For years, we’ve stuck strictly to vertical climbing. We’ve discussed the best climbing gear, micro-holds, and whether sandstone is better than limestone. But the world is changing, and we’re changing with it. Starting this month, we’re adding a new focus to our sections - a new and exciting activity.

Introducing the section: Nordic Walking Vertical!

For a long time, we ignored the quiet power hidden in the rhythmic clack-clack on forest trails beneath the climbing walls. However, we realized that Nordic Walking isn’t just about burning calories and upper-body coordination. It’s about determination, technique, and—believe it or not—performance.


A gathering of NW start enthusiasts is in the works (hi res)
photo by © Igrab

From now on, you’ll find the following on our website:

The “Approaches to Approaches” Guide: Detailed descriptions of the best Nordic walking routes that will take you right to the base of your dream climb. No more tiring hikes with a backpack! Now you can enjoy the journey to the start of the route with an optimal heart rate and a perfectly conditioned core.

We’re introducing reviews of Nordic walking gear:

We’ll test the latest pole models for you. We’ll find out whether those with carbide tips are better for gravel paths, or those with rubber tips for limestone or asphalt terrain. We’ll also advise you on choosing the cheapest model, which can be used as emergency belaying in a pinch (the “pole-in-crack” technique).

In our logs, we’re introducing a new difficulty classification:

In addition to the UIAA and French scales, we are introducing a new NW (Nordic Walking) scale. The route to the starting point can range in difficulty from NW1 (asphalt, flat terrain) up to extreme NW5 (uneven terrain with roots, steeper inclines <15 degrees, requiring coordination).

“At first I laughed at it, but then I realized that Nordic Walking is actually a great activity - like climbing on flat ground, only with a better view of the ground,” says Petr, a long-time visitor to the portal.

The future is in trekking poles!
We believe this step will attract new members to our portal and revitalize the discussions. We’re already looking forward to the first posts like: “I managed the start of the Údolní hrana route in Labák in record time (NW3+), with a great heart rate, and the poles held up perfectly!”

So dust off your poles, put on your leggings, and join us in a new era!

Note: Portal administrators reserve the right to remove this section if it turns out that climbers still prefer verticals over horizontals.

NWV Category

Nordic Walking

This is the classic two-pole style, and the principle is to walk in rhythm with them, striving to be fast and stylish.

Other disciplines have branched off from Nordic walking, and they will also be covered in future articles.

French Walking

For climbers in recovery - especially when prescribed by a doctor - this involves walking with French walking poles.


Typical French Walking (hi res)
photo by © Igrab


Modern concept of French Walking (hi res)
photo by © Igrab


Nordic driving

It’s sort of the last resort; it has the advantage of being suitable for running errands while also getting some exercise. We’ll all eventually get into this discipline.


Nordic driving (hi res)
photo by © Igrab

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We used to reject NW, but time has softened us (hi res)
photo by © Igrab