May is National Walking Month, and Manchester is celebrating with a big Walking Festival organised by TfGM in partnership with HOME. Here is an overview of free Nordic Walking opportunities taking place in different parts of Greater Manchester throughout the month of May (the complete schedule of guided walks can be downloaded here):
Monday 1 May
1:00pm
Nordic Walk in Heaton Park
Bury Sport and Physical Activity Service – ‘Walk with Me’
Nordic Walking uses specially-designed walking poles to propel you forward as you walk. It’s a recognised way to turn a walk into a whole body exercise. Nordic poles are provided.
Distance: 2 miles (FAIRLY EASY)
Meeting point: Lakeside car park (off Sheepfoot Lane) Heaton Park, Prestwich
Public transport: Metrolink and bus stop nearby Contact: Hamish Willis, 07967 318501, hamish.willis1@ntlworld.com, www.iwillifyouwill.co.uk
Booking required
Sunday 14 May
11:20am Environmental Walk on Crompton Moor Dunwood Park Nordic Walkers
This walk explores Crompton Moor as we look for indicators of climate change with guest speaker Tom of ‘Moors for the Future’, and enjoy magnificent panoramic views.
Distance: 2.1 miles (MEDIUM) Meeting point: Brushes Clough Car Park, Crompton Moor, OL2 8LS Walkers offering or needing lifts should meet at Dunwood Park Bowling Pavilion at 11:00am End point: Brushes Clough car park, Crompton Moor, OL2 8LS Public transport: Shaw & Crompton Metrolink stop and bus stop nearby (route 59) Contact: John Keith Norman, 01706 565621, johnknorman@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/dunwoodparknordicwalkers Booking required: Please email jeannormanhealthtrainer@gmail.com
Thursday 18 May
6:00pm
A Nordic Walking Taster for Beginners
UProjects, in partnership with Oldham Community Leisure
An introduction to Nordic Walking, and a demonstration and instruction on the Nordic Walking technique, followed by a Nordic Walk along the Pennine Bridleway to the Diggle area of Saddlworth, returning by the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
Distance: 4.5 miles (EASY - MEDIUM)
Meeting point: Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre Station Rd, Uppermill, Oldham, OL3 6HQ
Public transport: Greenfield train station and bus stops nearby (routes 184, 352, X50) Contact: Alan Keane, 07715 078239, alan.keane@uprojects.co.uk, www.uprojects.co.uk
Booking required: Please email alan.keane@uprojects.co.uk
Tuesday 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May
11:00am
Nordic Walk
Trafford Leisure CiC This walk has two routes that we alternate weekly. The first takes in a couple of circuits of the nature reserve which is beautiful come spring. On the second route we pad the pavements around Davyhulme.
Distance: 3.2 miles (MEDIUM)
Meeting point: Davyhulme Millenium Nature Reserve, Urmston, Manchester, M41 8GL Public transport: Bus stops nearby (route 255) Contact: Rachael Forde, 0161 8263958, activeliving@traffordleisure.co.uk, www.traffordleisure.co.uk Booking required: Please email activeliving@traffordleisure.co.uk
Friday 5, 12, 19, 26 May
12:00 noon
Nordic Walk
Trafford Leisure CiC This walk takes in a variety of routes around Sale and Chorlton Water Park. Distance: 3-4 miles (MEDIUM)
Meeting point: Mersey Valley visitors centre, Rifle Rd, Sale, M33 2LX Public transport: Metrolink stop nearby
Contact: Joshua Matthews, 07912 280899, activeliving@traffordleisure.co.uk, www.traffordleisure.co.uk
Booking required: Please email activeliving@traffordleisure.co.uk
Friday 19 May
10:00am
Three Sisters Nordic Walk
Inspiring healthy lifestyles Fancy trying something a bit different? Come along and try Nordic walking, a new, exciting way to walk. Equipment provided.
Distance: 3-6 miles (FAIRLY EASY)
Meeting point: Three Sisters Recreation
Area car park by the lake, Three Sisters Road, WN4 8DD Public transport: Bus stops nearby
Contact: Tracy Morris, 07943 840259, t.morris@wlct.org, www.inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/walking
This short write-up about the benefits of Nordic Walking in the Festival brochure is also worth reading:
"Nordic walking is one of the most sociable and effective exercise techniques around. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk with friends or a more intense walk for sports specific training, Nordic walking is suitable for everyone.
Originating from summer training for cross-country skiers, Nordic walking uses specially designed walking poles to give you a full body workout. Good technique increases the rotation of the spine compared to normal walking, strengthening the spinal discs and reducing the incidence of back pain. Nordic walking can strengthen legs and arms, reduce neck and shoulder tension and reduce symptoms of repetitive strain injury through use of the specially designed straps.
Despite feeling much easier and less tiring than normal walking, Nordic walking burns up to 20% more calories and with just a little bit of practice, you'll be enjoying the many health and social benefits in no time."