Walking with poles

In the regions around Barcelona, it is becoming common to encounter people walking with poles on the beach or in the mountains. This is especially true in Calella, as it is the first municipality in Spain to be officially approved for this sport. In the Maresme region, there are several themed routes that are suitable for Nordic walking, but one of the most notable is the Via Marina of the Way of St James. This trail is part of the network of pilgrimage routes to Santiago in Catalonia that link the cities of Barcelona and Girona along the ancient Via Augusta. If you are looking for the ideal place to get started in this young sport, the Maresme region is waiting for you.

For its part, the Montesquiu Castle Park also offers Nordic walking routes that allow you to exercise, while exploring unique corners of the Ges, Orís and Bisaura valleys. From March to October, guided Nordic walking routes are scheduled twice a month on Sundays to explore the natural environment of the EIN (Nature Interest Area) Serres de Milany-Santa Magdalena i Puigsacalm-Bellmunt. All the routes are around ten kilometres long, take place on Sunday mornings and are led by a fitness trainer who knows the area very well. If you sign up, not only will you have the opportunity to learn the necessary techniques for practising Nordic walking correctly from a qualified mountain guide, but you will also explore beautiful places, such as the Sant Moí hermitage, the Teixidor caves and the Besora castle in Santa Maria de Besora, as well as the Bellmunt sanctuary in Sant Pere de Torelló.

If you have not tried this sport yet, a good way to get started is to sign up with family or friends for one of the walks that are being organised in different towns under the heading Nordic Walking for Everyone. These are non-competitive, free activities that are accessible to everyone, and you can even request walking poles, if you need them.

• The Berguedà region also offers routes for Nordic walking where you can enjoy stunning scenery.