Nordic Walking

Date Walked Saturday 29th May 2021

It was a fateful day in May 2021 when I read an article in The Guardian which gave an account of a Nordic Walking break. It sparked my interest and I followed links via that article and arrived at Strolls with Poles. Part of the enquiry email I sent sums it up.

I am interested in learning and participating in some walks.   This looks like just the kind of thing I am looking for in the coming months and longer I hope.  I am just about to retire – (only six weeks to go!) My job is all about sitting down at a computer but I do love the outdoors and walking in the countryside is what I want to get back to.  I have been struggling over the past few months with complications of gallstones which has left me even more unfit than I was anyway.

I was very unsure about walking with a group – my general health and fitness had deteriorated over several months and a couple of spells in hospital. I was also anxious about being part of a group event since I had been a semi recluse during Covid. Julie the walk leader assured me I would be fine and I signed up for my very first walk on the Northumberland Coast from Low Newton to Dunstanburgh. I reasoned this was quite short with no substantial hills so I thought I could manage

It was a lovely sunny day as I drove up and as I parked up and met Julie and Martin the leaders and other members of the group my anxieties were replaced by excitement. The only downside was the thick fog rolling in off the sea.

The fog didn’t really diminish the enjoyment of the walk. On the way I got some excellent tuition in the correct Nordic Walking technique and chatted to others in the group as we went along. In terms of scenery. I was familiar with Dunstanburgh to Craster having visited a few times so could picture what I was passing even though I couldn’t see much!

I was shattered by the time I got back to the car and was so stiff. Nordic Walking works the shoulders and upper body as well as the legs so I really felt like I had done a real workout.

I booked up for my next walk but then my long awaited hospital surgery intervened so it would be a further couple of months before I got out again

On the 3rd January 2022 I wrote this testimonial……..

I have enjoyed every minute

I have discovered areas of the countryside I have never before visited, walking in the company of some great people in sunshine, rain, wind and fog and yes I have enjoyed every minute!
I was a bit apprehensive when I signed up for my first walk – I wasn’t very sure at all and had lots of questions.
Was I going to be fit enough? Would I hold everyone back? I surprised myself as to what I can do – walking and especially going up hills has proved easier with poles. Despite health issues limiting how often I could get out walking – I found the walks ideal with enough to challenge me but plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the view!
Would I be the odd one out faced with a clique of people who were already friends? From the very first moment I felt included – just as much a part of the group as if I had been going for years. It’s very relaxed and you can chat as much or as little as you want
How would I manage with the poles? Julie’s style of teaching is always encouraging and helpful. I have now done a basic instruction course but that was only after two walks – and I was pleasantly surprised how much I had picked up on my two walks I had already done. If I’m out walking now without poles – I miss them!

Testimonials – Strolls With Poles – Nordic Walking