British Nordic Walking was founded in 2008 by Catherine Hughes and Karen Ingram, two passionate INWA National Trainers who believed Nordic Walking could transform health, wellbeing and outdoor activity across the UK.

At a time when Nordic Walking was still relatively unknown in Britain, Catherine and Karen recognised its potential to help people of all ages and abilities become more active, improve their health and enjoy being outdoors. Their vision was simple: to deliver high-quality INWA instructor education and build a supportive, welcoming Nordic Walking community throughout the UK.

Today, British Nordic Walking is a Community Interest Company (CIC), meaning we are not driven by profit. Income generated through our courses, memberships and training programmes is reinvested into developing Nordic Walking, supporting instructors and increasing participation across the UK.

Over the years we have trained thousands of instructors from a wide range of backgrounds, including fitness professionals, walking leaders, healthcare practitioners, outdoor instructors, charities and community organisations. Together with our instructors and walkers, we have collectively covered millions of Nordic Walking miles.

British Nordic Walking is led by CEO Catherine Hughes and supported by our amazing team of staff, volunteers and INWA National Trainers.

We are proud to deliver education through INWA — the International Nordic Walking Federation — the global organisation responsible for developing and maintaining the original Nordic Walking methodology and instructor education system. INWA plays an important role in promoting quality standards, research, innovation and the worldwide growth of Nordic Walking.

As the sole official representative of INWA in the UK, British Nordic Walking is committed to delivering internationally recognised training while continuing to inspire more people to discover the physical, mental and social benefits of Nordic Walking. We are proud to uphold the INWA values in all we do.