Earlier this spring, Dementia Adventure founder Neil Mapes returned to one of the roles he loves most – leading adventures.
Joining guests and volunteers on our five-day Highland Fling supported holiday in Scotland, Neil experienced first-hand the joy, connection and resilience that make these trips so special.
The Scottish weather certainly played its part. From freezing rain and snow-covered mountains to bright sunshine on beaches, lochs and forest trails, the week brought a little bit of everything. But despite the challenging conditions, the group embraced every opportunity to get outdoors, share experiences and enjoy the stunning Highland landscape.
From accessible cycling in the Cairngorms and spotting ospreys at Loch Garten, to cruising on Loch Ness and meeting the Cairngorm reindeer herd, the holiday was packed with memorable moments. Along the way, guests found friendship, laughter and a chance to connect with nature, even when the weather had other ideas.
Reflecting on the trip, Neil writes about finding the “sun windows” – those precious moments when the clouds part, the sun appears and everything feels a little brighter. For him, these moments became a powerful metaphor for life with dementia and other long-term health challenges.
As Neil explains:
“The storms will inevitably come. But if you can keep moving forward, keep seeking out the Green Cure, and keep looking for those brief, beautiful clearings in the clouds, the sun windows are always waiting.”
At Dementia Adventure, we know that spending time outdoors, connecting with others and experiencing new places can have a profound impact on wellbeing. Our supported holidays are designed to help people living with dementia and those who support them continue enjoying adventure, build confidence and create meaningful memories together.
We’re delighted that Neil was able to experience this once again as an Adventure Lead and share his reflections from the Highlands.
Read Neil’s full blog
Read Finding the Sun Windows: Reflections from the Highland Fling to discover more about the week, the people who joined the adventure and the moments that made it so memorable.
Discover Dementia Adventure Holidays
Our supported holidays offer people living with dementia and their companions the opportunity to explore new places, connect with others, and enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature. To make these experiences more accessible, we’re running a Carer Goes Half Price offer throughout June 2026 on selected holidays, including trips to the Scottish Highlands and the Kingdom of Fife.
