Autumn Colours in Richmond Park

My colleague, Kay Speakman, and I organised a Nordic Walk through Richmond Park at the weekend.  The park is at its best now, with the leaves turning and the bracken dying back.  Kay had done her homework, and kept us entertained with facts about the park (who would have known there were 1300 species of beetle there?  Or 130,000 trees?), as we walked round.

Hazel copse on the Tamsin Trail

The day started cool, but we all worked up a sweat after a brisk 5-mile walk around the perimeter of the park.  Richmond Park is about 1,000 hectares, about twice the size of Bushy Park, where we hold regular Nordic Walking sessions.  It's also more undulating, with several climbs getting the pulse rate quickening
http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/Richmond-Park.aspx

Traffic jam in Isabella Plantation

We started at the historic Pembroke Lodge, which must have one of the best views in London; then across the north of the park, with views over to London, where the new Shard of Glass building can be seen poking above the skyline.

We followed the Tamsin Trail for part of its way, and then through the Isabella Plantation.
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond_park/isabella_plantation.cfm

Emerging from the Plantation, we found the main herd of Red Deer, with some unsuccessful stags making a last-ditch effort to attract some females.

"What do you think of my antlers, then?"

But the dominant stag seemed in no mood to share his harem.  Another year of celibacy for the unlucky males.....

The boss!

Continuing towards Ham Gate, then back up the hill to Pembroke Lodge, where welcome refreshments were obtained.  We'd started wearing fleeces and jackets and by lunchtime, it was t-shirt weather again!

One of our regular walkers, Alison,  couldn't join us as she was cycling from Reading to Bath for the charity, Homestart  http://www.home-start.org.uk/homepage
The walkers on Sunday generously donated cash to this good cause.  Alison says,  "Thank You!"

Cocker spaniel towing nordic walker up Richmond Hill

We have another longer walk planned for the 11th December at Denbies Vineyard near Dorking.  If you would like to join us, please do get in touch with Kay or myself.  We'll supply the poles, and tuition, if needed.

Colourful Isabella Plantation and Nordic Walkers

If you want to learn this sport and join existing classes, please contact us (details below), or find a class near you by looking here - http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/

Peter
07703-404-931

Kay Speakman - http://www.pole2pole.uk.com/

Nordic Walking in Royal Parks.

Hampton Court Palace has looked stunning this month!

Swans on Long Water, Hampton Court Palace

The weather has been perfect for Nordic Walking - cool, sunny and blue skies.  And from October 1st till the end of March, the Palace's formal gardens are open to the public, free.  The Palace also opens the garden gates that allow easy access to Home Park, so opening up a wide variety of walking routes.

Hampton Court Palace

http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/

Those of who walk here know how fortunate we are to be able to stroll through the palace's beautiful grounds...

T-shirt weather in October!

....and then escape into a 700-acre deer park, with virtually no visitors, and no red deer (only fallow).

Fallow deer

So, we have been escaping the rutting red deer and the media frenzy (mainly the Daily Mail) about the "Beast of Bushy".  For an outsider view of the ruckus, try this wry article -
Conde Nast report

The "Beast"?

Elsewhere, an enthusiastic group of beginners has been striding around Esher Common, under the auspices of the Fit As A Fiddle campaign.   FAAF

And our regular Bushy Park walks are popular with newcomers and regulars, alike.

Diana fountain, Bushy Park

Autumn leaves

If you would like to enjoy any of these beautiful spots AND keep yourself fit, please contact myself or Kay Speakman
http://www.pole2pole.uk.com/

Kay keeping an eye on the deer...

Enjoy the wonderful weather and beautiful outdoors!

Peter

07703404931

"We have no time to stand and stare.."

Whilst out Nordic Walking with a client last week, we noticed a tree with a small plaque at its base, with an inscription, obviously in memory of someone, plus the stanza -

"What is this life if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare."

As I tend to be leading walks and teaching clients, I can often be guilty of not pausing to "stand and stare".  But something about the lines made me want to find the rest of it........... "No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare." William Henry Davies ------------------------ I think there's a message for many of us in our busy lives.  In future, I shall be incorporating standing and staring in my Nordic Walking sessions! One reason to be vigilant at the moment is the continuing deer rut in Bushy and Richmond Parks.  The stags are very active and do not welcome people getting too close.  Last week, I saw a woman knocked to the ground by one stag after she and her companion had walked to within 20 yards of it.  Please keep your distance (even if, like many people now, you are carrying a long lens!).

Paparazzi in Bushy Park

On the theme of going more slowly, I have a number of Nordic Walkers who are not trying to get superfit to run up Mount Kilimanjaro or whatever.  Just wanting exercise that won't damage their joints, whilst improving their stamina and muscle tone.  A bit like swimming, but with changing scenery and conversation!  On Saturdays, I lead a Strollers group at 11.30am in Bushy Park, and also can provide individual training to suit your needs.

This week I received an email from a client which describes their experiences with Nordic Walking - 

"After my stroke I was looking for an exercise to improve my balance.  I did walk with a physiotherapist for a while but this was rather expensive.  I was looking for a way to walk and feel confident that I would not fall over, which Nordic Walking does as you feel confident with holding the sticks.  I also wanted to build up my muscles of my upper body as after being in bed for a while I felt very weak.  I personally think that Nordic Walking for stroke victims is the best way forward as you learn to turn and go over different surfaces for example: roads, grass, pavements etc. 

 

Since walking with Peter Young for 3 months I have greatly improved in all areas.  I can now walk happily for over one mile. Do 30 press ups and my blood pressure has improved.  What more can I ask

 

Thank you again Peter"

It's very rewarding working with people who are motivated and want to improve their situation.  If you would like to find out how Nordic Walking can help your physical and mental state, please do get in touch. Whatever pace you go at, enjoy Nordic Walking! Peter 07703-404-931