KEEN walkers are in for a treat this weekend.

Organised by Southampton ParkLives, tomorrow’s “one big walk in the park” will celebrate National Walking Month with a 6pm stroll around the Common and the chance to have a go at Nordic walking.

One of ten cities across the UK taking part in the event, participants in the Southampton event will use specially designed walking poles to help propel them forward in the Nordic sport.

David Drew, ParkLives programme manager at Southampton Active Nation, said: “There’s supposedly nothing easier than a walk in the park, but in reality so many of us don’t take advantage of walking through the amazing green spaces we have in our city.

“We hope we can inspire more people to try a new activity like Nordic walking while enjoying the great outdoors and getting some fresh air at the same time.”

Andrea Swemmer, ParkLives session leader, said: “Walking is a great way to keep active and to meet new people, but is also hugely beneficial to your overall wellbeing.

“Even a short brisk walk in the park can help to dust off the cobwebs and help you think more clearly.”

Now in its second year in Southampton, ParkLives runs in 10 cities nationwide and is part of a £20 million commitment by Coca-Cola Great Britain to invest in community-based programmes.

Liz Lowe, ParkLives lead at Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: “We offer so many activities through ParkLives, but you really can’t beat a good walk in the park.

“We hope that our ‘one big walk in the park’ initiative helps more people in Southampton – and people across the country – enjoy walking in their local parks more often.”

The walk will take place at 6pm on May 20 and will be followed by weekly one-hour Nordic walking sessions at Riverside Park on Thursdays at 11.30am from May 25.