Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking. When trained in the right technique to use the poles effectively, it increases use of the upper body and enables you to work harder but it feels easier! The poles reduce the pressure on knees and joints, so it's an ideal physical activity if you have neck, shoulder and back problems and good for the heart and lungs.
Nordic Walking activities
Cost
Courses are £15 per person.
Timetable of courses for 2025
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday 27 January 2025 | 10am to 11:30am |
| Thursday 27 February 2025 | 10am to 11:30am |
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 4 February 2025 | 11:30am to 1pm |
| Tuesday 18 March 2025 | 11:30am to 1pm |
Dates of courses at Charmouth Recreation Field, Charmouth, DT6 6PS:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 12 February 2025 | 1pm to 2:30pm |
Dates of courses at Bridport Football Club Car Park, Bridport, DT6 5LA:
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Thursday 16 January 2025 | 9:30am to 11am |
| Friday 21 March 2025 | 1pm to 2:30pm |
Dates of courses at Sika Trail car park, Wareham Forest, BH20 7PE:
| Date | Time |
| Sunday 2 February 2025 | 9:30am to 11am |
| Sunday 16 March 2025 | 10:45am to 12:15pm |
1 to1 Get into Nordic Courses
If you would rather a 1 to 1 session with a qualified Nordic Walking instructor then we can offer these on a bespoke basis. Please email your interest and we will be in touch to arrange a time and day to suit. 1 to 1 courses are charged at £30 per person for an hours session.
Timetable for Nordic tasters for 2025;
Dates of tasters at Moors Valley Country Park, Golf and Activity Centre, BH24 2ET:
| Date | Time |
| Thursday 23 January 2025 | 10am to 10:45am |
| Tuesday 25 March 2025 | 1:30pm to 2:15pm |
Dates of tasters at Potterne Park, Verwood, BH21 6RS:
| Date | Time |
| Monday 20 January 2025 | 10am to 10:45am |
| Thursday 13 February 2025 | 10am to 10:45am |
Dates of tasters at Kingston Lacy House, Wimborne, BH21 4EA:
| Date | Time |
| Tuesday 28 January 2025 | 11:30am to 12:15pm |
| Tuesday 11 March 2025 | 11:30am to 12:15pm |
Dates of taster at Bridport Football Club Car Park, Bridport, DT6 5LA:
| Date | Time |
| Wednesday 19 March 2025 | 12pm to 12:45pm |
Dates of tasters at Sika Trail car park, Wareham Forest, BH20 7PE:
| Date | Time |
| Sunday 26 January 2025 | 9:30am to 10:15am |
| Tuesday 11 March 2025 | 2pm to 2:45pm |
Poles are provided for the duration of the session and free car parking at all locations. To book a free place, call 01425 480811.
Cost
Back to Health Nordic walks are £4.75 per person.
You must have completed a Get into Nordic Walking course prior to attending the walks. Please note session do not go ahead during Dorset School holidays.
Timetable of Back to Health Walks
| Location | Day | Time |
| Moors Valley Country Park, Golf and Activity Centre | Wednesdays (exclude Dorset School holidays) | 10am to 10:45am |
To book call Moors Valley Country Park, Golf and Activity Centre on 01425 480811.
Cost
Weekly wellness walks are £5 per person.
You must have completed a Get into Nordic Walking course prior to attending the wellness walks.
Timetable of Wellness Walks
| Location | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Moors Valley Country Park | Mondays | 10am to 11am |
| Kingston Lacy House | Tuesdays | 10am to 11am |
| The Angel Inn, Ferndown | Wednesdays | 11am to 12pm |
Cost
Weekly workout walks are £5 per person or you can use a subscription. The Cranborne Nordic walk is £6 per person.
You must have completed a Get into Nordic Walking course prior to attending the workout walks.
| Location | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Moors Valley Country Park | Mondays | 9:45am to 10:45am |
| Kingston Lacy House, Wimborne | Tuesdays | 10am to 11am |
| Moors Valley Country Park | Fridays | 9:45am to 10:45am |
| Cranborne Garden Centre, Cranborne | Fridays | 10am to 11:30am |
| Moors Valley Country Park | Saturdays | 10am to 11am |
Cost
Nordic explorer walks are £5 per person or you can use your subscription.
You must have completed a Get into Nordic Walking course prior to attending the explorer walks.
Timetable of Explorer Walks for 2025:
| Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pamphill, Wimborne | Thursday 20 March | 10:30am to 12:30pm |
Timetable of Nature Nordic Walks to be confirmed for 2025.
Make a booking
Booking is essential for all sessions listed below.
You can book online for any of our Nordic Walking activities.
You may also book by calling the Health and Activity Team on 01425 480811.
Costs
Costs vary for different activities and are listed below.
Subscriptions
If you are going on regular walks, make it cheaper by purchasing our Nordic Walking subscription. Buy 11 sessions for the price of 10 for £50. This subscription can be used for any of the listed walks, except the Nordic Specials.
If you attend the Cranborne walk on Fridays then you can purchase a subscription for 10 sessions for £60.
Terms and conditions apply.
Nordic Walking instructors
Our team are looking for experienced British Nordic Walking instructors to support and set up Nordic Walks across the Dorset Council area.
To express your interest please email healthandactivity@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk with:
- your full name
- your qualification
- a brief description of your experience
- your availability
Other Nordic Walking opportunities
Nordic Walking Lyme Bay
Join a friendly group of walkers, with a Nordic flavour. Nordic Walking Lyme Bay provide training, poles, and offer walks for different abilities several times a week in the Lyme Bay region. For more information visit Lyme Bay Nordic Walking
Health and Activity general enquiries
Email: healthandactivity@dorsetcouncil.gov.ukTel: 01425 480811
Full contact details