TWO walks using one of the world’s fastest growing and most effective fitness techniques have been added to the fourth annual Rosedale Walking Festival.

Two Nordic walking sessions, aimed at beginners and more experienced walkers, will be part of this year’s event in the village on the North York Moors on June 25 and 26.

Enthusiasts can choose from a selection of eight different walks over the weekend, including a meander round the local teashops, a Pilgrims’ Way walk, a short ramble for families with young children, and walks focusing on the wildlife and history of the dale.

Ian Thompson, of Rosedale’s Walkers are Welcome committee, said: “Nordic walking enhances the effects of ordinary walking to make it a hugely effective fitness technique.

“It’s important, though, that participants learn how to do it correctly, so we’re delighted to welcome instructor Jill Allen to our programme of events this year.”

Ms Allen, who qualified as a Nordic walking instructor four years ago, said: “Nordic walking is a brilliant and safe form of exercise which provides a cardio workout as it works both upper and lower body.

“The poles are used in a specific way to propel the walker forward, increasing the stride length and pace, but also providing stability and offloading the joints of the lower body by transferring some of the effort to the upper body.”

In 2012 Rosedale Abbey became the first village in the North York Moors National Park to gain Walkers are Welcome status following a challenging application process.

For more information visit rosedaleabbey.com/walking-festival.html