Ancient Egypt

Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge, stretching for three miles, with cliffs rising nearly 400 feet (122 meters) high. It was formed roughly 1.2 million years ago during the last Ice Age, carved out by melting glaciers and ancient river. In 1903, the oldest, almost complete human skeleton in Britain, the 10,000 year old "Cheddar Man" was discovered in Gough’s Cave. We are heading to the birthplace of Cheddar cheese! Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company still matures its cheese inside these caves today - you can even purchase some to take home. 💺 **Limited spaces (private minibus): Please initially add yourself to the waitlist > wait for message > make payment > you'll be added to going list.** 🏷️ **Please note:** Priority is given to regular and reliable/new attendees for such events. *Why? At Active Muslims, we place great importance on attendance records and active participation in our regular events, such as our regular walks and hikes. We believe these activities offer attendees the chance to form meaningful and strong connections with like-minded individuals. [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)].* ✊ *Reminder: Active Muslims is equally about focusing on the actual activity, in this case, it is a paced hike (and not a stroll), therefore it is advised to approach and attend these events with that [mindset](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBhPWpdIMKq/?igsh=MWVjdnZrdGZwd3dmYw==).* HIKE: 🔴/🟠: TBC 📏 20-25km 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 500+m 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) 🚌 Private Mini coach, around 3+ hours drive there (same back). *Return time is approximate and depends on traffic.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 💳 £57/pp *Payment needs to be made promptly when the message/link has been sent to you. Send as friend & family - make sure I'm not charged a fee.* 📱 **[My WhatsApp](https://wa.me/+447799438148)** *Message via above if your meetup DM is not open for messages.* *(non-refundable - as need to pay minicoach company in advance*. *Price is based on a full van + parking - if this is not met we cannot secure the coach and you will be refunded)* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 📍 **[Clapham Junction Station (Back Exit) on Grant Road](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZkXfPbH3WrD8vNTdA)** ⌚ Meet from **8:01am**! We depart at **8:31am sharp!!!** 🧎 Prayer: If you are praying, make sure to have a little extra water for wudu if needed. 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes, packed lunch, water bottle (1.5-2L) & snacks to keep you going. 👕 Advisable to have layers. 🥾 Hiking boots recommended. 🧦 Hiking socks/double socks advised (reduces chance of blisters) 🔦 Headlight (winter) 📱 Fully charged mobile + portable charger ⛑️ Disclaimer: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times. Make sure to stay away from the edge of the cliffs and take extra care especially when descending. 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** *(Follow for latest events updates)* 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging We’ll be tackling a route offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the Gorge. Look out for the herd of feral goats that live on the cliffs! They help maintain the landscape, alongside rare Soay sheep. J.R.R. Tolkien visited here on his honeymoon and cited the caves as the inspiration for Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings.

📏 **Key Info:** • Distance: 14 miles (22km) • Grading: [Intermediate](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) • Ascent: 450m • Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub 📍 **Meeting Point** • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:30am, leave 8:45am for the 8:55am train • Return: 6:36pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 **Highlights** • Hike through the lush **Bourne Valley** in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • Pass the vast **Fairlawne Estate** — a 17th-century mansion now home to a Saudi Prince and once used for royal horse training • Follow the **Greensand Ridge** and hike along sections of the historic **Greensand Way** • Visit **Old Soar Manor** — a 13th-century knight’s dwelling and English Heritage site • Admire traditional **Kentish cobnut orchards** and colourful apple orchards • Explore ancient hamlets, mills and woodlands including the historic **Basted Mill** site • Visit **Shipbourne Common**, a designated Special Landscape Area 🥾 **Hike Description** Our adventure begins at **Borough Green**, whose heritage stretches back over 2000 years. From here, we follow the tranquil **River Bourne**, meandering through orchards, meadows, and the rare Kentish cobnut groves. The trail soon ascends into **Yopps Green**, where we pause to enjoy sweeping views across the valley’s patchwork of fields and woodland. Continuing along the **Greensand Ridge**, we pass historic hamlets and mills before arriving at the magnificent **Fairlawne Estate**. This grand 17th-century country mansion sits within over 1,000 acres of parkland and gardens. Once famed as the training ground for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s horses, today it is the private residence of a Saudi Prince. After lunch, our route carries us deeper into the valley past the remnants of Kent’s milling heritage, where rivers once powered a chain of **paper mills** for centuries. We then make our way through shady chestnut woodland to reach **Old Soar Manor**, a 13th-century fortified knight’s dwelling preserved by English Heritage. The final stage of the hike leads us past the dramatic gorge of the River Bourne and the atmospheric remains of **Basted Mill**, before crossing **Shipbourne Common**, a Special Landscape Area, and returning from this rich blend of history, landscapes and hidden gems in the heart of Kent. 🧭 **Guide:** • Leader: [KEVIN](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07918 329854 🍽️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) 🎒**What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) 📲 **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) 👣 [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) 📖 [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) 📸 [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) 📄 **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

For most of human history, religion wasn't a lifestyle choice, it was part of life. It told you who you were, why you suffered, what death means, and how to live. Then science explained the sky, the earth, and everything around us, and we told ourselves we'd evolved past all that. But the meaninglessness of life was never explained. Millions of people are still medicated, addicted, and quietly lost, in the most comfortable civilisation that has ever existed. Maybe we just stopped feeding something that was never going to stop being hungry. Can a life be meaningful without believing in anything bigger than yourself? Can science tell you how to live? Are the people replacing religion with politics, wellness culture, or ideology any less religious or just less honest about it? Is dismissing religion a sign of progress, or are we just arrogant enough to think we don't need what every civilisation before us had? Here is a video related to this topic: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DffqK6j-y1U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DffqK6j-y1U) *Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comments below.* —————————————————————————————————————————————— **💛 Support The Examined Life** Enjoying the discussions? Please consider donating, it keeps us running. 👉 Donate here: [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Join our Telegram group chat** Stay connected between sessions: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) —————————————————————————————————————————————— **About the session** The Examined Life "Let's Discuss…" session is an open, welcoming discussion, no prior reading or expertise required. Format: * **13:15** Free-flowing group discussion on the topic * **14:00 (ish)** We split into smaller groups for deeper conversation on what interests you most * **16:00** Official end of the meetup. Most attendees stay on and keep chatting until around 18:00 —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Please RSVP accurately** Please update your RSVP if plans change, it helps us plan and frees up spots for others. —————————————————————————————————————————————— **Artwork:** Interior of a Gothic Cathedral 1612 by Paul Vredeman de Vries

DANCING EVERY 1ST, 2nd and 3RD SATURDAY NIGHTS <3 Tribalheart Ecstatic dance creates space for free-form movement in a chat free zone where you can dive deeply into the heart, reconnecting, expressing, dancing in and out, up and down, learning to let go of anything and everything that holds you back from yourSelf and inner freedom. Let the energy move you, let the spirit of the heart guide you. There is space to dance alone and no pressure to connect with anyone else, just be yourself and honour what you need in the moment. This night is an inspiration and fusion of club culture, dancing yoga, active meditation, cardio fitness, Ecstatic trance dance (blindfolds available) and a sacred Nataraj. If you choose to connect, it is a chance to meet others without words from a place of movement, meditation, energy and soul; eyes and heart wide open. ### We will start the evening with a welcoming warmup to relax the body and mind. Together we will set an intention for the evening inviting the heart to open and awaken within us thus creating sacred space for all. For those that wish to partake, we will enjoy and deepen our intention with a short Cacao ceremony. (The cacao is used to take us deeper into our body, awakening our senses, connecting us to heart energy and aiding a spring in our step) We also embark on some dynamic breathwork to fire us up for the evening. \- Please leave at least 2 hours after eating a heavy meal if drinking cacao\. -Please do not drink alcohol before the event as it is contraindicated with some of the breathwork techniques we practice We inject passion into sourcing the music for our events and aim to deliver an eclectic mix of genres for your heart. From tribal to electronic and everything in between we aim to assist a natural flow peaking and resting to mirror the rhythm and energy of life. Prepare to shake, spin, whirl and twirl. The music becomes the facilitator during the wild ecstatic dance ending with moments of stillness into silence where we can rest and breathe together Each DJ has their own sound and energy to be shared, making each night unique and different... Will update DJ listing asap <3 Admission **New Venue**-Doors open from 630pm and we start at 7pm. Evening-7-930pm. Social till 10pm. Cost is on a sliding scale. Tickets- £15-early bird- purchase up to 5 days in advance before the event £20-Skint/student £25-Working Friend £30-Admission for people on an abundant wage ***All tickets include ceremonial cacao, herbal teas and fruit*** ***There are often places to crew if money is an issue. Please contact Tara on 07776321878 to inquire*** ALL TICKETS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE, IF THEY ARE NOT, PLEASE CALL 07776321878 AS IT WILL BE AN EVENTBRITE ERROR! NO REFUNDS Book tickets via paypal- [https://paypal.me/moveandmeditate?locale.x=en_GB](https://paypal.me/moveandmeditate?locale.x=en_GB) (use friends and family option only or pay the the fee please) or eventbrite-[https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tribalheart-ecstatic-dance-london-the-pirate-castle-tickets-168013682447](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tribalheart-ecstatic-dance-london-the-pirate-castle-tickets-168013682447) Optional teas and social after the dance Tara on [07776321878](http://tel:07776321878 "tel:07776321878") Tara has been facilitating dance, movement and meditation groups under Tribalheart since 2007. She is a lover of all types of dance, meditation, massage, breathwork and many other nourishing things. Tara qualified in Mental health nursing in 1998 and worked as a specialist addictions nurse for over 17 years. She trained and developed in various methods over the years from bodywork, tantra, shamanism, hypnotherapy, psychosexual somatics and breathwork which she blends into her various groups and 1:1 practise. If you are interested in a 1:1 session with Tara please email [tara@tribalheart.co.uk](mailto:tara@tribalheart.co.uk) , [info@divinebodybliss.co.uk](mailto:info@divinebodybliss.co.uk)

Come alone or bring friends, and join us for an immersive, community-based play where the entire room becomes part of the story. Guided by Game Master Yahia Aboueleish, we’ll dive into cult favourites like Werewolves and Coup - games of strategy, persuasion, bluffing, alliances, suspicion… and betrayal 👀 Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kismet-community-games-tickets-1990001593335?aff=eivtefrnd&utm_share_source=listing_android&sg=f9979d0054203f4fa0a16bfc4c4e5f24424a0588bba514d7a6c60a3c5ac091372fdd673615fa3ae95901b1e2f48b798950cc57e2ce40faa29e4607ccac5942b6ffdc1e4770f056672838993e9f

🇯🇲🔥💪🏽 DANCEHALL FITNESS!! 🔥💪🏽🇯🇲 Every SATURDAY 10am! 📍Falcon Park 14 Cranleigh Mews, London SW11 2QL 🔥🤸🏽‍♀️ High Energy Group WorkOuts! 💪🏽🔥 Qualified Personal Trainers & DJs! All Ages And Fitness Levels Welcome! DJs playing Strictly Dancehall Music! 🔊🇯🇲 If you would love to join us or get involved follow us and send a DM us on Instagram @dancehallfitness_ Get ready to sweat with Dancehall Fitness! Fitness moves that’ll boost your energy and mood! Tickets: Via Eventbrite: Search Dancehall Fitness #LondonFitness #LondonWorkouts #exercise #OpenAirFitness #StartNow

We are going to the escape room 'Journey to Atlantis' at Escape Hunt. Step aboard the mighty Nautilus submarine on its journey to the fabled city of Atlantis. A recent attack from a mysterious foe has left the ship severely damaged, and Captain Nemo badly injured. Taking to the helm, you have just 60 minutes to steer the ship to sanctuary and locate Atlantis. If you fail, Atlantis may go undiscovered for another two thousand years. ([Website](https://escapehunt.com/uk/london-oxford-street/games/journey-to-atlantis)) After the game, we could have brunch at Tampopo Fitzrovia nearby. Please pay £33, £3 for admin fee and £30 for the ticket. There will be no refunds but you could sell your ticket to another member if no longer able to attend.

Running through the heart of London; the River Thames has played a central role in the history of the city, and when the tide is low, the capital’s longest archaeological site is revealed. Come along on Sunday 7th June to explore London’s dynamic history... **About the foreshore** I will be your guide as we will be going down to the Thames foreshore at low tide, where we will have about 1h 30mins to have a look around for objects before the tide comes in. I will tell you more about foreshore, the industry in the area and will be on hand to identify and date objects you find. Most objects you can spot sitting on the foreshore after being washed in on the tide (we are not allowed to dig or scrape the foreshore surface). You will find everything from bits of pottery, clay pipes, bottles, animal bones to ship items. Most of the things we find are from the Medieval to the Victorian period or you might be lucky and find something Roman or older. The foreshore at Rotherhithe was where lots of ships were dismantled, so you will see lots of ships nails, ships timbers and items related to the people carrying out the dismantling. The foreshore is very stony, so please wear sensible shoes (preferably walking boots/shoes or wellington boots). Plastic gloves and bags will be provided. **Cost** This is for Full Members of the group only and will be free. **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- go to PayPal \- [https://www.paypal.com/uk/](https://www.paypal.com/uk/), then click on 'Pay & Get Paid‘, then click on 'Send Money’, put in the email address: [general@cultureseekers.org](mailto:general@cultureseekers.org) in the 'Send Money' box, then 'Next' and then enter the amount to pay. Click 'Next', then 'Goods & Services', then 'For Friends & Family', then 'Continue' Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) We will be finished by about 12:45pm. **The Thames Foreshore is private land, so before we go down, I have to give everyone a short talk on health & safety on the foreshore. As per the conditions of my group permit, you will need to be present for this, if you are late, I won't be able to accommodate you.** **Afterwards** After, we will head to 'Mr Cappuccino coffee shop', 190 Jamaica Road for a chat over a drink. Please note, we only wait at the meeting point for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be on time or early. If you can't see us outside the station, please text. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) ***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/22974682/531979527/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/)*

**Key Info:** • Distance: 9 miles (15km) • Grading: [Beginner](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) but it has 2 long steep hills, we take these gently and wait at the top • Ascent: 290m • Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours • Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train) • Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [[Resale Process](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf)] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund. • Toilet breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub **Meeting Point** • Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - [MAP](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/Victoria.jpg) & [PHOTO](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/StationPhotos/VictoriaPhoto.jpg) • Time: Meet 8:20am, leave 8:40am for the 8:55am train • Return: 5:33pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) **Highlights** • Admire **Lullingstone Castle** and its tranquil lakeside setting • Walk a scenic stretch of the **Darent Valley Path** • Pass the site of **Lullingstone Roman Villa**, dating back to around 100 AD • Explore **Lullingstone Country Park**, home to 800-year-old trees • Visit the ruins of **Eynsford Castle**, a Norman fortification from 1088 • Hike beneath the striking **Eynsford Rail Viaduct**, with its 22m-high brick arches • Stroll through three charming **Kentish villages** — Otford, Shoreham and Eynsford **Hike Description** We begin in the historic village of **Otford**, occupied for at least 3,000 years. Through the ages, it has been home to Iron Age farmers, Romans, royalty and archbishops. From here our route leads into the tranquil woods and grasslands of the Kentish countryside, reaching **Shoreham** before following the **Darent Valley Path** into the heart of the valley. The trail takes us into the beautiful **Lullingstone Country Park**, internationally important for its collection of ancient trees. Beech, ash, oak, sweet chestnut and hornbeam all thrive here, with some specimens thought to be over 800 years old. Emerging from the woodland, we arrive at **Lullingstone Castle**, set beside its peaceful lake, before continuing to the site of **Lullingstone Roman Villa** — a rare survival of a Roman estate house first built around 100 AD. From here we continue through rolling Kent fields, rewarded with views of the impressive **Eynsford Rail Viaduct**, its nine red-brick arches towering 22 metres above the valley floor. Our hike concludes in the charming village of **Eynsford**, where we explore the evocative ruins of **Eynsford Castle**, a Norman stronghold built in 1088. With its riverside setting, ancient remains and traditional cottages, the village provides a perfect finale to a day steeped in history and countryside beauty. **Guide:** • Leader: [JOHN](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07508 511026 ️ **Food:** • Bring a packed lunch • Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional) **What to Bring** • Hiking boots/shoes • Water (2 litres minimum) • Packed lunch • Waterproofs (jacket and trousers) • Hat and gloves if cold • Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point ⚠️ **Safety** Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider ❓ **Want to Know More?** • [New to Our Trips?](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/new_to_our_day_hikes.pdf) (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”) • [About Us](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/about_us.pdf) (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history) • [FAQs](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/FAQ.pdf) (covers common queries) **Explore More &** **Stay Connected** [Day hikes list](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf) [Calendar - All trips](https://www.meetup.com/outdooraholics/events/calendar/) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/outdooraholics/) [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/Outdooraholics) & [Photos group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outdooraholics) **Terms and Conditions** By signing up or attending you agree to our [Terms and Conditions](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/TermsConditionsOutdooraholicsHikingUK.pdf) © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

⛰️ Petersfield Curcular via the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve, a beautiful area which has been called Little Switzerland due to its wooded hills. The name Hanger comes from the Old English Hangra, meaning "wooded hillside". This lovely farmland and woodland trail that takes you along scenic paths where you can take in the views and keep an eye out for wildlife between the trees and in the fields! 🔴 **HIKE:** 📏 26km (16 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: **800m** 💓 Av. Pace: 5.2km/h *✊ **Pace & Purpose:** Active Muslims is about focusing on the actual activity. These are **paced walks and hikes (not strolls)**, so please join us with that* ***[active mindset and purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DBhPWpdIMKq/)*** *in mind.* 📍 **Meet at:** **Waterloo: Opposite Platform 3** 🔄 **Start/End:** **Petersfield Station /** [Waterloo] ⌚ **Meet from:** 9:31, the train departs at **10:03** *[arrives 11:40 at Petersfield \ Return train aimed at 6:24pm.]* **🚆 Travel & Tickets** All our regular walks & hikes are free to join. You are welcome to arrange your own travel or meet us at the destination station. **Option 1: Buy Your Own Ticket** We recommend buying on the day. Use a **Network Railcard** or a **GroupSave** discount where possible. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ **Option 2: Group Ticket (3+ People)** I can help purchase group tickets to save costs, **BUT you must arrive at the station before the platform is announced to collect your physical ticket.** To join this: 💳 **[PayPal Here (£19.70)](https://paypal.me/mubasher001/19.70)** or 💳[ ](https://revolut.me/mubashermalik?currency=GBP&amount=1970)**[Revolut Here (£19.70)](https://revolut.me/mubashermalik?currency=GBP&amount=1970)** *Please send via Friends & Family and make sure no **fee is charged*** **⏳Deadline**: Saturday 7:01pm 📱 **Confirmation**: Message on **[WhatsApp](https://tinyurl.com/5n68255b)** with your **Meetup Name** once paid *ℹ️ No refunds once tickets are purchased.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Waterloo, on-board train **🎒 Essentials:** * **Gear:** Hiking boots (recommended), hiking socks (or double socks), and layered clothing. * **Food/Water:** Packed lunch, snacks, and 1.5–2L of water. * **Tech:** Fully charged phone + portable power bank. * **Safety:** Emergency whistle + Headtorch (winter). * **Prayer:** If you are praying, please ensure you have **wudu** beforehand. Be ready to join the group promptly to keep us on schedule **📋 Attendance Policy:** When an event has a **waiting list**, priority is given to new joiners and those with a reliable attendance record - *previous "No-Shows" may be moved to the waitlist to ensure spots go to reliable attendees [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)]* ⛑️ **Disclaimer**: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times. 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)**

A most glorious 9.5 miles walk - one of the most beautiful and scenic stretches of the River Thames ! Please arrive by 9.05am so as to facilitate the purchase of group return train tickets to Oxford for the 9.50am direct train that arrives at Oxford at 10.43am. Train ticket : Oxford return. Please note that I shall not be at Paddington as staying overnight in Wallingford after the walk on Saturday. Or you may decide to drive. Walk will commence at 11am. Meetup fee £8 payable in cash or £6 in advance by Saturday by bank transfer, details available upon request. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes/ boots or trainers. We shall have a drink at the end of the walk in Abingdon before aiming to take a bus between 4pm and 4.30pm that arrives back in Oxford by around 5pm followed by direct train back at 5.32pm. You should be able to walk 2.5 miles per hour and have adequate and appropriate insurance for this type of activity. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

**Grade: 🥾🥾 🥾Level 3/5** —— **📖SUMMARY:** 🥾23\.5km \(16mi\) \| Ascent 394m \| Descent 429m \| Max Elevation 115m **🚊Train:** **1- Outbound:** *Single Ticket* **London Liverpool Street ➡️ Chingford** **2- Inbound:** *Single Ticket* **Cheshunt ➡️ London** 😁This is a *Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip*. No advance tickets are needed. ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Liverpool Street train station \- Information desk \(Opposite Platform 10\) \| **10:10** (Train is at **10:31**) **2-** Chingford \- Outside train station \| **10:55** ⚠️This is a **Point to Point (not Circular)** Hike **📍Hike** **start:** **Chingford** train station \| **11:05** **🔚Hike** **finish:** **Cheshunt** train station \| approx\. **\~18:00** —— 🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: 🎟️This is a **Friendly Oyster or contactless (bank card) trip**, both for the outward and return journeys. There’s no need to buy tickets in advance, as fares are paid directly by tapping in and out at the stations. * **➡️Outbound:** London Liverpool Street **10:31 → 10:57** Chingford * **⬅️Inbound:** Cheshunt **→** London —— **📕ABOUT:** \- A proper London\-edge adventure that strings together two of the capital’s most underrated wild spaces in a single walk — ancient Epping Forest and the lakes and waterways of the Lee Valley\. \- We start at Chingford\, where Queen Victoria opened the Forest to the people in 1882\, then head straight in past Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and pretty Connaught Water\. \- From there it’s miles of rolling\, knobbly oak and beech woodland — some trees as old as the Anglo\-Saxons — climbing gently to the High Beach ridge at 115m\, the day’s high point\. \- A long\, lovely descent through Sewardstone drops us out of the trees and into the Lee Valley: marshes\, lakes\, reedbeds\, and the calm of the Lee Navigation towpath all the way into Cheshunt\. —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS:** * **Chingford & Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge:** 1543 Tudor grandstand on the edge of the Forest. * **Connaught Water:** peaceful early-morning lake, popular with herons and swans. * **Epping Forest ancient woodland:** 5,900 acres of veteran oaks, beeches and hornbeams; some trees as old as the Anglo-Saxons. * **High Beach ridge:** the day’s high point, classic Forest views. * **Sewardstone:** the Forest’s quiet western edge, opening into farmland. * **River Lee Country Park:** lakes, wetlands and excellent birdwatching. * **Lee Navigation towpath:** tranquil canal walking right into Cheshunt. —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— 🎒**WHAT TO BRING:** * 2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN:** * Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. * For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. * We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE:** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. —— **☯️STAYING TOGETHER:** A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER:** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

**WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **25km** (c. 15 miles) Ascent: c. **585m** Estimated Duration (approx): **7 hours walking (moderate pace 4km/hr)** Difficulty: **Energetic** **HIGHLIGHT** · Great views from Amberley Mount and Rackman Hill · Undulating paths over the downs heading south towards Worthing · Slow ascents and descents on remote paths away from South Downs Way · Visit the ancient and most historic hill fort in Sussex – The Cissbury Ring. · Optional sea swim at the end! **DESCRIPTION** *This walk is on paths less travelled over South Downs rolling hills with fantastic views along the way. There is an optional sea swim at the end for those who want to cool off after a good day’s walk.* This is a beautiful part of the south downs with fantastic views and rolling hills - and with some neolithic and bronze age history along our way. We start our walk in Amberley as we head up our first hill onto the South Downs to Rackman Hill for fantastic views looking north towards the North Downs – hopefully we will have good views on the day. We then head south over rolling hills and forlorn paths, meeting locals who know the less travelled parts of the south downs. I have chosen a route which meanders past other settlement hills and hopefully with views over to the sea. We pass Finden for a refreshment stop after 14km (no pub stops before then). We then head over to Cissbury Ring – the oldest hill fort on the South Downs Way. It boasts much history - a neolithic flint mines, bronze age burial ground, iron age hill fort, a roman mint, a tudor vantage point before it was investigated archeologically by the Victorians. Then onto Worthing for a drink and a swim! Option at this stage is to head back to London or go down to Worthing Pier and have a swim. *ps. My walks make time to enjoy the views, take in local history, and look at interesting buildings along the way.* **PROGRAMME** You can choose to **meet at London Victoria or the Hike Starting Point**. The applicable time and meeting points are detailed below. **MEETING POINT:** We will assemble beside Nero's and by Neil Yards Remedies opposite the Information Desk **LONDON STATION MEETING DETAILS** **Assembly Time:** by 08.00 - for those looking to come in on the Group Save by 08.15 - for people who have their own tickets as we move to the train 08.32 - train departs 09.59 - train arrives **HIKE START POINT** Leave at: **10.10** Meetup Point: **Amberley Train Station** \- outside the front **RETURN** It is impossible to promise a specified finish train and time, but we aim to return to London on the **18.35 (20.05 arrival)** if you are not swimming. There are trains at 35mins and 55mins per hour (the latter trains at 55mins take much longer). There is a train at 17.35 (19.05 arrival) but we're unlikely to catch this train. **HIKE COST** The cost for the **hike is £10 per person** **TRAIN INFORMATION** For those buying their own tickets, please get a **return to FORD (covers both the Amberley and Worthing train routes) .** **GROUP SAVE** Group save train fare is **£26.70** \- if you want to join in\, please message me\. Alternatively, you can buy a Network Railcards for £35/ year for similar off peak savings. www.network-railcard.co.uk. **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** · Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** · Travel costs · Lunch, drinks or any refreshments · PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)complete list[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) · Suitable hiking shoes or boots · Packed lunch and snacks · Water - 2 litres recommended · Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) · Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece · Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our [FAQ page](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? 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. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia