FREE Dartmoor walks are being organised for people who care for a loved one affected by cancer so they can take some time off and re-energise themselves.

The monthly walks are designed to give cancer carers a chance to be with nature, step away from the trauma they are going through and find time and space form themselves.

Verran Townsend, a qualified mountain leader and founder of OutsideInsights company, which organises similar walks for business people to help them think outside the box, started organising the Dartmoor walks after his partner was diagnosed with cancer.

The Totnes man said incorporating time to walk in nature into his life proved of enormous benefit on the journey dealing with cancer.

He said the walks were an opportunity for those impacted by a cancer diagnosis to take some time out for themselves, to spend time with others in a similar situation, and to experience how spending time in nature can be of great benefit to them too.

Mr Townsend added: “If you’re caring for or supporting someone close to you who has been diagnosed with cancer, you’ll know that at times, it’s difficult.

“One of the simplest ways you can help yourself on this journey is to introduce walking in nature into your daily life.

“It’s only a part of the process of looking after yourself, yet it will make a big difference on many levels, and it’s simple to do.

“Going for a walk, especially within a natural environment, gives you a boost.

“Moving your body is great for you physically, and time spent outdoors helps on a mental and spiritual level too.”

Mr Townsend said some of the benefits of the walks include being able to sleep better. Walking is good for muscles, bones, the heart and lungs, it helps prevent many illnesses and enables faster recovery when you do suffer from illness or mental fatigue, he added.

“Walking gives you time and space to think more clearly, it stimulates the brain to think more creatively, helping you to work through problems and challenges and helps you cope with stress better.”

The walks are held monthly, on Sundays, and the next walks are on February 12, March 18 and April 15.

All walks are on Dartmoor and they are suitable for those that are happy walking for three to four hours over mixed and hilly terrain.

The walks are free of charge, but donations are welcomed and all proceeds will be split between the Totnes Cancer Help Centre (Community Interest Company) and the Penny Brohn Cancer Care charity.

To book your place or to find out more, call Verran on 07803 077304, or email him at verran@outsideinsights.co.uk.

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