It seems like an age since the sun shone for a whole weekend and there was no mud but it did actually happen and in some style too! Yes the 4th Purbeck Nordic Walking festival was a major success with hundreds of walks and workshops walks in sizzling sunshine!

This year our sponsors GRUB’S SHOES, EXODUS and The OUTDOOR GUIDE (with Julia Bradbury) helped us to add more interest and open up the walks to more people. We were particularly delighted to welcome Debbie from Access TOG (pictured)who helped us plan our accessible walks which we aim to build on nationally throughout the year. Debbie also did a fantastic review in her blog which you can read HERE

There were so many new ideas and experiences we could not possibly mention them all but the Alpaca walks were a major hit as was the Promenade and Prosecco on Swanage beach! Workshops included our new YOGA WALX, Navigation, Smoveys and the ever popular Check your tech(nique)with our experts whilst presentations covered topics like adventure holidays and how to prepare for challenge events.  

Talking of the latter, the two distance challenges (27 and and 16 miles) across some of the most stunning but challenging coastal terrain saw some amazing times and inspirational stories. Each and every finisher worked hard to complete the distance and definitely earned the medal and T shirts!

Once again, however, it was the social element of the event that made it so special with glorious supper walks on tranquil beaches and a lively music supper at the HUB where people sat around crackling braziers and danced as the moon rose over Corfe Castle. The HUB is where we have presentations and workshops plus a food village and massive store full of poles, backpacks and walking goodies.

The festival HOSTs are all volunteers mainly from the local DORSET WALX group but also Instructors and leaders from other groups some of which (like Colin from Derbyshire, pictured with our favourite box!) came and spent days route planning and helping with the setting up. As you will see from the review below – these amazing people are the essence of the event and we are always looking for more so give us a shout if you are a smiley, patient and fun loving person who loves to get stuck in!

In case you wonder what festival goers say about the event and why so many have already re booked their tickets for next year

(WHICH YOU CAN ALSO DO BY CLICKING HERE )

Read on………………….

Dear Team I want to say a huge thank you for the fantastic walks your provided over last weekend. It was my first time in Purbeck and taking part in such a big event and it was just brilliant. The organisation was first class and all the walk leaders I met were really nice and helpful. I will come again!!! and may even tackle the 16 mile challenge. Many thanks for your hard work. Ursula

Had a great time and it’s an amazing event.  I feel privileged to be part of it.  And more than happy to help again next year. 

Just a quick note to say a big thank you to all of you for masterminding what was a really fantastic weekend. The walks were fabulous and the area is absolutely stunning – I wanted to move house immediately!  Not easy to put on such a big event so well done to everyone and please do pass both mine and Simon’s thanks to all involved (I know most wont’ be on this email).  We’ll definitely be coming again next year

Thank you ALL for your fantastic Purbeck Event which I had previously decided not to attend because I wasn’t sure if I could manage much of it.  But our local ND Walk Leader (Nicky Sanders) gave the confidence to come & it did me a power of good, physically & mentally.

Thanks Festival Team. We had a brilliant time and definitely be back next year. 😁

Well done to all the organisers.

For Gill and the administration team. Congratulations and many thanks. For me going to Purbeck Nordic Walking Festival, is an amazing achievement, with my son joining us after his accident few years ago and my husband motivated enough to make the choice  of walks. This is our three day health therapy. Thank you 

Thanks for another fantastic Festival, with interesting workshops, great instructors and walks – all topped off with marvellous weather! 

You and your team put enormous work in to make the event a success year on year, I hope you are having a rest now!  Congratulations also to the cheery ladies in the organisers’ tent for keeping it all together. Till next time,

So much fun and so many laughs! A true tonic!

Next year we are going EVEN BIGGER and have a new image – as the PURBECK WALX FESTIVAL we will have more walks, more experts, a whole day of professional Instructor workshops and an even bigger party night on the Saturday. Follow the event on Facebook @WALX Festival to find out what we have planned and when walks are open for booking etc.

We are delighted to now be working with the team from the original Swanage Walking Festival so we can combine forces to provide interesting, inspirational and safe walks for all ages and abilities.