Nordic Walking

Wednesday 5th December saw the first Nordic Walking introductory day at the Ramblers Worldwide Offices at Lemsford Mill. The Nordic gods who seem to control our weather these days gave us a bright cold day with a dusting of snow.

The 26 people who braved the weather to get here were greeted with warming tea and coffee. Before lunch everyone learnt about the theory of Nordic Walking, developed as a summer training discipline for cross country skiers. A more erect posture, upper body movement and lengthened jaunty stride all contribute towards using 90% of your muscles when you get into the Nordic Walking groove. Pushing with the poles, rather than using them to balance, is a great way to get rid of any bingo wings! Theory was followed by practice on the lawn behind the Mill, as the novice Nordic Walkers were literally put through their paces.

A buffet lunch in the Aga-warmed Ramblers kitchen was followed by a 2 hour guided Nordic Walk across the Brocket estate, along the Ayot Greenway disused railway line, then back via Ayot Green. Blue sky and ground which was slightly soft underfoot made the day even more enjoyable. Tea and cakes back at the Mill were followed by a visit to the waterwheel which generates 40% of the company’s electricity.

Many thanks to our instructor Julian Wilkes, to the staff who organised the day so well and cooked the delicious lunch, and of course to the clients who made it all so enjoyable. We look forward to the next Nordic Walking day at our offices in the spring… watch this space for dates.