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

Nordic Walking and the Rut!

Rutting is SO tiring!

If you are walking in London's Royal Parks such as Bushy or Richmond in the next month, or out in the countryside, you may well be lucky enough to observe the natural event known as The Rut!

 http://www.uksafari.com/rd2.htm

Many species have an annual rut, but red deer are among the most spectacular.  Living in suburban London, I feel really privileged to see this on my doorstep.

NB. This was taken before the rut. Keep your distance.

 Normally, the strongest stag attracts a following of females (hinds) and then has to defend them against all-comers.  His rivals will continuously try to separate him from his harem, either by sneaking off with some females, or by frontal assault.

Class of 2011

There have been recent media reports about deer attacks on people in Bushy Park, so it's vital that any walkers are aware of what's going on.  Never approach deer, and be aware of deer, especially stags, in the area.

Sparring Practice near Bushy House

 But, during the rut, if you see one stag, it's almost certain that others are in the area, and may be about to fight with the dominant male.  You'll also hear the bellowing.

Bracken camouflage

 Often the deer take refuge in the dense bracken.  I tend to stay away from bracken around this time of year, as it's often impossible to see what's in it.  A startled deer is not to be trifled with.

Spot the stag!

 Despite all the warnings, the Nordic Walking has been superb this week.  The cool mornings and then the hot, sunny afternoons, have made it a pleasure to be in the beautiful countryside.

Walking through the woods on Esher Common

 This group met up at Garsons Farm in Esher, and hiked across West End and Esher Commons. An energetic 3 miles, and a revelation to many of the group who were locals, but hadn't realised all this was on their doorstep.

Black Pond, Esher Common

There are many walks organised in Surrey and other counties.  Check your local government site, or The Ramblers, or search for "Health Walks", if you want more details.  The link below lists Nordic Walks in Surrey -
http://www.acsurrey.org.uk/go50/nordic.htm

If you wish to join us for walks in the Richmond or Surrey area, please do get in touch.  My colleague, Kay Speakman ( http://www.pole2pole.uk.com/ ) and I take lessons and sessions on a daily basis, with a variety of walks to suit differing needs, from fitness fanatics to recuperating patients.

Nordic Walking is a great all-over workout, that you can enjoy in company or on your own, outdoors.

Enjoy your walking,
Peter
07703-404-931

Enjoy the Journey!

Whilst reading some of the Fitness press the other day ("Boot Camp", "Next Level", "RaiseThe Bar", etc) I came across a nugget that struck me as relevant....

Walking to work....working the walk

No doubt, you, like me, have read lots of articles about fitness, nutrition, weight loss and health.  But amongst this week's insights into fat loss, fads, and fitness was a comment from Holly Rigsby, author of Fit Yummy Mummy!  

yummy mummy site

The view from the office...

Holly reckons - "Too often we get hung up on 'getting results', as if they were a fixed end point.....Appreciating the process is just as important as achieving your goals.  Enjoy the journey; recognise and celebrate the small successes along the way.  These are the changes that are key to true and lasting results."  (my italics)

Autumn sun at the Water Gardens, Bushy Park

 Well, Holly's words really struck a chord with me.  I think they are so relevant to Nordic Walking.  I often tell new walkers that it may be weeks, or months, before tangible "improvements" to their fitness is noticeable.  Some people obviously want faster improvements to whatever has motivated them to start Nordic Walking.  So, while we walk and await improved muscle tone or weight loss or pain relief (all experienced by Nordic Walkers I know), I try to interest people in their surroundings.... ENJOY the JOURNEY!

Esher Common

For example, the walkers on Esher Common are on a Fit As A Fiddle (over-50s) programme to encourage people to take more exercise.  What many of them said this week was, that they hadn't realised all this beautiful countryside was only a few yards from their regular commuting routes.  So, while they are getting fitter, they are also exploring beauty spots on their doorstep. (More Nordic Walking details below). Enjoy the Journey!

"Do you think they can see me?"  

 Back in our usual Nordic Walking haunts like Bushy Park, even our regular walkers are captivated by the changing seasons and the interaction with wildlife.  I've probably seen those deer in the photo dozens of times in the last year.  But I have never seen them looking like that.  There is always something to surprise and interest walkers.  And so, there is also a motivation to keep coming back, week after week, even if "results" aren't immediate.

Heron hunting

I also have worked with people recovering from strokes, who are trying hard to regain mobility and fitness. I've found these people are very motivated and very keen to see improvements.  But, often they compare their current fitness levels with the pre-stroke situation, and feel they are getting nowhere fast.

Heron posing

However, when I point out the progress made since they started Nordic Walking, they invariably realise that they have vastly improved over the weeks.  I use a pedometer to prove that only a few weeks before they had struggled to walk 500 metres, but are now coping well with 1500! "CELEBRATE the small SUCCESSES along the way!"

However, you don't have to wait until you have a problem before trying Nordic Walking. In fact, prevention is better than cure!   This week I have walked with people aged from 18 to 82! For my part, I have learned a great deal from people heading off to University, and from others who are retired professors! 

The key message is "ENJOY the JOURNEY".    Life isn't a rehearsal!

This site gives details of regular fitness walks for over-50s in Surrey and Hampshire - 

http://www.acsurrey.org.uk/go50/nordic.htm

If you want to try Nordic Walking in the Surrey/Middlesex area, please get in touch, or find a group here - 

http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/

Peter

07703-404-931

David Walliams - what a man!

No mentions of Nordic Walking today.  A sporting achievement in Teddington has eclipsed all else!

As some of you may seen, David Walliams swam the length of the River Thames last week.  On Sunday, he arrived at Teddington Lock at dusk after swimming 21 miles that day.  The equivalent of crossing the channel!

 The crowds were so huge, I and many others couldn't cross the bridge to see him arrive at the Lock.  However, David crossed the bridge to the Teddington bank, and got into a waiting car which whisked him to a nearby hotel (the Lensbury?   www.lensbury.com)

Resplendent in his white towelling robe, like a boxing champion, David strolled through the cheering crowds and paused for autographs.

Eventually, he made it to the car and a good nights rest, before starting the next, and last, day's swim at 6.30am!

He swam the 15 miles to Westminster to finish at County Hall in front of more crowds and TV cameras.  What an achievement!!  140 miles in 8 days!

He was doing this to raise money for Water Aid and Sports Relief.  If you want to donate to this cause go here -
http://www.sportrelief.com/whats-on/the-bt-sport-relief-challenges-walliams-vs-the-thames

If you want to see more photos and videos of David at Teddington, please go here -

http://www.teddingtonpeople.co.uk/Teddington-roars-support-David-Walliams-Thames/story-13314484-detail/story.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Peter

Nordic Walking on the Yorkshire Coast

Much of the Yorkshire coast is linked by a long-distance trail - The Cleveland Way.  It covers about 110 miles around the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and then along the coast between Saltburn and Filey.

The North Yorkshire coast

 In a previous trip, I had walked from the start at Helmsley to the clifftop village of Ravenscar, leaving about 20 miles to complete the trail.  The path is mostly on the top of steep cliffs, with the occasional steep gullies taking you down to beach level

Plenty of warnings, but no fences

The scenery is uplifting with views of about 20 miles on a clear day.  Wave action has eroded the cliffs, exposing 200 million years of fossil records.  It's very similar to the Unesco World Heritage site in Dorset - The Jurassic Coast - with much the same chalk and shale rocks, but without the crowds!  Most visitors seem to stick to the resorts of Filey, Whitby, Scarborough and Bridlington.  But there still several tiny, pretty places, like Robin Hoods Bay and Staithes, that have avoided over-commercialism.

Millions of years of history on view.

There's also good public transport links along the coast, so our walk started at the bus stop in Ravenscar.

Ravenscar information    This is a very unusual village - planned by a railway company in the 1900's to become a thriving resort, but never attracting people despite roads, sewers and some houses being built.

You can still evidence of the pavements and drains in the middle of fields!

Ravenscar - a deserted village. Roads built but not used!

Hard to get lost

Our route took us through Scarborough - "The world's first seaside resort".   About 400 years ago, crowds flocked here to enjoy the spa and sea water, and again when the railway arrived in the Victorian era.

So, as well as brash modern seaside attractions, the town also has a large legacy of elegant and historical buildings.  The Grand Hotel was the largest in Europe in its day, but we didn't stay there....

Scarborough Castle with Flamborough Head, in distance

South of Scarborough, a steep path leads the walker up to the top of the cliff, past the massive landslip of a million tons of earth.  The Holbeck Hall Hotel used to perch on top of this cliff, until June 1993 when the land under it moved down to the sea.  The hotel was immediately wrecked, and is now demolished.

Climbing out of Scarborough

Further along the coast, there a few wide sandy bays, near where Billy Butlin decide to build a new destination - the Filey Holiday Camp!   It was used by the Army during World War 2, but reverted to providing holidays for the masses for decades afterwards.  A different era!

Some people put plaques on benches.....

The path continued on grassy clifftop, or sandy beach ....

Scarborough in distance

... until the cliffs at Filey Brigg came into view.  This becomes a very narrow spit of land, jutting out into the North Sea, with marvellous views in all directions.

Cliffs at Filey Brig mark the end of the Cleveland Way

This was the end of our trail - The Cleveland Way.  For more details of this National Trail, click here,
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/clevelandway/

or feel free to get in touch.  

The end of the Way

This was the end of our Nordic Walking.  But, we couldn't ignore the other attractions in the area.  Having walked along the cliffs, we'd noticed the occasional bird, and wanted to see the famous gannet colony at Bempton Cliffs, near Flamborough Head

Gannets nesting, Bempton cliffs

Many of the young birds (and the puffins) had already left the cliffs and had headed out to sea, but there were still several thousands precariously perched on tiny ledges.  An amazing spectacle!

A day out for the ferret

An even bigger surprise awaited us at nearby Bridlington beach.  An animal-loving man was giving his ferrets their exercise on the sand!

Bridlington resident, waiting for chips

All too soon, the ice creams were finished and we had to head home.  Yorkshire is superb for walking, with 2 National Parks, and many beautiful areas.  And the bonus of exploring by Nordic Walking, is that you can sample the local food (and beer), knowing that the extra calories will be used up while Nordic Walking!!

If you'd like to try Nordic Walking or join others in regular forays in Bushy Park, Middlesex, please do get in touch with me, or enter you postcode here to find an Instructor near where you live.
http://www.nordicwalking.co.uk/find

Peter
07703-404-931