Just take a look at what our groups have been up to this Autumn and read what some of the walkers say…

The wet weather has certainly boosted the fungi spotting opportunities for our groups who have been sharing their finds on social media

Brockenhurst Nordic Walking walk regularly in the New Forest and like many groups they planned a walk with a local mushroom expert.

This ensures they have the landowners permission to forage and only pick what they may use or wish to identify – leaving the rest to nature and for other walkers to enjoy.

There has also been a flurry of late Summer holidays for our groups in places like Italy, Andalucia and even a gastronomic alpine walking break (pictured) where walkers from a few different groups went exploring with Karen Lem and  from WALX Ridgeway

Others groups explored the Pembrokeshire Coast or met up to enjoy join walks at Stately Homes like the amazing  National Trust STOURHEAD in Wiltshire where WALX Dorset and WALX Wessex meet up monthly to enjoy the stunning  grounds and inspire newcomers to join in a Discovery session too

One Instructor Heather Cord chose to walk the Camino way and shared her story on her local groups blog read more HERE. Heather gained both physical and mental benefits from her experience and as you can see from Pippa’s story below, so do those who walk with our NWUK and WALX groups across the UK.

I joined Walx 6 months ago when I decided to start walking on a regular basis having giving myself a trial period with the walking group in the Autumn of 2021. I have recently retired and aware I need to improve my fitness levels having struggled walking uphill on a visit to Bath. Walx provides me with the opportunity to walk in a safe environment, being able to make new friendships whilst appreciating the beautiful surrounding Northamptonshire countryside. I am a gentle pace walker, I am pleased to say that my stamina is gently improving. I find the virtual fitness sessions run really useful. Helen gives clear instructions to complete each exercise with its aim and objectives. Everyone works within their own ability and can challenge themselves to improve as appropriate in a safe setting both on the walks or on the virtual exercises. I joined on my own and was made to feel welcome from the start. It is really helping me to adjust to retirement, giving structure to my week, whilst improving my general health and wellbeing.

Some groups concentrate on regular walking for fitness and sociality so tend to meet up at the same times each week and set off under the instruction of their Instructor to walk briskly, use poles for upper body engagement and or incorporate some drills for balance and strength. Others also build in a range of more experiential excursions such as book clubs, foraging, wild swimming, bird watching and even a walk and paddle board as pictured here! the Instructors work hard to create programmes that keep up the interest and give everybody a REASON to get out there – whatever the weather.

This unique mix of fitness, mindfulness and a lot of fun is the reason people get such good results from joining  groups where they are constantly motivated, supported and inspired.  Our walkers positively encourage newcomers and the leaders aim to make sure nobody feels out of their comfort zone or that the pace was too fast or too slow for them.

Like these folk below …  take that first step and you will be glad that you did

I have really enjoyed the trial, learning to walk with poles and meeting you and so many lovely people. It may not have been the best time of year to start but it has been wonderful to access exercise outdoors and to push myself beyond my usual routine walks… and I have also lost half a stone in weight as a bonus! Alison

Pictured provided by a variety of WALX and NWUK groups around the UK