About
We specialise in Nordic walking and offer tasters, regular classes, workshops and community Nordic walking programmes bringing people together, having fun, improving wellbeing, and connecting with nature, the local parks, and wider countryside.
Our vision is to build community-led Nordic walking groups, created by the community for the community while staying connected to the wider Let’s Walk Bristol Nordic walking family. To make this a reality, we seek funding to establish free community Nordic walking programmes. We also train individuals from these groups to train as volunteer Nordic walking instructors and leaders. With mentorship and support from the Let’s Walk Bristol team, these leaders help keep the groups thriving and growing. We also offer regular low cost Nordic walking classes in parks across Bristol and South Gloucestershire led by our expert instructor team.
We actively seek to engage people from minority ethnic communities to Nordic walk and 80% of our instructor team are visibly minority ethnic, representing local Chinese, Sri Lankan, Indian, Carribean, and Somali communities and speaking their languages.
We want everyone to feel a sense of belonging in Bristol’s parks and other green spaces. To help achieve this we hold Nordic walking socials and scenic walks, bringing our walking groups together. We also offer free taster sessions to introduce more people to the benefits of Nordic walking.
Here’s what a few of our walkers have to say about our inclusive community approach:
“I feel there is a real sense of community amongst us- everyone wants to be friendly and positive- which is so supportive.”
“I have also found it useful that the various groups are attended by different communities with diverse cultural backgrounds which has enriched my experience/knowledge and enabled strong bonds between us. There is a real community feeling in the groups, especially when combined events are held.”
“The walks connect me with people from cultures and communities I might not otherwise meet.”
If you’re interested in a Nordic walking taster for your group or community get in touch and we’ll do our best to arrange a session.
Our Team
Subitha Baghirathan
Nordic walking instructor I am passionate about improving the health of visibly minority ethnic people in Bristol through Physical Activities, and sharing my own ongoing learning. The happiest parts of my week: teaching Nordic Walking in local parks and getting to know all the students. I also feel proud to be a published author and poet.
Vicky Welsh
Nordic walking national trainer and Director I have been teaching Nordic walking for over 15 years and I love sharing this easy, sociable outdoor exercise with others. Getting out into the fresh air together and learning a new skill is fun and fulfilling and almost every Nordic walker I’ve taught has said how much healthier in mind and body they’ve felt afterwards. I've even been inspired to write a book, Let’s Walk Nordic, which is a guide to help people get started Nordic walking and use it for their health and fitness needs.
Sunita Sunnak
Director and Nordic walking instructor I have walked regularly throughout my life. However, last year, brought a totally new dimension to me - learning the new skill of Nordic Walking. Nordic Walking encourages time outdoors, it's fun and improves overall health and fitness. My mantra is to empower all people, particularly from visibly minority ethnic groups, to learn this activity and- like me- feel all its health and emotional benefits.
Henrietta Fung
Director and Nordic walking instructor
Having been a non-exerciser throughout my life, I stumbled upon Nordic walking by chance and I’ve surprised my circle of friends with the amazing health benefits I’ve gained. Maybe it’s time you come and experience it with the Let’s Walk Bristol team?
Lucille Smith
Director and Nordic walking instructor I enjoy being outdoors and in nature and with Nordic walking I have felt the benefits for my fitness and stress levels. Becoming a Nordic walking instructor means that I can help others strengthen their body, release tension and feel great through Nordic walking.
Michael Earle
Nordic walking instructor I’m a mental health practitioner and have my own wellbeing consultancy. I really got into walking at the start of the first Covid-19 lock down. Becoming a Nordic walking instructor is a fantastic way of helping people improve their overall wellbeing.
Samira Musse
Nordic walking instructor I don’t like gyms and Nordic walking is the perfect way for me to keep fit and improve my strength in a fun way, in a group and outdoors. And it is low cost. I want to empower women who don’t do a lot of movement to come out, make friends, and reduce isolation. It’s a non-judgemental way to exercise.
Shamso Yussuf Mohamed
Nordic walking instructorI love walking and I enjoy going out in nature. It makes me feel relaxed, different, and happier. With Nordic walking it’s like a whole body walk in nature and I can feel the physical benefits everywhere, especially in my arms. I want to show others this fun way of exercising in a group using our local parks and green spaces.
Fred Miller
Nordic walk leader I used to get out bed, creaking. After 3 months of regular Nordic Walking I'm now jumping out bed, and my sleep is no longer pain-interrupted. The difference Nordic walking has made to my health and general wellbeing is huge and I want to share this with others and help them on their health journeys.