This morning Julie kindly came to meet me at Bolam Lake for a 1:1 first session of Nordic walking.

I need to get fit and be more active and heard about Nordic Walking some time ago on the BBC radio 4 programme with the late Dr Michael Mosely. It has been in the background of my mind for a while, but now, I am making time for myself and today was the start!

What a fantastic, informative and fun session it was.

Julie settled my nerves and really put me at ease as she taught me the fundamentals of Nordic Walking, helping my to find a rhythm and technique.

I was on a positive high afterwards!

I know that this is just what I want to add to my life and I look forward to future walks with Julie and others around the region.

I was very impressed with Julie. She is a kind person and natural teacher and her passion shines through and is infectious!

I will be Nordic Walking on my own until I join an adventure with Julie and others on the next group walk. I very much look forward to that.

Thanks so much Julie. x

Good morning Julie

We have just returned from a weeks break away with the family. Holly took her collapsible poles with her which she used every day. And walked faster and more confidently and more importantly with no falls.

This has been quite life changing for her and us. She’s needed our physical support less, and become so much more confident.

She doesn’t use them using the correct technique, but her own style seems to work.

Thank you so much for your massive contribution to her wellbeing.

Jeni

Julie gave an informative talk on Nordic Walking to our members on Saturday 21st March 2026 at St Oswalds Hospice in Gosforth.

Julie described not only the physical benefits of this exercise but the positive effect it can have on your wellbeing. Julie also demonstrated how to Nordic Walk with some members picking up poles and taking part.

Julie’s passion for Nordic Walking was evident throughout and we look forward to arranging a walk with Julie as soon as a date can be agreed.

I have now done two Nordic Walks with Strolls with Poles. What an amazing group and fabulous leadership from Julie and Martin. I have recently moved back to Hexham from York having recently lost my husband and joining this wonderful group is really helping me to work through my grief. The group are SO friendly, supportive and welcoming! I am having to get used to hills again after the flatness of York but I am loving all the interesting walking routes and the coffee and cakes at the end. Thanks so much for making me feel so welcome.

I heard about Strolls With Poles by a chance reading another former runners review. After 50 years as a long distance runner, in recent years I had concentrated on marathon and ultra running events mostly on coast path, moors, hills and fells. Unfortunately I suffered a (without warning or prior symptom) life changing incident whilst running, which left me with total right sided paralysis, I’ve now relearnt to walk, write and live normally but I’m a bit right side wonky. I had a 1-1 intro to Nordic Walking with Julie today, with a view to support the progress I’ve made to get back into distance events and group activities. Julie was clearly knowledgable, enthusiastic and very patient. I was initially a little nervous but was quickly put at ease and started to get the idea once I stopped ‘over thinking’ things. As the period progressed Julie encouraged me, offering alternative ways of doing things, finding the best way to overcome my right sided weakness and giving me the confidence to achieve. It is my intention to have a further 1-1 period. Whilst I can’t change what happened, I can take every opportunity to put what happened behind me. After today, I honestly believe this was one of those positive opportunities that can’t be ignored!