Taking the Slow Road – Travelling by Bike, Train or Bus with Your Poles

Sometimes, the best adventures begin at a slower pace. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend ramble, commuting to your Nordic Walking group, or exploring a new city the car-free way, combining public transport or cycling with Nordic Walking can add a whole new layer of freedom—and fun—to your routine. The key? Packing smart and choosing the right gear.

Here’s how to travel light, stay mobile, and keep your poles handy no matter where the road (or track) takes you.

🚴  By Bike: Strap On and Ride Out

If you’re a pedal-powered explorer, the idea of carrying poles might seem tricky at first. But with the right setup, it’s easy and safe.

🔧 How to Attach Poles to Your Bike:

• Frame Fix: Use two velcro straps or reusable rubber twist ties to attach poles to your bike frame (usually along the top tube or under the down tube). Just make sure the baskets or tips aren’t swinging loose and that you won’t snag yourself on the spike tips.
• Rack Ready: If you’ve got a rear rack or front basket, a simple bungee cord or adjustable strap works wonders. Wrap your poles in a soft cloth or pouch to avoid rattling.
• Bikepacking Bags: Many frame bags or saddle bags now have pole slots or lash points. Just slide them in and cinch tight.

Our friend and Instructor Sue Holden, from Exe Nordic Walking, has nailed traveling with her poles, she even has a cargo bike for taking her kit to classes.

🥇 Best Poles for Bike Travel:

Look for lightweight, collapsible poles. We recommend:

• LEKI Traveller FX.One Carbon – packs down to just 35 cm and weighs next to nothing.
• If you want just a bit shorter then try the Leki Spin shark

🚆 By Train: Squeeze On, Stretch Out Later

Whether you’re on a commuter line or a cross-country rail adventure, trains are a great way to cover ground while saving your legs for the walk ahead. But anyone who’s boarded a packed train at rush hour knows space is precious.

🚉 Train Travel Tips:

• Keep it Compact: Use telescopic or folding poles and collapse them fully before boarding.
• Pole Pouch or Strap: A dedicated pole bag or strap keeps them together and avoids loose ends snagging other passengers.
• Overhead or Vertical: Store poles in the overhead luggage rack or stand them vertically between your legs if seated. Don’t block aisles!

🚌 By Bus: Quick Off, Quick On

Buses are brilliant for spontaneous outings and mixed-mode travel, but they can also be a bit unpredictable—tight spaces, fast stops, and no guarantee of a luggage area.

🚌 Bus Boarding Tips:

• Be Fast and Organised: Have your poles collapsed and secured before the bus arrives.
• Avoid Loose Parts: Put your paws on the spike tips in case you accidently poke someone! A pole bag or shute is a great option to keep your poles together and to stop you loosing straps or paws.
• Hold Close or Bag Them: Poles should either be in your hand or your bag—not sticking out into the aisle or a fellow passenger’s shopping!

🥇 Best Poles for Train or Bus Travel:

• Gabel stretch light aren't a full on folding travel pole, but you can shorten them to make them more compact
• Gabel Viper 3S-TR fold up really small and will not get in the way

🌍 Slow Travel, Big Rewards

Travelling with your poles doesn’t need to be a hassle. With the right gear and a bit of planning, you can keep your footprint small while expanding your adventures. Whether it’s a spontaneous trail detour or a bike ride, a walking tour after a scenic train ride, or an urban wander following a bus hop—slow travel with poles is all about flexibility, freedom, and fun.

So go ahead—pack light, move easy, and take the slow road. Your next great Nordic walk might start on two wheels or four (and end on two poles).

Happy travels and happy walking, from all of us at Nordic Walk Store.

Got your own travel tips or pole hacks? Share them with us on Instagram @nordicwalkstore or drop us a message—we’d love to feature your story!