Move outdoors • Build confidence • Walk well
Turn an ordinary walk into an enjoyable whole-body activity. Learn the correct pole technique with professional guidance in the beautiful surroundings of Wilderness.
Beginner-friendly lessons, private instruction and group walks
What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking is a form of outdoor walking that uses specially designed poles and a purposeful technique. The poles are not simply carried for support: they are planted and pushed behind the body to encourage the arms, shoulders and trunk to work together with each stride.
With the right instruction, Nordic Walking can be adapted to suit different ages, abilities and fitness levels. It may also provide an accessible form of exercise for suitable people managing conditions such as knee or hip arthritis, osteoporosis, reduced balance, Parkinson’s disease or persistent lower-back discomfort, as well as those rebuilding their walking confidence during later-stage rehabilitation after a joint replacement.
The pace, route and use of the poles can be adjusted according to the individual. Nordic Walking can therefore be enjoyed as gentle, supported movement, a social outdoor activity or a more energetic fitness session. People with a recent operation, unstable symptoms or significant balance concerns may need medical clearance and an individual assessment before starting.
- Easy to learn with step-by-step guidance
- Adjustable to your current fitness and walking ability
- Suitable for pathways, parks, trails and beach walks
Choose the support that suits you
Ways to get started
Beginner lessons
Learn how to adjust and use the poles correctly, coordinate your arm and leg action, and develop a comfortable walking rhythm before joining longer walks. Nordic Walking poles are supplied for your first lesson.
Private lessons
Receive one-on-one guidance tailored to your confidence, technique, fitness goals and any relevant movement considerations. Nordic Walking poles are supplied for private sessions.
Group walks
Enjoy Nordic Walking with others in a friendly and encouraging setting. Routes and pace will be planned according to the group. Participants should bring their own Nordic Walking poles.
Movement adapted to your needs
Potential benefits of Nordic Walking
With the right technique and an approach suited to your ability, Nordic Walking can offer more than an ordinary walk.
Joint-friendly movement
The poles involve the upper body and can help you establish a comfortable, controlled walking rhythm while gradually building your walking tolerance.
Whole-body strengthening
Nordic Walking engages the arms, shoulders, back and core as well as the legs, making your walk a more complete whole-body activity.
Balance and walking confidence
Using two poles provides additional points of contact with the ground while encouraging upright posture, rhythm and coordinated movement.
Heart and lung fitness
Involving both the upper and lower body can increase the intensity of a normal walk without the need to run or perform high-impact exercise.
A gradual return to activity
The pace, distance and terrain can be adapted as you rebuild strength, endurance and confidence after injury, surgery or a period of inactivity.
Mood and social connection
Moving outdoors—individually or with others—can support enjoyment, motivation and a positive sense of wellbeing.
Begin where you are
Who is it for?
Nordic Walking can be adapted for beginners, regular walkers, active older adults and people progressing from rehabilitation into independent exercise. It may be appropriate for people managing the conditions below, depending on their symptoms, medical guidance and current stage of recovery.
- Knee or hip pain and osteoarthritis
- Later-stage joint-replacement rehabilitation
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Reduced balance or walking confidence
- Parkinson’s disease
- Chronic lower-back discomfort
- Reduced cardiovascular fitness
- A gradual return to exercise
Unsure where to start? Everyone is required to complete one to two private lessons before joining a group walk. This allows us to teach you the correct technique and make sure you can walk safely and confidently with the group. If you have recently had surgery, have an unstable medical condition, experience unexplained pain or falls, or currently use a walking aid, please tell us when enquiring, as medical clearance may also be recommended.
What to expect
Your first lesson focuses on the foundations: pole setup, safe use of the pole gloves, posture, stride, pole placement and push-through. We practise at a comfortable pace and build the movement gradually.
Once you feel confident with the basic technique, you can continue with private lessons or join suitable group walks in Wilderness.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the weather. Bring water, sun protection and any medication you normally carry during exercise.
Walking poles: Poles are supplied for your first beginner lesson and for private sessions. For group walks, please bring your own Nordic Walking poles.
Dates and rates: Contact us for current lesson times, group-walk dates and pricing.
Ready to give Nordic Walking a try?
Get in touch to arrange a beginner or private lesson, or to find out about upcoming group walks in Wilderness.