, toilets, how far it is and what the weather is doing.

4. 4

   Plan a rest and a way home

   A place to stop halfway, and no pressure to go the whole way.

5. 5

   Take what helps

   Water, a hat, glasses, a phone, comfortable shoes and a bag for anything you buy.

Walking at their own pace

• Let them set the pace, and walk beside them, not ahead.
• Choose even paths, with places to sit.
• Stop to notice: flowers, birds, a neighbour's garden.
• Little and often can suit better than one long walk.
• If it's not a good day, a cuppa at home counts too.