NORDIC walking is growing popular with groups locally.

Nordic walking is cross-country walks, using long poles to help, and has huge benefits such as improving posture and balance and using 90 per cent of the body’s skeletal muscles.

South Wales Argus:

(Picture: Richard Jones/MLA Photography)

It burns more calories than ordinary walking, with less impact on joints, and it’s an affordable, sociable activity that appeals to all ages and abilities.

Qualified instructor Ed Woolley, and co-instructor Sheila Phillips, run Caerphilly Nordic Walks and Nordic Walk Newport, holding regular walks from 11am.

2018 marked the tenth anniversary of British Nordic Walking with a celebration barbecue at the Welsh leg of the annual British Challenge Series at Fourteen Locks Canal Centre.

South Wales Argus:

(Picture: Richard Jones/MLA Photography)

Other events the groups were involved with last year included: the Twmbarlwm Trek (a hike up Twmbarlwm mountain) and the Caerphilly Challenge Series which saw nearly 500 walking through the picturesque Sirhowy valley.

Now, for 2019, former class member and new instructor Sheila Phillips has suggested new ideas which will shake things up.

Currently, on Mondays they alternate between Newport Wetlands and Tredegar House, Wednesdays from the Blackwood area, Thursdays from Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, Fridays from Cwmcarn Scenic Drive, and Saturdays from Pontywaun canal walk.

South Wales Argus:

(Picture: Richard Jones/MLA Photography)

Poles are provided and each walk is £5. For more information, visit: www.nordic-walking.wales