OK, hand up we never call them sticks but poles just didn’t sound right!

The message however does because using a pair of specially designed walking poles is THE SOLUTION to your RESOLUTION!

Anne Brown on the Camino de Santiago

Whether you have decided to take on a life changing Camino pilgrimage walk in 2026, climb a mountain or enter a distance challenge walk, using two poles will make the experience more comfortable and enhance your performance. In fact even if you have just made a pledge to walk a bit more this year – using poles will make a huge difference and provide benefits including weight loss, improved posture, less pain in lower body joints and back and more energy too!

Our HUB in Dorset has already seen an influx in people deciding to step out more in 2026 and whilst their goals and fitness levels may vary, the addition of poles will make this a year for success.

Here are a few reasons to walk more in 2026 and ways poles can help – featuring some WALXers from 2025 as proof!

Ashley Sandy walked the via Francigena – Luca to Sienna

Walking holidays

We have seen a huge increase in people booking more active holidays with locations like Costa Rica, the Amalfi Coast and the Douro Valley being popular. As delightful as they sound, many of these would require some pre training in order to truly enjoy the experience and ALL would be less exhausting if the walker is using poles correctly.

Look for lightweight adjustable poles with a soft grip and travel bag like the WALX Xplorer and make sure you book a Power of Poles session with a local Instructor to ensure you know how to use them on the terrain you are going to explore. Build in some regular walks on similar terrain plus a some weekly walks where you work on endurance too. Give yourself at least 3 months of walking before your trip, building up gradually if you can.

If you fancy a walking holiday check out companies like HF holidays, Exodus or join one of the WALX trips led by experience WALX Master Sam, see HERE

Note – Most airlines do not allow poles as cabin luggage so make sure you book luggage or sports luggage.

Paula and Sam on the last section of the SWCP

Long Distance Paths

Perhaps you fancy completing a long distance path in 2026 or at least starting one? There are those which can be completed easily in one block (some even with a service where your kit is taken to your accommodation each day) Hadrians Wall can be stomped in as little as 4 days but also enjoyed with more sightseeing and rest stops in about 7 days. The South West Coast path is over 600 miles so is best broken into day walks (there are 52 on the official website which you tick off and fit into sections – see HERE )

The ideal poles for clocking up regular miles every day would be those which minimise vibration by having the adjuster closer to the handle. This will always mean the bottom section of the pole shaft is longer than a fully adjustable pole (making it less portable) but the smoothness when it is planted will make up for that – especially on a long week of walking!

The WALX pro model comes in two height ranges – 107- 120 and 117 – 125 making it even more specific to the user. There is a CARBON version too.

Rachel Turrill on the Bath 50 k challenge

Charity hike or challenge walk

A great way to motivate yourself to walk more is to sign up for a charity challenge event. These well planned events make long distances hikes rewarding both for you ( T shirts and medals are often included) and for the charities they support. From the Alzheimer’s trek and MacMillan Mighty Hikes to Ultra challenge events You can choose from a variety of locations and distances and give yourself a reason to get out more.

Shirley North completed a Jurassic challenge

Many of the events are in stunning landscape unlike that you may normally walk on and this is where poles come into their own. They will help you both climb and descend hilly sections, stay upright when it gets muddy and massively reduced the fatigue in your legs too. Used properly, poles will share the load between the upper and lower body muscles, saving the knees and hips from overload.

Our advice would be to use poles for your training and use them every step of the way when at the event. Saving them for the tough sections is like drinking water when you are thirsty – too little too late! Use them from the start and they will boost performance, leaving you energised and less exhausted.

The best poles for challenge events are the top selling WALX Velocity – a simple fully adjustable model that will collapse down to go in a backpack (not that you will want to waste their power by doing that) and suit all levels of walker from under 5 ft to over 6ft in height. Super comfortable soft grip which relieves tension in the neck and shoulders by promoting a natural relaxed gait. These lightweight poles will make walking all day comfortable and less energy sapping whilst taking the weight off the knees – a godsend on downhill stretches!

Climb a peak

Whether you want to climb slowdown, conquer the 3 peaks challenge or even trek to Everest base camp, poles will become your best friend if you get the right ones and use them correctly. On long climbs, you would use them to pick you way up and may even shorten them slightly to add this action. When descending, they will help you to keep the weight off the knees as you pick your way downwards. WALX Instructors can help you master these different ways to plant and use your poles and of course, it’s a good idea to practice on some hills before you attempt your climb. WALX Master Ken Hames (pictured) offers skills weekends and breaks which will help you gain the confidence, fitness and techniques you need.

Jamie Mc Ansh (pictured) motivational speaker and disabled adventurer used WALX poles for his ascent of Kilimanjaro.

If you have no plans for 2026 other than a desire to step out more and reap the benefits of walking – any of the above poles will help you to get faster results, improved posture, less joint strain and a cardiovascular boost as well.

Join the revolution and pick up some sticks in 2026!