By Tara Fitzpatrick

RESIDENTS of Crosslet Care Home put on their walking shoes last week for the Big Fit Walk.

The event on September 5 was organised by Walk in the Park who aim to promote the health benefits of outdoor activity and create a dementia friendly walking experience.

Friends and family were invited to take part along with residents and staff at the care home.

The walkers were joined by WDC leader Jonathan McColl and councillors Karen Conaghan and Marie McNair.

Cllr Conaghan said: "I was delighted to see so many people take part in the walk starting at the beautiful setting of our new Dumbarton care home.

"I was also heartened to see how passionate the local community is to support people with dementia and to show our commitment to ensure nobody lives with dementia alone.

"The walk was a lovely way to raise awareness of people affected by dementia and their families and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to come along."

The walks aim to make the outdoors accessible to people living with dementia by creating a sociable, friendly atmosphere.

Cllr McNair said: "It’s great to see people supporting the Big Fit Walk and offering their support to raise awareness for families affected by dementia."

Walk in the Park is a registered charity working with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

As a result of last Tuesday's Big Fit Walk, Walk in the Park have received accreditation from Paths For All an organisation which aims to promote the mental and physical health benefits to walking across Scotland.

Paths For All chief officer Ian Findlay said: "The Big Fit Walk helps put the fun into walking.Walking in groups can boost self-esteem, create opportunities to meet new people in our area, or discover some local hidden treasures."

The organisation also gave thanks to local athletic hero Maurice Donohue for helping to create the partnership and continuing to promote to value of exercise and the outdoors.

Walk in the Park run regular programmes in Balloch, Callander, Killin, Aberfoyle and Drymen and aim to work closely with care homes in the future following the success of Crosslet's Big Fit Walk