What’s on your Christmas List this year?!  Or are you struggling for ideas for someone?  If they are a keen walker here are some ideas………..

Waterproof socks

I mentioned these in my previous blog about “What to Wear in the Rain”.  I’ve had a pair since early November and they have certainly been one of the best bits of kit I’ve bought this year!  My husband has a pair going in his stocking (if he reads this the secret is out)!   Sealskinz and Bridgedale are both good brands at about £35 per pair.  100% Waterproof, Windproof & Breathable Socks | Sealskinz UK

Walking socks

Good walking socks are essential.  When people get blisters they often believe it is because their shoes don’t fit properly, but very often it is because they aren’t wearing decent socks.  My favourite brands are Bridgedale and Smartwool.  Usually a sock that is a wool/acrylic mix works well – definitely try to avoid cotton!  Cotswold Outdoor has a good selection and often has them on offer so it’s worth checking out.   I recommend the Bridgedale “Merino Hiker” or “Banded Trail socks”.  Outdoor Socks | Order From The Experts | Cotswold Outdoor

Headband!

I laughed out loud when my husband gave me one of these last year – I asked him if he thought I was about to perform an Abba Tribute (he gave me a cream sherpa one from Sweaty Betty)!  But once I started wearing it, I totally got it – they keep the ears warm, but you don’t get itchy hat head……and it actually looks a lot cooler than I imagined!  There are of course cheaper versions than the Sweaty Betty ones……. A perfect stocking filler!  Sherpa Reversible Earwarmer – canvasbeige | Women’s Hats + Headbands | www.sweatybetty.com

Magazine Subscription

Who doesn’t love to curl up with a hot drink and a magazine in the winter months?  I really enjoy my Country Walking magazine subscription – lots of inspiration for walks (and a pull-out section of walks and maps) plus articles on health, equipment, fun facts.  They are the inspiration behind the “1000 miles in a year challenge” and they are very good at interacting with, and engaging their readers, so you can quickly start to feel part of their magazine community. Country Walking Membership Plan | Great Magazines

Books

There are loads of books out there about walking.  A couple of fairly well-known ones that I can recommend are: 

The Salt Path, by Raynor Winn which is about the physical healing power of walking and it’s ability to help you find clarity in life. 

Another recommendation is The Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry, by Rachel Joyce – a story about emotional healing and reconciliation. 

However, one of my favourite reads this year, which is perhaps less well known, was The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot, by Robert Macfarlane it’s tricky to put into words but it is more of an anthropological exploration of the inextricable link between humankind and walking.  The book describes how throughout human history there is evidence that walking = thinking and feet = knowledge and every footpath exists for a reason and there are even footpaths in the sea!  Beautiful writing and a fascinating read!

All of these are available in paperback at all good booksellers!

Nordic Walking Lesson

And of course, if you are still stuck for ideas, you can always give a gift voucher for a Nordic Walking Lesson with me!   

Note that all links are to websites that stock the products that I refer to and are meant to be examples – rather than being specific product recommendations!

JOSINE BAINES

Lead Instructor and Business Owner

NORDIC WALKING TONBRIDGE & TUNBRIDGE WELLS