Oxford’s first ever Nordic Walking Festival to take place later this month

The event, which is open to everyone, will be held in Cutteslowe Park between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday 23 September.

The Nordic Walking Festival will include:

• Free taster walks for those people new to Nordic Walking (at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm)
• A £2 timed lap of the Cutteslowe Peace Mile to challenge more experienced Nordic Walkers (every half an hour between 1pm and 3.30pm)
• A £3 Nordic Walk into the countryside surrounding Cutteslowe Park for those who have already completed a Learn to Nordic Walking Course (1pm or 2.30pm)
• Opportunities to meet the team of local instructors and find out more about upcoming Nordic Walking courses
• Opportunities to book onto upcoming courses
• Tea, coffee and refreshments          

Nordic Walking sees people use poles as they walk, which enables them to exercise their upper body muscles as well as their lower body muscles.

The activity burns up to 46 per cent more calories than walking without poles, and is gentler on joints – particularly knees – than regular walking.

The festival is an opportunity for those familiar with Nordic Walking to enjoy the activity – and for those who are not to give it a go and find out more.

The festival has been organised by the City Council’s Sport and Physical Activity Team.      

Residents who want to find out more about the festival can contact the City Council’s Sport and Physical Activity Team on sportsandphysicalactivity@oxford.gov.uk.

Councillor Linda Smith, Executive Board Member for Leisure, Parks and Sport, said: “I'm really looking forward to giving Nordic Walking a try at Oxford's inaugural Nordic Walking Festival in beautiful Cutteslowe Park later this month. It promises a full body workout suitable for most levels of fitness and also looks like great fun. Why not join me in giving it a go?"