WALX with Kerley is a friendly sociable walking club for all abilities. Exploring soft woodland paths, forest trails, hillforts and local parks enables us to savour the beauty of the natural world around us. Sun filtering through trees, tinkling sounds of autumn leaves falling, bracing winds and bouncing rain; hot summer breezes and cool shady spots……….
Experience this as the background to achieving your goals led by friendly, professional and qualified WALX Masters and Guides .We will help you create long lasting healthier habits, improve your mental and physical wellness by becoming more active and meeting likeminded people.
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Take a peek at what you might get up to on one of our Walx
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Mondays walk Marian took us to Chesire Wild Life Trusts Hatchmere Nature Reserve to walk along the edge of the Beaver enclosure. This is a 4.5 hectare site and as we walked along the board walk, we could see the wet lands and clean free flowing streams created by beavers. We were pretty sure we
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Role: WALX Master
Known to all as Kerley
Kerley has a nursing and scouting background and started her Nordic walking business in 2010. After a long career break to raise 4 sons, Kerley was looking for a change in direction. She loved Nordic walking as soon as she tried it.
From walking her dogs and from learning to ride, Kerley had found that being exposed to natural light improved her energy levels. Nordic walking enabled her to work outside and reap the benefits from being in the natural environment. She finds that Nordic walking is a great way to lift the spirits, relieve stress, increase activity and fitness levels in a sociable and fun way and also forge long lasting friendships. She hopes Nordic walking will enable her to be active well into her eighth and ninth decade like some of her members.
Kerley has completed the Heads up For Parkinsons ,Yoga WALX Tai chi movements for Wellbeing, Isometric Exercise Instuctor and Basic of Strength and Conditioning training and has a level 3 Exercise Referral for Specific Controlled Conditions.
“If you don’t make time for exercise, you’ll probably have to make time for illness”
Robin Sharma
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Role: WALX Guide
Hi. My name is Glyn Parry I have been a walk leader for Kerley since 2016, I started Nordic walking in the Wellbeing group about 2015 and really enjoyed it. I had recently had spinal surgery and found using poles perfect to help build up the strength in my back. They take the pressure off your joints too.. Becoming a Walk leader/ WALX guide seemed a natural progression. It enabled me give back something to Kerley after her excellent training and time to teach me the correct way to use Nordic poles. The group is also a wonderful way to meet new friends and expand your social life, we always finish off in the cafe for coffee and a chat.
Glyn leads Nordic Wellness WALX at Runcorn Hill
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Role: WALX Guide
Paul describes himself as a mature retired person who took up Nordic Walking on medical advice. He enjoys walking generally and having benefited from using poles is now a walk leader, helping the team support a range of clients in Widnes’ Victoria park. He is a great asset, friendly, reliable and always keen to help.
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Role: WALX Guide
I joined the Nordic Walking wellbeing group in 2015 after heart bypass surgery and now help as a walks guide. It’s been a perfect way to enjoy exercise in the company of interesting like minded people. Kerley’s leadership and experience has ensured all participants have benefited both physically and mindfully. People have differing levels of ability and stamina but everyone enjoys the same sense of enjoyment from being in the fresh air together.
Duncan works alongside Kerley in Castle Park, Frodsham Wellness Nordic WALX
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Role: WALX Guide
I live in Runcorn and have Nordic Walked since retiring as a Pharmacist in 2014. I am a keen gardener and reader and enjoy traveling when permitted.
I was told about NW after a hip replacement operation, and, once I had been on my first walk, I was hooked. It’s not only about the pleasure of walking, but the company of others and also the social well-being aspect.
As I thoroughly enjoyed it I undertook the walks leader course and have enjoyed wellbeing classes ever since.
I had a second hip replacement operation in September 2018.
Rosemary works alongside Kerley at Castle Park Wellness Nordic WALX
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Role: WALX Guide
I took up Nordic walking on the recommendation of a friend after having problems with neck pain. I immediately became aware of the benefits of this activity and was hooked for life. I love the forest walks no matter what the weather; the company of other walkers and Kerley’s infectious enthusiasm for Nordic Walking. All of which lead me to becoming a WALX guide so I can share my passion for Woodland Walking when needed. When I am not out walking I work part-time for a Charity supporting teachers to confidently deliver Science to Primary age children and help them find inspiration in the world around them especially the outdoors.
Kathy is a qualified Yoga teacher and will be leading our YOGAWALX
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Role: WALX Guide
“I have never been a sporty type, but have always loved being out of doors and enjoy meeting new people. Back in 2008, a friend suggested doing a Nordic Walking taster session and I became immediately smitten. It has become a very important part of my life.
It doesn’t feel like exercise, but of course it is. The people I have met in the groups have been delightful. (I have a theory that only lovely people Nordic Walk.) The other plus points are that both my posture and stamina have improved dramatically. I love being out in the countryside through the changing seasons.
Kerley is inspiring and very supportive. No matter what your level of fitness you are encouraged to enjoy and improve.”
Marian leads walks in Delamere Forest.
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Role: WALX Guide
Walking with Kerley started for me in a local park, when I joined a Well Being Group because arthritis made walking very painful. At that time, I feared I would never again enjoy the kind of walking holidays and trips that had been central to my life. After a few months, I was nordic walking in Majorca with a group of people I had never met before – Not only had my arthritic knees and hips loosened up and got stronger, but my confidence had grown enormously and I really enjoyed the social aspect of walking with a group. Woodland walking has been a revelation. Although I have lived in Chester for over 25 years, I had no idea how magical forest walking can be, nor how knowledgeable Kerley is about her local environments. Nordic walking in the great outdoors has genuinely transformed my life and I am delighted to be learning to be a Walx Guide I hope to keep on walking and not look back (unless checking for stragglers) as long as I can.
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Role: WALX Guide
My first introduction to Nordic Walking came as a respite exercise whilst home nursing my husband. Quickly realising what an efficient exercise it was for the whole body, anywhere on nearly all terrain’s, I looked for a regular group to join.
After, snapping an offer of a NW. UK Leadership Training in the Wirral sponsored by AGE UK, l regularly led a group, outside Chester.
Later on, through my voluntary involvement in the Neuro Therapy Centre, and Ted Rose’s membership, Kerley set up the “Wellbeing” group in a local park near the NT. Centre.
Over the last few years, it has been a privilege to lead and observe the changes in the folks with Neurological conditions, post hip, heart and major surgery, utilising Nordic Walking as their rehab and regular exercise.
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Role: WALX Guide
I have always loved walking and when I worked full time most of my weekends and holidays would involve some form of outdoor activity, be it bagging Wainwright fells in the Lake District or completing long distance walks in the UK and abroad.
When I retired 3 years ago I spotted an advert for Kerley’s nordic walking in Delamere forest and decided to give it a go. What a revelation! I had no idea how much more efficient walking with poles could be and how good a workout you could get as a result. I also found that with the wide variety of classes that Kerley and her Walx Guides offered it was easy to find a friendly class that suited my current fitness level. I have been hooked ever since.
As a Walx Guide I hope to pass on my passion for walking and the many benefits of nordic walking in particular.
Diane leads walks in Delamere forest.
from members of Elizabeth Kerley
I have been a Nordic walker for about 8 years now and started walking while I had a break between jobs. I had seen Nordic walking while on a holiday in Finland and started searching online for any opportunities in Cheshire. A friend then started walking with Kerley, so I signed up and I did my introductory walking training. I was hooked! I liked normal walking but the walking with poles was a full body workout in the fresh air! Everyone is friendly and it’s helped me train for snowshoe walking and cross country ski and longer walk challenges. I thoroughly recommend Kerleys classes as you will get fit, make friends and get fresh air and fitness all year round.
I have been walking with Kerley for several years now, and can’t speak highly enough of her welcoming, inclusive and knowledgeable personality. I’ve met many new and interesting people and always look forward to the walks, holidays and opportunities on offer. And of course, keeping fit in the lovely Delamere Forest is a bonus, particularly in the last couple of years, when indoor activities has been limited.
I love walking with Kerley, there is always a pleasant group of people, with interesting backgrounds and thoughts. The walks in Delamere Forest are my favourite, the peace, the trees, the birds, the sky. It is so lovely, and I get a good walk.
Walking with Kerley is not just any old walk. She is an expert at making people better at walking - and if you've had problems with joints etc, you will understand what that means. She is also expert at keeping up the fun factor - laughter is a sort of magic medicine. But there's plenty of time for quiet walking moments in the forest as well. Kerley understands and respects the way in which the great outdoors itself can help people feel better about themselves.
I tried Nordic walking with Kerley, not really thinking I could do it due to some health issues. However, several months later I’m really enjoying my group and have found with Kerley’s patience and support, although I’m slow, I can complete a weekly walk and am considering adding more classes in the next few months. I am benefiting from the exercise but also have made some new friends with whom I can drink a well deserved coffee after our walk (an added bonus to Kerley’s class). Grace Jackson
"It's only taken us 40 years to find an exercise we enjoy doing!" Judith and Gaynor from Norley
“The date on my NW Wellbeing Passport reads 9-10-15. In the past six years the Teaching and encouragement of Kerley & Ted have, literally, kept me alive. Helped by the ‘Walks Leaders’ and the marvellous friends at Chester (Westminster Park) and Frodsham (Castle Park). The whole experience is excellent, after each session you go home fitter and wiser than when you arrived. I can really recommend the whole programme.”
After the long , boring lockdown, those sessions of Nordic walking came to energise y body and being with this lovely group really lift up my soul. It is my first experience with Nordic walking and using the poles. It is relaxing, enjoyable and connecting more to my body during walking, which usually i am not doing. Nordic walking gives me a chance to use and engage the upper part of the body. i highly recommend it for people wanting a relaxing exercise in a smooth way. Kerley is an amazing coach and she is a lovely friendly person. She makes the whole experience fantastic. Sept 20212 ( Nouha has now trained to be a WALX guide for the 4Wings Group and leads walks with her colleague Fathou. I am so proud of them )
“For several years I have had limited and worsening mobility due to having multiple sclerosis and little confidence to try exercise in any form, especially any involving a gym. I used to enjoy walking in the countryside but this was becoming very limited due to my worsening medical condition.
I came across a Nordic Walking course advertised by my local council as a Wellbeing initiative and after a bit of persuasion from friends I decided to give it a go. I am so glad I did. Following four training sessions with very patient and understanding expert Nordic Walking tutors Kerley and Ted, and a little help from a MS physiotherapist and a small device that helps to raise one of my feet, I graduated which enabled me to join the main walking group. The Nordic Walking technique and use of sturdy Nordic Walking poles helps me to maintain my balance, provides effective cardiovascular exercise, strengthens my leg muscles and improves my upper body strength.
It has given me back confidence to walk in and enjoy the countryside once again and increased my self esteem. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet people and I look forward to the weekly group session that I participate in led by Kerley . Everyone looks after and supports each other, and though I am usually the one trailing at the back or slowing people down on occasion with the odd steep step, I am never made to feel a nuisance or hindrance and we always have a laugh. A lovely group of people.
I still need a walking stick as an aid for normal daily walking but I can feel my fitness and strength increasing because of Nordic Walking, and I can once again experience and enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors. “