©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 is run by Fiona Swan, who has been teaching Nordic walking at Haldon Forest Park and leading a variety of walks across Devon and Dartmoor for well over a decade. If you're looking for something new in 2026, why not give Nordic walking a try? It's very sociable and is a safe and effective way to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

About Fiona

Fiona enjoys working with individuals to help improve health and fitness - both in class and the great outdoors. With a particular interest in exercise for older people and functional strength training, Fiona is especially aware of the importance of maintaining the components of fitness, particularly for those aged 40 and onwards. Where possible, strength, agility, and balance training are incorporated into all classes. In addition to teaching Nordic walking technique, using the British Nordic Walking 10 Steps Training method, Fiona is also a Personal Trainer and hosts a weekly 'forest fitness' at beautiful Haldon Forest Park.

As a fully qualified Hill and Moorland Walk Leader, Fiona also leads local interest walks across Devon & Dartmoor. Please see the walks page for more details.

Registered with CIMSPA, the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity, enhanced DBS checked, and fully insured.

Dartmoor Walk Leader Fiona Swan. LeYellowmead Down Stone Circles & Sheeps Tor.jpgredr

Yellowmead Stone Circles and Sheepstor

I hope that you will consider learning the full Nordic walking technique and join me on a walk soon.

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.

GET STARTED

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.