Tours

Fleet Street in London has a grim history - it is named after the River Fleet , one of London's filthiest and most dangerous rivers. Dickens based Fagin's lair along the river in "Oliver Twist" . The river has long since disappeared but the legends remain , including the tale of a bloody barber and his murderous assistant. Join actor and tour guide Nick Richmond for a dark journey through the bloody streets of London in search of Sweeney Todd, tracing his Victorian roots in the Penny Dreadful's to the musical version by Sondheim and the Tim Burton film from 2007. This is an adult themed tour and may not be suitable for younger children or those of a nervous disposition. You have been warned ! Tickets are £10 and we meet at the North entrance of Blackfriars station Any problems you can call me on 07490953722

Hi All, There is a few free late art gallery evenings in Soho - so I thought to create this mellow low key event to see this. Lets meet at the Season 4 Episode 6 Gallery https://www.instagram.com/p/DX7DOR6COoE/?img_index=1 We can visit the following galleries in crawl... 1\. Season 4 Episode 6 2\. Santi Gallery 3\. Hypha Studios End at the Square Tavern - top floor dinning area for reflection plan on google maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/shMEMfAfKg4qHYjT6 The event is free - I would like a pint of orange juice or a £1 donation if you like the event as a good gesture. Cheers I will be dressed in a GREEN jacket, cream colour trousers inside the first gallery - will write in the comment

**"From Shangri-La to the Roof of the World"** \- We take a breathtaking 11\-day journey through ancient towns\, sacred monasteries\, and some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes\. Begin in the cobbled streets of Lijiang and the deep canyons of Tiger Leaping Gorge\, then rise into the Tibetan plateau in Shangri\-La\. In Lhasa\, stand before the mighty Potala Palace\, circle Jokhang Temple with devoted pilgrims\, and witness monk debates that bring centuries of tradition to life\. Cross dazzling mountain passes to turquoise Yamdrok Lake\, visit historic Gyantse and Shigatse\, and experience rural Tibetan life in the Nimu Valley\. An immersion into living culture, spiritual heritage, and the wild, untamed beauty of the Himalayas. \*\*Depart UK on 19 May\*\* **20 May- Day 1 – Lijiang: A Living Postcard** Arrive in the charming UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang. Stroll its lantern-lit streets, explore the historic Mu Mansion, and climb Lion Hill for a spectacular sunset panorama of tiled rooftops against the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. **Wow Factor:** The magic of an ancient town at dusk, untouched by time. **Day 2 – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Touch the Sky** Ride a cable car to the icy heights of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and step into an alpine wonderland at 4,500m. Optional: Be swept away by *Impression Lijiang*, a breathtaking cultural performance staged against the backdrop of the mountain itself. **Wow Factor:** Glacier views so close you could almost touch them. **Day 3 – Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangri-La: Where Rivers Roar** Travel through the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Pause for lunch at a cliffside restaurant with panoramic views before continuing to Shangri-La, where the air thins and the Tibetan plateau begins. **Wow Factor:** Stand at the edge of a gorge carved by nature’s raw power. **Day 4 – Shangri-La: Gateway to Tibet** Step into the golden halls of Songzanlin Monastery, the "Little Potala of the East." Wander through the pristine grasslands of Napa Lake and connect with local families in a Tibetan homestay, where stories and butter tea flow freely. (overnight is not in a homestay, it is just visiting the families) **Wow Factor:** A first taste of authentic Tibetan culture. **Day 5 – Shangri-La to Lhasa: Enter the Roof of the World** Board a flight across the Himalayas to Lhasa (3,650m), the heart of Tibet. Take a gentle riverside walk along the Kyichu River, then watch the Potala Palace glow under the evening lights before a welcome dinner of traditional Tibetan flavors. **Wow Factor:** Your first sight of the Potala Palace against the Himalayan sky. **Day 6 – Lhasa: Where Faith Moves Mountains** Join pilgrims at Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s holiest shrine, and wander through the bustling Barkhor Bazaar, a swirl of prayer flags and incense. In the afternoon, watch the passionate monk debates at Sera Monastery—a lively tradition that blends intellect and devotion. **Wow Factor:** Immersing in a living, breathing center of Tibetan spirituality. **Day 7 – Potala Palace: Palace in the Clouds** Step inside the iconic Potala Palace, once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama, and explore its labyrinth of chapels filled with history and sacred art. Climb Yaowang Mountain for a postcard-perfect view, then discover the Thousand Buddha Rock Murals carved into ancient stone. **Wow Factor:** Walking in the footsteps of kings and lamas at Tibet’s most iconic landmark. **Day 8 – Lhasa to Gyantse: Sky Lakes & Snow Passes** Journey through Tibet’s most breathtaking landscapes. Gaze at the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, cross the snow-draped Karola Pass beneath looming glaciers, and arrive in Gyantse to visit the unique Kumbum Stupa at Pelkor Monastery. **Wow Factor:** A high-altitude road trip of legendary scenery. **Day 9 – Gyantse to Shigatse: Monasteries & Fortresses** Climb Gyantse Dzong Fortress for sweeping views of the plateau, then drive to Shigatse to explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the historic seat of the Panchen Lama. Walk through local markets where time seems to stand still. **Wow Factor:** History, power, and tradition converge in Tibet’s second-largest city. **Day 10 – Shigatse to Lhasa: Valleys of Tradition** Return to Lhasa through the Nimu Valley, stopping in remote villages and an incense workshop where ancient crafts are kept alive. End the day at Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, and shop for prayer flags or turquoise jewelry. **Wow Factor:** Discovering the heartbeat of rural Tibet. **30 May-Day 11 – Lhasa Farewell: Sunrise over the Himalayas** Savor one last sunrise over the city of gods before your departure. Take with you the spirit of Tibet—its lakes, its mountains, and its timeless devotion. **Wow Factor:** A farewell worthy of the Roof of the World. The cost of this tour is just £2099.00 for all deposits paid by 01 Jan 2026. (single room £399.00) Please do not book flights from the UK until we have given the go-ahead. If you wish to reserve a place on this trip, please pay a non-refundable deposit of £250.00. A visa to is required for entry to China. Travel Insurance is mandatory on all trips. \*\* The itinerary has been planned for gradual altitude gain, however If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, including respiratory conditions or high blood pressure, we recommend consulting with your GP before booking\*\* Entry requirements [https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/entry-requirements](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china/entry-requirements) Deposit Link: https://buy.stripe.com/dRmbJ1dE616z7Vs25aaR33d What's included? • Sharing a twin room at 3 and 4 star standard hotels with breakfast (single supplement £399.00) · Private English-speaking guide and all airport/train station transfer · All transport and activities as per itinerary. · All entrance fees as per the itinerary · Tibet travel permit · Air ticket Shangri-La to Lhasa

Description: Join us for an enlightening lecture that delves into the intricate web of the past and its potential to cast a long shadow over our present lives. In this thought-provoking session, we will explore the profound ways in which the past can negatively impact our well-being, choices, and personal growth. Throughout history, human lives have been shaped by a multitude of experiences, both positive and negative. These experiences accumulate, leaving imprints on our memories and shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. While the past holds valuable lessons and cherished memories, it can also harbor unresolved conflicts, traumas, and limitations that subtly influence our present reality. During this lecture, we will navigate the labyrinth of psychological and emotional baggage that may accumulate over time, inhibiting our personal development and impeding our ability to lead fulfilling lives. By examining the effects of the past on various aspects of our existence, we will gain a deeper understanding of how it can manifest in detrimental ways. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and real-life examples, we will explore the following topics: 1. The Power of Unresolved Trauma: We will delve into the profound impact of unresolved traumatic experiences and how they can subtly shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms behind these effects, we can begin to dismantle their hold on our lives. 2. Inherited Baggage: Examining the intergenerational transmission of pain, beliefs, and patterns of behavior, we will explore how our ancestors' experiences can unconsciously influence our lives. By recognizing and addressing this inherited baggage, we can break free from destructive cycles and chart our own path. 3. Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage: Uncovering the deeply ingrained beliefs and narratives that stem from past experiences, we will explore how they can become self-fulfilling prophecies, stifling our potential and sabotaging our aspirations. By challenging these beliefs, we can reclaim our personal power and reshape our narratives. 4. Breaking Free: Strategies for Healing and Transformation: This segment will offer practical tools and techniques for healing past wounds, releasing emotional burdens, and cultivating resilience. We will explore approaches such as therapy, mindfulness, self-reflection, and forgiveness to facilitate the process of letting go and embracing personal growth. By the end of this lecture, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence the past can exert on their lives and how to break free from its negative impact. Armed with newfound knowledge and practical insights, they will be empowered to embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, healing, and the creation of a brighter future. Note: This lecture is open to all individuals seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional factors that shape their lives. No prior knowledge or experience is required, only an open mind and a willingness to explore the depths of the past.

This relaxed evening walk, featured by National Geographic as one of the top walks in London, takes us through some of North London’s most scenic green corridors. Starting at Alexandra Palace, we pass through the village feel of Crouch End and Highgate before joining the beautiful Parkland Walk, a disused railway line now transformed into London’s longest nature reserve. Rich in wildlife and greenery, this peaceful route offers a surprising escape from the city as we follow the trail all the way to Finsbury Park, with the option to finish with a drink in a pub garden. *** ### 🕓 Schedule & Meeting Info **MEETING TIME:** 18:00 – Alexandra Palace Station (Bedford Road entrance) **TRAINS:** Great Northern services from Central London **HIKE START:** 18:30 Alexandra Palace (Bedford Road entrance) **HIKE FINISH:** Approx. 20:30 – Finsbury Park **RETURN TRAINS:** Victoria Line and National Rail services from Finsbury Park *** ### 📏 Hike Details **DISTANCE:** 4 miles (6.5 km) **TERRAIN:** Easy paths, parkland trails, and flat woodland tracks **GRADE:** Easy *** ### 🎒 What to Bring ✅ Comfortable walking shoes or trainers ✅ Light jacket or layers for the evening ✅ Water *** London walking group, evening walks London, Alexandra Palace walk, Parkland Walk London, Highgate walking routes, Crouch End walks, easy London walks, guided walks London, nature walks London, North London walking routes, social walks London, outdoor activities London #golondonhiking *** 📱 WhatsApp: 07968585224 📩 Mailing List: [Go London](https://www.golondonhiking.co.uk/contact) 🌐 Website: [www.golondonhiking.co.uk](https://www.golondonhiking.co.uk) 📸 Instagram: [@golondonhiking](https://www.instagram.com/golondonhiking/) 👍 Facebook Page: Go London Adventure 👥 Facebook Group: [Go London Hiking](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoLondonHiking/) 📜 Terms & Conditions By signing up, you agree to our full T&Cs including our cancellation and refund policy. View T&Cs.

VANDOME CYCLES is resuming social cycling (learn to ride and rider development) at Jim Peters Stadium, Mayesbrook Park RM8 2BB every Wednesday from 2 September 2020 at 4pm. For more information and to make a booking email : info@vandomecycles.co.uk

We will meet outside the Richmond tube station and make our way via the scenic Thames path. * We will walk towards the Richmond Bridge and cross the river. Then we will proceed via the Cambridge Gardens, Meadowbank and Marble Hill park to see the Marble Hill House, which is a Neo-Palladian villa, now Grade I listed. It was built between 1724 and 1729 as the home of Henrietta Howard, Countess of Suffolk, who lived there until her death. The compact design soon became famous and furnished a standard model for the Georgian English villa and for plantation houses in the American colonies. * We will then continue our walk via the Orleans Gardens and pass by the Orleans House gallery. Art lovers can always come back to visit the gallery, which is open Tue-Sun 10am – 5pm and it's a free entry. * We will then make our way to see the formidable York House and Gardens pictured above). This former stately home currently serves as the Town Hall of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. * A short walk from there to see the Eel Pie Island. This was a famous Jazz venue in 1960s. The island has about 50 homes, 120 inhabitants and two or three boatyards, as well as some other small businesses and artists' studios. For brief periods each year, usually in June and December, 26 studios in and around a working boatyard, open to the public enabling them to enjoy and buy the artists' works. This is where the walk ends. Twickenham station is 10mins away, buses back to Richmond are 5mins away. Optional drinks/lunch at the local Weaterspoons after the walk. What to bring: Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by PayPal on the group's page, or cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). ***'No Show' Policy:*** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organisers on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

THE TRIP IS NOW FULL, IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND, ADD YOURSELF TO THE WAITING LIST AND I WILL CONTACT YOU IF A PLACE BECOMES AVAILABLE. Come along on Saturday 23rd May to visit two pretty market towns, a picturesque view in Gloucestershire and see some steam trains in action as part of the Cotswolds Festival of Steam! **About the day** Gloucestershire is a historic county to the south west of London, its a predominantly rural area which is bisected by the river River Severn. Part of Gloucestershire sits in the Cotswolds and has lots of honey-coloured pretty towns & villages. **Broadway-Cheltenham Train Route** Steam trains will be running along the Broadway-Cheltenham route on this day as part of the Cotswold Festival of Steam weekend. Its very expensive for a ticket - £37 plus per person, so instead we will be viewing the steam trains in action at various vantage points along the track for free at: \- Stanton Viaduct \(looking up as steam trains come over the viaduct\) \- Hailes Bridge \(looking down from the bridge as steam trains go under\) \- Winchcombe Greet Bridge \(as trains go into and out of a tunnel\) **Winchcombe** Winchcombe is a charming, less-crowded market town known for its authentic, medieval honey-coloured stone architecture and its independent shops and cafes. It was originally an Anglo-Saxon settlement, although the [Belas Knap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belas_Knap "Belas Knap") Neolithic Long Barrow on Cleeve Hill above Winchcombe, dates from about 3000 BCE. **Painswick** Painswick is often regarded as a "hidden gem". Its known for its stunning 18th-century, grey-stone architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and the unique Rococo Garden, it offers a charming, less-crowded alternative to other Gloucestershire towns. It's church; St. Mary's is famous for having 99 Yew trees. **Painswick Beacon** Painswick Beacon is a 283-metre (928-foot) high Iron Age hill fort dated 400-100 BC offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Cotswolds, the Severn Vale, the Malvern Hills, and the Welsh Mountains. The beacon is only 1 mile from the village of Painswick, but we will use the coach to take us to the bottom of the hill, it'll then be a 10 min walk up the hill to see the view. **Coach seating** * If you wish to reserve a seat on the coach in advance, after you pay please look at the seating plan in the photos [here](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/35948261/533880318/) and then email me - [general@cultureseekers.org](http://general@cultureseekers.org), with the seat number/s you wish to reserve. Its first come first served. * The seat you sit on when you board the coach is yours for the day. If you wish to change seats on the coach during the day, you will need to get permission from the individual who is seated there. **Cost** Cost is £27 per person for Full Members and £33 per person for everyone else. After you RSVP: You will need to make payment (its not automatic), so either: \- send a bank transfer: TSB Bank plc\, sort code: 77\-66\-65\, account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers \- Pay via credit card in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QDOWSSXO)) \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), ‘send a payment’ to general@cultureseekers.org and click on the ‘Goods & Services’ option and change it to ‘Friends & Family’, as this avoids a charge from PayPal. Once you RSVP and then pay, I will confirm your place. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year) either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(email me – general@cultureseekers\.org for details\) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to general@cultureseekers\.org\, using the ‘Friends & Family’ option You have 3 days to make a payment, if no payment is received within 3 days, your place will be offered to the first person on the waiting list. Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Food & drink** Its up to you whether you wish to bring your own food and drink or purchase items whilst there. If you can't see us on Tothill Street, please text. Please note, we only wait for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. The coach has to leave at a specific time. Look out for the red and blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) or email: [general@cultureseekers.org](general@cultureseekers.org) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** ***Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - [https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/523578875/Group_Rules/)***

This walk is much more than the fascinating history of Clapham itself its a walking tour taking us through the wonderful open space of Clapham Common, once considered south London’s Hampstead, where the rich and famous fled the crowded city. Where the grand victorian houses overlooked the open spaces and the air was crisp and clear, yet still only a short journey back the the smoke and poverty of London town. Your guide Barrie knows the area very well as this was where he went to senior school back in the early 1960’s . For four years he was told stories of the heroes of Clapham though much of it went in one ear and out of the other as other teen age pursuits seemed more important at the time. Researching for this walk therefore has been a reawakening for Barrie as he shares with us what he never really took in all those years ago So come with him to hear stories of ‘The Clapham Sect’ and Clapham's; victorian splendour but also how Clapham became “Claaam” and has become a cool and trendy place to live right up to this day This tour takes a little over two hours and costs £14 cash on the day Contact barrie for bookings and queries on 07860 911393

If it's blood, death and torture you're looking for, then this is the tour for you! On the London: City of Death Tour, you will witness torture, executions, and human experiments! We will walk over a plague pit and escape Newgate Prison! Our tour group meets outside Barbican Tube Station, and sets off at 3pm sharp! The tour lasts 90 minutes, finishing off outside St Pauls Cathedral! Afterwards you pay what you think the tour is worth! We accept cash or cards! So come and join us on this blood soaked walk through London's dark history! *(Trigger warning: This tour contains extremely graphic descriptions of torture and execution, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.)*

**🎟 Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot 🎟** Looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature? Our fully guided, women-only day hikes offer the perfect chance to explore awesome landscapes, connect with like-minded adventurers, and discover the great outdoors—all within easy reach of London. Whether you're trekking through rolling hills, lush woodlands or tranquil river banks, these hikes promise fresh air, epic views, and a rewarding day in the countryside. We’re thrilled to bring back three of our favorite adventures this year: the Wendover Loop, the Balcombe Loop, and the Epping Forest hike! So join us on one (or all!) of these fantastic walks and let nature work its magic—leaving you refreshed, inspired, and connected. **🌿 Location** 🌳 **Wendover Loop (15.5km) The Chiltern Hills at Their Finest** Lace up your hiking boots and explore the ever-changing scenery of the Chilterns, passing through hamlets, green woodland, and rolling farmland. Take in the views of Chequers, the Prime Minister’s countryside retreat, and enjoy a well-earned break at a quaint pub garden at the end. 📍 Wendover Train Station ⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Moderate effort, Comfortable pace (3-4 km/hr) **✨ Why Join Us?** ✔ Fully guided hikes - book your spot, then just show up and enjoy the adventure ✔ Women-only walks, fostering connection and camaraderie ✔ Explore stunning countryside without the hassle of planning ✔ Unplug, recharge, and embrace the great outdoors Each route is easily accessible by train, so you can ditch the rat race and dive straight into nature with minimal effort. Come along and discover just how much wild beauty exists just outside London! 📅 Limited Spots Available—Reserve Yours Now! **Full Event Details: [Guided Hikes and Wildlife Walks UK](https://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot. **🔒 Gutsy Girls Ltd is a fully insured travel company.** **✅** If you'd like to join our adventures, you must book via our website. We don't monitor the comments on Meetup events. **➡️** Book Your Spot **[HERE](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/afb8c352/?calendarIds=5694718)** **🐻 Why Gutsy Girls?** Gutsy Girls connects women through outdoor adventures, nature, and sports. Whether you're new to adventure or a seasoned explorer, we offer fun, friendly and supportive environments where every woman feels welcome. **🙌 Solo Adventures Welcome** Designed for solo travellers—90% join alone and find lifelong friends. If solo travel sounds daunting, don't worry! Our team ensures your journey is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. **⭐️ Highly Recommended** Don't just take our word for it; we've been recognised by the Guardian, The Times, and Stylist and more! Check out our 5-star reviews on **[Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/gutsygirls.co.uk)** **🌍** Check out more of our adventures **[here](https://gutsygirls.co/3ITdPMN)** Follow us on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gutsygirls_/)**

Join us this Thursday at 6:30 pm for a nice hike along the Big Walnut Trail along the Gahanna golf course, circling Creekside and back. This 2 mile hike is fully paved and a beautiful walk through the heart of Gahanna.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.