Sofa"Stroll+ @ Straws Bridge Nature Reserve and Nutbrook Trail

Sofa2Stroll+ Walks @ Straws Bridge Nature Reserve & Nutbrook Trail

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 source of happiness, and over recent years, it has played a crucial role in helping us adapt to living with long-term health conditions. Being outdoors has also supported us in improving our mobility and building up our tolerance for exercise.

The Challenge

We both encountered several challenges along the way:

· The exercise support available through the NHS or Social Prescribing was primarily based indoors.

· Walking alone was difficult to stay motivated. We often found the distances too great, the pace too quick, or the routes too hilly. It could feel as though we were holding others back, and at times, being left behind felt isolating and left us vulnerable.

Why Sofa2Stroll+?

Our Sofa2Stroll+ walks are designed for people like us who have been confined to their homes due to health conditions and would like to venture out regularly into nature with others who understand their experience.

About the Walks

Our second location for regular Sofa2Stroll+ walks is Straws Bridge Nature Reserve and the Nutbrook Trail. This site features accessible, flat paths and ample parking, including disabled spaces. There are accessible toilets and refreshment facilities next to Straws Bridge car park, which also has its own disabled parking area. For more information about the terrain and its suitability for your mobility or assistive devices, please visit our Facebook page.

How the Walks Work

1. Welcome & Cuppa: We understand not everyone will feel up to walking every time, so you are welcome to join Nikki and Michelle for a chat and a cup of tea at the Café at Castlefield from 10:30.

Castlefield Cafe and Dog Rescue Centre - 261B High Ln E, Ilkeston DE7 6HZ

https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1JN7j3rSQS%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr&data=05%7C02%7C%7C62e517d8f9c4400dd38f08ddfe7a715d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638946524015049608%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Ha0uEYabaMIGhgEXFsHgrm%2Bh3vBxKIVPPv8425MZBy4%3D&reserved=0

The Cafe is to the left of the carpark as you look at the Resevoir with the main road behind you.

2. The Stroll: The walk begins at 11:00 and covers a short 0.4-mile route around Straws Bridge Lake. There are plenty of benches for regular breaks. The gravel paths, while a bit uneven in places, have been tested by users of electric power chairs and seated rollators, who found them manageable. If you wish, do bring a fold-up fishing or camping stool to sit on (Michelle often does).

3. There is an optional mindfulness in nature practice, led by Nikki, for those who wish to participate.

4. Sofa2Stroll+ Part 2: Once everyone has safely returned to the starting point, we offer a second stroll for those wanting a longer walk. The distance and route will be tailored on the day to suit the group’s abilities and personal reconditioning or exercise goals.

Our Intentions and Ethos

· Above all, have fun!

· No one is left behind. If we ask the group to loop back, please do so, ensuring everyone stays together.

· Go at your own pace. Pause and rest as often as you need, whether to enjoy the scenery, catch your breath, or let pain subside.

· Please stay with the group and avoid wandering off alone or forming small groups. If you need to leave unexpectedly, let Nikki or Michelle know before departing.

· Inform us if you are not feeling well before or during the walk. We understand that symptoms can arise unexpectedly, as is common with many health conditions.

· If you have a full-time carer, they must accompany you during the walk.

· Assistance dogs are welcome. Otherwise, please leave your dogs at home.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Best wishes,

Nikki & Michelle

NB: To find out more about us, please visit our Sofa2Stroll+ Facebook page for photos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1574172316640247/