Hi Walkers,

What fantastic weather we have had this week for our walks. It looks like we will continue to have dry sunny days and it will be getting warmer, so bring water and remember the sun screen. We had some onlookers on our Thursday walk (top picture) and seven of our striders took part in the Silsoe Stride this Sunday, (six pictured above). Well done Paul for arranging that, looks like you had a great time.

WEDNESDAY POP-UP
We have a pop up walk round Caldecotte Lake this week. This will be a nice easy walk to make more use of the sunshine.

UPCOMING WALKS for your diary

This coming weekend is Ampthill Festival and many of you will be busy (including Gordon who will be flying the flag for Walk2Fitness) the following week we have added some pop up walks – details below for your diary.

Friday 6th July 2018 9am BREAKFAST WALK – WOBURN, which will be 4 mile approx. and a route we have not done before. Breakfast at Woburn Brassiere.

Saturday 7th July 2018 12noon WOBURN  – This will be the walk that takes us past the Elephant enclosure, a long standing favourite walk. (6 miles approx.)

Sunday 15th July 2018 10am  – Bedford River Festival Nordic Walk.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 18th June, 2018

Hi Walkers,

The France trip was a huge success and I know many of our walkers pushed themselves more than they ever did before. Thanks to all who came along for the adventure and hopefully we’ll do another French trip next year!

The Cranfield walk last Monday was lead by the Cranfield Bunch and from all accounts, it was a great walk. Thank you so much for covering while the Walk Leaders and I were away.

If any of you want to take part in events and challenges, just let me know. The next one is the Silsoe Strides 10k and 5k race has limited spaces left so if you haven’t registered yet, best to do so soon: http://www.silsoestride.co.uk/ The 10k is only for the striders because there is a time limit. The 5k is open to all of you. Should be a great day!

For Information

Gordon’s Text 07970 870720 and eMail  gordon@walk2fitness.co.uk

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

SPEED GRADING KEY:

1 = Striders (for the faster Nordic Walker, optional Hill running)
2 = HIT Nordic (High Intensity Training, Tough and exhilarating!)
3 = Moderate (2 Speeds to choose from)
4 = Gentle Plus (a smidge slower than Mod 2)
5 = Gentle (slow, steady, energizing)
6 = Super G (Very slow so extra care can be taken)

*BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL CLASSES MARKED IN BOLD BY 8PM THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WALK. THANKS.

THIS WEEK’S WALKS

Monday 10am – Cranfield, Village Hall, Court Road (3&4)
Tuesday 8:45am – Ampthill Park Hub Car Park (1)*
Tuesday 9am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (5)*
Tuesday 10am – Ampthill Park West Car Park (3&4)
Wednesday 5:45pm – Ampthill Park West Car Park (3)*
Thursday 10am – Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford (3&4) Paws
Thursday 5:30pm – HIIT returning 12th July
Saturday 9am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (5)*
Saturday 9:15am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (1)*
Saturday 10am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (3&4)

Please go to the website www.walk2fitness.co.uk to check on all the latest info on walks and events.

Thanks,
Elaine

Nordic Walking week commencing 11th June, 2018

Hi Walkers,

A rather brief weekly email this week as I’m sending this from my phone.  I’m attending the Euro Nordic Walking festival in France with 18 of our awesome walkers who have bravely travelled all this way to enjoy the challenge of nordic walking in the Alps!  The only team from Britain!

It has been a great weekend and I’m extremely proud of all of the walkers who have taken part as the challenges were tough but absolutely breathtaking.

Thank you to Paul and Derek for stepping in and covering for us in our absence.  You were great.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

Nordic Walking week commencing 4th June, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Well what a fantastic week of walks and although humid on some of them; we didn’t need our raincoats at all and covered many scenic miles! (Check out the pics!) Even if we did get muddy on some walks we need to thank the Nordic Gods! Thanks to Alan for hosing us all off at Ridgmont Station and to Barbara and Gordon for the lovely cake! Well done to all who managed to make it to some (some came to all!) of the Greensand Country Festival walks and for your company. We hope the Festival runs again next year for some more fun walks in Greensand country!

SILSOE STRIDE 5K & 10K CHALLENGE – Sunday, 24th June

For the first time the organizers of this event are allowing Nordic Walkers to take part. The 10K is really for the Striders group as it needs to be completed in 1hr 30mins which is super speedy. However, the time limit for the 5K is 75 minutes which most Gentle Plus and Moderates can do as we do this on our regular walks each week in 60 mins. This is all off road so no paws needed and taking you through amazing countryside. This would be a wonderful event to take part in and it’s really exciting they have finally allowed Nordic Walkers to take part!

To Register go to: http://www.silsoestride.co.uk/
Please put “Walk2Fitness” as your club/team/organisation and on the Race Experience page under UKA number, please put “Enter as a Nordic Walker.”

This weekend Paul and Derek will be doing the honours and taking the Saturday walks so you’re in good hands! If you have any questions about the Silsoe Stride event you can ask Paul as he’s worked tirelessly to get us included this year.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

SPEED GRADING KEY:

1 = Striders (for the faster Nordic Walker, optional Hill running)
2 = HIT Nordic (High Intensity Training, Tough and exhilarating!)
3 = Moderate (2 Speeds to choose from)
4 = Gentle Plus (a smidge slower than Mod 2)
5 = Gentle (slow, steady, energizing)
6 = Super G (Very slow so extra care can be taken)

*BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL CLASSES MARKED IN BOLD BY 8PM THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WALK. THANKS.

THIS WEEK’S WALKS

Monday 10am – Cranfield, Meeting at Village Hall, Court Road (3&4)
Tuesday 8:45am – Ampthill Park Hub Car Park (1)*
Tuesday 9am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (5)*
Tuesday 10am – Ampthill Park West Car Park (3&4)
Wednesday 5:45pm – Ampthill Park West Car Park (3)*
Thursday 10am – Woburn, Public car park, Park St, Woburn (3&4)
Thursday 5:30pm – No HIT this week
Saturday 9am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (5)*
Saturday 9:15am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (1)*
Saturday 10am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (3&4)

NEWBIES

We have some great new walkers joining us after doing their Technique training, they are: Jill, Steve, Martin, Janette, Nicola, Lorraine, Jean and Maryla. Welcome! We look forward to seeing you on the trails!

Please go to the website www.walk2fitness.co.uk to check on all the latest info on walks and events.

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEK!

Thanks,
Elaine

Nordic Walking week commencing 28th May, 2018

Hi Walkers,

The Woburn Walk on Saturday looked great and thank you to Gordon and Denise for leading it for me. I loved the photo’s. This week we have some great walks lined up with the Festival in full swing. Please book if you wish to come along.

TRAIN
For any of you coming on the Train from Millbrook to Woburn Sands; we have got a group rate that works out at £2 per person return. I will pay the conductor for all of us once aboard so you can enjoy the journey without having to faff, and then you can settle up with me. Yipee!

THURSDAY WALK
We are doing our Thursday walk in Barton this week because once again I had to cancel the POP UP last week due to the wet surface. However, the weather looks good on Thursday so we’ll go for it! It is still an hour long walk with a few welcoming hills just waiting for you! Tea at the Old Mill afterwards. Park on Old Road by the middle Iron gates to the park. Thanks.

By now all of you would have received the GDPR email, but I just wanted to say if any of you wish to unsubscribe from these emails, you can do so anytime by clicking at the bottom of the page. Hopefully you’ll stay and continue to join us on our trails! Thanks.

Have a great week everyone!

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:
All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

SPEED GRADING KEY:
1 = Striders (for the faster Nordic Walker, optional Hill running)
2 = HIT Nordic (High Intensity Training, Tough and exhilarating!)
3 = Moderate (2 Speeds to choose from)
4 = Gentle Plus (a smidge slower than Mod 2)
5 = Gentle (slow, steady, energizing)
6 = Super G (Very slow so extra care can be taken)

*BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL CLASSES MARKED IN BOLD BY 8PM THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WALK. THANKS.

THIS WEEK’S WALKS
Monday Bank Holiday – No Cranfield walk this week.
Monday 12pm – FESTIVAL WALK – Ampthill Park to Houghton Conquest circular, West Car Park, 6 miles, £6*
Tuesday 8:45am – Ampthill Park Hub Car Park (1)*
Tuesday 9am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (5)*
Tuesday 10am – Ampthill Park West Car Park (3&4)
Wednesday 11:30am – FESTIVAL WALK – Forest Centre, Millbrook/Train ride/Woburn Sands walk to Ridgmont/Train return. 8 miles flat walk £8 FULLY BOOKED
Wednesday 5:45pm – Ampthill Park West Car Park (3)*
Thursday 10am – Barton Springs, Old Road, Barton Le Clay (3&4)
Thursday 5:30pm – Ampthill Park West Car park (1)*
Friday 10am – FESTIVAL WALK – Old Warden circular, Meet at Village Hall in Old Warden. 7 miles, £6*
Saturday 9am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (5)*
Saturday 9:15am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (1)*
Saturday 10am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (3&4)
Saturday 11am – FESTIVAL WALK – Ampthill Park West Car Park to CentreParcs perimeter and return. 5 miles, £6*

Please go to the website www.walk2fitness.co.uk to check on all the latest info on walks and events.

Thanks,
Elaine

Nordic Walking week commencing 21st May, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Thanks to all the walkers who came along today for the Monsal Trail walk in Derbyshire.  We had a wonderful day with the best weather.  What a great way to spend a sunny Sunday, great company, amazing scenery and a delicious ice cream to finish!

POP UP FRIDAY – Barton Le Clay
We’ll try this one again as the paths are now dry and the weather looks good this whole week.  This is a walk of panoramic views and some friendly hills to look forward to. Meeting on Old Road in Barton by the iron gates mid way up the road. Tea afterwards at the Old Mill!  3 miles – £5

HIT CLASS 

This week HIIT will be at Centre Parcs.  We meet in the layby by Staples Garden Centre.  Be careful as this is a busy road and parking limited.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 14th May, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Great effort by Virginia and Paula who did really well at the British Nordic Walking challenge series this past Saturday.  You do us proud girls!

PARKING ON SATURDAY MORNING’S

Due to the Cricket Club starting up their season again, parking spaces at the West Car Park on Saturday mornings are becoming scarce.  I am considering starting this class a half hour earlier to help prevent the problems we’re finding but would like feedback from all of you regarding a time change.  This too would mean a change for the earlier classes also. We will keep things as they are for the moment but please allow enough time to get parked.

MONSAL TRAIL

This Sunday 20th we have the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire of 10 miles and I will contact all those who have signed up to sort out travel arrangements. Gordon and I did the Risk assessment last Friday and this will be a great challenge and quite unlike any other walk we’ve done before. Check out the top pic!

GREENSAND COUNTRY FESTIVAL

Just a reminder to book on any of the walks we’re doing for the Greensand Country Festival. They are:
Saturday 26th May 12:30pm – Woburn 4.5 mile circular meeting at the Public Car Park – £6
Monday 28th May 12pm – Ampthill Park/Houghton Conquest 6 mile circular.  Meeting at the West Car Park – £6
Wednesday 30th May 11:30am – Forest Centre to Millbrook Station (1 mile) – Taking history train to Woburn Sands – Walking to Ridgmont Stn (6 miles) – Train returning to Millbrook – Walk back to Forest Centre (1 mile) – (Train tickets purchased on the train) – £8
Friday 1st June 10am – Old Warden 7.5 mile circular (flat walk) – meeting at the Old Warden Village Hall – £6
Saturday 2nd June 11am – Ampthill to Centre Parcs 5.5 mile circular – meeting at the West Car Park.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 7th May, 2018

Hi Walkers,

We had some stunning walks this past week with some fine weather to enjoy. Looking forward to another good week ahead.

Great effort from my walkers in the HIIT class on Thursday where we attacked Cardiac Hill for the first time this year.  Well done.

With warmer temperatures for our walks, please bring some water with you as we switch from “Nose Blow Stops” to “Water Stops!”  Maybe we can even do both!  If you don’t want to want to wear a backpack, my Walk Leaders and I can carry your water if it’s in a small bottle.  Also think about sunblock.  On particularly hot days we will stay as much in the shade as possible.  Thanks.

As it’s a bank holiday this Monday and I don’t want my Cranfield bunch to miss out on their walk this week, we will have Thursday’s class there instead.  This will be Rachel’s last walk with us so come along and take in the amazing views and great company as we stride around this wonderful location taking in the Bluebell woods and views for miles before a lovely cuppa at Oso’s with Rachel.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

Nordic Walking week commencing 30th April, 2018

Hi Walkers,

A Big well done to my Strider girls, Helen and Paula for doing the 10K race at Chatsworth House with me today.  It was a tough race with an ascent of 176.3 metres (mega hills!) and with very slippery terrain, we all finished with great times.  Woohoo!

Not sure what has happened with our lovely spring days, it’s more like monsoon season and making our walking trails wet and mushy!  I know tomorrow is meant to be a very windy and wet day; so please keep an eye on the website for any last minute info on classes before you leave.

The Bluebells are out and looking stunning but unfortunately as these are in wooded areas, access to them is limited due to the muddy conditions. I took this picture in Flitwick woods and you can view them from the edge of the wood.

POP UP FRIDAY BREAKFAST

9am – Hub Car Park, Ampthill
We’ll try again for a Pop Up walk this week and hope the Nordic Gods treat us to some fine weather! This is a nice 3 miler around Ampthill town and ending up at the White Hart for a nice breakfast.  Paws needed.  £5  Please book onto this walk so I can let the pub know how many to expect for food, thanks. Nom Nom!

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:

All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

SPEED GRADING KEY:

Nordic Walking week commencing 23rd April, 2018

Hi Walkers,

So glad so many of you were able to get out and enjoy the lovely weather last week on some fab walks. Woburn was as beautiful as ever and we got to watch the Swans, both black and white cruising around the mirror like pond, the Deer were out as well which always makes this walk a firm favourite. The Bedford embankment walk was just lovely and we timed it well with all the flowers standing to attention as we walked on by. Thanks to all who came along. With the warmer temperatures we now start having to think about sunblock and bringing water; so please remember to hydrate! We’re happy to carry your bottles.

POP UP FRIDAY
Another Pop Up this week and this time we’re going for a lovely walk with the most amazing views. Many of you have done this one before and it is a real treat. There are a few friendly “inclines” but it’s all so worth it for the panoramic views. Meeting at the park gates on Old Road, Barton Le Clay, MK45 4LB – 3 miles – £5

RACHEL’S FAREWELL DO
As many of you know, our wonderful Walk Leader Rachel is moving to Cumbria in a few weeks and so we are having a farewell dinner for her on Monday 30th April at 7pm at The Cross Keys, 2 Tithe Road, Wood End, Nr Wootton, MK43 9BE. I will need to know numbers by Thursday this week and I will be putting the menu out shortly so you can make your choices prior to the evening. Thanks.

NORDIC WALKING CLASS COSTS:
All evening classes – £5
Moderate – £5 or £4 if you have your own Poles
Striders & Gentle – £5
Super G – £10
Long Distance and Pop Up walks costs dependent on Distance.
Private Sessions: £12.50 – £15

SPEED GRADING KEY:
1 = Striders (for the faster Nordic Walker, optional Hill running)
2 = HIT Nordic (High Intensity Training, Tough and exhilarating!)
3 = Moderate (2 Speeds to choose from)
4 = Gentle Plus (a smidge slower than Mod 2)
5 = Gentle (slow, steady, energizing)
6 = Super G (Very slow so extra care can be taken)

*BOOKING ESSENTIAL FOR ALL CLASSES MARKED BOLD BY 8PM THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WALK. THANKS.

THIS WEEK’S WALKS
Monday 10am – Cranfiled, Village Hall car park (3&4)
Tuesday 8:45am – Ampthill Park Hub Car Park (1)*
Tuesday 9am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (5)*
Tuesday 10am – Ampthill Park West Car Park (3&4)
Wednesday 5:45pm – Ampthill Park West Car Park (3)*
Thursday 10am – Windmill walk, end of Mollivers Lane, Bromham (3&4)
Thursday 5:30pm – HIIT SESSION – Ampthill Park West Car Park*
Friday 10am – Barton Springs, Old Road, Barton Le Clay (3&4)*
Saturday 9am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (5)*
Saturday 9:15am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (1)*
Saturday 10am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park (3&4)

Welcome to some new walkers who will be joining our walks, they are Linda, Clare, Jean, Philip and Rene. We look forward to seeing you out on the trails with us soon!

Please remember to book any of the walks that are marked in BOLD
For all the latest info on all our walks and events, please go to the website www.walk2fitness.co.uk

Thanks,
Elaine