CWW ladies (and one gent) stretched themselves as never before on a walking and yoga weekend in Derbyshire.
The three night-break in May packed in three walks and six yoga sessions. The idea came to CWW regular Sue Zelin following a chance encounter with some visitors from across the Atlantic.
She said: “I was on a walking trip in Yorkshire last year and met a group of Canadian ladies who would start their day with yoga, and have another yoga session to unwind after their walk. I thought it sounded like a great idea.”
Sue put the trip together with the help of Gideon Wheater from WalkWise and yoga teacher Carol Downing.
The venue was Peveril of the Peak, the HF Holidays base in Dovedale, which Sue says proved a perfect choice. “Having been there a few times before, I could vouch for its great service and location. It’s easy to get to – just over a two-and-a-half hour drive for most CWW-ers – and there are lots of interesting walks from the door.”
Setting the tone for the weekend, the first yoga session took place on the lawn in front of the hotel. “It was still lovely and warm,” said Sue, “and the views across the rolling green landscape were fantastic. We felt very relaxed afterwards and it was a great start to the weekend.”
Days started bright and early at 7.45am with the first yoga session before breakfast. Once the group had returned from their day’s walking, more yoga followed at 5pm.
“Walking and yoga go really well together,” says Sue. “Yoga has so many benefits. It improves flexibility and balance, and it’s great for stretching, which is perfect for warming up before a walk and cooling down afterwards. Every session would end with Carol our yoga teacher coming round and sprinkling each of us with some lavender oil.”
At first, beginners were tested by some of the more demanding positions. First-timer Janice Gilder said: “I loved having the opportunity to try my hand at yoga. I am a yoga novice so many of the poses were a challenge but I had a go at most of them and did feel the benefits afterwards.
“The most memorable pose for me had to be the Downward Dog as I found myself having to adjust to being bent down so low and starting to gradually strengthen my very weak wrists! I felt really well stretched afterwards though.”
More used to pilates than yoga, Sue Atkins said: “The focus on improving posture and balance was so helpful when negotiating steep and rocky terrain. It therefore enhances safety in the hills and mountains. The relaxation exercises were also very welcome after a long day’s walk.”
Andrew Lyon, who has three years of yoga under his belt, said: “I was the only man, which wasn’t unusual in my experience. I’d definitely encourage more men to incorporate yoga into their routine – even a couple of times a week can help to improve your flexibility and strength as you age, and help your body to keep going on other low impact activities, such as walking with Chilterns Weekend Walkers!”
As confidence grew, the group came to embrace the Warrior 2. The standing pose involves a wide stance with arms extended to strengthen the legs, improve posture and build stability. “We loved it so much we took every opportunity to try it on our walks, particularly when we reached the top of a hill,” said Sue.
The walks themselves were all much enjoyed, added Sue. “My favourite had to be Dovedale – seeing the famous stepping stones, walking along the River Dove and seeing the Twelve Apostles rock formations, Tissington Spires and Reynard’s Cave.”
After three full-on days, everyone was looking forward to a relaxing finish. It came in the form of the yoga nidra, a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, typically induced by a guided meditation.
“It involves lying down for a lot of the time,” said Sue, “which we all agreed was much needed after our walks and early morning starts. But by the end, the combination of walking and yoga left us feeling as if we were all floating on air. Everyone agreed what a fantastic weekend it was. I will certainly be planning another trip for the group.”