Name: Nordic Walking for the fells, Ullswater
Start: 2026-01-04T10:00:00+00:00
Location: Glenridding Tourist Information, CA11 0PD Penrith, United Kingdom

Location: Glenridding Tourist Information
Course Start: 10:00am
Finish Time: 1:00pm
Instructor: Sean Bolland
The Nordic Walking technique is an art form — the art of moving efficiently and powerfully while staying relaxed, using free and fluid movement over the ground with “four legs.” You often don’t realise what you don’t know about your own body until you come along and give it a try. Our firm belief: four legs are better than two in the fells.
Our Instructors
Learn these techniques with our Hiking Highs experts:
Nicky Merrett (AKA “Nordic Nic”), teaching since 2015
Sean Bolland, our newest expert instructor
Both Nicky and Sean are qualified with British Nordic Walking and will guide you through the 10 Steps to Nordic Walking in line with INWA (International Nordic Walking Federation) guidelines, helping you develop fantastic, efficient technique throughout your Nordic Walking journey.
Benefits of Nordic Walking
Engage up to 90% of your muscles by working upper and lower body equally
Improve and correct posture
Strengthen lower back and core muscles
Increase cardiovascular and aerobic fitness
Lift the pelvic floor — essential for everyone and a key source of arm and shoulder power
Reduce pressure on knees, hips, and ankles throughout your hike
Increase uphill speed by up to one-third with correct posture and pole planting
Learn to manage poles on technical ground for increased confidence
Develop excellent pole etiquette — no more flying poles at gates or stiles!
Take your hiking to the next level
And most of all… have fun in the fells with four legs!
Course Information
Our regular 3-hour courses cover approximately a 3-mile route, stopping regularly to learn each new step and understand the Nordic Walking tools that support outdoor fitness.
We even try skipping and running with poles — you’re welcome to have a go, but it’s absolutely not compulsory!
Course Dates
3rd of every month – alternating between Glenridding & Ullswater
18th of every month – Staveley and occasionally Ambleside
Bespoke courses can also be arranged with a gentler approach, tailored entirely to you and your friends. We can sometimes offer a shorter 90-minute group course if preferred. Nothing is set in stone at Hiking Highs — we’re flexible and happy to adapt!
Poles
Leki Nordic Walking poles are provided for all courses. We will size the poles correctly for you.
You’ll have the opportunity to purchase a range of Leki Nordic Walking poles from Hiking Highs afterwards, with 10% off the retail price for our clients.
We strongly recommend not purchasing Nordic Walking or trekking poles beforehand, as they may be unsuitable or incorrectly described online. Please wait until you’ve tried them — remember, these are your new feet, and you wouldn’t buy shoes you don’t like!
Kit List
Waterproof jacket and trousers (for emergencies, even on dry days)
Hat
Gloves
Drink and snack
Warm layer (we won’t be moving quickly)
We begin with the fundamentals of efficient pole use and how your body moves differently once it becomes a “quadruped” (two legs / two poles!). This course is not strenuous and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, provided you are comfortable with a 3-mile hike. We’ll have fun with the poles — even learning to skip for strength and fitness.
If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]