Group Walks (West London)
Join us for a guided walk through nature - with a friendly group of people. What we do:
Before you join our walks you need to take our Foundation Course (or a similar tuition course of the British Nordic Walking Association). This ensures that you use your poles in the right way and can turn your walk into a full body workout. It also prevents you from building bad habits or damaging your joints. |
These are relaxing walks at a moderate speed, which still improve your fitness and agility. We try to keep to the drier paths and avoid the muddy fields as much as possible.
In the warm-up and cool-down phase, we will do some exercises that help with flexibility and strength. You also receive some ideas on how to improve your walking technique, but there are no speed-drills. Target group: This is ideal for you if you would like to relax and enjoy nature and the company of others on your walk, build up your fitness level and technique, overcome health issues or bring your baby along (rucksack-carriers only). Many people come on a few Gentle walks after the Foundation course to improve their technique and fitness levels at moderate speed, and then join the Active walks after a few months. |
These are faster walks than the Gentle Walks, and we choose longer routes. We sometimes walk on muddy, challenging ground. We will choose the route/distance to cater for different ability levels in the group and add some extra loops or challenges for more advanced walkers. We also do some technical drills and participants may receive some individualised feedback if they are interested in technical improvement.
Target group: These walks are for people who have a fitness interest and enjoy a mix of fast-paced walking and more leisurely walking. |
Prerequisites: Foundation course is required, as well as good fitness and solid, safe Nordic walking technique. You must be able to hold a fast speed and go uphill/downhill on slippery slopes. You need to feel safe on steep, rough paths (long grass, rolling pebbles, tree roots, etc.). lf in doubt, please talk to us about your skill and fitness level. |
These walks are faster paced than the Active walks, so you need good pole technique and fitness, and you need to be able to walk on rough terrain. There will be some speed and agility drills. We intend to achieve an intense full-body workout on these walks, while still enjoying each other's company and being in nature.
The Brent Valley Dynamic walks are mostly on flat territory. Horsenden Hill walks will go up/down the Hill (82m) a few times on each walk, and then include some dynamic speed walking in the flatter parts. Target group: People who use their Nordic Walking as a workout and want to gain fast results. Ideal to build up for the skiing season or supplement your gym work. You may not be able to have a leisurely chat on these walks, but there is plenty of time to socialise before/after. |
Tuesdays9.30-10.30am: Active Walk
Meet Bunny Park, you can park your car at Bunny Park or Golf Club Parking (Brent Valley) 11.00-12.00 Gentle/Active Meet Bunny Park, you can park your car at Bunny Park or Golf Club Parking (Brent Valley) |
Saturdays9.30-11am: Dynamic Walk - Horsenden Hill
Meet at Horsenden Farm parking area, Perivale. 12.00-1.00pm: Gentle/Active Meet Studland Road/High Lane |
Sundays
9.00-10.00: Dynamic walk Brent Valley area
Meet Studland Road/High Lane 10.30-11.30am: Active Walk Meet Studland Road/High Lane 12.00-1.00pm Gentle Walk Meet Studland Road/High Lane |
Schedule Changes |
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Medical readiness for Nordic walking:
Nordic walking has many health benefits and is appropriate for most people. As a minimal requirement for joining our walks and courses, you have to be able to walk safely, with no risk of falling over. And you have to be able to swing your arms. Before joining, you will have to fill in a 'Physical activity readiness questionnaire', which contains some medical questions. If you have any doubts about your medical readiness to join Nordic walking, please talk to your GP first. Location: Brent Valley, Hanwell, and Horsenden Hill, Perivale: Maps are here.
Equipment / Poles
Children:
Dogs
More info/directions:
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