Sofa2Stroll +

Sofa2Stroll+ Walks @ Elvaston Castle Country Park

Hello,

We are Nikki and Michelle, and we warmly invite you to join us on our Sofa2Stroll+ walks in nature, organised as part of the Walk Derbyshire Initiative.

Our Journey

Spending time in nature has become our happy place. Over recent years, it has been fundamental in helping us adapt to living with long-term health conditions, as well as in improving our mobility and building up tolerance for exercise.

The Challenge

Along the way, we’ve faced some real barriers:

• Exercise support through the NHS or Social Prescribing was mainly indoors.
• Walking alone was difficult to stay motivated — too far, too fast, too hilly.
• We often felt we were holding others back, and at times being left behind left us feeling isolated or vulnerable.

Why Sofa2Stroll+?

Sofa2Stroll+ was created for people like us — people who may have been stuck at home due to health conditions, but who want the chance to get outdoors regularly with others who understand.

About the Walks

Our very first Sofa2Stroll+ location is Elvaston Castle Country Park. This beautiful site has flat, accessible paths, a pay-and-display car park (with Blue Badge bays), accessible toilets, and places to buy refreshments.

For more detail on whether the routes are suitable for your mobility aids or devices, please see our Facebook page or the photos in this advert.

How the Walks Work

1. Welcome & Part 1: The walk begins at 11:00 from the Visitor Centre car park. Part 1 covers up to a mile, through the walled garden where seating is available, then on to the main hall.
o Along the way there’s the option to join a short mindfulness in nature practice led by Nikki.

o We also include a 15-minute refreshment stop — you can bring your own or buy from the café at the main hall.

o Benches are limited around the grounds, so if you need to sit more frequently (Michelle often does!), please bring a small folding stool.

2. Sofa2Stroll+ Part 2: Once everyone is safely back at the starting point, we offer a second, optional stroll for those who’d like to go further. The distance and route will be decided on the day, depending on the group’s abilities and where you are in your own reconditioning or exercise goals.

Our Intentions and Ethos

• Above all, have fun!
• No one is left behind — if we loop back, please do so to keep the group together.
• Go at your own pace: pause, rest, breathe, or simply enjoy the scenery whenever you need.
• Please stay with the group rather than wander off alone. If you need to leave early, just let one of us know.
• Tell us if you feel unwell before or during the stroll — we know symptoms can flare without warning.
• If you have a full-time carer, they will need to accompany you.
• Assistance dogs are welcome. Otherwise, please leave dogs at home.

Elvaston was our very first Sofa2Stroll+ location, so it will always be a special one for us. In time, we hope to extend Sofa2Stroll+ further across Derbyshire.

Meeting point

Beginning of stroll via outer perimeter

Easy access areas

Small area of cobbled stones on the way to the cafe

Varying terrains, but are accessible for most (Michelle in the photo)

Tarmac can be slightly bumpy, unlevel, and with a few shallow holes.

Toilet block with disabled facilities. Access to the start of the stroll is to the left of the toilet block.

Majority of the stroll is on compacted hardcore (Nikki in photo)

You can't miss us in our high viz!