Inspiration for Nordic walking in Devon and Dartmoor. Explore new areas and improve your health and fitness with Hill and Moorland Leader Fiona Swan.
Nordic Walking training and regular walks are held at Haldon Forest Park, National Trust Killerton, and other Devon locations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
02/09/2025
🎈*Sponsor Simon Gammon for Hospicecare*🎈
I thought I'd share some pictures of last Sunday's Dartmoor reccy and fitness training session for my partner Simon from Nexus Open Systems, who, as a Nexus team, is doing a 30K trek across Dartmoor for Hospicecare this Sunday, 6th September.
They're nearly at their target of 2.4K, so any help to them across the line would be very welcome. Good luck to Nexus and all the other business teams that will be taking part.
Great to also visit the Cuckoo Rock (Square Q7, Cuckoo Rock, Dartmoor 365)
Great to cross the border to Dorset to reccy a walk between Seatown and Charmouth with a visit to Golden Cap -The highest seacliff on the South Coast at 191M.
Lovely views all round and great paths for Nordic walking. I look forward to leading a Friday day walk along with Sauna and swims in Spring 26.
23/08/2025
FRIDAY DARTMOOR & SOUTH HAMS WALKS PROGRAMME
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! Led by Fiona Swan, Hill and Moorland Leader, who is outdoor first aid trained and fully insured.
Feel free to use Nordic or other walking poles. Great for steadying and helping with hills!
REMAINING SUMMER/AUTUMN PROGRAMME - Hope you can join us!
Final joining details and parking location will be sent the week before the walk.
Friday 19th September – 10.30 – 3.30pm – Explore the moor to the SW of Princetown. Tinners’ huts, The Stone Row at Hingstone Hill and The Cuckoo Rock
Starting at Sharpitor & Leather Tor Walk (near Burrator Reservoir and Norsworthy Bridge) visit Sheep’s Tor & The Cuckoo Rock, eventually arriving at Down Tor, and on westward towards the outstanding Stone Row at Hingstone Hill. We then witness the evidence of tin mining near Newleycombe Lake before arriving at the legendary Crazy Well Pool. Return via the Devon Port Leat, and more cairns and stone rows.
Distance- 7.85 miles, Elevation 1660ft. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 4 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Friday 3rd October – 10.30 am - 3-30pm - Millbay, Brownstone Battery, Colyton Fishacre and Scabbacombe Sands. TBC
A stunning coastal walk above the numerous beautiful bays and coves along this stretch of coast between Dartmouth and Brixham. Visit the World War II Brownstone Battery on Froward Point with amazing views towards the Mew Stone. We also pass Pudcombe Cove & The National Trust property of Colyton Fishacre. We turn inland at Scabbacome Sands, a stunning beach for relaxation and swimming.
Distance- 6.35 miles, Elevation 1919ft. Terrain: Hilly coastal paths along with steps overlooking the cliffs at Inner Froward Point. Time: Minimum 3.45 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Friday 17th October– 10am to 3pm – The Powdermills. Cairns, Cists and Stone Rows near Higher White Tor, Bellever & Laughter Tors. (Near Postbridge).
A varied walk around the Postbridge area exploring the fascinating Powdermills, along with the various Stone Rows and circles. Exact route to be determined nearer the time, depending upon ground conditions and weather.
Approx: Distance- 7.9 miles, Elevation 816ft. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3.45 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Please note: For all walks, the route may change on the day to accommodate the weather, ground conditions and group participants.
Booking and Payment for walks
Cost £15 per walk, or £10 a walk if you book the remaining programme in advance. Group size limited to 10. To reserve a place please book via email to fiona@nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk. Please make payment upon booking.
Is the walk right for me?
Please note that a moderate to good level of fitness is required for these walks. The walks show the distance, the minimum walking time and the amount of ascent to help you decide if it's right for you. What constitutes a challenge can be subjective, so please contact Fiona to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your fitness levels. 07531 729383 fiona@nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk
01/08/2025
Happy to share that I have completed some really beneficial CPD training, 'Functional Strength for Ageing Populations', to enhance my Forest Fitness and Pilates Classes.
The course highlights that if we hope to maintain functionality and independence into later years, we need to ‘exercise effectively’ and make a start as soon as possible, and that we cannot just do walking. It seems that “Much of what is typically attributed to getting older has as much, if not more, to do with habitual inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle over many years."
One example of this is that our stride tends to get shorter as we get older. We may think it's age, but it is more due to lack of flexibility in the hip flexors and the Achilles tendon at the ankle - perhaps due to the lack of effort in terms of maintaining range of movement around these joints.
Plus, to help maintain bone density and joint strength, we need to apply sufficient load and practice moving in a variety of ways that mirror the real world.
The training, which highlights the links between Musculoskeletal Function (muscle, bone, and joint health), Neuromuscular Function (motor control, balance, power, speed, and agility), Cognitive Function, and Cardiometabolic Function, also includes Falls Prevention. By improving our balance, power, speed, and agility skills, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling and the disabling consequences that this can bring.
The good news is that the course provides many examples of practical exercises and drills that I can build into my Nordic Forest Fitness and Pilates classes. I know it sounds corny, but it does feel like a great investment into all our futures.
Hope to see you soon.
Fiona
28/07/2025
If you know anyone under 35 who would be interested in this creative project please share the details.
As part of the BMC's ‘We Wild Camp’ campaign, they want to give young storytellers a platform to share what wild camping means to them. The British Mountaineering Council are inviting young camping enthusiasts under 35 years of age to send them ideas for creative projects that they can use to progress the conversation around wild camping in England and Wales.
They are looking for ideas for projects in all media forms – written articles with images (approx 700-800 words), poems (approx 250 words), photography-led pieces (4-6 images), artwork, short videos (3-5 mins) or reels (30-90 secs).
They ask that projects focus on wild camping, but in addition, they may touch upon themes of equal access, climate emergency, nature, or anything applicants consider relevant. They also welcome projects telling stories they might not have thought of themselves. If you’re passionate about a story and it’s linked to wild camping, they want to hear about it!
Up to ten successful applicants will receive a bursary of £150, and their work will be featured across the BMC’s social channels with the chance of being featured in the BMC’s Summit magazine, and will be a prominent part of the BMC’s ‘We Wild Camp’ campaign.
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/27971308/Forest-Fitness-Route-280725
Today's route for Nordic forest fitness, 55 mins of walking with shuttle runs at Tower woods (to get the heart rate up) followed by some more moderate intensity walking, by returning via the longer hill of the Kings Way. 2.5 miles distance along with 360ft of ascent.
The class concluded with some strength, agility and balance training using 1 to 3 K hand weights.
Well done 👏 to all who attended. A good workout all round.
To find out more and how to get started with the class see www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk
27/07/2025
Some pictures from last Friday's day walk from Salcombe, via Bolt Head, Starehole Bay to Soar Mill Cove. To join the next walk, see the remaining Friday programme below.
FRIDAY DARTMOOR & SOUTH HAMS WALKS PROGRAMME
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! Led by Fiona Swan, Hill and Moorland Leader, who is outdoor first aid trained and fully insured.
Feel free to use Nordic or other walking poles. Great for steadying and helping with hills!
SUMMER/AUTUMN PROGRAMME
Final joining details and parking location will be sent the week before the walk.
Friday 22nd August – 10.30 am - 3-30pm - Millbay, Brownstone Battery, Colyton Fishacre and Scabbacombe Sands.
A stunning coastal walk above the numerous beautiful bays and coves along this stretch of coast between Dartmouth and Brixham. Visit the World War II Brownstone Battery on Froward Point with amazing views towards the Mew Stone. We also pass Pudcombe Cove & The National Trust property of Colyton Fishacre. We turn inland at Scabbacome Sands, a stunning beach for relaxation and swimming.
Distance- 6.35 miles, Elevation 1919ft. Terrain: Hilly coastal paths along with steps overlooking the cliffs at Inner Froward Point. Time: Minimum 3.45 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Friday 19th September – 10.30 – 3.30pm – Explore the moor to the SW of Princetown. Tinners’ huts, The Stone Row at Hingstone Hill and The Cuckoo Rock
Starting at Sharpitor & Leather Tor Walk (near Burrator Reservoir and Norsworthy Bridge) visit Sheep’s Tor & The Cuckoo Rock, eventually arriving at Down Tor, and on westward towards the outstanding Stone Row at Hingstone Hill. We then witness the evidence of tin mining near Newleycombe Lake before arriving at the legendary Crazy Well Pool. Return via the Devon Port Leat, and more cairns and stone rows.
Distance- 7.85 miles, Elevation 1660ft. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 4 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Friday 17th October– 10am to 3pm – The Powdermills. Cairns, Cists and Stone Rows near Higher White Tor, Bellever & Laughter Tors. (Near Postbridge).
A varied walk around the Postbridge area exploring the fascinating Powdermills, along with the various Stone Rows and circles. Exact route to be determined nearer the time, depending upon ground conditions and weather.
Approx: Distance- 7.9 miles, Elevation 816ft. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3.45 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Please note: For all walks, the route may change on the day to accommodate the weather, ground conditions and group participants.
Booking and Payment for walks
Cost £15 per walk, or £10 a walk if you book the remaining programme in advance. Group size limited to 10. To reserve a place please book via email to fiona@nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk. Please make payment upon booking.
Is the walk right for me?
Please note that a moderate to good level of fitness is required for these walks. The walks show the distance, the minimum walking time and the amount of ascent to help you decide if it's right for you. What constitutes a challenge can be subjective, so please contact Fiona to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your fitness levels.
26/07/2025
Our friends at The BMC are gathering data on what wild camping means to the people who do it – what's the impact it has on them, and how does it connect them to nature, landscapes, and to other people.
By completing this survey, you’re helping to better inform policymakers and land managers, and helping us learn more about wild camping in England and Wales. Data from the survey will be used to produce a comprehensive report on wild camping so that it can be better understood and recognised.
You can fill the survey as many times as you like, once for each time you go wild camping. You can fill in or leave blank as many fields as you like. Precise location data will not be shared.
Thought I"d share yesterday's forest fitness route. A great one hour of brisk walking covering 3.5K and 100M ascent (2.17miles, 334ft)
All rounded of with 8 x bicep curls, 8 hammer curls, 8 hammer curls into narrow overhead press, 8 chest press, 8 low upward row. 8 weighed squats, 8 goblet squats, 8 lateral arm raises, all with a variety of hand weights. Finishing with some balance work and stretches. Well done to all who attended. 🏋🏽
If you would like to join us and get your heart pumping and muscles really working, all in a fine forest setting, please book an induction class at➜ www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk
The next induction is Monday 23rd June 2.30 to 3.30pm.
Run by Fiona Swan, Qualified Personal Trainer and Nordic walking instructor.
20/05/2025
Let's hope for a positive result in favour of backpack camping tomorrow.
The moment many of us have been waiting for is finally upon us. At 9.45am on Wednesday 21st May, the verdict will be announced by the Supreme Court in the case of Darwall vs Dartmoor National Park Authority.
For generations, people have enjoyed the freedom to camp on Dartmoor, to connect with the natural world around us in remote off the beaten track spots, embracing the peace and solitude that these nights bring. They've left no trace, respected the land and encouraged those they've met to do the same.
We have no idea what the future holds for wild camping on Dartmoor but along with hundreds of others, we're crossing everything and being hopeful that the right decision will be made.
Regardless of the outcome, Right to Roam and BMC have announced a gathering on Monday 26th May, hopefully to celebrate but at the very least, to gather with like minded folks and make plans for next steps.
Details haven't been announced yet but keep the date free and keep your eyes peeled for updates. Onwards, friends 💚
📷 .outdoors
11/05/2025
https://explore.osmaps.com/route/26695828/Start-Point-Circuit
Some pictures from Fridays South Hams walk. A 6 mile circular with 1432ft of ascent, taking in Devon's incredible coastline.
A truly joyous day with plenty of time to stop and enjoy the view. Even a post walk dip at Great Mattiscombe Sands.
Thank you to all who attended.
The next Friday walks are
Friday 13th June - 8 Tors West of Princetown
Friday 25th June - Bolt Head, Salcolm Estuary & Soar Mill Cove.
For details see www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk
Address
Haldon Forest Park, Bullers Hill, Kenford Exeter EX68PP
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Nordic Walking Devon is run by Fiona Swan, Nordic Walking UK instructor. Fiona is also a Level 4 specialist in ‘Exercise for Lower Back Pain’, a Pilates instructor and GP Referral qualified.
Fiona’s ethos is very much about being people centred and providing high quality and enjoyable classes that many will want to return to time after time.
During the Covid 19 outbreak Fiona is also running online Pilates and Strength and Resistance classes for the very first time and is finding it’s an effective way for individuals to keep fit and well at home. Online classes combined with other outdoor activities could well become the most time efficient way to keep strong and active.
Fiona runs training and walks at beautiful Haldon Forest Park and National Trust Killerton. Nordic walking, using poles to walk, is a full body workout which uses the upper body as well as the legs. It’s effective cardio vascular exercise which is kind to joints. To find out more see www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk
To find out more about Pilates and have a look at my page and my website www.pilatesinexeter.co.uk to find out how to get started. Pilates is a great way to stretch and strengthen the whole body. Plus if you have any joint or muscular issues it’s a very gentle and careful way to exercise. Beginning with the Pilates fundamentals my classes will introduce you to the basics and a series of exercises to work the whole body. Exercises are layered or adapted so that you can work safely and at your own level.
I hope you will come along to one of my classes soon. You will be given a very warm welcome.
Fiona
To find out how to get started see the Nordic Walking Devon website www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk A warm welcome awaits!
Fiona is Insured and is a Registered Exercise Professional, Membership Number: R0121658
