Nordic Walking week commencing 10th September, 2018

Hi Walkers,

This coming week we have our Snowdonia trip.  12 of us are going to trek up Snowdon and also do some low level walks and I’ll be sure to get some great pics along the way.  For those who haven’t been able to join us this time, I will be doing it again in the Spring so make sure you look out for it!

MONTY’S TANDOORI SOCIAL – Thursday 20th September 7pm
We haven’t had a Monty’s Social for a while so thought we’d have an end of summer night out at our favourite Indian restaurant.  At Monty’s you bring your own alcohol. Please let me know by Monday 17th if you wish to join us.

Memory Walk Bedford for Alzheimers Society – 23rd September – Meeting at 10am at the far side of the car park at Oasis Swimming pool in Bedford.  We will walk from here to the start at Everard Meadows.  If you haven’t yet registered for this 8k flat charity walk, you can do so by clicking here: https://www.memorywalk.org.uk/find-a-walk/bedford-2018/

London Bridges Charity walk for Diabetes UK – 12 Bridges, 10 miles (Paws) – 30th September
Meeting at Flitwick Train Station.  I will have times for you shortly.  We’re contemplating taking the train to Blackfriars and then the river boat to Battersea Park for the start of the walk.  After the walk we will have a meal at the pub near Tower Bridge.  If you are not going to the meal, please let me know.  Thanks. To register for this walk go to: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/fundraising-events/bridgeschallenge

FREE WALKS FOR THE FESTIVAL –

Saturday 15th September 12pm – Kings & Preachers walk – Ampthill Park West Car Park – 6 miles approx.

Sunday 16th September 11am – The Wonders of Woburn – Public car park, 5 miles

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 3rd September, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Thanks to all those who came along to the Pop Up Breakfast walk last week.  We were spoiled with amazing weather and the views never fail to impress on this scenic linear walk from Maulden to Ampthill.  We will do this again soon!

WALKS COMING UP

For the Bedfordshire Walking Festival I will be doing a few Free Taster sessions and walks.  If you have any friends or family who want to try Nordic Walking these Taster sessions are a great introduction.  The two walks I’m doing are for non Nordic Walkers also and are Free!  Come along and enjoy.

TASTER SESSION:

Monday 10th September 12pm – Cranfield Village Hall, Court Road, Cranfield
Monday 10th September 1:30pm – Ampthill Park, West Car Park
Saturday 15th September 11am – Ampthill Park, West Car Park

WALKS FOR THE FESTIVAL

Saturday 15th September 12pm – Kings & Preachers walk – Ampthill Park West Car Park – 6 miles approx.

Sunday 16th September 11am – The Wonders of Woburn – Public car park, 4.5 miles

HOW ‘BOUT THEM APPLES! 

Sue B has a load of apples from her garden to share; so if you fancy some, bring a plastic bag along to the Tuesday walk in Ampthill.  I smell pie!  Nom Nom!

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 27th August, 2018

Hi Walkers,

A lovely walk to Willington from Bedford brought us to the John Bunyan boat where we boarded for a scenic ride back.  A real treat.  Thanks everyone for joining us on this fun trip. Thank you too to Chris Fox for helping to organise it.

CLASS COSTS
After keeping the 10am class costs to £4 for the past 8 years, I will be increasing the costs to £5 starting this week.  Pole hire will remain at £1.  Thanks everyone.

BREAKFAST WALK – Friday 8:30am – 4.5miles
We have a treat today!  Parking your cars in The George Inn in Maulden we will drive you back to Ampthill and begin the walk back to The George through woods and meadows with views to die for.  For those who wish to partake in breakfast, we will indulge after our stretches.  This walk has some friendly undulations! What a great way to start the day! £6  Please book so I can give the pub and idea of numbers. 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 20th August, 2018

Hi Walkers,

A fine turnout for our annual Charity walk and ideal weather made this a wonderful day for all concerned.  A big thank you to all of you who came along and walked the 14.2 miles (sneakily snuck an extra mile in!) You all did brilliantly as did Toby and Brandy on their four paws!  Walks like this aren’t possible without my Walk Leaders so thank you Gordon and Denise for your time helping to plan this great day.  We raised £330 for the Bedford Day Care Hospice so well done to all. Woohoo!

WEDNESDAY
This week we have the John Bunyan Boat Ride from the Danish Camp to Bedford! Yay!  The walk from Priory Country Park should take little over an hour so to make sure we get there on time, I would ask that we all meet at the main car park with the flagpole at the Country park at 12:45pm.  Please bring your own food for the ride back if you wish and there is coffee and tea on board. The boat trip should take approx. 2 hours.  Cost is £22 which includes the walk and boat trip.  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:

Nordic Walking week commencing 6th August, 2018

Hi Walkers,

We have some Newbies joining us who have just completed their technique courses, they are: Pat, Sue, Brian, Dan, Tally (her dog Titch), Sally (her dog Shadow), both Titch and Shadow showed excellent technique as well as their owners!  Martin and Janette also doing a great job and officially completed their course on Saturday.  Well done all of you and I look forward to seeing you out on the trails.

BOOKING ON WALKS

For all my walkers, any walk marked in BOLD below is a booking class which just means you have to let us know you are coming by 8pm the night before.  You can do this either by going to the website www.walk2fitness.co.uk and booking from there or you can text 07894791527 or email me: elaine@walk2fitness.co.uk.  Especially all the Gentle walkers and Striders please remember to do this as we need a minimum of 3 for classes to go ahead.  Many thanks everyone.

OUR CHARITY PUB WALK – Sunday 19th August – Woburn

I am super excited to be doing this fun walk again this year and hoping that many of you can join in too.  This is a half marathon distance if you complete the whole walk but you have the option of doing stages of 3.5 miles for those not wanting to do such a long distance.  Each stage will end in a pub where we can refresh before the next stage.  As this is for charity, the walk is open to non Nordic walkers too, so bring your friends and family.  Well behaved dogs on lead are welcome too.  Registration is £12, £10 of which is going straight to the charity, which will be going to the Bedford Hospice Day Centre again.  They had many funding cuts this year so every penny is so appreciated.  Here are the stages:

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 30th July, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Thank heaven for the shade!  We had some great walks this past week and this was due to the trees AND the awesome walkers who braved the heat.  Thankfully we have some lovely woods and we managed to dodge the direct sunlight on most of our walks.   This week the temperatures are a little cooler to begin with but getting warm again at the end of the week so we’ll try to make the walks as comfortable as possible.

Wednesday evening Gentle Plus
Because we didn’t get the numbers for this evening class during it’s trial period, we have decided not to continue to offer this class this summer.    However, we have many Gentle Plus classes running throughout the week and weekend for any of you to attend. Yay!  The Wednesday evening Moderate class will continue as normal! 

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

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)

Nordic Walking week commencing 23rd July, 2018

Hi Walkers,

A few dates for your diary….

CHARITY PUB WALK

Our own Charity Pub walk will be on Sunday, August 19th this year!  Open to non Nordic Walkers too, we will do a half marathon distance but with stops at pubs every three miles or so for refreshments and offerings from each pub.  Because this walk has stops throughout, you can opt to do shorter distances of three, six or nine miles or do the full half.  This was a fantastic event last year as we strolled through magnificent countryside with great company and yummy food.  More details to follow.

JOHN BUNYAN BOAT TRIP

If you would like to come along for this special walk and ride, the date for your diary is Wednesday August 22nd at 2pm.  We will walk from Priory Country Park in Bedford to the Danish Camp in Willington and then board the John Bunyan boat and take a leisurely ride back to Bedford.  Costs £22 which includes walk and boat ride. Please let me know if you are interested so I can get an idea of numbers.  Thanks.  Again, more details will follow.

BOOKINGS

A minimum of three people are needed for walks to go ahead and 5 walkers for longer distance walks, so please remember to book on any of the classes written in BOLD should you wish to attend.  Thanks.

CHILDREN & FAMILY NORDIC WALKING

I am doing two sessions this coming Wednesday for Families wishing to try Nordic Walking.  Please book by contacting Ampthill Town Council at 01525 404355

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 16th July, 2018

Hi Walkers,

Since my return for my holiday I can see you have all kept up your fitness levels really well; so well done for continuing to Nordic Walk!  Your regular attendance is the key to maintaining your fitness and health and I love that you choose to come to my classes each week, so a BIG thank you.

I forgot to thank Derek, Sheelagh and Barbara too for all their help while I was away.  Really appreciate all your help guys. Thanks.

CHARITY CHALLENGES

BEDFORD MEMORY WALK – SUNDAY 2OTH SEPTEMBER

This walk is a firm favourite with our walkers and we will be attending again this year and hopefully a lot of you will join the team.  It’s such a great cause which we are happy to support.  It covers 8K and is all on flat surfaces some of which is pavement.  It is such a great atmosphere and we always have a great time.  This will be a great challenge for all pace of walker including Gentle, so lets get those poles out, paws on and have a great day! To register go to:
https://www.memorywalk.org.uk/find-a-walk/bedford-2018/

LONDON BRIDGES 10 MILE CHARITY WALK –
SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER –

This will be our 3rd time attending this fantastic event.  We cover 12 Bridges over 10 miles in London and it is just great fun.   This is a tough challenge as it is all on pavement, but it is well worth it.  It’s for Moderate walkers and this year we will start off together and then meet at the London Eye for a team photo and for a picnic.  Then we’ll meet at the Hung Drawn & Quartered Pub for a nice celebration meal at the end.  To register for this years challenge, go to: 
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/fundraising-
events/bridgeschallenge

HIT CLASS

This class is returning this week and we will now start this session from the Central car park where the HUB is.  Thanks.

CRANFIELD TREAT

Tomorrow after our regular walk, we will have a little savoury buffet at Oso’s, so please don’t have a big breakfast.  Nom Nom.

POP UP WALK – GREAT BARFORD (pictured above)
This week’s Pop Up walk is new and a great 6 miler. We will be starting at 11amso when we get half way the pub will be open for refreshments. Meeting at The Anchor Inn, High Street, Great Barford, MK44 3LF.  Parking map will be put on the website www.walk2fitness.co.uk. Please remember to bring water with you.  Booking by Thursday evening please. 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

Nordic Walking week commencing 9th July, 2018

Hi Walkers,

I’m just back from my holiday after nearly 3 weeks away and I missed you guys!   Above are a few pics from the Canadian Rockies where I had some beautiful hikes where nearly everywhere you looked took your breath away.

Returning to this heat was a shock so hoping you’ve all been safe and hydrating on your walks.  We will keep the walks in the shade as much as possible but please wear hats and bring plenty of water with you.  I see from the Saturday Safari walk that you got to see the Elephants so I’m glad they were out posing for you.  We will do this walk again and extend it a tad to take in the pub in Eversholt soon.

A MASSIVE thank you to all my Walk Leaders, Gordon, Denise and the newly qualified Paul for all your help to keep the walks going in my absence.  It meant a great deal to me and I’m sure to all the walkers also who got to keep their fitness up.

WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASS
We will be introducing a Gentle Plus walk on WednesdayEvenings as a trial for the next few weeks.  This will start at 5:45pm from the West Car Park.  This session will be 45 minutes long and is £5. This is in addition to the current class we already do for the moderates. Well behaved dogs are welcome to join us on this Gentle Plus class. Woohoo!  Please book on by 8pm the night before if you wish to come along.  Thanks.

BEDFORD RIVER FESTIVAL STROLL
Walk2Fitness have been given exclusive permission to put this walk on for the Festival.  It’s a nice easy Nordic Walk (stroll for those without poles and dogs on lead are welcome too.)  It’s completely free and there will be food available (bacon butties etc) from the start of the walk from St Mary’s Gardens which is located across from the new development by the college.  Parking is available at the Prebend Street car park and various other spots around the event.  To register you can go to our website www.walk2fitness.co.uk or let us know this week.   Should be a fun morning walk before the events on the river get started!

HIT Class
I’m sorry this class will not be starting again this week as planned but now returning on the 19th.  Maybe it will be a bit cooler by then too.  Thanks.

BOOKING
Now I’m back you can book on the walks by texting me or emailing or via the website.

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 2nd July, 2018

Hi Walkers,

A reminder of the Bedford River Festival 2.5 mile Nordic Walk and stroll on Sunday 15th July, at 10am from St Mary’s Meadow (which is across the river from the Vue Cinema, next to Bedford College)  You can register by going to our website and it’s free!  Dogs on leads are welcome too.  There will be a lot of fun things to do and catering stalls to enjoy.  This is organized by us and hope you tell your friends and family to come along too!   If any of you would like to help us out at this event marshalling that would be awesome.  Thanks.

Well done to Paul who passed the walk leader course last week.

A note for walkers who are travelling between Marston and Ampthill please note that the road is closed at the level crossing at Millbrook on Saturday and Sunday (7th & 8th July) – alternative route via Stewartby.
–
POP UP FRIDAY 6th JULY – 9am – Public Car Park, Woburn
Another beautiful breakfast walk in Woburn, this time a nice 4 miler followed by breakfast at The Woburn Brasserie. Nom Nom.  Please book by 12 noon on Wednesday 4th July and let us know if you will be staying for breakfast so that we give numbers to the Brasserie. Thanks.

POP UP SATURDAY 7th JULY – 12 NOON  –  Public Car Park, Woburn
This is our ever popular ‘Elephant’ walk, (picture above). 6 miles approx. Please bring a drink and a snack as there is a nice picnic spot about half way round.

On Sunday 8th July the lovely Sheelagh Brill is hosting a ChariTEA at her home (ask Sheelagh or one of the walk leaders for her address in Ampthill). 2 – 4 pm. Drop in for 5 minutes or stay for the afternoon. Proceeds to Ampthill Singers Charities. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and Prosecco (thank you Caron) and lots of lovely cakes

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