Maidstone

Welcome! We’re delighted to be holding our next Nordic Walking Instructor Course at Tyland Barn — a beautiful nature reserve and education centre run by Kent Wildlife Trust in Sandling, just north of Maidstone.(Kent Wildlife Trust)

📍 Venue Details

Location: Kent Wildlife Trust Tyland Barn
Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BD, United Kingdom

This restored 17th‑century barn hosts wildlife displays, a courtyard garden and nature park, and is a lovely base for both indoor learning and outdoor walks. It’s free to park and easy to reach.(Kent Wildlife Trust)

Contact for Tyland Barn:
📞 01622 662012
✉️ info@kentwildlife.org.uk

🗓️ Course Dates & Times

Start: 9am 11th March 2026
Finish: 5pm 12th March 2026

Please arrive 15 minutes early on Day 1 so we can check you in and get started on time.

🚗 Travel & Parking

By Car:
Free on‑site parking is available next to the Visitor Centre.

By Public Transport:
The nearest mainline station is Maidstone East (about 2.2 miles). Buses and taxis can complete your journey to the venue.(Kent Wildlife Trust)

What to Bring

Essential Gear:

  • Nordic walking poles (if you have them - if not we are happy to provide for you)

  • Comfortable outdoor clothing and layers (weather appropriate)

  • Sturdy footwear suitable for grassy paths

  • Waterproofs if rain is forecast

Optional but Useful:

  • Notepad & pen for learning points

  • Water bottle

  • Sun hat / sunscreen (if sunny)

  • Course Structure

This course blends classroom sessions inside the visitor centre, with outdoor technique practice around the Tyland Barn Nature Park — a great setting to learn and teach Nordic Walking in a real environment.(Explore Kent) You'll also have access to the INWA Foundation Course - an online course to help prepare you for our practical training

Facilities on Site

Café: The on‑site The Pond Cafe @Tyland barn offers hot drinks and light meals (Tue–Sun).(Tripadvisor)

Toilets: Available at the Visitor Centre

Shop & Exhibitions: Wildlife books, gifts and learning displays

How to Get the Most from Your Day

  • Wear layers — indoor teaching is warm, outdoor practice can be cooler.

  • Bring a lunch or use the café at break times.

  • There are benches and lawns if you’d like to take short outdoor breaks.

  • Questions Before the Course?
  • Please get in touch with us with any questions you have about the course on 01332 504949 or by email info@britishnordicwalking.org.uk
  • We’re really looking forward to welcoming you at Tyland Barn — set among rich wildlife habitats and landscaped gardens, it’s a perfect place to learn, practise and inspire others through Nordic Walking!