Attending the National British Nordic Walking Conference: Focusing on Inclusivity

If, like us, you’re passionate about staying active and connecting with nature, this blog talks about your local British Nordic Walking instructors expanding their knowledge. Nordic Walking in Medway has become more than just a fitness trend – it’s movement that brings people together, improves wellbeing, and creates a community bond, with no costs involved in the delivery.

Here’s what we learned at the recent national event that reinforces why this activity matters.

On 15th November 2025 at 5am in the morning and a fully electric public health Vehicle we started our adventure of having the privilege of attending the British Nordic Walking Annual Conference at Yarnfield Park Conference Centre in Staffordshire. This event was all about bringing together instructors, walk leaders, and enthusiasts from across the country for a day of learning, networking, sharing, and inspiration. The day turned out to be more than just a gathering – it was a celebration of delivering to communities and the transformative power of Nordic Walking in the UK.

Room filled with people looking at a presentation screen

Informative Workshops That Made an Impact

The workshops were a mixture of outdoor and presentation based giving a well thought out plan for the day. Each session offered practical insights designed to enhance the way we deliver the Nordic Walking experience to our participants. From refining technique by using new methods and warm-ups in the outdoor activities to exploring innovative ways to engage participants through social media and digital streams. The content was relevant and provided valuable key pointers. These weren’t just theoretical discussions – they were actionable ideas that will make a difference in our communities and help promote inclusive fitness activities.

One standout theme was the emphasis on inclusivity and adaptability. Nordic Walking is for everyone, and the workshops reinforced how small adjustments can open doors for people of all ages and abilities.

British Nordic Walking Instructor participating in a warm up exercise on a green field

The Power of People-Centred Delivery

What resonated most for us in Medway was the clear message: Engage everyone to the best of our abilities in everything we do. Evidence presented showed that success can be built around the needs, motivations, and experiences of individuals.

While we listened to other instructors talking about their experience of being able to better understand the barriers presented to participants, we also explore how finding alternative ways to make progress could be a turning point for someone. Nordic Walking is not just about going for a walk anymore, it is about creating an environment where health improvement feels personal to the participant, allowing them to take ownership of their health journey.

The main take-aways we will be bringing back to our program in Medway will be:

• Community matters: Building a relationship with participants can be as powerful as teaching the correct technique.
• Flexibility is key: Adapt sessions within our abilities to create a realistic expectation of what can be achieved.

These principles will be incorporated into Medway to help create additional opportunities to promote active lifestyles through initiatives that are new or developing.

Local Nordic Walking Session

Discover the benefits of Nordic Walking and why it’s one of the best outdoor fitness for wellbeing activities. We offer free taster sessions all across Medway, it all starts from sending one simple e-mail to register your interest. Come along to Capstone Country Park and join this simple, effective way to improve you fitness, improve mental wellbeing, and connect with nature – all while being part of a supportive community.

Let’s keep putting participants first because when we do, we don’t just deliver programs – we create lifestyle changes that can last a lifetime.

Nordic Walking Group at the even, wild at Capstone