What we’re about
Good-for-the-soul thought-provoking book club taking place on walks, hikes and rambles in and outside of London.
On each walk we will discuss and reflect on one philosphically-interesting text from a secular perspective e.g., key works from Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Stoicism, or classic poetry such as Rumi or Emily Dickinson.
It is recommended that all attendees have an intermediate level of walking fitness (5-20 km hikes) and have read the text.
Walks will go ahead regardless of the weather and will be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Walk & Talk with Author Dr Tom Davies, Hampstead Heath (10 km)Redemption Roasters, Greater London
'There is one point that contemporary psychology and centuries old Eastern Buddhist and Taoist teachings agree on: if you wish to experience less suffering, you must change the way you see yourself. But what if the change that is needed is to let go of our selves entirely? What does this mean for those of us living in an increasingly self-obsessed and individualistic society? Is our quest for identity actually sabotaging our own wellbeing?'
In July, we'll be taking to Hampstead Heath for a walk with author, Dr Tom Davies. On this 10 km ramble, we'll be discussing Tom's new book Self-Obsession, a thought-provoking exploration of identity and its relationship with psychological pain.
We'll meet at Redemption Roasters (opposite Hampstead Heath overground station) at 13:00, before setting off for our walk at 13:20. The walk will contain a three-part talk and Q&A with Tom. We will then enjoy a well-earned post-walk drink at approximately 16:30 at the Garden Gate pub, where Tom will be signing books.
While spaces on the walk itself will be limited, please don't hesitate to message me via meetup if you wish to only join for the pub discussion and book signing.
As always, these events are fun, social, welcoming occasions for those interested in walking while discussing thought-provoking, fascinating ideas.
Tom's book is available to purchase via Amazon at: Self-Obsession Book.
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, Lea Valley Walk (23 km)The Narrowboat Cafe, cheshunt
'A novel of breathtaking sweep and emotional power that traces three hundred years in Ghana and along the way also becomes a truly great American novel. Extraordinary for its exquisite language, its implacable sorrow, its soaring beauty, and for its monumental portrait of the forces that shape families and nations, Homegoing heralds the arrival of a major new voice in contemporary fiction.' - Goodreads.
It feels like Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi has been on my reading list for a long time now. Pretty excited for this one: our longest walk yet, and the first novel for the club!
The 23.2 km route can be found and downloaded on the Alltrails app, by searching for the 'Lea Valley Walk.'
Alltrails Lea Valley Walk (link)
Good walking experience recommended, though the walk will be fairly flat. We'll be meeting at the Narrowboat Cafe (next to Rammey Marsh Lock) at 10:30 with the aim to set off by 11 at the latest. There will be opportunities along the route to stop and get refreshments, but I'd advise bringing some snacks and plenty of water!
With a couple of rest breaks, this walk will take approximately 5-hours. When we reach Limehouse, I'm sure we can find time for a post-walk pint or soft drink if people wish!
Please aim to read the novel prior to the walk, and please feel free to bring along quotes that have particularly stood out to you, or thoughts that the novel has inspired. As always, these are welcoming, social events, designed to combine walking with sharing ideas about thought-provoking literature or philosophy.
Feel free to message any questions you may have ahead of the walk. All members welcome! O
