Come and refresh your body, mind and spirit with a walk or run in the fresh country air in beautiful surroundings. The woods are ideal for just about everyone to enjoy some exercise, from a gentle family stroll to a good long run.
There are several miles of waymarked trails to follow and lots of lovely little paths to take you deep into the woods. The Easy Access Trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, the Willow's Green Trail is a relatively short but delightful route starting at the cafe and the Lodge Pond Trail, the longest at 2.5 miles, winds its way through a variety of woodland scenery to the picturesque Lodge Pond. Click here for more information about each of the trails. A map to help you find your way around is available in the cafe.
Nordic Walking
Nordic Walking is a very popular and sociable fitness activity in Europe and it's growing rapidly here in the UK. It can help you to get fitter whatever your current level of fitness, it is perfect for those who want some structured exercise beyond walking and you'll also get the benefits of spending time out in the fesh air. It can also become a challenging workout for those who want it to be.
Beginners' courses involve 4 weekly sessions and guided walks take place at the same time for people who have already completed a course of instruction.
These classes are run by fully qualified instructors.
Beginners 4 week course is £40, which includes pole hire.
Guided walks are £6 per person plus £1 for pole hire or £20 for 4 weeks if booked in advance.
The poles are special Nordic Walking poles and trekking poles are not suitable for the activity. If you have your own Nordic Walking poles you are, of course, welcome to use them.
We are able to run taster sessions for groups at times other than those advertised when instructors are available.
Course 1: 9th, 16th, 23rd and 1st March (Thursdays 10am - 11:15am). Booking in advance is required.
Course 2: 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th March (Thursdays 10am - 11:15am). Booking in advance is required.
Course 3: 24th April, 1st, 8th and 15th May (Tuesdays 6:30pm - 7:45pm). Booking in advance is required.
Course 4: 26th June, 3rd, 10th and 17th July (Tuesdays 6:30pm - 7:45pm). Booking in advance is required.
Please ring 01420 23666 for further details and to book.
Nordic Walking pole hire from Quench Cycles
Nordic Walking poles are now available for hire from Quench Cycles at £2 for 1 hour and £1.50 for each extra hour.
For safety reasons hirers need to have learned the Nordic Walking technique from a qualified instructor before attempting to use Nordic Walking poles.
Quench Cycles are open seven days a week 9am-5pm throughout the year.
Walking for Health
Walking for Health was launched nationally in 2000.
Walking was not considered a serious form of exercise but 10 years later, the benefits of short, regular, brisk walks are widely understood. The Department of Health now recognises health walks as an effective and sustainable way of improving the nation’s health. Walking for Health walks are free and are all about encouraging people to become physically active in their local communities.
The Walking for Health group at Alice Holt Forest meet weekly (February to November) and provide two different levels of walk. Walks take place on Tuesdays and are led by our own volunteer walk leaders.
On Tuesday mornings from 10th January to 27th March and 4th September to 18th December there are short, safe and sociable walks lasting an hour that meet outside the Cafe on the Green at 10am.
In the summer from 3rd April to 28th August the walks take place on Tuesday evenings, meeting at the Forest Classroom at 6:30pm. The walks are more strenuous and last 1 1/2 hours.
Walking for Health is a great opportunity to get out into the fresh air, explore the forest and meet new people.
Don't forget to wear suitable footwear to walk along the forest trails and wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, who will be responsible for them during the walk.
Dogs are not permitted on the walks.
Please park in the main car parks.
A parking permit will be issued by the walk leader on the day if required.
For information contact Kat or Pam on 01420 23666.
