About
Our Gym
At Bearwalden CrossFit in Saffron Walden, Essex, we train people of all ages and experience levels to get stronger, move better, and build lasting habits. Whether your goal is fitness, performance, or personal growth, you’ll make progress in a focused, supportive space.
Samuel Parke
Founder
About Sam Parke – Founder of Bearwalden CrossFit I’ve always believed fitness should prepare you for whatever life throws your way.
Before opening Bearwalden CrossFit, I served 14 years in the British Army, working in bomb disposal and alongside elite units including Commandos and Paratroopers. High-pressure environments taught me the value of resilience, discipline, and teamwork – principles that still shape everything we do at Bearwalden today.
When I left the military, I knew I wanted to continue serving people, but in a different way. I retrained extensively, investing in qualifications in nutrition, sports therapy, British Weightlifting, and gymnastics, while learning from some of the best coaches and mentors around the world. My goal was simple: to build the highest standard of coaching facility in the region.
Bearwalden CrossFit was born out of that mission – a place where anyone, from complete beginners to competitive athletes, can be coached with care, pushed to achieve more, and supported by a community that feels like family.
As a father of two, I’m passionate about showing people that fitness isn’t just about looking good; it’s about living stronger, healthier, and being ready for life.
Advanced Equipment
At Bearwalden CrossFit, we provide the most advanced group training facility in Saffron Walden, Essex.
Our gym is packed with 10 squat racks, over 20 barbells, 7 Concept2 rowers, 5 Concept2 bikes, 6 Rogue Echo Bikes, 4 SkiErgs, and 3 Assault Runners, plus a CrossFit rig for 18 athletes, rope climbs, and 4,000 sq ft of open training space. With Hyrox official sleds and track, a bodybuilding rack, plus InBody and VALD testing for elite performance and rehabilitation, there’s nowhere better to train.
Premium Amenities
Bearwalden CrossFit is more than a gym – it’s Saffron Walden, Essex’s home for strength, health, and community. Our 4,000 sq ft open facility is built to inspire, with a dedicated rig for group training, a turf track for Hyrox sled pushes, and rope climbs that challenge body and mind. We’ve created a space where beginners and athletes train side by side, supported by expert coaches, physios, and specialists in nutrition and menopause health. With advanced testing tools, recovery support, and a welcoming community, Bearwalden is where training becomes a lifestyle.
