Nordic Walks commencing 11th November, 2019 

A big welcome to our Newbies who have just completed or just about to finish their Technique course. They are: Siobhan, Ann H, Anne C, Frances, Phil, Cynthia, Lutz, Claire, Krista, David and Sheila.  Welcome to our fab Nordic Walking group!   If you need pole information, go to https://nordicwalking.co.uk/products/2/  If you see poles you like or need advice on, just let me know.  Always a good idea to Google the pair you like also to get the best deal.  Below you’ll see the list of walks each week and only the walks highlighted in yellow need to be booked using the booking form on the website or you can text me on 07894791527, or email me elaine@walk2fitness.co.uk  A ParQ form needs to be filled in and returned to me or my Walk Leaders before you start walking with us; so bring this along with you if you haven’t done so already.  If you need any help with anything just let me know.  We look forward to seeing you on the walks.  Woohoo!

CHRISTMAS LUNCH & DINNERS
As always we have our Walk2Fitness Christmas Lunch & 2 dinners!  I know, it sounds greedy but with the size of our groups, it’s the only way!  We will also be having a Santa Stroll/Festive walk just for our walkers and their friends and family on the 21st December at 10am followed by festive treats and hot chocolate at The Hub. Yipeee! 

CRANFIELD WALKERS
The Cranfield bunch have their own dinner at Oso’s cafe each year and this year it will be on Tuesday, 17th December at 6:45pm.  All Cranfield walkers wishing to attend, please let me know as spaces are limited to 20 and I usually have a waiting list!  I am awaiting the menu from Siggy with the costs also so I will let you know shortly.   

ALL WALKERS WELCOME
Our main Christmas Lunch this year is at The Chequers in Westoning on Thursday, 19th December at 12:45pm. This lunch is for 25 people.  Denise will be helping organise this so if you wish to come along, please email her at:  daaspinall@virginmedia.com  A £10 deposit will be needed by 22nd November which you can give to Denise or Gordon.  We will need you to pre-order your food and the menu for the Chequers is below. 
http://thechequerswestoning.co.uk/ (and click festive menu, top left corner) Yummy!

STRIDERS
We also have the Striders dinner which we are still looking to arrange the dates for.  This will be sorted shortly.  Thanks everyone. 
Elaine

LONGER WALKS

THESE ARE ALL BOOKING WALKS AND I NEED A MINIMUM OF 6 FOR THEM TO GO AHEAD
November 13th
10:30am – The Lilley Arms, Lilley 5 mile Pub Walk £6

November 23rd – POSTPONED
11:30am – Barton Le Clay Old Road – circular walk to Warden Hills 9 miles £8  
ABILITY BOW CHARITY WALKICKNIELD WAY CHARITY WALK IS NOW GOING TO BE IN THE NEW YEAR AND WE WILL BE COMPLETING BOTH SECTIONS OF TWO CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS.  DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY.

 MORE WALKS WILL BE ADDED SOON

Have a great week everyone! 
Elaine

Nordic Walks commencing 4th November, 2019

I have to acknowledge my amazing Walk Leaders who have been covering all the classes these past two weeks while I’ve been crocked with a back issue.  Without them the walks just couldn’t go ahead so THANK YOU SO MUCH, Paul, Denise and Gordon for all your time.  

Thanks to those hardy walkers who showed up on Saturday in the windy weather for your class.  Love your determination to get to classes no matter what to keep your fitness up.  Great stuff! 
 

THURSDAY CLASS
This Thursday our class is at Sharpenhoe Clappers where we will see the most amazing Autumn colours.  This is a great walk with spectacular views.   Afterwards we will pop to the Olde Watermill off the Barton Le Clay bypass for a nice cuppa (of course!)

LONGER WALKS

THESE ARE ALL BOOKING WALKS AND I NEED A MINIMUM OF 6 FOR THEM TO GO AHEAD
November 13th
10am – The Chequers Pub, Streatley, Autumn Stunner walk at the Clappers – 6 miles £7  (Mod 1, 2, 3)
November 23rd
11:30am – Barton Le Clay Old Road – circular walk to Warden Hills 9 miles £8 Views! (Mod 1 & 2) ABILITY BOW CHARITY WALKICKNIELD WAY CHARITY WALK IS NOW GOING TO BE IN THE NEW YEAR AND WE WILL BE COMPLETING BOTH SECTIONS OF TWO CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS.  DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY.
 MORE WALKS WILL BE ADDED SOON

Nordic Walks commencing 28th October, 2019

How did we avoid the rain last week and yesterday?!  Amazing!  Just shows that no matter what the forecast is we don’t really know what will happen!   With the changing weather, I do want to remind you all that if a class has to be cancelled; this will be posted on the Website www.walk2fitness.co.uk so please check before you leave.  However, with the Nordic Gods on our side, I hope we don’t have to cancel any!  

WEDNESDAY POP UP
I am keeping my walking to a minimum this week as I work through a back pain issue so I will be cancelling the 6 mile lunch walk on Wednesday from Woburn.   Sorry.

FRIDAY POP UP
However, the shorter Breakfast walk on Friday will still be going ahead and if you are interested in coming along, can you please let me know by Thursday as I will need to let them know numbers.  Breakfast is optional of course but if you do join us, we are going to have breakfast at the Woburn Inn hotel which for those that haven’t joined us before, is a real treat.  You can have continental breakfast and other options too but for £12 you get several courses of the finest local food, bottomless tea and coffee also and the best service in this lovely venue.  Nom nom!

LONGER WALKS

November 1st – 8:30am – Breakfast Walk – Woburn 4 miles £5 (Mod 1, 2, 3)
November 13th – 10am – The Chequers, Streatley, Autumn Stunner walk at the Clappers – 6 miles (Mod 1, 2, 3)

ABILITY BOW CHARITY WALKICKNIELD WAY CHARITY WALK IS NOW GOING TO BE IN THE NEW YEAR AND WE WILL BE COMPLETING BOTH SECTIONS OF TWO CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS.  DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY.

November 23rd – 11:30am – Barton Le Clay circular to Warden Hills 9 miles £8 Views! (Mod 1 & 2)
THESE ARE ALL BOOKING WALKS AND I NEED A MINIMUM OF 6 FOR THEM TO GO AHEAD

MORE WALKS WILL BE ADDED SOON

Nordic Walks commencing 21st October, 2019

After a super weekend away at the Euro Nordic Walking event, we returned to Autumn in all its glory!  Our trip to Lyon was a huge success and we enjoyed not just the walking but this wonderful city with its cobbled streets, cafe’s and restaurants, unique shops and stunning architecture.  We were quite the novelty being the only English group attending and with over 2000 participants from all corners of Europe, this was impressive.  They even remembered us from last year when we took part at their event in the Alps.   Thanks to all my walkers who came on this great adventure. 

FRIDAY POP UP WALK – 11am
This weeks Pop Up walk is from The Raven in Hexton SG5 3JB and takes in Pegsdon Hills and sweeping views as far as the eye can see (on a clear day!)  It’s approximately 6.5 miles with some fab hills!  After we can have a nice cuppa and snack at the pub.  Please remember to book onto this walk by Thursday if you wish to come as I will need a minimum of 6 walkers for it to go ahead.  £7. Thanks.

Our walk from Cardington was lovely and the weather perfect for this ramble in the countryside.  St Mary’s Church in Cardington looked amazing!   

LONGER WALKS

October 25th – 11am – Pegsdon Hills,The Raven, Hexton – 6 miles £7 (Mod 1 & 2)
October 30th – 11am – Lunch Walk – Woburn to Eversholt – 6 miles £7 or 3 miles one way £5 (Gentle Plus and Mod 3 walk)
November 1st – 8:30am – Breakfast Walk – Woburn 4 miles £5 (Mod 1, 2, 3)
November 13th – 10am – The Chequers, Streatley, Autumn Stunner walk at the Clappers – 6 miles (Mod 1, 2, 3)

ABILITY BOW CHARITY WALKICKNIELD WAY CHARITY WALK IS ON HOLD FOR NOW DUE TO SO MANY BEING UNABLE TO DO THE DATES OFFERED SO FAR. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE DATE FOR THIS FAB CHALLENGE SOON.

November 23rd – 11:30am – Barton Le Clay circular to Warden Hills 9 miles £8 Views! (Mod 1 & 2)

THESE ARE ALL BOOKING WALKS AND I NEED A MINIMUM OF 6 FOR THEM TO GO AHEAD

MORE WALKS WILL BE ADDED SOON

Nordic Walks commencing 14th October, 2019

An earlier weekly email than normal but I am in Lyon with a group for our challenge and thought I’d get ahead!   We had a fab week of walks last week with great weather keeping us cooler.  Long may it continue!   Here in Lyon it is blue skies and about 23 degrees so will get some good pics to share of this great city. 

SATURDAY CLASSES ARE FREE TOMORROW! 
As I will be absent this weekend I have asked some of my wonderful walkers to help lead the walks this weekend.  Sian will be taking the Mod 1’s, Derek the Mod 2’s and Pat the Mod 3’s.  If you could assemble in your usual spots before the walk, this will help my helpers identify which group is which!  You will still get a great walk and workout so please come along as normal to stay in your fitness routine.  

CRANFIELD WALK
The Cranfield walk on Monday is also free this week so please go along as normal and have a great walk and enjoy the fab company.  Thanks everyone.

AMENDMENT TO THE ICKNIELD WAY CHARITY WALK NEXT MONTH

I didn’t realise it was Remembrance Sunday on the 10th so I am moving this challenge to Sunday 17th November.  I do hope you can make this great walk…..the Icknield Way!  Meeting at 10am in the National Trust car park in Streatley at the Clappers.  We have done two sections of this challenge last year from Ivinghoe Beacon all the way to the Clappers so this is the third stage and approximately 12 miles.   The charity Ability Bow is a small charity in London who customise gym equipment for those with disabilities and long term conditions.  Along with the specialist equipment, Ability Bow have trained staff to help and encourage so many less fortunate than ourselves.   i am running (walking) the London Marathon for them in 2020 after deferring my place with injury last time.  Many thanks in advance for your support!   

BEGINNERS TECHNIQUE COURSE

Saturday 19th October at 11am – West Car Park
Book on by going to the contact form on the website www.walk2fitness.co.uk or text 07894791527 Thanks!

LONGER WALKS

October 25th – 11am – Pegsdon Hills,The Raven, Hexton – 6 miles £7 (Mod 1 & 2)
October 30th – 11am – Lunch Walk – Woburn to Eversholt – 6 miles £7 or 3 miles one way £5 (Gentle Plus and Mod 3 walk)
November 1st – 8:30am – Breakfast Walk – Woburn 4 miles £5 (Mod 1, 2, 3)
November 13th – 10am – The Chequers, Streatley, Autumn Stunner walk at the Clappers – 6 miles (Mod 1, 2, 3)

ABILITY BOW CHARITY WALK
November 17th – 10am – The Icknield Way section 3 – Sharpenhoe Clappers to Ickleford 12 miles approx. £12 All proceeds to this wonderful Charity that I’m doing the 2020 London Marathon for. (Mod 1& 2)

November 23rd – 11:30am – Barton Le Clay circular to Warden Hills 9 miles £8 Views! (Mod 1 & 2)

THESE ARE ALL BOOKING WALKS AND I NEED A MINIMUM OF 6 FOR THEM TO GO AHEAD

Nordic Walks commencing 7th October, 2019

You worked hard last week on our workout walks!  I think with a nip in the air it makes us all speed up!   Great to see the effort you are putting in though, so keep it up!

CRANFIELD WALKERS
We have been asked to make an annual donation to the Village Hall if we continue to park there every Monday.  Therefore, if you would like to donate £2 and I will put in extra. That would be great.  Thanks. 

ITALY & SLOVENIA HOLIDAYS

ITALY
21st June 2020 for 6 nights. Please note this walk is for those who like hills/mountains! Staying in the Dolomites above Lake Garda this is a stunning location for Nordic Walking.  Cost for the accommodation are 356Euro on top of this there will be Flights from Stansted to Verona plus Transport costs (will look to rent 3 cars). 
If you are interested in coming to Italy with us for this holiday, please let me know as soon as possible.  Flights are approx £77 return at the moment but his changes at times so the sooner we book the better.  It will be a first come first served basis and of course, and also capabilities.  There are 12 space for this holiday.

SLOVENIA
Around the 9th September, 2020 for 5 nights.  We are very excited to be offering up this holiday again this year. Thanks to Sue and Haydn for letting us stay in their beautiful home.  This is again for walkers who like hills and some longer distances.   We will be working out the costs of this one shortly but usually can get good flights at reasonable rates on this.  Please let me know if you are interested.  Again this will be a first come first served basis.   
There are 12 spaces for this holiday.

FOR THOSE WHO LIKE LOWER LEVEL WALKS, THERE WILL BE SEVERAL WALKING TRIPS ALSO SO WATCH THIS SPACE! 

LONGER WALKS

October 25th – 11am – Pegsdon Hills,The Raven, Hexton – 6 miles £7 (Mod 1 & 2)
October 30th – 11am – Lunch Walk – Woburn to Eversholt – 6 miles £7 or 3 miles one way £5 (Gentle Plus and Mod 3 walk)
November 1st – 8:30am – Breakfast Walk – Woburn 4 miles £5 (Mod 1, 2, 3)

ABILITY BOW CHARITY WALK
November 10th – 10am – The Icknield Way section 3 – Sharpenhoe Clappers to Ickleford 12 miles approx. £12 All proceeds to this wonderful Charity that I’m doing the 2020 London Marathon for. (Mod 1& 2)

November 13th – 10am – The Chequers, Streatley, Autumn Stunner walk at the Clappers – 6 miles (Mod 1, 2, 3)

November 23rd – 11:30am – Barton Le Clay circular to Warden Hills 9 miles £8 Views! (Mod 1 & 2)

THESE ARE ALL BOOKING WALKS AND I NEED A MINIMUM OF 6 FOR THEM TO GO AHEAD

MORE WALKS WILL BE ADDED SOON

Week commencing 30th September 2019

A mixed bag of weather last week and another one this week.  Hopefully I won’t need to cancel again but please do check before leaving.  You can see the latest bulletin on the website www.walk2fitness.co.uk

This Sunday we have a longer walk and car sharing is available from Ampthill if you need.  For the longer walks I need a minimum of 6 walkers for it to go ahead so if you could let me know if you wish to attend any of our longer walks, just let me know.  Thanks everyone. 

PLANS FOR LONGER WALKS/HOLIDAYS

I’m hoping to offer more longer local walks to you all.  These will be on the weekends as well as in the week. 

Also I am putting together some ideas for our longer walks further afield for next year.  So far, on the cards we have Italy and Slovenia but as always these walking holidays have limited spaces so let me know if you wish to come as soon as I post the dates.  This will be happening shortly.   I am looking to do two trips to the Peak District next year and for the Gentle walkers; Snowdonia where there are some lovely lower level walks and beach walks.  A walking Holiday and challenge in Scotland is in the planning stages too.  Our walking holidays are challenging but also such great fun.  Our fab walkers Sue & Haydn are helping me plan so watch this space for all the info on our upcoming challenges. 

GENTLE BERRY PICKING WALK – 10am – Wednesday
 This Wednesday morning we are taking a stroll from The Knife & Cleaver in Houghton Conquest towards Kings Woods, but just remaining in the fields below to do some berry picking.  This is a short walk with ample plum fruit bushes that are untouched!  Join us for this fun social walk with a nice cuppa afterwards in the pub. 

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Nordic Walks commencing 23rd September, 2019

After reading all the Feedback forms and getting some great suggestions we will be offering extra walks each week and more variety for you all.  These will be beginning in October.  Our regular Ampthill and Cranfield workout walks on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays will remain the same as these walks are where you build your fitness.  We will have afternoon walks that will be in different locations and distances.  There will be more longer walks too which will be on weekends as well as weekdays, so make sure you look at the weekly email each week for all the information.  Thank you for all the feedback and please feel free to let me know if you have any questions.  

POP UP WALK LINEAR WALK 6.5 miles £7
Friday, 27th September at 9:30am 
Park at the Hub car park and you will be whisked to Marston Moretaine where we will follow the Timberland Trail back to Ampthill.  Some nice hills with great views throughout.  Great way to start the weekend!  

ROYSTON HEATH LONGER WALK  
Sports Centre Baldock Road, Royston SG8 5BG
Sunday, 6th October, 2019 – 11am – 6.5 miles

This is a fab walk with great views and good countryside paths.  There is a lovely cafe there where we can have food after the walk. There is a pub stop en route. This is our first time walking here and a great find!  

UPCOMING WALKS FOR YOUR DIARY

ROYSTON HEATH 6.5 MILES
6th October – 11am

LYON NORDIC WALKING 
11th, 12th, 13th returning on 14th October – Lyon

FOR MORE INFO EMAIL elaine@walk2fitness.co.uk

Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Nordic Walks commencing 16th September, 2019

A wonderful time was had by all in the Lake District last week as you’ll see from the photo’s.  Some tough challenges for a lot of the walkers who put in so much effort into the walks.  As well as the walks we had some fun social evenings and much laughter too.  Thanks to all the walkers who came on this trip and especially the Food Team who put together the delicious menu’s each night.  

Thanks to Denise, Paul and Bridget for all their help last week leading the walks while I was away.  Couldn’t do any of these trips without you guys. 

Unfortunately the British Nordic Walking event was cancelled this Saturday, so I am going to be putting on a couple of extra walks this Saturday alongside our regular classes for those who want a challenge.  

8:15am – Striders -10K – Ampthill West Car Park and a couple of cars take the group to Centre Parcs. 
10:15am – Ampthill West Car Park circular – 7.5 miles (Mod 1 & 2)

This week we have some lovely weather for our walks.  See you all out there! 

UPCOMING WALKS FOR YOUR DIARY
LYON NORDIC WALKING
11th, 12th, 13th returning on 14th October – Lyon
FOR MORE INFO EMAIL elaine@walk2fitness.co.uk

Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Nordic Walks commencing 9th September, 2019

This week is the Lake District trip for some of us which has come around so fast!  The regular classes will be going ahead as normal with help from Denise, Paul and Bridget so you’ll be in good hands!  I’ll hear if there’s any slacking!   With me being absent this week there will be no evening classes this week however.  

With more donations this week our final total for The Bedford Day Care Hospice was £310.  Thanks to your generosity, new equipment can now be purchased for those attending the Hospice.  Well done all of you who have contributed to this wonderful cause.