This year's 'Active with Diabetes Walking Holiday' gave 
DRWF members the chance to discover the North Wiltshire Cotswolds whilst learning more about their diabetes and keeping fit too.
The Walking Holidays really make a difference to everyday management of diabetes as Derek Bockett, DRWF member can attest to. 'Angela the DSN helped me immensely. I learnt how to dose adjust my insulin according to increased activity levels. This is something I've not done before even though I've been on insulin since 1952. By the end of the week my blood glucose levels were much more steady, I'll be asking my GP about whether there is a different insulin regime I can be on that would be more suitable for me.'
Derek also found the chance to share experiences with other walkers particularly valuable. 'You can learn from other peoples' experience, it's interesting to hear how other people manage their diabetes and share tips.'
Lee Calladine, Events Co-ordinator, said, 'What a wonderful event. Everything fell into place perfectly and we couldn’t have wished for a better week. Our intrepid group consisted of some previous DRWF ramblers and some new faces from all four corners of the UK. Together, led by our expert leader Elizabeth Savage and accompanied by Diabetes Specialist Nurse Angela Sealeaf we enjoyed some challenging walks across the beautiful North Wiltshire region.'
.jpg)
The week started on Monday, 9th May when the intrepid group of walkers assembled at the three-star Lansdowne Strand Hotel in the centre of the old wool town of Calne to meet each other and discuss plans for the week ahead.
Tuesday morning saw the walkers headed off on their first walk through the countryside, reaching the grounds of Bowood House, before continuing alongside the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal. The picturesque walk took in the pretty hamlet of Reybridge and over the River Avon to the National Trust Village of Lacock.
On Wednesday morning there was an exhilarating and challenging walk along the roman road to the Cherhill White Horse and Lansdowne Monument. It also took in the Wansdyke earthwork, a huge Celtic fort used as defence from invading Saxons, which marks the boundary of the ancient kingdom of Wessex.
Thursday was a welcome day-off from walking and Ramblers leader Elizabeth organised a trip to the historic city of Bath, her home-town. Walkers were treated to a tour of the Abbey, an exploration of the labyrinth of lanes and shops and finished with afternoon tea in The Pump Room.
.jpg)
Friday was the last day and the last walk took in the awe inspiring Silbury Hill. From there, the walkers headed up hill to the West Kennett Long Barrow and then up the Ridgeway to Fyfield Down Nature Reserve for lunch. On the way back there was a visit to Avebury for some sightseeing. The last evening back at the hotel, walkers were treated to a prize draw whilst they said their goodbyes.
DRWF would like to thank Elizabeth Savage from Ramblers Countrywide and Diabetes Specialist Nurse Angela Sealeaf for their expertise and care during the week.