What is Nordic Walking?
Nordic Walking is a great way to exercise without the extra strain found from other types of exercise, and gets your whole body walking.
Our routes take you around Cirencester, Bagendon, Cotswold Lakes and surrounding area.
Beginner Workshop
If you're new to Nordic Walking, you'll need to join our beginner workshop. In this workshop, you will learn the INWA 10-step method which lets you get the most out of our regular Nordic Walks.
A Nordic walking beginner workshop is ideal for:
- The whole community
- Force development
- Schools and Colleges
- Corporate / Business
- Team building
- Cotswold holiday experiences
- 'Remote Workers 2 Remote Walkers'
- Families
We can also provide 1-to-1 workshops on request for only £30
Monday
When: 9am to 11am
Where: Fire & Flow
Friday (Morning)
When: 9am to 11am
Where: ROX Lake 12
Your INWA Nordic Walking Instructor
Gary has been a British Nordic Walking instructor since 2017. He is an outdoor first aid instructor, first aid for mental health instructor, and a safeguarding instructor with over 25 years' experience leading adventurous training expeditions around the world. He is fully insured and DBS certified.
Gary is a member of British Nordic Walking, and is accredited by the International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA).
Our walks
The Lodge Cafe
Setting off from The Lodge Cafe, ROX Lake 12 in South Cerney, our walking routes will take you along beautiful lakeside and around the Cotswold water park.
- Starting location
- The Lodge Cafe, ROX Lake 12, Cotswolds Water Park, South Cerney, GL7 5TL
- Terrain
- Fields, Public footpaths, Metal road, Lakeside, Riverside
- Walking time
- 2 hours
- Walk distance
- 4.0km to 6.0km Depending on the route
- Walk routes
- We have 5 routes
Fire and Flow
Our routes starting from Fire and Flow take you through the undulating countryside, Bagendon, Perrott's Brook and North Cerney.
- Starting location
- Fire & Flow, Tall Trees Estate, Bagendon, GL7 7JE
- Terrain
- Fields, Public footpaths, Private road, Country road
- Walking time
- 2 hours
- Walk distance
- 4.0km to 6.0km Depending on the route
- Walk routes
- We have 6 routes
Testimonials
- Judith B
I am enjoying learning to Nordic walk. Gary is encouraging and helpful to achieve the correct technique. He makes it fun
- Deputy Head, Cirencester Kingshill School
We were delighted to welcome Gary Owen, the Director of Inspire First Training. He has subsequently invested himself in designing programmes to support the training of both physical and mental first aid,... Continue reading alongside diverse experience of leading expeditions in the Algonquin National Park, traversing volcanoes in Tongariro National Park, and mountain biking the Slickrock trail in Moab, Gary brilliantly supported our focus on Mental Health Awareness week. He spoke with wonderful enthusiasm and energy about the beautiful simplicity of 'walking-and-talking' in introducing us to the benefits that this can bring to both our physical and mental health. Through his demonstration of Nordic-walking (and the all- important walking poles!), we learnt about how we can all walk with increased purpose, in ways that will simultaneously develop our core bodily muscles and our emotional wellbeing. With Gary's support and expertise, we are keen to establish a Nordic-walking club through our lunchtime Extend programme and students are very much encouraged to be part of this unique offer!
- Annette L
I am finding Gary's enthusiasm and patience in teaching me nordic walking really helpful - and am looking forward to all the benefits of mastering the technique!
- Manda P
I was looking for a new year challenge and found Gary's Nordic Walking Course. What a fabulous find! Gary was very accommodating with our dates and communication was great. He was thorough with all aspects... Continue reading of the course, checking our safety, our understanding and our technique. He provided us with equipment for the course but went that bit further by researching best price equipment that met our needs and sizings once course completed. He was easy to talk to, approachable, friendly and ensured we always had a start and end at a fabulous cafe !
- Sam E
Three of us signed up to a Nordic Walking Workshop with Gary to celebrate a birthday. We didn't know what to expect but Gary was thorough in teaching us how to warm up, and then onto the 10 steps needed... Continue reading to Nordic walk effectively, explaining, demonstrating and then watching our technique closely. We have come away enthused and keen to get started.
- Gail T-H
I joined Gary Owens friendly Nordic Walking workshop in January. I found him to be a very professional experienced teacher. He's fun but very aware of each person's abilities. It has improved my core fitness... Continue reading and stamina enormously. We now go for exciting guided hikes, exploring the beautiful Cotswold foot paths. I highly recommend Gary and Nordic Walking as a sport.
- Leslie W
Nordic walking with Gary is great fun and I always return home feeling exercised and rejuvenated. I've lived in the area for decades but all the routes we've covered have been completely new to me and... Continue reading are always in beautiful locations. Gary is highly professional and takes great care to take into account everyone's varying abilities or physical limitations. I can highly recommend!
- Emma F
I am really enjoying Nordic walking! It's great to be able to switch off from work and really enjoy the outdoors alongside friends! I've lived in the Cotswolds all my life and thought I knew the area but... Continue reading Gary has taken us to such lovely places each week finding new & different walks. He is a great 'find' and I can thoroughly recommend Nordic walking for all round exercise and fun!
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear?
Always check the weather forecast for the day of your walk and make sure to dress comfortably. We've prepared these handy kit guides to help you decide what to wear in each season.
If the weather isn't looking great and we need to reschedule your walk, we will let you know the day before.
When should I arrive?
All of our walks start from one of our venues, so plan ahead and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This allows us to check your PARQ form, adjust the Nordic Walking poles to your size, and make sure you're fully prepared.
Do you provide Nordic Walking poles?
Yes, we provide poles on the day. If you have your own Nordic Walking poles, let us know and bring them along.
Ready for your workshop?
We've got your message and will be in touch shortly to arrange your Nordic Walk.