Nordic Walking week commencing 19th November, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Well, we smashed our target for our Charity walk so a BIG thanks to all of you who took part in the Charity walk, and also to those who kindly donated.  It means so much to the Bedford Daycare Hospice and because we raised over £100 more than our target, they are able to purchase a more durable and stronger Industrial Blender.  Fantastic job all of you!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Two of our Striders took part in the British Nordic Walking 10K and 5K events in Staffordshire today.  I’m proud to say that Paula won the Ladies 10K AND Bob won the 5K!  You both did so well and worked very hard in your training up to this event so really well done!  Yipee!  It is an especially remarkable result for Bob who has been fighting back to fitness from Lyme Disease for two years.  Wow!

THURSDAY’S WALK 

Can’t believe it’s a year since we went to June’s for her annual Craft/Quiliting morning.  Time is flying! June hand makes the most exquisite things from Boot bags, advent calendars, gift cards and beautiful bags and so much more.  Each year we pop along to her house after our walk to see her wares and have a cuppa and a cake (or two!)  Great ideas for unique Christmas gifts so come along and enjoy!

NEWBIES & POLES

Just have to say how great it is to see all my new walkers coming along to the classes!   It’s so great having you all join in the fun!   For those of you who would like a second hand pair of poles, I will be selling four pairs of my Nordic Walking Training Poles for £28 on a first come first served basis.  Just let me know if you are interested.  Thanks guys.

THANKS

A Massive thank you to my “Snowdonians” and especially Sue and Haydn for making me the most beautiful photo book or our wonderful trip to Wales in September.   I will treasure it always…

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 12th November, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Just breathtaking views and colours this past week out on the trails.  I have been going a bit nuts as far as taking pics this week but I can’t help myself!  Thanks for putting up with my antics!

THURSDAY’S WALK

This week we are starting our Thursday class a bit later so we can have a nice cuppa after the walk at the Cross Keys Pub.  This is only a temporary time change and for this location only.  This is a new walk and very pleasant and completely flat!  You can stride out without the worry of roots and holes on this one.

CHARITY PUB WALK –

11:30am – Saturday 17th November – 6.5 miles
Starting at The White Horse in Husborne Crawley (MK43 0XE). Parking in the paddock through the gate in the car park. This is a very popular and really fun walk.  Raising funds for Bedford Daycare Hospice and a brand new Industrial Blender; we will stroll around the magnificent countryside of Woburn and beyond.  PLEASE NOTE THE POSTCODE IS MK43 0XE (and not what I put in the last email)

NEW GENTLE CLASS

Our new Gentle class will be starting in Cranfield on Monday at 10am.  This class is aimed at those walkers who are getting back to fitness or wanting to build up endurance at a slower but steady pace.  It is a 45 minute class.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 5th November, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Another great week of walks in the fresh autumn air and with crispy leaves underfoot it really is a fab time of year to be out and about.  Definitely speeds are improving and a distinct difference with the recovery rates at the top of hills has been really impressive.  Everyone gets puffed on the hills but next time you do a hill, check how quickly you are recovering….it’s a great way to gauge your fitness levels.  Keep up the great work guys!

OUR ANNUAL SANTA STROLL – 2nd Decemeber, 2018 – 10:30am

This year we are doing our usual 2.5k and 5k stroll around the park.  The difference this year is that there is no registration fee just a suggested donation of £3 which is being split between three charities: The Bedford Daycare Hospice, St Andrews Church, Ampthill & the Cheshire home in Ampthill.
There will be Carol Singing from our Bev’s fantastic singers and musicians. Ceri from CERISPORT will be doing the warm up again which was a great deal of fun last year.  Our creative Nordic Walkers will have a stall too. If you’d like to sell your wares on our stall please let me know so I can make sure we have enough room.  After the Stroll there will be Soup and bread for all and Hot Chocolate.
This is a real fun family event and all who attend are asked to wear the Santa suits.  You can get these online or there is a limited amount for sale at The Hub for £3.  There will  be a prize for the Best Adult, Child (under 12) & Dog costume.   Please tell all your friends and family to come along and enjoy in this fun festive event.  Thanks.

THURSDAY CLASS

This week’s Thursday class is in Streatley and the Clappers is located on Sharpenhoe Road which is at the north end of the village.  Enjoying panoramic views, this is a fab walk.  Afterwards, we can drive a few mins away to the Barton Mill for a nice warming cuppa!

STRIDERS CHRISTMAS DINNER

This year our Striders Christmas dinner is at The George Inn in Maulden and on Monday 17th December at 7:30pm.  If you can let me know by November 16th if you wish to attend that would be great.  Many thanks.

NEWBIES

We have some great new Beginners joining our classes and I’m sure you’ll make them very welcome. Well done to: Julie L, Diane, Elaine, Andy, Julie A, Alison and our youngest Nordic Walker Emma.  We look forward to seeing you all out there on the trails!

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 29th October, 2018

Hi Walkers,

After all the rain yesterday and this morning, we were again blessed with sunshine for the second leg of the Icknield Way today.  Everyone did so well especially as there was a few muddy sections.   Thank you to Bridget and Tom for all their time in making the trail accessible for us and for leading the way.  Also thanks to Sheelagh and Denise for helping ferry walkers to the start.  Great team effort all ’round!

We will do the third section of this walk so will let you all know the details soon.

SLOVENIA

Next May we are looking to do a mini walking break to Slovenia and looking around the week of the 6th.  Numbers are limited so please let me know if you’re interested in going as soon as possible.   At the moment we just need an idea of numbers so we can look into the accommodation.  This trip is quite challenging with lots of hills so aimed more towards the Moderate walker.   I will be arranging a Gentle Plus trip abroad too next year, and will let you know the details of this shortly.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

This year our Christmas lunch is booked for 5th December at 12noon at The Cross Keys, Wood End.  Please let me know if you are interested in coming this year, we have a maximum of 30.   I will put the Menu on the website tomorrow for you to peruse.  Thanks.

CRANFIELD BUNCH CHRISTMAS DINNER

We are so happy to have secured Oso’s again for our Christmas Dinner in Cranfield.  This will be on Wednesday 19th December at 7pm. Numbers are limited to 20 so please let me know as soon as possible if you intend to come.  Woohoo!

I will be organising a Saturday Christmas lunch too and will give you the details next week.   Cheers!

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 22nd October, 2018

Hi Walkers,

They say the sun shines on the righteous, well we must be doing something right as our luck for great weather for our long walks has been uncanny and just amazing. What a week!  I’ve done the Safari walk with you guys for years now but this time it was hands down the best!

We had such a beautiful day but as well as seeing our Elephants, Rhino’s, camels and various other creatures in the Safari Park, we had the most stunning views of hundreds of Deer.  We might get to do this walk again on a Saturday so those of you who have to work in the week can come along.  Will keep you posted.

I’m also just home from the Icknield Way stage 1 walk which again proved to be challenging but so rewarding.   Apart from a whiteout at the start of the walk at Ivinghoe Beacon, the sun soon blew the mist away.  Well done to all of you who came along and thanks to Bridget for leading this for us.   Next Sunday we tackle Stage 2!

Icknield Way – stage 2 (fully booked)

This Sunday we’re meeting at 10:30am at the Village Hall, 146 Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley, LU3 3PS.   Again we’ll ferry walkers to the start which is where we finished today in Dunstable.  The second stage is easier than the first though still has the odd undulation!  We stop half way on this one at the Fancott Arms where we will stop and eat our picnic.  It’s another magnificent walk with views for miles.  At the end we will have a nice drink at the pub!  11.5 miles.  £8.  Thanks.    ANY WALKER WANTING A COPY OF THE ICKNIELD WAY BOOKLET, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.  Yay!

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 15th October, 2018

Hi Walkers,

A great week of walks again as Autumn grabs hold.  This is a great time of year for walking as temperatures cool and the colours change.  This past week the Gentle Plus group had their annual getaway and the sun shone down on us for both days.  Sandringham estate was again just spectacular to walk around and the following day we stretched our legs on the beach at Hunstanton (see top two pics)  Thanks to all who came to make this a memorable trip, not just for the walking but the laughter too!

Icknield Way – stage 1

Last week I said to let me know by the 7th Oct if you wanted to join the Icknield Way walks, but it should have said 17th.  So do let me know if you fancy this great challenge next Sunday.
Meeting at the White Lion Pub, Watling St, Dunstable LU6 1RS at 1030am. We’ll ferry folks to the start of the walk at Ivinghoe Beacon.  11miles.  £8.  Bring snacks and drink.  Booking essential. Thanks.

POP UP FRIDAY – 19th October 10am – Woburn Public Car park.

Remember to book onto our fantastic Safari walk in Woburn.  Amazing scenery with Elephants en route! Bring snacks and a drink. We stop half way on this 6 mile stunner.  £7  Please Book, thanks.

BRAND NEW GENTLE CLASS – Cranfield

Our brand new Gentle class of 30 minutes will begin tomorrow morning in Cranfield at 9:15am.  This class is for any walker who needs to ease back into Nordic Walking to build up stamina.  After this initial 4 week programme this class will start at 10am and will last 45 minutes and will be a Gentle Plus pace. This is a Booking class. Thanks. £5

EVENING CLASSES 

With the light fading fast as winter approaches, this will be our last week doing our evening classes until the Spring.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 8th October, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Our Barton Springs walk was a beaut this week with sunshine dappled through the trees and the usual amazing views that take your breath away (See group pic above) We will try to do this one again before the weather makes it too slippy on the chalky trails.

Icknield Way (See pictures above)
The two risk assessments we did this week were also jam packed with views to die for!  Both legs were about 11 miles (our GPS and phones and fitbits all varied!) The section from Ivinghoe Beacon Dunstable had one tough long hill with steps but this was okay if you take your time and stop if necessary.  There were of course other undulations. A lunch stop at Whipsnade Tree Cathedral before a comfort break at Dunstable Downs. The second leg from Dunstable to Streatley had a few smaller hills.  The first half hour of the second section was not the best because of being rerouted but after that bit, be prepared for stunning views and a fantastic pub stop at The Fancott Arms. There were two fields with nice cows that had no interest in us at all.

Sunday 21st October – 1st leg 10:30am start
(parking at The White Lion Pub, Dunstable)
Sunday 28th October – 2nd leg 10:30am start
(parking at Streatley Village Hall)
BOOKING ESSENTIAL by 7th October (£8 each leg) Bring packed lunches.
Thanks.

POP UP FRIDAY –  WOBURN SAFARI WALK – 19th October 10am – Woburn Public Car park.
Due to popular demand we will again do this spectacular walk where we take in the wonderful countryside around Woburn including walking through the safari park to see the elephants and other animals.  Bring a snack.  6 miles with stop half way.  £7 BOOKING ESSENTIAL

CRANFIELD GENTLE CLASSES – 4 WEEK PROGRAMME
I will be starting a Gentle class of 30 minutes in Cranfield on Monday 15th October at 9:15am.  This class is for any walker who needs to ease back into Nordic Walking to build up stamina.  After the 4 week programme this class will start at 10am and will last 45 minutes and will be a Gentle Plus pace. This will be a Booking class. Thanks. £5

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

Nordic Walking week commencing 1st October, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Another fantastic weekend of walks and events!  On Saturday we raised £160 for Macmillan and another £60 for the Bedford Daycare Hospice.  Thanks to you guys for baking cakes and those of you who were eating them too!  Sheelagh was in her element manning the stalls with Paula and Anne; I really appreciated you giving your time for this fun event.

LONDON BRIDGES CHALLENGE for DIABETES UK
Year three of doing this challenge and it proved to be just as good as it was before with 18 of us (our biggest team yet!) marching over 12 bridges in London over 10 miles.  Well done to all of you who came along and took part for this great cause.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – Icknield Way 24th & 28th Oct
This fun challenge is a new one for us but has the most magnificent views of any that we’ve done before in England!  We will walk on two consecutive Sunday mornings and there will be pub stops en route.  We will need to know numbers as these two walks are linear where you will be ferried to the start.  We are risk assessing these walks this week so I will give you more details next week.  Approx 10 miles each walk.  Starting at Ivinghoe Beacon and finishing the second Sunday in Streatley.  Awesome challenge!

BEGINNERS TECHNIQUE COURSE
Due to my current Saturday Beginners course being Fully Booked this time round, I am offering another starting on October 20th at 11:15am in Ampthill Park West Car Park.

Thanks.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

Nordic Walking week commencing 24th September, 2018

Hi Walkers,

What a hardy bunch of Walkers you are!  Despite the rain, our wonderful walkers donned their wet weather gear and completed the Memory Walk in Bedford this morning.  The weather didn’t dampen our enthusiasm and it was a great time had by everyone.  Well done all of you!

MACMILLAN CAKE MORNING & CHARITY BOOK STALL 

Come along and enjoy some yummy cakes and a cuppa in aid of Macmillan this coming Saturday morning.  Cake donations are also very welcome.  We will also have a Book Stall where you can grab a bargain and all proceeds are going to The Bedford Daycare Hospice which helps provide a sanctuary for those suffering with chronic illnesses.  I went there recently and was amazed by what this small charity does for so many people in need.  Truly humbling.  Thanks.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 17th September, 2018

Hi Walkers,

What a fun and busy week we just had!  My wonderful walkers scaled Snowdon on the most beautiful day last week where we were rewarded with amazing panoramic views that we’ll never forget.  the following day we had a lovely walk from Porthmadog to Criccieth along the beach which stretched out for miles.  Again blessed with great weather.  The Nordic Gods did good.  Thanks to all who came and did so well.

The festival walks and tasters were a big success and on Saturday we had the biggest group of walkers I’ve ever had to lead.  Fifty Two walkers came from near and far to enjoy Ampthill Park.  With help from Gordon and Caron, Bev, Jenny and Catherine, the large group stayed in line and all got back safely.  Thanks to you all for helping out with this surprisingly large group!

MEMORY WALK – 8K
This coming Sunday we have the Memory Walk.  All those coming along should meet at the Oasis Swimming Pool by the recycling bins on the far side of the car park.  Meeting at 10am.  We will then wander to the start to do the warm up and enjoy the great atmosphere.  If you’d like to take part in the Memory walk please register by going to https://www.memorywalk.org.uk/find-a-walk/bedford-2018/

MONTYS – Cranfield 7pm
If you could let me know by Tuesday if you plan on coming to Monty’s for the Nordic Social, that would be great.  The meal is at 7pm and you can bring your own drinks.  Thanks.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15
Pole Hire £1