1. Contact Karen and let her know whether you’re trained in Nordic Walking or not. She will then let you know what the options are.
2. Training sessions are provided periodically and most people only need or want one or two training sessions. The fee, £20 for up to three sessions, is deducted from our annual subs if you join.
3. Once you’ve trained with us or your level of training has been confirmed, you are free to attend two walks with the club free of charge as a ‘guest’.

4. After your two trial/guest walks, the next step is to join our Nordic Walking in the Chalfonts club (it’s a condition of our insurance). We are a non-profit club and only charge annual subs to cover costs – currently £25 per club year for an unlimited number of walks (subs are due when you join and in November each year).
5. We have WhatsApp groups for the people who walk on the same day so you know where the walk is starting from and can let us know to expect you. There is a separate group for ‘Chat’ and other info.

Karen, our instructor, trained with British Nordic Walking, which is the only organisation in the UK affiliated to the international federation (INWA) in Finland – where Nordic walking was first developed. Because of this we teach the internationally recognised INWA 10 Steps method, which helps people maximise the full benefits of Nordic walking.

1. Everyone needs to fill in a simple health & safety and data protection form before participating (just one side of A4, mainly just circle an answer) before attending. A link is shown below or Karen can email you a copy (or bring one for you to fill in on your first training session/walk).

2. The form includes a statement about you being responsible for yourself and for reading our ‘Rules and Guidance’ document (link below). Please don’t be put off, the ‘rules’ are mainly just commonsense about keeping us all safe. You will also see a link for the club’s Constitution – if you’re interested(!) 🙂

3. You are strongly encouraged to take part in our warm-ups in the winter and cool downs after every walk because they can help prevent injury and ease post-exercise soreness or stiffness.

4. It’s important to recognise that Nordic walking, like all outdoor activity, carries a risk of personal injury.  While all our walks have been risk assessed, it is not possible to cover every eventuality and hazards will always be present due to the weather, terrain, livestock, undergrowth, traffic, fences, stiles, the behaviour of others and your own health and coordination etc. Everyone is responsible for raising or passing on any concerns or warnings. You are responsible for your own actions and involvement, including your level of preparedness and fitness. As you are choosing to take part and are aware of and accept these risks, you are participating at your own risk.

Generally, yes, we do go out regardless of the weather as we’re not just ‘fair weather walkers’! 🙂 The exceptions would be about personal health and safety so not in extreme gales or storms, particularly those with lightning because, like with golf clubs, it’s not good news with poles….! We don’t cancel because of ordinary rain, which often isn’t has bad as forecast and can be quite fun in a waterproof or is at least nice drying off in a café afterwards. We also rarely cancel due to the heat because we go for slower, shady walks in woods, which are always markedly cooler.

1. The necessary health, safety & data protection form called the ‘Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire’ (PARQ) form
2. The club’s ‘Rules & Guidance’ document
3. The club’s ‘Constitution’ document