Harrow Striders

Harrow Striders Harrow Striders was started by Sue and Den Collen as after enjoying Nordic Walking together, th want

Harrow Striders was started by Sue and Den Collen as after enjoying Nordic Walking together, we wanted to share the health and wellness benefits they experienced with others in our local communities in the beautiful green spaces and green flagged parks around Harrow. Sue and Den have lived in Harrow for over 20 years but have only recently realised the great potential for improving health, fitness

and well-being by exercising outdoors in them. Sue was always a keen tennis and netball player, but after two ruptured Achilles tendons and the beginnings of arthritis in her knees, Nordic walking fitted the need to keep exercising and be outdoors at the same time. Den suffered heart failure in 2010 and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the same time. His journey back to health and fitness has been slow but steady, with many lifestyle changes needed. One of these was the need to get more physical exercise and he has undertaken the London to Brighton cycle rider twice. Through Sue he discovered Nordic walking, an activity they have enjoyed together and he brings his passion to share his story and the lessons he has learned with others to Harrow Striders. Harrow has a huge array of free green spaces, parks and woodland areas. Together as Harrow Striders, Sue and Den have developed their nordic walking programmes around these outdoor spaces to offer a wide variety of walks to meet the differing needs of people in our communities. There are weekly walks in the parks around Harrow and more adventurous walks in the evenings and weekends in the country parks and nature reserves around Stanmore

A walk doesn't have to be long to count. 🚶‍♀️Even finding 10 minutes to get outside and walk can be a simple way to add ...
09/09/2026

A walk doesn't have to be long to count. 🚶‍♀️

Even finding 10 minutes to get outside and walk can be a simple way to add more movement to your day.

That's why we're supporting This Girl Can and the message behind Move for Ten - making getting active feel more achievable and showing that every bit of movement counts.

It could be a walk around the block, through your local park or part of the journey to the shops. Start with 10 minutes and see where your feet take you. 💜

Ever wondered what Canons Park looked like when it was part of a huge 500 acre estate?On Sunday 20 September, Friends of...
09/09/2026

Ever wondered what Canons Park looked like when it was part of a huge 500 acre estate?

On Sunday 20 September, Friends of Canons Park are turning back the clock with free walking tours exploring the park’s fascinating 18th century history. 👣

You’ll discover the story of the first Duke of Chandos, who developed the Canons Estate, and learn about the grand mansion and some of the treasures it once contained.

The tours are part of the Open House Festival, organised by Open City, and there’s plenty more to explore while you’re there.

Visit the historic Canons Mansion, now North London Collegiate School, take the rare opportunity to walk around the Seven Acre Lake, which only opens for tours once a year, or step inside St Lawrence Church to see its remarkable interiors and the Duke of Chandos’ mausoleum.

If you regularly walk through Canons Park, this is a chance to discover just how much history has been under your feet all along. And with the tours suitable for ages 9 to 99, you can bring the family along too!

📅 Sunday 20 September
⏰ Tours every hour from 10am to 4pm
📍 Meet opposite Liam’s in the Park at the Good Friends Café
🎟️ Free with no booking required
🚶 Around 50 to 55 minutes

Find out more at canonsparkfriends.org

Walking is always better with good company. 💜One of the nicest parts of our Harrow Striders walks is the social side - c...
08/09/2026

Walking is always better with good company. 💜

One of the nicest parts of our Harrow Striders walks is the social side - catching up as we walk, meeting new people and, sometimes, sitting down together afterwards for lunch or a cuppa!

A lovely way to spend a summer day. ☀️

Ever wondered what Canons Park looked like when it was part of a huge 500 acre estate?On Sunday 20 September, Friends of...
08/09/2026

Ever wondered what Canons Park looked like when it was part of a huge 500 acre estate?

On Sunday 20 September, Friends of Canons Park are turning back the clock with free walking tours exploring the park’s fascinating 18th century history. 👣

You’ll discover the story of the first Duke of Chandos, who developed the Canons Estate, and learn about the grand mansion and some of the treasures it once contained.

The tours are part of the Open House Festival, organised by Open City ity, and there’s plenty more to explore while you’re there.

Visit the historic Canons Mansion, now North London Collegiate School, take the rare opportunity to walk around the Seven Acre Lake, which only opens for tours once a year, or step inside St Lawrence Church to see its remarkable interiors and the Duke of Chandos’ mausoleum.

If you regularly walk through Canons Park, this is a chance to discover just how much history has been under your feet all along. And with the tours suitable for ages 9 to 99, you can bring the family along too!

📅 Sunday 20 September
⏰ Tours every hour from 10am to 4pm
📍 Meet opposite Liam’s in the Park at the Good Friends Café
🎟️ Free with no booking required
🚶 Around 50 to 55 minutes

Find out more at canonsparkfriends.org

08/09/2026

We’ve got some very exciting news to share…

Our very own Sue has been shortlisted for a Council Harrow’s Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award 2026! 👏

It’s fantastic to see Sue recognised for the time, energy and dedication she has given to supporting others - both through Harrow Striders and across the wider community.

We couldn’t let the news go by without celebrating it, so here’s a little announcement from Sue herself!

Congratulations, Sue - and good luck at the Harrow’s Heroes awards! 💜

How far could your next walk take you? 👣If you’ve been joining us for our regular walks and fancy stretching your legs a...
07/09/2026

How far could your next walk take you? 👣

If you’ve been joining us for our regular walks and fancy stretching your legs a little further, there are some new adventures ahead.

We’re planning a longer 7 to 9 mile walk each month, giving Striders the chance to explore further afield, discover new routes and enjoy a few more miles together. 🥾

Not quite ready for 9 miles? That’s fine too. Our 3 to 4 mile walks are a great way to start going a little further, and it’s been brilliant seeing newer walkers already giving longer routes a try.

First up this September:

✨ Wednesday 9 September ✨
9 miles from Chesham to Chorleywood

✨ Wednesday 23 September✨
4 miles around Rickmansworth

Whether four miles feels like your next challenge or you’re ready for the full nine, there’s something to work towards.

Where will your walking take you next?

See what’s coming up and book your next walk:
https://walx.co.uk/groups/walx-with-harrow-striders

One of the best parts of our Watford to St Albans walk wasn't a landmark or viewpoint. 🏞️It was the moment the sounds of...
07/09/2026

One of the best parts of our Watford to St Albans walk wasn't a landmark or viewpoint. 🏞️

It was the moment the sounds of traffic disappeared.

As we followed the River Ver and the Colne, the only things left to hear were birdsong, flowing water and conversation between friends.

Stepping away from busy roads, busy schedules and busy minds can make a remarkable difference to how we feel.

Where do you go when you need to switch off for a while?

A lovely photo from one of our recent group walks. 💜This is what Harrow Striders is really about for us - getting outdoo...
06/09/2026

A lovely photo from one of our recent group walks. 💜

This is what Harrow Striders is really about for us - getting outdoors, keeping active, enjoying some beautiful local green spaces and having good company along the way.

And there are plenty of opportunities to join us! We have at least one walk every day except Thursday, with different options to suit different paces, abilities and confidence levels.

Some are a little more active, while others offer a gentler way to build strength, balance and fitness gradually.
If you’re new to walking with poles, the best place to start is with one of our Power of Poles Intro sessions. We’ll show you the correct technique, help you get comfortable using the poles and give you everything you need to join our regular weekly walks afterwards.

Our next session is:

🗓️ Saturday 5th September
⏰ 10:30am - 12:00pm
📍 Stanmore Recreation Ground, Dennis Lane, Stanmore, HA7 4JR

You can book here:
https://exercise-anywhere.com/event/355154-WALX-Power-of-Poles-Intro

If you’ve been thinking about joining a walking group, we’d love to welcome you. 😊

Ticks are still active throughout September, so it's worth staying tick aware whenever you're out enjoying the outdoors!...
04/09/2026

Ticks are still active throughout September, so it's worth staying tick aware whenever you're out enjoying the outdoors! 🪲

Whether you're walking in your local park, exploring woodland or heading into longer grass, a few simple precautions can help keep you safe.

👉 Stick to the centre of paths where possible.
👉 Wear long trousers if walking through longer grass.
👉 Consider using an insect repellent.
👉 Check yourself, children and pets after every walk.

Remember, most tick bites don't hurt because ticks release a natural anaesthetic when they bite. That's why it's important to check carefully, even if you don't think you've been bitten.

If you do find a tick, remove it safely as soon as possible. The sooner it's removed, the lower the risk of Lyme disease.

Over the following days, keep an eye out for symptoms such as a spreading circular 'bullseye' rash, flu-like illness, headaches or muscle aches. If these develop after a tick bite, contact your GP or NHS 111.

Enjoy your summer walks with confidence and don't forget that quick tick check before you head home!

Fancy giving a little back to the Harrow green spaces we love walking in? 💚Many of Harrow’s nature reserves and wild ope...
03/09/2026

Fancy giving a little back to the Harrow green spaces we love walking in? 💚

Many of Harrow’s nature reserves and wild open spaces are cared for by the amazing volunteers at Harrow Nature Conservation Forum (Harrow Nature Conservation Forum) and there are lots of ways to lend a hand this September.

Take a look at what’s coming up this September 👇

At Lady Gilbert’s Orchard 🍏, volunteers will be giving the heritage fruit trees some TLC - bring lunch, gloves and secateurs if you have them.

The Newton Farm conservation sessions are just two hours, making them a good option if you’re short on time, while at Old Redding Nature Reserve the work includes wetlands dredging and tackling invasive species.

Over at Stanmore Common, regular working parties give you the chance to join the wardens and help with ongoing conservation work throughout the month. 🌳

And for something a little different, the Newton Farm Bat & Moth Night 🦇 will feature bat detectors, moth traps and UV glasses. This is a Wild Harrow event and booking is required.

For most of the regular working parties, there’s no need to book - just turn up! Tools and gloves are provided, and long trousers and sturdy boots are recommended.

If it’s your first time, HNCF recommends dropping the organiser a quick email beforehand so they know to look out for you.

📩 [email protected]
🌐 harrowncf.org

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Stanmore
Harrow
HA71JD

Telephone

+447973670895

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