Trekking the Pennines for Dementia Forward

On 31st May, staff from Harris Irwin Architects will be lacing up their hiking boots for a challenging 18-mile trek across the Pennines to Tan Hill, Britain’s highest pub, to raise vital funds to support Dementia Forward.  The leading dementia charity for North Yorkshire, Dementia Forward provides support, advice and information to anybody affected by dementia.  Locally to Harris Irwin, they also deliver a day-care service for people living with dementia at Garget House in Richmond. 

As much of our work is involved in designing care homes for those suffering with dementia, we are keen to do as much as we can to not only help those living with dementia but also their partners, family, friends and carers who are supporting them. 

Taking in part of the Pennine Way, the 18-mile circular moorland route will set off at Bowes, towards the village’s Norman Castle and then across Bowes Moor and Sleightholme Moor to Tan Hill. With steep climbs, thick heather and rugged terrain the challenging walk reaches the half-way point at Tan Hill, which at 1,732 feet is the highest pub in Britain.  After lunch, at the well-known pub, made famous by numerous TV ads, films and dramas (not to mention groups being snowed in for days at a time!), the team will return to Bowes via Long Causeway and Gilmonby Moor.  The trek will be tough, but the walkers will be rewarded with stunning views across the Pennines to the Durham Dales, over to Cumbria and down towards Arkengarthdale.  

Increasingly, more of us will know someone who desperately needs this support or have friends or family who are caring for a loved one with dementia. If you’d like to support the team and help them to make a difference to those living with dementia, then please donate here.