Nordic Walk Leader

Become an INWA Certified Nordic Walk Leader

A Nordic Walk Leader supports and leads walks for people who have already learned to Nordic Walk using the INWA 10 Step Method with a qualified instructor. If you would like to teach beginners how to Nordic Walk, you will need to complete our Instructor Course instead.

Many Nordic Walk Leaders work alongside Nordic Walking Instructors, helping to support growing classes, regular group walks and community programmes. They play an important role in keeping people active, motivated and connected through Nordic Walking.

Nordic Walk Leaders are widely used in community health projects across the UK, including programmes run by organisations such as Age UK and Age Cymru. Participants often begin with lessons from a qualified instructor before progressing onto regular guided walks led by a Nordic Walk Leader.

Leaders must hold their own insurance, separate from any instructor they work with, and specialist cover is available through our British Nordic Walking insurance scheme

What You’ll Learn

The INWA Certified Nordic Walk Leader course is practical, supportive and interactive. During the course you will learn how to:

Plan and lead safe group Nordic Walks
Carry out basic risk assessments and respond to emergency situations
Motivate and manage groups of walkers with different abilities
Set an appropriate pace and create a positive group experience
Deliver safe warm ups and cool downs

Updated Blended Learning Format

Our updated course combines live online learning with flexible self-study.

The course includes:

One live 4-hour online session with an INWA National Trainer
Online learning videos to study at your own pace
Practical guidance and support throughout the course

Before You Join the Course

To take part, you will need:

To be a competent and experienced Nordic Walker
Support and supervision from a local INWA Instructor who is a current British Nordic Walking member
A computer, laptop or tablet with a camera
A pair of Nordic Walking poles
Your course manual (posted to you before the course)
Paper and a pen for note-taking