SCANDINAVIAN fitness fanatics can meet with like-minded enthusiasts as the first ever Nordic Walking Festival comes to the city.

Oxford City Council is hosting their event in Cutteslowe Park between 1pm and 4pm next Saturday.

The activity is more gentle on joints, in particular knees, compared to regular walking.

Nordic walking burns up to 46 per cent more calories than regular walking as people use poles enabling them to exercise their upper body as well as the muscles in the lower body.

Councillor Linda Smith, city council executive board member for leisure, parks, and sport, challenged residents to join her.

She said “I'm really looking forward to giving Nordic walking a try at Oxford's inaugural Nordic Walking Festival in beautiful Cutteslowe Park.

"It promises a full body workout suitable for most levels of fitness and also looks like great fun."

The festival is an opportunity for those unfamiliar with Nordic walking to give it a try and learn more about the Scandinavian sport, but there are also opportunities for more experienced walkers.

There will be free taster walks for those who have not done the sport before at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. There will also be a timed lap every half-an-hour along the Cuttleslowe Peace Mile.

It will cost £2 and is aimed to act as a challenge for experienced Nordic walkers.

The most experienced Nordic walkers, those who have already completed a 'Learn to Nordic Walk Course' will be able to venture into the countryside for £3.

Nordic walking is open to all and it can help those from the super fit to people with medical issues, as it tones the whole body and uses 90 per cent of skeletal muscles.

As well as reducing pressure on knees, back, shoulders and other joints, the exercise helps cardiovascular fitness and reduces the likelihood of heart and lung problems.

The festival has been organised by the city council’s sport and physical activity team and will also give locals the chance to speak to instructors and find out more about upcoming Nordic walking courses.

Residents who want to find out more about the festival should email sportsandphysicalactivity@oxford.gov.uk.