In our family car-free-dom we really enjoy walking and hiking. I have mentioned that once, twice or even three times before on this blog!

One bit of kit that I was always a little uncertain about was the benefit of walking / hiking sticks. I know it sounds like you are getting a bit old when you start talking about sticks!

The walking sticks, or poles, that I am talking about are not so much about helping you getting to the shops in your older age, but more about giving you more power and stability when going up and down hills.

I don’t want to make walking / hiking all about kit – because it really isn’t – but like some comfy boots some stuff can really make things more enjoyable. And, I am bit of a walking stick/pole convert.

Going up hill your two sticks get your upper body into the action and going down they help to stop you coming a cropper and protect your knees and hips from some of the worst of the impacts. And, on the flat getting your arms involved can really help to power things along.

All I am suggesting is that walking poles / sticks could be for you, but if you are into Nordic Walking you likely knew that already. So in support of your car-free-dom you might to check out the potential benefits of sticks!