A companion who shares their interests, in Derbyshire

Somewhere to go

Level former railway walking on the Monsal Trail

Bakewell

An 8.5 mile traffic-free trail along a former railway line between Blackwell Mill near Buxton and Coombs Road in Bakewell, passing through lit tunnels and over viaducts. A carer can drive to one of the car parks, walk a short there-and-back section and turn round whenever the person they support has had enough.

Getting around: The trail is described as suitable for wheelchair users as well as walkers and cyclists.

Source: peakdistrict.org. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Tissington Trail out of Ashbourne

Ashbourne

A former Buxton to Ashbourne railway line, now a broad walking and cycling trail through the White Peak with village access points along the way. A carer can pick one of the flatter stretches away from the steep part near Ashbourne and plan a short loop back to the car.

Getting around: Some parts of the trail are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, though there is a short steep section at Seven Arches near Ashbourne.

Source: yha.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Scarthin Books, Cromford

Cromford

An independent bookshop in Cromford selling new and second-hand books since the mid-1970s, with rooms of stock over several floors and a cafe. A carer can browse for someone with a list of favourite authors and use the cafe as the sitting-down part of the outing.

Source: forreadingaddicts.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Reading groups at Derbyshire libraries

Derbyshire County Council libraries run free reading and book groups across the county, such as the Sandiacre Reading Group and Pinxton Readers, meeting monthly or every few weeks. A carer can check the library events list for the nearest group, arrange transport and pick up the next title on the way home.

Source: derbyshire.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

In the calendar

Afternoon tea dance in the Octagon Hall

Pavilion Gardens, Buxton

A monthly afternoon tea dance from 1pm to 4pm in the Octagon Hall at Buxton's Pavilion Gardens, with tea, coffee and biscuits included and no booking needed. A carer can simply turn up and pay on the door, and sit out the faster numbers with the person they support.

Getting around: The Pavilion Gardens has wheelchair accessible toilets, including one reached by lift.

Source: paviliongardens.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Winster Morris Dancers

Winster

A long-running mixed morris side based in Winster that keeps a distinctive Derbyshire dance tradition going and performs at local carnivals and events, with weekly practices from October to April. A carer could take someone to watch a practice or a carnival appearance, which suits people who enjoyed dancing but no longer want to take part.

Source: themorrisring.org. Check opening times and access before you go.

In the calendar

Derbyshire Open Arts studio weekend

An annual open studios event over the late May bank holiday weekend when artists across Derbyshire open their own studios and shared venues to visitors. A carer can ring ahead to pick two or three venues with parking and easy entry, rather than attempting a long trail in one day.

Source: peakdistrictartisans.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Local tradition

Well dressing in the Derbyshire villages

Tissington

A summer Derbyshire custom in which villages make large pictures for their wells and springs by pressing flower petals and natural materials into wet clay, with Tissington among the best known. A carer could take someone to see the dressings in place, or try a small petal panel on a tray at home for people who still enjoy working with colour.

Source: atlasobscura.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Knit and Natter at Derbyshire libraries

Derbyshire County Council libraries run free Knit and Natter and Craft and Chatter sessions, usually weekly or fortnightly in the afternoon, and other crafts such as crochet and sewing are welcome. A carer can check the library events list for the nearest session, carry the bag of wool and sit in for company.

Source: derbyshire.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Wirksworth Library Knit and Natter group

Wirksworth

A knitting group that meets at Wirksworth Library on alternate Tuesday afternoons, open to anyone who wants to bring their work along. A carer can ring the library first to confirm the next date and stay for the session if the person prefers not to arrive alone.

Source: m.facebook.com. Check opening times and access before you go.