©nordicwalkingdevon

Welcome to Nordic Walking Devon

Nordic walking is an excellent way to stay fit and well, and Devon's coast and countryside make an inspirational backdrop for this wonderful activity. Nordic Walking Devon offers training and fitness walks at Haldon Forest Park, as well as a variety of interest walks across Devon and Dartmoor. If you're looking for something new in 2026, why not give Nordic walking a try? It's a great way to get outdoors.

Nordic Walking training using the British Nordic Walking and INWA 10 Steps Teaching Method is delivered by Fiona Swan, who has been teaching Nordic walking at Haldon Forest Park for well over a decade. As a Hill and Moorland Leader Fiona also leads a variety of walks across Devon and Dartmoor

Get Started

About Fiona

Fiona enjoys working with individuals to help improve health and fitness, both in class and in the great outdoors. With a particular interest in functional strength training and exercise for older people, Fiona is especially aware of the importance of maintaining the components of fitness, particularly for those aged 40 and onwards.

In addition to teaching Nordic walking, Fiona is also a Personal Trainer and hosts a weekly 'forest fitness' at beautiful Haldon Forest Park. As well as improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, agility, and balance, training is incorporated into the class.

Fiona is registered with CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, is DBS checked, and insured.

I hope that you will be able to join me on a walk soon.

Please see the walks page for Fiona's Dartmoor and Coastal walks for 2026.

Fiona

WHAT IS NORDIC WALKING?

Originating from Finland in the 1930's Nordic walking engages the upper body as well as the legs. By using poles to propel yourself, you walk faster and feel lighter.

Done correctly, Nordic walking is a full-body workout, burning 20 - 40% more calories than ordinary walking.

The correct placement of the pole, combined with the rhythmic nature of Nordic walking, also helps improve joint range of motion, posture, and balance.

Public Health England recommends Nordic walking as an effective way to improve health and wellbeing.

Yellowmead Stone Circles and Sheepstor

GET STARTED

Anchor 1

Learn to Nordic walk

Learn the full technique by attending the British Nordic Walking -10 Steps Training Course (using the INWA 10 Step training method) at Haldon Forest Park.

or

Have private 1 to 1 sessions.

And learn the technique over 2 sessions.

Nordic walking poles are provided for all training sessions.

Benefits of Nordic walking

Effective aerobic exercise
Uses more muscle groups and burns more calories
Improve upper body strength & posture
Reduces pressure on joints.
Walk faster, and hills feel easier!
Outdoors and sociable

CLASSES & WALKS

Dartmoor and coastal walks

Explore Devon and Dartmoor with one of my day walks, where time is taken to enjoy the view, take pictures, have picnic breaks, and enjoy! See the 2026 Programme.

Led by Fiona Swan, Hill and Moorland Leader who is outdoor first aid trained, DBS checked, and fully insured.

Nordic Forest Fitness - at Haldon Forest Park - Mondays 12.45 - 2pm

Enjoy stunning views with a weekly fitness walk around the forest using the 2.5, 4, and 5K Nordic walking trails.

The class includes 50 minutes of fitness walking, using Nordic or other poles (to raise the heart rate, followed by 20 minutes of functional fitness (strength, agility & balance) training - all set within the trees.