Walks and Activities
They only know a country who are acquainted with its footpaths. By the roads, indeed, the outside may be seen; but the footpaths go through the heart of the land.
Richard Jefferies
Details of our upcoming walks and course are listed below. We operate flexible booking arrangements on most walks and activities - please get in touch if your preferred walk or course date is not shown and we will see what we can do!
Walking with Poles
Walking with Poles
Trekking poles - love them or hate them! The use of poles when walking (or trail running) has increased in popularity in recent years, and for many of us they have now become a valuable part of our outdoor kit. When used properly, poles provide several benefits. Yet do you know how to get the most effective use out of using them? Discover more on this ‘Walking with Poles’ skills workshop.
Why Use Trekking Poles?
Trekking, hiking, walking poles… interchangeable names – let’s call them ‘trekking poles’! The benefits of using poles are numerous and there are several good reasons to use them.
When used properly, poles will help you move more effectively and efficiently over a variety of terrain.
Poles support an enhance walking posture, can offer stability, reduce impact on joints (hips, knees and ankles) and help to prevent injury.
You will also experience better breathing and less tiredness. Using poles serves to spread the workload across different muscle groups (not just your legs!) thus allowing you to achieve more during your walks.
Skills Workshop:
On this 1.5 hr skills workshop we aim to help you experience how effective and beneficial using trekking poles can be.
During the workshop we will cover setting up the poles, grip and use of the strap, placing the poles and finding the rhythm, walking up and down hill effectively, and more.
This workshop takes place in the chalk hills of the Chilterns. We walk using our poles on variety of paths; these may be rough, uneven or steep in part.
Walk fee: £30 pp
What’s Included:
Expert tuition in the use of poles from an experienced walk leader and BNW/INWA Nordic walking Instructor
Use of trekking poles, if required
What do I need?
A good, comfortable pair of walking shoes or boots
Comfortable outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather conditions, including waterproofs in case of rain
A small rucksack for personal provisions, including snacks and water
Trekking poles (we can provide these if required)
Further Information:
Please read the ‘Need to Know’ page which sets out the Terms and Conditions which you, and those you are booking on behalf of, agree to be bound by when booking and participating in our activities. You will be asked to expressly agree to the terms when you book this walk.
Course Location and Duration:
This 1.5 hr workshop takes place in the Chilterns around Aston Rowant (Oxfordshire). The variety of paths and tracks on the scarp slope of the chalk hills provides a good environment for getting to grips with our poles, and there are some great views to enjoy along the way.
We meet at 10.00 am and finish at about 11.30 am.
Alternative time and venue available on request.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, we do not permit dogs on these walks (other than assistance dogs).
