Nordic Walking Devon

Nordic Walking Devon 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.

Getting stuck in on one of the hills today for Nordic Forest Fitness at Haldon. Well done to all. We did this particular...
12/01/2026

Getting stuck in on one of the hills today for Nordic Forest Fitness at Haldon. Well done to all.

We did this particular hill twice, to raise the heart rate and push up against the aerobic threshold, the point where lactic acid starts to build up in the muscles. By doing this on a regular basis you can raise your aerobic threshold so that point where you need to stop and catch your breath to get rid of the lactic acid comes much later. And the hill feels easier.
We then followed the longer hill back towards the car park for some more moderate intensity training where demand for oxygen can keep pace with supply.
The session also included some stength and balance work at the Birds of Prey viewpoint.
Overall lots of fresh air, a spot of rain and a good fitness session all round. Well done all.

To find out more please see www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk

The Exe Estuary Trail is always a great winter walk. The stretch from Powderham Church to Turf Locks is really special w...
10/01/2026

The Exe Estuary Trail is always a great winter walk. The stretch from Powderham Church to Turf Locks is really special with the flocks of dark bellied brent geese who have migrated 3000 miles from Siberia for the winter.

Real Scandi vibes for today's Nordic Forest Fitness session. Great to get out in the fresh crisp air for some brisk-ish ...
05/01/2026

Real Scandi vibes for today's Nordic Forest Fitness session. Great to get out in the fresh crisp air for some brisk-ish walking, along with some strength training amongst the trees! Thanks to everyone who attended today. A fab post-holiday workout and great company.


If you're looking for a fitness class with a difference, why not join us soon?
Held on Mondays at 12.45- 2pm the class involves 50minutes of cardiovascular activity, followed by 20 minutes of strength and resistance training - all set within the trees.

The session is held by Fiona Swan, British Nordic Walking Instructor, Personal Trainer and member of CIMSPA and UK Coaching.

Haldon Forest Park is an ideal setting for the class as the clear wide paths make it ideal for Nordic walking and just taking in the view – and the various hills add that extra bit of challenge to raise the heart rate as required!

By attending the sessions, you will;
• Learn how to walk more effectively with or without poles
• Monitor your 'perceived rate of exertion' or heart rate to develop your fitness.
• Meet like-minded individuals in a beautiful forest setting
• Feel more motivated in a supportive group environment
• Group warm-up and stretches at the start and finish
• Maintain and improve muscle mass and bone density

Optional refreshments at the Ridge Cafe at the forest afterwards.
To participate, you just need to have had some Nordic Walking training. This can be done by undertaking the Nordic Forest Fitness Induction session having a one-to-one private session, or attending the full British Nordic Walking 10 Steps Training course. To find out more and to reserve your place, please see www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk or email fiona@nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk or call 07531 729383
Hope to see you soon.
Improve your overall body strength, stamina and wellbeing – all in the great outdoors!

Another great day for a walk reccy, this time in the Lustleigh Cleave area. The views from the footpath leading towards ...
04/01/2026

Another great day for a walk reccy, this time in the Lustleigh Cleave area. The views from the footpath leading towards Hunters Tor were stunning today. Loving these cold crisp winter days.
To join one of my Friday Dartmoor walks in 2026 see
www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk

Book your induction class today. The next Induction is Monday, 5th Jan 2.30 - 3.30pm. 🙂Booking link in the comments. ⬇️I...
04/01/2026

Book your induction class today. The next Induction is Monday, 5th Jan 2.30 - 3.30pm. 🙂

Booking link in the comments. ⬇️

Improve your wellbeing with a weekly session of Nordic 'Forest Fitness' at beautiful Haldon Forest Park.

Held on Mondays at 12.45- 2pm the class involves 50minutes of cardiovascular activity, followed by 20 minutes of strength and resistance training - all set within the trees. The session is held by Fiona Swan, British Nordic Walking Instructor, Personal Trainer and member of CIMSPA and UK Coaching.

Haldon Forest Park is an ideal setting for the class as the clear wide paths make it ideal for Nordic walking and just taking in the view – and the various hills add that extra bit of challenge to raise the heart rate as required!

More about the session.

Each week, the class walks for 50 mins as a group around various parts of the forest, taking in the 2.5k , 4k or 5k Nordic Walking trails. At certain hills, optional shuttle runs are added to enable participants to raise their heart rate, allowing everyone to work at their own level.

Advice on raising your heart rate safely and effectively is given along with ongoing tuition around the Nordic walking technique.

The class concludes with strength and resistance training using 1 or 2K hand-weights and resistance bands. With help from Fiona, a qualified personal trainer, participants may also like to set their own fitness goals, such as building muscle mass, improving cardiovascular fitness or making changes to their Body Mass Index (BMI).

Group support and motivation are essential components of the clas,s and the session is suitable for most levels of fitness. You just need to be able to walk 2 miles.



By attending the sessions, you will;



• Learn how to walk more effectively with or without poles

• Monitor your 'perceived rate of exertion' or heart rate to develop your fitness.

• Meet like-minded individuals in a beautiful forest setting

• Feel more motivated in a supportive group environment

• Group warm-up and stretches at the start and finish

• Maintain and improve muscle mass and bone density



Optional refreshments at the Ridge Cafe at the forest afterwards.



To participate, you just need to have had some Nordic Walking training. This can be done by undertaking the Nordic Forest Fitness Induction session having a one-to-one private session, or attending the full British Nordic Walking 10 Steps Training course. To find out more and to reserve your place, please see www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk or email fiona@nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk or call 07531 729383

Hope to see you soon.

Improve your overall body strength, stamina and wellbeing – all in the great outdoors!

Stunning today for a final walk on the moor in 2025! This view is from Corndon Tor towards Sharp Tor. If anyone would li...
31/12/2025

Stunning today for a final walk on the moor in 2025! This view is from Corndon Tor towards Sharp Tor.

If anyone would like to join one of my Dartmoor walks in 2026, please see the full Friday walks programme below.

All walks led by Hill and Moorland Leader Fiona Swan, who is outdoor first aid trained and insured.

Details and how to book are on my website www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk

2026 DARTMOOR PROGRAMME

Friday 23rd Jan – 10.00 – 2.30pm – River Dart, Dr.Blackhalls Driveway, Mel Tor & Sharp Tor.
Starting at Newbridge ascend to Dr.Blackall's Drive to enjoy views high above the River Dart. From Mel Tor, where well-formed Rock Basins may be seen, then onto Sharp Tor, the film location of Werwulf. We return via Pondsworthy cottages, (and the splash!) and the Blackadon Down nature reserve and the lovely River Dart at Spitchwick.
Distance – 7.2 miles, Elevation 1372ft Terrain: Moorland paths, country Lanes, forest paths and open moorland. Time: Minimum 3.45 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Friday 27th Feb – 10.00 – 2.30pm – Badgers Holt, Corndon Down and Yartor
From Badgers Holt, walk part of the East Dart River to open moorland rich in history and intrigue. Taking in fine views from Corndon Down visit Yar Tor and the distinctive Sharp Tor (filming site of Werwulf). We also visit various points of interest, (that feature in the John Haywood’s Dartmoor 365 book) such as the Coffin Stone (N13), the Money Pit (N14) as well as the WW1Memorial Cross on Corndon Down.
Distance – 5.8 miles, Elevation 1077ft Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Friday 27th March 10.00 – 2.30pm – Foggin Tor Quarry, Kings Tor, Merrivale Stone Rows, and Great Mis Tor
See evidence of Dartmoor throughout the ages with this varied walk to the NW of Princetown. From the SW slopes of Great Mis Tor see Pillow mounds, evidence of past rabbit farming and open cast mining. At Great Mis Tor enjoy fabulous views before descending a main track back towards Foggin Tor quarry and Kings Tor. The walk completes with a visit to the Merivale Stone Rows and Cairns, where time is taken to sit and marvel at just how extraordinary they are.
Distance – 6.5 miles, Elevation 863ft Terrain: Moorland paths, tracks, disused railway line & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3hrs.10mins walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Friday 24th April 10.30 – 2.30pm – 4 Tors, Buckland Beacon & The Ten Commandments Stone
Starting with fine moorland views from Saddle Tor walk via Hemsworth gate onto Top Tor and Pil Tor overlooking Foal s Arrishes Settlement. Crossing Blackslade Ford we then cross Buckland Common to Buckland Beacon and the unique 10 Commandments Stone. Return via Rushslade Common and finally Rippon Tor, one of the highest points on this part of the moor, with cairns, evidence of tin mining and the half-finished cross.


Distance – 6.43 Miles, Elevation 967ft Terrain: Open moorland, moorland paths, country road. Time: Minimum 4.14 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Friday 15th May 10.00– 2.30pm – Dittsworthy Warren Farm, Drizzlecombe Stone Row and Gutter Tor
Starting with fine views across the moor, with an easy ascent to the Trig point at Gutter Tor, we then cross Ringmoor Down to arrive at Legis Tor and Legistor Warren. Here we can see evidence of rabbit farming with Pillow mounds and even a vermin trap. Then following the very pretty River Plym, we eventually arrive at the semi ruined Dittsworthy Warren Farm with evidence of a dog pound and kennels set within the walls. Further down the valley we eventually arrive at the remarkable Drizzlecombe Stone Row and a large cairn known as the Giants Basin. At Higher Hartor we even see a crocodile shaped rock. The return takes us past the large-scale tin mining ruins of Eyesbarrow and an easy return along a main path with fine views of Sheep’s Tor in the distance.

Level: Moderate
Distance – 5.9 miles, Elevation 780ft, Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. tracks Time: Minimum 3.50 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.

Friday 19th June 10.00– 2.30pm – Two Bridges, The Cowsic River, & The Beardown Man Standing Stone.
From Two Bridges walk the beautiful Cowsic river, eventually arriving at a man-made leat passing through woodland to open moorland with fine views of the valley and Wistman’s wood below. From here ascend to Beardown and Lydford Tors and if ground conditions allow strike out to the remote Beardown Man standing stone at Devils Tor. The return is via Rough Tor and the distinctive Crow Tor and the West Dart valley and a visit to Wistman’s wood.
Please note if waterlogged ground, we will take an alternative low-level route.
Distance – 7.33 Miles, Elevation 961 Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 4 hours, 42 mins of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Challenging

Friday 17th July – 10.00 – 3.30pm – The Stone Row at Hingstone Hill, Crazy Well Pool, tin working, Nuns Cross and Devon Port Leat
From Norsworthy Bridge near Burrator this walk visits many fascinating sites across the moor. Initially passing through Norsworthy Plantation, and across Leather Tor Bridge, we quickly arrive at Crazy Well pool and the Devon Port Leat. The leat then leads us to Nuns Cross and Nuns Cross Farm. The return is via Down Tor, and the incredible Bronze Age Stone Row and circle at Hingstone Hill.
Distance – 5.74 miles, Elevation 695. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3 hours 38 mins of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Friday 14th August – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Widgery Cross, Bleak House and the Rattlebrook Railway
Starting near the Dartmoor Inn at Lydford, cross the River Lyn to Brat Tor and Widgery Cross, one of the tallest crosses on Dartmoor, built to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. Then via Bleak House ascend to Great Links Tor. We then follow the disused Rattlebrook Railway line to Great Nodden for more fabulous views. The return is along the very pretty river via Noden Gate. (Low visibility option on the day is to walk the West Devon Way, returning via the Granite Way)
Distance – 6.89 miles, Elevation 1201 ft. Terrain: Moorland paths, railway Line & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3.3 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Friday 4th Sept – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Sheep’s Tor, Gutter Tor and Yellowmead Down Stone Circles.
Starting with an easy ascent and views from Gutter Tor, cross Ringmoor Down to Portland Lane which takes us to the charming Sheepstor village with its church and unusual crosses, along with an unusual carving above the church porch. From Sheep’s Tor descend to one of Dartmoor’s gems, Yellowmead Down concentric stone circles.

Distance – 4.28miles, Elevation 749fy. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland, minor road. Time: Minimum 2.10 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Friday 16th Oct – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Headland Warren Farm, Hookney Tor, Kings Tor & Grimspound and Golden Dagger Tin works.
Starting at Bennetts Cross explore the moorland East of the Warren House Inn. This fascinating and varied walk includes the remarkable Grimspound, a Bronze Age triple stone row on Challacombe Down, various Tors an Old Leat and the discussed Golden Dagger Tin works.
Distance – 7.4 miles, Elevation 1091ft. Terrain: Moorland paths & open moorland. Time: Minimum 3.5 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Friday 13th Nov – 10.00 – 3.30pm – Fingle Bridge, Hunters Path and Salmons Leap
Enjoy a late autumn walk through the stunning Teign Gorge. Starting at Fingle Bridge walk the Hunters Path, with views high above the gorge, then on through Drewsteignton and Rectory Woods. After a break at the Salmons Leap follow the River Teign to Charles and H**e wood. Finally finishing out walk at the Fingle Bridge Inn.
Level: Moderate
Distance – 7.14 miles, Elevation 1428ft Terrain: Woodland and riverside paths. Time: Minimum 3.45 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Friday 4th Dec – 10.00 – 1.30pm – Haytor Vale, a Quarryman’s hut and refreshments at the Moorland Hotel
As the days draw in enjoy a short winter walk from the Moorland Hotel, Haytor. Stride out across Haytor down to Smallcombe Rocks, where we then join the Granite Tramway to visit a tinner Hut near Howell Tor. Following the railway line visit Haytor Quarry and the area around Haytor before returning to Moorland Hotel for lunch and refreshments.
Distance – 5.2 miles, Elevation 805 ft. Terrain: Moorland paths, granite railway line & open moorland. Time: Minimum 2.5 hours of walking with plenty of stops and rest.
Level: Moderate

Unlock the benefits of Nordic Walking with the 10 Steps Course at Haldon Forest Park! Developed by experts, this course ...
13/12/2025

Unlock the benefits of Nordic Walking with the 10 Steps Course at Haldon Forest Park! Developed by experts, this course will teach you the correct technique and posture for optimal results. After completing the course, join our weekly walks! Learn more at https://wix.to/cZPaxH3

Well done to everyone who turned out in the rain again! for a very verdant Forest Fitness class today. Plus two new star...
08/12/2025

Well done to everyone who turned out in the rain again! for a very verdant Forest Fitness class today. Plus two new starters, who have recently learnt to Nordic walk with me, joined us. Great effort for starting something new this side of Christmas. 👏 👏 👏
The session started with a pacey walk around the Butterfly Trail with a couple of shuttle runs ( to raise the heart rate) on one of the hills. On route we also did some leg strengthening (squats and walking lunges) and balance exercises at The Birds of Prey viewpoint.
The class completed with some upper body strengthening exercises using handweights.
A good work out alround. Great for overall health and wellbeing.
Todays Arm exercises
Bicep curls x8
Overhead press combined with chest press x8
The Arnold x8
Skull crusher x 8
Lateral Arm Raise 2 x 8
Low Upward Row x 8
Some balance and core strengthening work with the weights.
Haldon Forest Park - Forestry England

NORDIC WALKING GIFT CARD - The gift that truly helps! With Christmas approaching, I now have gift cards available for th...
07/12/2025

NORDIC WALKING GIFT CARD - The gift that truly helps!
With Christmas approaching, I now have gift cards available for the British Nordic Walking 10 Steps training course or one-to-one sessions. If anyone would like a gift card, purchase via my website www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk or send me an email fiona@nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk

BRITISH NORDIC WALKING – Learn the technique 10 STEPS TRAINING COURSE

If you know anyone who would like to learn the technique, the next dates for my INWA 10 Steps training course at Haldon Forest Park are

Monday 19th Jan 2.15pm – 3.45pm (Steps 1 - 6) & Monday 26th Jan 2.15 – 3.45pm (Steps 7 – 10).

Monday 23rd Feb 2.15pm – 3.45pm (Steps 1 - 6) & Monday 2nd March 2.15 – 3.45pm (Steps 7 – 10).

Nordic walking poles will be provided. To reserve a place, please follow this link in the comments.

Well done to everyone who attended today's Nordic forest fitness session. Great work and lovely to see some new faces. T...
17/11/2025

Well done to everyone who attended today's Nordic forest fitness session. Great work and lovely to see some new faces.
This week's session included a pacey walk around parts of the Butterfly Trail. Some balance, strength and agility training at The Birds of Prey viewpoint. Then some shuttle runs on one of the hills. Finally we completed the session with some free weighs to strengthen the arms and upper body.
If you're looking for a fitness class with a bit of a difference and definitely a lot of fresh air, why not give the class a try. Nordic and other walking poles may be used. We walk together as a class and it's a very supportive group.
See www.nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk for details.

Really pleased to share that I’ve been awarded Senior Personal Trainer - Physical Activity and Health Specialist status ...
04/11/2025

Really pleased to share that I’ve been awarded Senior Personal Trainer - Physical Activity and Health Specialist status with (CIMSPA) The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity.
This means that in addition to being a Nordic walking Instructor, I can apply the skills and knowledge to all of my classes. In particular, my Nordic Forest Fitness class.

I now specialise in working with older adults and individuals who may have specific health issues. For example, you may be rehabilitating from an injury, have a Parkinson's diagnosis, or simply looking to maintain functional fitness to improve quality of life as you age.
The role of a Personal Trainer is to coach clients (on a one-to-one and small group basis) towards their health and fitness goals. It’s very much about analysing needs and coaching individuals through bespoke exercise programmes and instruction.
Offering nutritional and overall lifestyle management advice and supporting behaviour change is also key to the role, along with knowing when to refer clients to relevant, appropriate professionals such as physiotherapists or registered dietitians.
So, if you’re looking for private tuition or would like to attend one of my Pilates or Nordic Forest Fitness classes at Haldon Forest Park, please do have a look at my website, nordicwalkingdevon.co.uk or pilatesinexeter.co.uk
I'll add the links to the first comments.
The new term starts soon, and there's space in some of the classes. It would be great to see you there.
Kind regards
Fiona

Chartered
https://accreditation.cimspa.co.uk/verify/15df5763aece755515a02397a37c7c6be06a36a3ac9bb3948825c3f62cc468f2

,

The holder has completed the Personal Trainer occupational professional standard, as well as the Working with People with Long Term Conditions professional standard and one additional professional standard within the physical activity and health specialist area, by evidencing all of their competency...

Address

Haldon Forest Park, Bullers Hill, Kenford
Exeter
EX68PP

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About Fiona Swan

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