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 6: Don't Stop Me Now!
From Derwent Valley to Dovedail, Harriet explores the positive benefits of music and how music, walking, and nature intersect.
Tony’s wife, Sue, shares how music is integral to their lives, and Anne McKiernan from the Bideford Music Memory Cafe (episode 3 ) recounts a powerful tale of poetry and song.
We also hear from Sarah Metcalfe from the Utley Foundation, which is raising awareness of music’s life-changing effects on people living with dementia.
This episode is sponsored by
Music 4 Dementia
—
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
—
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
—
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
—
Music chosen by Harriet this week:
Java Jive by Don McClean
Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed
Episode 5: Postcards From The Edge ... Of Wales
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
—
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
—
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.
