Nordic Walking in the Cotswolds
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.
Guided Nordic Walks
Our guided Nordic Walks include up to 8 people begin and end from hand-picked Cafes & Deli's walking around scenic locations. The perfect way discover nature, improve fitness, and enjoy great conversation over coffee. Take a look at our starting venues:
Before your regular walk, we will review your Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ). We'll email you prior to the walk with details about the route, clothing recommendations, and any other details for the session.
Monday
When: 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Wednesdays
When: 3pm to 4:30pm or
When: 2:30pm - 4pm
Friday
When: 1pm to 3pm
Saturday
When: 9am to 11am
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
The Pennycress
Starting our routes from The Pennycress in south Cerney, you will be walking alongside local canals, the River Churn, as well as beautiful lakesides around the area.
- Starting location
- The Pennycress, Clarks Hay, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gl7 5UA
- Terrain
- Grass, Public footpaths, Metal road, Riverside
- Walking time
- 2 hours
- Walk distance
- 4.0km to 6.0km Depending on the route
- Walk routes
- We have 4 routes
The Organic Farm Shop
Abbey Home Farm serves as the starting point for routes through the many surrounding fields and forests.
- Starting location
- The Organic Farm Shop, Abbey Home Farm, Burford Road, Cirencester, GL7 5HF
- Terrain
- Farm track, Open fields, Forest paths, Metal road
- Walking time
- 2 hours
- Walk distance
- 4.0km to 6.0km Depending on the route
- Walk routes
- We have 4 routes
The New inn
Starting from The New Inn hotel, this route takes you along the River Thames towards St John's lock.
- Starting location
- The New Inn Hotel Market Place, Lechlade on Thames, Gloucestershire, GL7 3AB
- Terrain
- Fields, Public footpaths, River side paths
- Walking time
- 2 hours
- Walk distance
- 4.0km to 6.0km Depending on the route
- Walk routes
- We have 2 routes
Wild Fig Deli
Setting off from the Wild Fig Deli will take you through the North Meadow National Nature Reserve (NNR) is an old, traditional hay meadow on the northern edge of Cricklade, protected as Special Area of Conservation and then meander onto the Thames Path.
- Starting location
- 91 High St, Cricklade, Swindon SN6 6DF
- Terrain
- Grass, Public footpaths, Bridleway, Meadow
- Walking time
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Walk distance
- 3.0km to 4.0km Depending on the route
- Walk routes
- We have 2 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 Nordic Walk?
We've got your message and will be in touch shortly to arrange your Nordic Walk.