Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking. When trained in the right technique to use the poles effectively, it increases use of the upper body and enables you to work harder but it feels easier! The poles reduce the pressure on knees and joints, so it's an ideal physical activity if you have neck, shoulder and back problems and good for the heart and lungs.  

Nordic Walking activities

Get into Nordic Walking

With the support from a Nordic Walking instructor, these courses will help you master the basics and improve your Nordic Walking technique. You will learn something new and understand how to develop your technique, giving you the all-round benefits, this activity provides. 

Cost

Courses are £12 per person. 

Timetable of courses for 2024

Dates of courses at Moors Valley Country Park, Golf and Activity Centre, BH24 2ET:
Date Time
Saturday 5 October 2024 11:15am to 12:45pm
Monday 11 November 2024 11:45am to 1:15pm

 

Dates of courses at Kingston Lacy House, Wimborne, BH21 4EA:
Date Time
Tuesday 15 October 2024 11:30am to 1pm
Tuesday 26 November 2024 11:30am to 1pm

 

Dates of courses at Ferndown Forest Golf Course, Ferndown, BH22 9PH:

Date Time
Wednesday 6 November 2024 11:15am to 12:45pm

 

Dates of courses at Charmouth Recreation Field, Charmouth, DT6 6PS:

Date Time
Wednesday 9 October 2024 10am to 11:30am
Wednesday 11 December 2024 10am to 11:30am

 

Dates of courses at Bridport Football Club Car Park, Bridport, DT6 5LA:

Date Time
Wednesday 13 November 2024 10am to 11:30am

 

Free Nordic Walking tasters

With a qualified instructor, these free tasters offering the chance to experience walking with poles and to see if this would be an activity for you.

Timetable for Nordic tasters for 2025 (to be confirmed)

Poles are provided for the duration of the session and free car parking at all locations. To book a free place, call 01425 480811.

Nordic Wellness Walks 

A gentle Nordic Walk incorporating mobility exercises to help with flexibility, balance and strength whilst using your poles to improve your general fitness. These sessions are suitable for those who are starting at a lower level of fitness, so perfect for beginners. 

Cost

Weekly wellness walks are £5 per person.

You must have completed a Get into Nordic Walking course prior to attending the wellness walks. 

Timetable of Wellness Walks

Dates of Wellness Walks:
Location Day Time
Moors Valley Country Park Mondays 10am to 11am
Kingston Lacy House  Tuesdays 10am to 11am
The Angel Inn, Ferndown Wednesdays 11am to 12pm

 

Nordic Workout Walks

These one hour walks are designed to help you improve your fitness levels and get noticeable results. Combining technique, gradients, terrain, and exercises, these sessions will help develop your fitness, endurance and speed.

Cost

Weekly workout walks are £5 per person or you can use a subscription. The Cranborne Nordic walk is £6 per person.

You must have completed a Get into Nordic Walking course prior to attending the workout walks.

Timetable of Workout Walks:
Location Day Time
Moors Valley Country Park Mondays 9:45am to 10:45am
Kingston Lacy House, Wimborne  Tuesdays 10am to 11am
Ferndown Forest Golf Club  Wednesdays 9:45am to 10:45am
Moors Valley Country Park Fridays 9:45am to 10:45am
Cranborne Garden Centre, Cranborne  Fridays 10am to 11:30am
Moors Valley Country Park Saturdays 10am to 11am

Nordic Explorer Walks  

These longer walks take between 2 to 2.5 hours and start in 3 different locations. They are more challenging and are between 8 and 11km in distance and can include more strenuous terrain.

Cost

Nordic explorer walks are £5 per person or you can use your subscription. 

You must have completed a Get into Nordic Walking course prior to attending the explorer walks. 

Timetable of Explorer Walks for 2024:

 
Location Date Time
Ferndown Forest Golf Club Thursday 21 November 10:30am to 12:30pm

Nature Nordic

Offering something different to our regular walks, these walks will add interesting and fun additions to our programme. Each walk is £5 per person or you can use your subscription

Timetable of Nature Nordic Walks:
Location Date Time
Moors Valley Country Park, BH24 2ET Thursday 17 October 2024 6pm to 7pm

 

Make a booking

Booking is essential for all sessions listed below. 

You can book online for any of our Nordic Walking activities. 

Start now

You may also book by calling the Health and Activity Team on 01425 480811.

Costs

Costs vary for different activities and are listed below. 

Subscriptions

If you are going on regular walks, make it cheaper by purchasing our Nordic Walking subscription. Buy 11 sessions for the price of 10 for £50. This subscription can be used for any of the listed walks, except the Nordic Specials.

If you attend the Cranborne walk on Fridays then you can purchase a subscription for 10 sessions for £60.

Terms and conditions apply. 

Nordic Walking instructors

Our team are looking for experienced British Nordic Walking instructors to support and set up Nordic Walks across the Dorset Council area. 

To express your interest please email healthandactivity@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk with:

  • your full name
  • your qualification
  • a brief description of your experience
  • your availability

Other Nordic Walking opportunities

Nordic Walking Lyme Bay

Join a friendly group of walkers, with a Nordic flavour. Nordic Walking Lyme Bay provide training, poles, and offer walks for different abilities several times a week in the Lyme Bay region. For more information visit Lyme Bay Nordic Walking

Health and Activity general enquiries

Email: healthandactivity@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01425 480811
Full contact details