The council’s latest Nordic Walking course starts on Friday 4 November, and sessions will take place every Friday for four weeks from 11.30am until 12.30pm, meeting at the Rowntree Park Reading Café.

At the end of the course participants will receive a Nordic Walking UK Freedom Card, which will enable them to attend Nordic Walking groups anywhere in the UK, including several in the York area. The cost of the course is £25, and booking is essential as places are limited.

Nordic Walking – walking with the aid of long poles – is currently one of the fastest-growing exercise activities in the UK. Originally developed from cross-country skiing, it is a gentle exercise, but burns 40 per cent more calories than ordinary walking and works 90 per cent of the body’s muscles. It is a safe and effective method of exercise for people of all fitness levels, and is perfect for those wanting to lose weight.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “Over the past few years Nordic walking has grown in popularity as a fun way to keep fit. Nordic walking is a great activity, which people of all ages can enjoy and can be a great way for people to take in the spectacular views of York. Hopefully people take the chance to take part in this course, which is open to people of all ages.”

All equipment will be provided although participants should wear comfortable clothes and sturdy footwear.

For further information or to book a place please call City of York Council’s Public Health team on 01904 553377 or email yorwellbeing@york.gov.uk.