Walk the British Isles with Harriet on the D Tour: New Adventures Every Friday
Join Harriet on her incredible 900-mile journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats, inspired by her late mother and her mission to change how we view dementia. Through The D Tour podcast, Harriet shares the sights and sounds of the British countryside beneath her feet, along with her daily adventures, engaging conversations with people she meets along the way, dementia experts, and even the occasional celebrity!
Each episode is filled with stories of resilience and hope, inviting you to embrace the moment, find joy in life’s simple pleasures, and see dementia in a new light. Tune in every Friday to be part of this inspiring journey.
The D Tour podcast has been made possible by Macs Adventure, who specialise in self-guided walking and cycling holidays for independent, active people who don’t want to be part of the crowd or restricted by set dates and schedules.
You can also listen to The D Tour on M4D Radio thanks to the support of Music for Dementia
Episode 12: The Secret Sauce
In this episode, Harriet travels from Fort William to Alness, reflecting on the fine line between the joy of welcome solitude and the discomfort of isolation.
She makes a meaningful stop in Nairn, where she meets Neil Mapes and Lucy Harding, founders of Dementia Adventure.
The episode dives into different perspectives from Lovemore Munowenyu on how cultural backgrounds shape experiences of loneliness, and Frances Lawrence from Dementia Carers Count on the unique challenges faced by those in a caring role. Jill O’Connell also shares the importance of the Herbert Protocol. And finally, we reconnect with the beloved Nancy McAdam (from “Nancy and Agnes”) to hear her reflections on life and connection in the Highlands. It’s a long one!
This episode is sponsored by
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
You Got The Love by Candi Statton
Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand) by Diana Ross
Episode 11: Doing It My Way
Harriet contemplates the true meaning of independence while traveling the West Highland Way from Drymen to Fort William.
Supported by Macs Adventure, who handle all logistics, she experiences the freedom to fully immerse in the journey. Graham Horner from Macs Adventure shares how self-guided trips empower people to explore on their own terms.
Harriet also speaks with Graham Galloway from Meeting Centres Scotland, discussing how these centres help people living with dementia rebuild social connections and regain autonomy. Additional insights come from Dr. Raja Badrakalimuthu and Fernando Perez, broadening the perspective on independence and community.
This episode is sponsored by
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
Skye Boat Song by Various Artists
I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ by Scissor Sisters
Episode 10: Lean On Me
From Innerleithen to Drymen, Harriet takes stock of her journey so far, addressing the inner voice that has been nagging at her mood and motivation.
In this episode, we hear from clinical psychologist Dr. Elisabeth Goad, who explains the Positive Behaviour Support framework used in dementia care settings, and Ruth Thompson and Sue Hinds remind us that it’s okay not to always be okay—offering advice on how to accept those moments and build from them. We also hear from Michael Timmons, CEO of Playlist for Life, as he delves into the science behind the power of personally meaningful music. And, of course, there’s a reasonable amount of bracken and mist along the way!
This episode is dedicated to:
Harriet’s Mum, Susan Thomas
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
Lean on Me by Bill Withers
There But for Fortune by Joan Baez
Episode 9: Seeds of Change
Harriet travels from Alston to Melrose, crossing through Cumbria, Northumberland, and finally into Scotland! As the weather cools and the days shorten, she notices the changing landscape, with harvested fields and falling leaves.
She chats with James Cox, head gardener at Another Place, about no-dig gardening and seed recycling, and Freddie Garland from Freddie’s Flowers on staying connected to nature through the seasons. Sue Hinds from Dementia Adventure also joins to discuss how these seasonal changes affect mood and routines, especially for people living with dementia and their carers.
This episode is sponsored by
Freddie’s Flowers
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
The Bonny Banks of Loch Lomand by Ella Roberts
Tubthumping by Chumbawumba
Episode 8: The Bucket List
Travelling from Marsden to Dufton, Harriet channels her inner Agnes and Nancy and digs deep into the spirit of Adventure in all of its shapes and forms.
She admires mushrooms whilst chatting with a Guinness World Record holder who completed the same 900-mile journey in just 12 days! She also talks with dementia campaigner Beth Britton and medical expert Dr. Helena Popovic, who shares her insights into brain health and well-being.
Along the way, listeners learn the benefits of something as simple as squeezing a stress ball, and Harriet takes some well-deserved time off in the beautiful Lake District, thanks to Another Place. While there, she joins guests and volunteers on a Dementia Adventure holiday for a joyful singalong, reconnecting with the power of nature and community.
This episode is sponsored by Land&Water
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
Bye Bye Baby by the Bay City Rollers
Enjoy Harriet's Musical Playlist of The D Tour
Throughout her journey, Harriet will be curating her own personal playlist, filled with the songs that inspire, uplift, and accompany her every step of the way. Join her as she shares the soundtrack to her adventures, one tune at a time!
Why don’t you create your own playlist? Have a look at Playlist for Life for inspiration
Episode 7: It's Just Not Cricket
Travelling from Sheffield to Dent, Harriet discovers more about inclusion and how welcoming spaces for people with dementia foster community and belonging.
Carl Case, from Episode 5, invites Harriet to the Sheffield Memory Hub, where they share a meal with Joan, Carlton, and David Bussue from SACMHA. They discuss the impact of inclusive initiatives.
Debbie North, founder of Access The Dales, talks about making the countryside accessible for all. Plus, Dr. Raja and Afreen Pellen from Middlesex County Cricket Club share how inclusivity in cricket is breaking down barriers and bringing people together.
This episode was produced in support of
National Playlist Day by Playlist For Life.
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
We Have All The Time In The World by Louis Armstrong
You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King
Episode 6: Don't Stop Me Now!
This week, Harriet travels from Derwent Valley to Dovedale to explore the powerful connection between music, walking, and nature, and how these elements positively impact people living with dementia.
Harriet meets the legendary Tony Christie, who, despite his dementia diagnosis, continues to share his musical talent. Tony’s wife, Sue, reflects on how music remains central to their lives. Anne McKiernan from Bideford Music Memory Cafe returns (Episode 3) with a moving story of how poetry and song touch hearts.
We also hear from Sarah Metcalfe of the Utley Foundation, highlighting music’s life-changing effects on people with dementia.
This episode is sponsored by
Music 4 Dementia
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush
Happy by Pharrell Williams
Episode 5: Postcards From The Edge ... Of Wales
From Hay on Wye to Penkridge, Harriet reflects on how our stories, whether shared through music, food, or family traditions, remain a vital part of who we are.
In this episode, Harriet speaks with AlzAuthors founder Marianne Sciucco and Carl Case, who shares his personal journey of navigating dementia within his family. They explore the significance of memories and personal experiences, especially for those living with dementia. Along the way, Harriet enjoys a much-needed singalong in Much Wenlock with Emmerdale’s Siân Reeves—hinting they might just be setting up their own entertainment franchise!
This episode was produced in partnsership with
Cultural Appropriate Resources
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
I’d like to teach the world to sing by New Seekers
Que Sera Sera by Doris Day
Episode 4: Clouds In My Coffee
From Roadwater to Pandy, Harriet delves into the significance of food (and coffee) during her journey
Joined by chefs Adam Purnell (Shropshire Lad) and Cris Cohen, along with nutritionist Kate Taylor, they explore how food shapes our lives and connections. From discussing the comfort of coffee and jelly babies on the trail to reflecting on the emotional impact of shared meals, this episode celebrates “Food, Glorious Food” and its ability to nourish both body and soul. Harriet also receives a musical birthday message from actress and BBC Wales presenter Siân Reeves.
This episode is sponsored by Jimmy’s Iced Coffee
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
American Pie by Don McClean
Coconut by Harry Nilsson
Episode 3: Yep, We're Going To Be Friends
From Harlyn Bay to Brean, Harriet reflects on friendship and the power of connecting in the moment.
She’s joined by her old friend Lucy and introduces some new friends made on her journey. Peter Berry and Deb Bunt (from episode 1) continue their conversation about how dementia has shaped their friendship, Anne McKiernan of Barnstaple Memory Cafe shares how music helped a guest connect, and Anthony from Collacott Farm discusses using horses in retreats to help people reconnect with themselves.
This episode is sponsored by Collacott Farm
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
Java Jive by Don McClean
Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed
Enjoy Harriet's Musical Playlist of The D Tour
Throughout her journey, Harriet will be curating her own personal playlist, filled with the songs that inspire, uplift, and accompany her every step of the way. Join her as she shares the soundtrack to her adventures, one tune at a time!
Why don’t you create your own playlist? Have a look at Playlist for Life for inspiration
Episode 2: Sea, Shells and Smells
From Lands End to Beeny, Harriet reflects on the powerful connection between smells and memory.
Finally, the walking has begun. Harriet sets off in blazing sunshine, later navigating through rain-soaked bracken above St Ives. Along the way, she creates a song to the rhythm of her footsteps and meets aroma specialist Pix Ashworth in Newquay. Sue Hinds and Ruth Thompson of Dementia Adventure join the discussion, exploring how smells can evoke memories and how our sense of smell may change when living with dementia.
This episode is sponsored by Land&Water
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
Albatross by Fleetwood Mac
Episode 1: It's All About Me!
From Land’s End to John O’Groats, Harriet reflects on her sense of self and the identity that drives her.
Harriet embarks on a remarkable journey to raise funds for Dementia Adventure. As she prepares for her 900-mile trek, she shares her motivations, the preparation involved, and insights into her life story. Discover if her tent really weighs only 830g, the first two songs on her walking playlist, and whether she and Dementia Adventure CEO Fiona Petit remembered an umbrella during their rainy training walk. Harriet’s challenge at aged 60 aims to raise £25,000 for the Dementia Adventure Support Fund.
This episode is sponsored by Macs Adventure
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Music chosen by Harriet this week:
Me and Bobby McGee by Kris Kristofferson
Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles.
The Trailer: Introducing the D Tour Podcast
Harriet Thomas is off on a D Tour!
She’s walking 900 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, and she wants you to join her.
The D Tour podcast will document Harriet’s journey, the people she meets along the way, and her goal to raise £25,000 for Dementia Adventure. She’ll speak to experts in the field of dementia, people living with dementia, as well as connect with local businesses and incredible individuals supporting people with dementia along her route.
Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.
