SCALING the fell tops and rocky terrains of the Lake District for almost half a century has fostered a knowledge in Sion Jair so vast it is enough to rival that of Alfred Wainwright himself.

The 68-year-old’s ability to navigate his way down from the highest peaks in even the thickest of fogs has assisted hundreds of lost hikers over the years, and propelled him to the status of local legend.

So when the so-called Old Man of Coniston, who earned the nickname because he walks to the summit of the mountain almost every day, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago, he was terrified the maps of his mind would be lost forever.

Mr Jair, who lives alone in Larch Grove, Ulverston, said: “I was scared. I thought it was over and I’d lose everything all of a sudden, not just on the hills but technical ability.

“I’ve been climbing mountains and fells here since 1968. I’ve got to know the lie of the land, the lines and contours. I’ve trained myself to navigate them all in every type of condition, even when you can’t see your hand in front of your face. It’s just instinct to me now.”

After researching Alzheimer’s, a neurodegenerative disease which is the most common cause of dementia, the former engineer realised that he could still continue to do the things he loved until the very final stages.

Mr Jair said: “Everyone is different but, with my Alzheimer’s, it’s the short-term that’s affected. It gave me hope.

“If I go into Ulverston town, there’s people walking in all different directions and I can get confused. Out on the fells, I am fine. It’s what I know best.”

Accompanied by his partner Wendy Kolbe, Mr Jair has continued to climb.

This summer marks the beginning of Mr Jair’s drive to leave a legacy in the landscape that has become second nature to the Birmingham-born hiking lover since his first adventure holiday as a young man.

Desperate to pass on his knowledge, Mr Jair has set up his own enterprise - Special Services 24/7 - offering free courses for anyone to continue what he describes as "not quite mountain rescue" work, helping walkers find their way along the stony ridges and often confusing contours of this corner of Britain. Hiking enthusiasts keen to gain insight into the best - and riskiest - routes are also welcome to take part.

Eschewing modern day smartphone and sat-navs and sticking with a map and compass, he hopes to prove to younger generations that over-reliance on technology is no match for the skillset gained using traditional methods.

He also hopes to provide inspiration to others with Alzheimer’s or dementia that there is life beyond diagnosis, and health and fitness can keep stave off the debilitating effects of the conditions.

Mr Jair said: “Anything new I’m not so good at, so trying to learn to use a sat nav or something I couldn’t do, but the things I do know, and I’ve known for a long time, like my way around the Lakes, they’ll be the very last things to go.

“I just want to show people that they can carry on doing the things they love.”

Mr Jair’s story is particularly poignant as a new survey commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society shows that 56 per cent of people living in the North West would feel "life was over" following a diagnosis of dementia.

The same survey also revealed that one in four people would feel uncomfortable talking to someone with dementia on the phone, and 13 per cent would feel uncomfortable talking face-to-face.

This week the Alzheimer’s Society launched a campaign called United Against Dementia, which aims to reduce misconceptions and stigma around conditions which affect 8,000 people in Cumbria alone.

Hazel Bayley, operations manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Cumbria, said: “We’re determined to bring everyone’s attention to the massive injustice faced by people with dementia and their carers.

“All too often they face stigma, a lack of understanding and are denied the support they need.

“Alzheimer’s Society hears day in, day out about how people with dementia and their carers feel isolated and excluded.

“Their experiences highlight how we still have a long way to go before we can truly call ourselves a dementia-friendly society.”

Mr Jair’s openness about his Alzheimer’s has led him to becoming a champion for the national charity. He has had a special hiking uniform printed informing fellow walkers that he has the disease.

He said: “I have always been honest and told other people about my Alzheimer’s. It helps them understand that I might struggle with names and forget stuff that happened yesterday.

“There’s no point hiding it. I am not ashamed. I am still the same person. It might change my behaviour or make me struggle with certain things, but it doesn’t change the person I am, the person I’ve become in my life.”

For more information visit www.specialservices247.uk and for information and support relating to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, call the national helpline on 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk