This page provides answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that we have been asked. If you have a question that is not here, please get in touch with us using the details on our Contact page.
General
Can I join one of your regular Nordic walking groups straight away?
We ask that you could attend one of our monthly training sessions. These sessions give you instruction on the basic technique and a short walk.
These are currently held at National Trust Wallington and can be booked here https://www.strollswithpoles.com/shop/
Who can Nordic walk?
Anyone who can walk and swing their arms freely can Nordic walk! Age is no restraint and we even have poles suitable for children. Our oldest customer is 82!
What kind of walks do you do?
Our walks are a mix of lengths and also a mix of flat and hilly walks to suit different fitness needs and interests.
Do I need to bring my own poles?
You don’t need to bring your own poles we always have plenty with us, which you can use for as long as you want to/need to.
If you have your own Nordic Walking poles (with gloves attached) please feel free to bring them with you.
What shoes should I wear?
The very best footwear for Nordic Walking is waterproof, breathable walking shoes. If you don’t have these, trainers are good (but you may get wet feet). Walking boots are good because they support your ankles but the sole is often quite rigid, making it difficult to roll your foot, which is part of the Nordic walking technique.
(Top tip – if you only have trainers why not buy some waterproof socks to keep your feet dry in wet conditions?)
What clothing should I wear?
No special clothing is required. Check the weather conditions and be sensible. Layered clothing is best, with breathable fabrics and a waterproof jacket. Nothing bulky though as this will restrict you when you walk. A hat and gloves are important in cold weather. Jogging bottoms or stretchy trousers are better than jeans.
What else should I bring?
Water (to keep hydrated), and something to carry your warm clothes, waterproofs, phone, keys and water in. A bumbag (in good weather) or small backpack is ideal.
We will inform you if you need to bring a snack or lunch.
Do you still walk if it’s raining?
Generally yes but we always evaluate the weather on the morning of a walk and contact you if the walk is cancelled. If in doubt call us. We never walk in thunderstorms.
How fit do I have to be?
Nordic Walking is used extensively across the rest of the World as fitness training. It can also can be used as a rehabilitative tool post illness or surgery. It is an excellent form of exercise for people with Parkinson’s.
Our walks are designed to improve general fitness and you can make your walk as hard or as easy as you want!
We always have guides at the front and back of our walks and often another in the middle.
How big are your groups?
The numbers can vary depending on the walk but are usually between 10 and 20. Generally, we have extra staff to help ensure that we all stay together and we walk at a pace to suit the whole group. You need to book onto a walk via our bookings page https://strollswithpoles.com/shop/
Can I use trekking poles for Nordic walking?
Unfortunately not. They have a different grip and strap from Nordic Walking poles and this makes it difficult to master the correct Nordic Walking technique. If you are unsure if your poles are Nordic Walking poles, please contact us for advice.
I’d like to buy my own poles – can you recommend what I should buy and where I can buy them?
Yes we can recommend what type of poles would be best for you. There are lots of factors to take into consideration – where you’ll be walking, whether you want to travel with your poles, how much you are planning to use them etc. We have poles available to purchase.
We have written an article on how to choose poles and another listing the current range of Leki poles (our poles of choice).
Booking
I want to cancel my walk. How do I do this?
Contact us by email, text or phone call. If you cancel less than 2 days before the day of the walk the full amount will be charged. Prior to 2 days before the walk half of the walk charge will be charged.
How do I book and pay for a walk
Hopefully, booking and paying for a walk should be simple. However, if you are having difficulty please take a look at the instructions at the link below. If you still have questions, please contact us and we will do our best to help.
Detailed instructions for booking and paying
Strolls with Poles – Nordic Walking for Fun and Fitness