| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Contact: | |
| When: | Weekly mornings 10:00 am-11:30 am Every Monday and Thursday. 10:00am. |
| Cost: | £1 per walk for Nordic Walking pole hire |
Our group has been running since April 2018 and we now offer twice weekly walks*, of around 90 minutes duration and covering between 3.5 & 4 miles. All walks take place in the countryside in the immediate vicinity of Odiham.
* Walks are available to members of the group who have completed the 3-4 session Basic Nordic Walking Techniques course, offered by the Group Leader, or an equivalent course delivered by a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor.
Taster sessions and courses will be offered several times a year, depending on demand and availability.
Walks typically start from the grassed area as you come onto the Montfort Place development, adjacent to the Public Right of Way that runs from opposite the Waterwitch pub (Colt Hill) past Galleon Marine marina. Parking is available on Colt Hill or just over the canal bridge in the Car Park.
After the walks we encourage the walkers to gather for a sociable chat and drink. A small charge is made for coffee/teas/biscuits.
If you would like to contact the group by email click on the Group Contact above.
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is Nordic Walking?
A. It is a walking technique, using "poles", that provides a whole body workout.
Q. Will it be right for me?
A. If you can walk then you can learn to Nordic Walk.
Q. What are the benefits of Nordic Walking?
A. Improvements in posture, fitness and like most outdoor sports, general physical health and mental well being.
Q. Will I need any specialist equipment?
A. You'll need comfortable outdoor clothing and footwear and, at some point after initial training, you may wish to consider purchasing your own Nordic Walking "poles".
Q. Will it help me lose weight?
A. Regular exercise, along with a sensible nutritious diet, will aid weight loss.
Q. Are there any other benefits to Nordic Walking?
A. Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and some forms of cancer. It can also help control weight and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Q. Can I get injured Nordic Walking?
A. It's unlikely that Nordic Walking will cause you any harm. In fact, if you have lower joint issues (ankles, knees, hips) then the use of poles can ease walking, as the arms and shoulder girdle can take around 10-15% of the pressure off these joints. However, Nordic Walking takes place outdoors in all but the most extreme weather and on a variety of surfaces, including pavements, gravel and grass tracks and footpaths, so trips and slips can happen.
Q. Will I be able to Nordic Walk if I have a walking impairment or other physical condition that prevents me from walking normally?
A. We would advise talking to your GP or current clinician dealing with your situation to ask their opinion. We would also suggest contacting us directly (by email) to discuss your condition, before booking on a session.
Q. How much will it cost and what do you do with money?
A. Taster sessions are FREE. The 3-4 session Basic Nordic Walking Techniques course costs £10, with the costs going towards replacement of equipment, used during sessions. Hire of Nordic Walking poles, until members are ready to buy their own, costs £1 per walk.
Q. How will I know if walk is going ahead or is cancelled?
A. The group uses a WhatsApp messaging group to manage the walks and members confirm their attendance by responding to the Group Leaders messages.