Hi, I’m Jason, one of the walk leaders. I have been Nordic Walking for 6 years, and leading since the middle of 2021. I’m also a trained First Aider and recently trained as a Mental Health First Aider. I enjoy fitness sessions, especially those that get me into the great outdoors. I find NW a great way to meet new people, and help unwind from a very busy job at the Open University. I enjoy being out in the fresh air walking with likeminded people.

Mike Neary; I have always kept myself physically fit, spending 22 years in the military gave me a love of the outdoors. I can’t think of anything better than Nordic Walking (NW) with a group of people who have the same love of the outdoors. I found NW by accident and loved it immediately. After my taster session I purchased a set of poles and progressed to walking on average 30 to 40 miles a week. I am also now a qualified Sports Massage Therapist, helping people function to their best ability, I look forward to meeting new walkers and especially enjoy teaching NW Walking techniques. I also teach first aid for the outdoors, which aligns with my other business Managing Excellence Through Training Ltd.

I got into Nordic Walking some years ago when a friend posted pictures of herself out walking in the sunshine with a group of happy looking people.  I had been trying to stay fit but was getting tired of being inside the gym, on a treadmill, and missing out on all that fresh air!

So, I decided to have a go at Nordic Walking and was able to book on to a Fast Track Course (the first one was cancelled due to snow – which I thought was rather funny for ‘Nordic’ walking!).  My first proper walk was on Christmas Eve, not the most convenient day, but I was keen to get going with my new-found walking skills!  I have never considered myself to be a ‘walker’, it wasn’t a thing we did as a family, but Nordic Walking added other dimensions: the poles provided a good upper body work-out, I was outside enjoying nature and I was meeting some lovely likeminded people.  On days when I didn’t particularly feel like waking, the fact that I had had to book on to a walk gave me the impetus to get going.

I was given the chance to train as a Walk Leader and have enjoyed the opportunity to learn first aid (relevant to the outdoor environment) and to assist my Walk Instructor by helping with warm-ups/stretches, leading walks in his absence and generally trying to be supportive and encouraging to new group members. As well as gaining fitness and stamina, I have made some really good friends through Nordic Walking – something I hadn’t expected to do.

There are Nordic Walks to suit everyone’s level of fitness and commitment; not just walks but Nordic Walking  ‘Workout’ sessions, for example.  Something for everyone!

Hi, I am Cara I have been walking with Mike for 4 years, I am a walk leader and a trained first aider. I mainly lead gentle walks on Mondays as I am recovering from an injury. Prior to that I would normally lead adventure walks, which I fully intend to return to. I find Nordic group walking a very social activity, I have made some great friends; what I really like about it, is everyone can find a walk that suits their fitness level.

I have my own business; Cara’s Beauty Holistics, which keeps me incredibly busy, and NW is a great way to keep fit and de- stress from our busy lives. I am looking forward to walking with new clients and helping them on their Nordic Walking journey.

Hi, I’m Jason, one of the walk leaders. I have been Nordic Walking for 6 years, and leading since the middle of 2021. I’m also a trained First Aider and recently trained as a Mental Health First Aider. I enjoy fitness sessions, especially those that get me into the great outdoors. I find NW a great way to meet new people, and help unwind from a very busy job at the Open University. I enjoy being out in the fresh air walking with likeminded people.