Global Warming

**🌳 Large Group Social Hike** One of our **bigger, more sociable** hikes. Prefer a smaller group? See our standard-size hikes. 📏 **Key Info:** • Distance: 14 miles (22km) • Grading: [Intermediate/Challenging](https://outdooraholics.co.uk/HikeGradings.pdf) • Ascent: 580m • Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours • Cost: £33 (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 mid-afternoon 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 8:10am, leave 8:30am for the 8:46am train • Return: 7:34pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then) 🌟 **Highlights** • Hike the **most spectacular coastal trail in Southern England** — the famous Seven Sisters • A great physical challenge with options to self shorten if needed • Enjoy **breathtaking cliff-top views** for much of the hike • Pass **Birling Gap** and the iconic **Belle Tout Lighthouse** • Finish in **Eastbourne — England’s sunniest town** • Explore the **South Downs National Park** — the newest in the UK 🥾 **Hike Description** This is Outdooraholics’ most popular hike, a dramatic and exhilarating journey across the chalk cliffs of Sussex that we have been leading for over 12 years. The **Seven Sisters** are a spectacular series of gleaming white chalk cliffs shaped over thousands of years by natural erosion processes. Erosion has since created an “eighth sister,” and today the cliffs stand as one of England’s most iconic landscapes. We begin in the coastal town of **Seaford**, home to a Napoleonic-era **Martello Tower** built in 1810 as part of a chain of 103 coastal defences against French invasion. From here, the trail climbs onto the cliff tops, where for much of the day we walk high above the sea, treated to endless coastal views and fresh sea air. Our route follows the **South Downs Way**, passing through **Birling Gap** and past the striking **Belle Tout Lighthouse**, famously moved 17 metres inland in 1999 to save it from falling into the sea. The final highlight is **Beachy Head**, a dramatic beauty spot with sheer chalk cliffs dropping into the sea below. We finish in **Eastbourne**, statistically England’s sunniest town, where we celebrate our coastal adventure with refreshments in a local pub. 🧭 **Guide:** • Leader: [GRAHAM](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487 🍽️ **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) **Cliffs – danger** There are sheer drops off the cliffs and some of these soft chalk cliffs are crumbling at the edges with chunks regularly falling and no fencing in place. Please keep at least 3 metres away from the edges. If you fall, or the ground at the edge of the cliff collapses it will almost certainly be fatal. © Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Falconwood to Grove Park. We’ll be traversing through many nature pathways and parks but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 2. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy Starting point: Falconwood Station Ending point: Grove Park station Walking length: 6.9km Duration: 2 hours Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Falconwood to Grove Park WHEN - 2pm - 5pm MEETING POINT - Outside Falconwood Station NEAREST STATION - Falconwood station REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

**N.B. Meet at Studio 12 ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=11345695890848705897)) from noon, we'll walk to the [park](https://www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries-parks-and-leisure/parks-and-green-spaces/parks-list/hackney-downs) if dry.** Join families for **[Plant-Based Schools](https://linktr.ee/plantbasedschools)**' spring potluck picnic and games. Please bring vegan food to share, and any activities kids might enjoy. * Enjoy food, drink, and games with like-minded folk * Learn about the campaign to increase plant-based food in schools *All ages, backgrounds, and faiths welcome. Find us in the park should you arrive late, or at Studio 12 if wet! If you can't see us, call me (Richard) on 0759 792 6063.*

**PLEASE NOTE that we are now hosting our games on Sportas.** **BOOK HERE:** https://sportas.co.uk/organiser/east-village-basketball/games **Game Description:** Ready to hit the court, level up your game and meet fellow ballers? Join us at East Village Basketball 🏀 every Sunday, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Harris Chobham Academy Sports Hall in Stratford, London. **👥 Stay Connected!** Join our WhatsApp group for updates, discounts, waitlist alerts and community banter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KoCHcbG51YWKtTNgNblydH](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KoCHcbG51YWKtTNgNblydH) Any questions, feel free to WhatsApp me directly on +44 (seven) 365 804 810 **What to Expect:** ⚡ 2 hours of non-stop pickup games ⛹️ Half-court games (4x4) on both sides 💪 Friendly competition in a fun, positive environment 🥇 Open to mixed adults (18+) - whether you’re sharpening your skills or shaking off the rust! 🏀 Players should at least be familiar with basic offence, defence and basketball rules 🏆 Max 20 players per session (spots go fast, so book early) **Important Notes:** 🕔 Sports hall doors open at 5:20pm - head in, get changed and warm up 🏀 We aim to start games by 5:40pm, so please arrive by 5:20pm to be ready 🚫 If you’re feeling unwell or have COVID symptoms, please stay home 💧 Bring your own water bottle 🚨 Please don't arrive TOO early - the hall is used just before us and staff need time to prepare the court. **Getting Here:** 📍 Entrance: Corner of Celebration Avenue and Temple Mills Lane. Google Maps - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfCZZzEG734J9gko7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfCZZzEG734J9gko7) 🅿️ Parking: Pay-and-display available across the road. 🚇 Nearest Tube Stations: Stratford, Stratford International (DLR) & Leyton **Safety** Participation is at your own risk. If you have any health concerns, consult a health professional before joining. **Rules** 4 x 4 half-court games on 2 half courts, with 4 teams of 5 players. Time: 5-min games (running clock) Scoring: 1s and 2s. Substitutions: One sub rotates in after each game. Fouls: Offence calls fouls. Disputed calls: For major disagreements, challenger shoots a 3-pointer to resolve the issue. See you Sunday! ✌️🏀

Let's get together to reinforce and make new connections in the Keto community. This meetup will be an informal time for all of us to socialise, commune, share and network. Basically, have a great time and make some new friends. 1. Connect with other Keto Members. This is particularly important if you're new to Keto - it helps you stick to it when you have friends and a community around you with the same goals. 2. Swap notes on your Keto experiences or learn from /get advice/ tips from more experienced members if you're new to Keto. Whatsapp group link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/HG6CmlVNLCKCkFXgCNgVHW Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ketobriton/ Look forward to catching up with you again or meeting you if you haven't attended one of our past events! PSA! We are at the 77d Cafe Nero on Kingsway. There is also one at 7 on the same road. 77d is the northernmost of the two 👍

🏞️ Starting from the beautiful Henley on Thames and going through the English countryside. Henley on Thames is said to be one of the most beautiful towns in England, recently voted by The Times as one of the best places to live in the English countryside. *✊ **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.* 🟠 **HIKE:** 📏16km (10 miles) 💓 Av. Pace: 5.1km/h 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 273m 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) 📍 **Meet: \*** **London Paddington Rail Station (you can meet others here if traveling by rail from London ) or Meet the organiser directly outside Henley-on-Thames station at 15:00** 🔄 Starts/Ends: **Henley-on-Thames Station** ⌚Meet from 13:20 (if travelling from Paddington Station), the train leaves at **13:38** \[Arrives 14:27 \| With one change at Twydford at 14:15 \| Return train estimate: 19:00 or 20:00\] **\*** **PLEASE NOTE: The orgaiser will meet you direclty outside Henley-on Thames station.This hike is later than usual due to the Spartan event being held nearby. We aim to start the hike around 15:00. It is possible the host may be delayed due to the previous event!** 🚆 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. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ **Buy Your Own Ticket** We recommend buying on the day. Use a Network Railcard or a GroupSave discount where possible. ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Paddington (near platform 12), Twyford Station, Henley on Thames and on first train. **🎒 Essentials:** **Gear:** Appropriate Footwear **Food/Water**: Packed lunch, snacks, and water. **Tech:** Fully charged phone **Prayer:** If you are praying, please ensure you have wudu beforehand. **📋 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:** 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)

**Please RSVP at [our website](https://surreyyoungwalkers.org.uk/walk-detail.php?id=2214) (green button) and not here, thanks!** Let's walk the Circle Line! Meeting outside Waterloo station (at Paddington London Mural ), we'll go together to our start point of Westminster tube station and from there visit (and photograph!) every stop on the original (circular) Circle Line. This is a great way to take in the sights of central London whilst also providing those training for the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike a chance to get lots of (admittedly flat) miles in! Please note the distance and terrain (tarmac) and plan your footwear accordingly. There is of course an easy option to hop on the tube back for those who prefer a shorter walk :) We'll have a cafe/pub stop in the morning and afternoon but please bring a picnic lunch. We've provided an automated estimate of the end time and this will be affected by many factors - please only use as a guide. The description above may also have specific notes on ending details.

Join **TeamMC** for our *London to Oxford Bike Ride 2026* — an inspiring challenge that combines fitness, fun, and fundraising for a powerful cause. Every mile you cycle will help provide vital support for **struggling families in Palestine, South Asia, and East Africa** — helping them access food, healthcare, and essential aid. **REGISTRATION MANDATORY** Link: [https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/London2Oxford](https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/London2Oxford) **Registration Fee:** £25 **Fundraising Target:** £200 **Distance:** 100km (≈ 60 miles) **Elevation:** 700m **Start Time:** 8:00 AM **Start Location:** TEAMMC Cycles, London E1 **Finish Location:** Oxford Central Mosque **All participants will receive:** * Finisher’s Medal ✅ * Food and refreshments at the finish line ✅ * Support vehicle with drinks and snacks along the route ✅ * Transport for you *and your bike* back to London ✅

***N.B. SOLD OUT Join the [waiting list](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lettucesustain/2197204/select-date/2026-05-17) to be notified if tickets become available; at £48.58 each with promo code 'Meetup' (normally £55).*** Following great success with '[Yatra](https://www.eatwith.com/events/59223)', '[Yatra 2.0](https://www.eatwith.com/events/59419)', '[Raaste](https://www.instagram.com/p/DK7HAlVIrwN)', '[Chai O'Clock](https://www.instagram.com/p/DNLZh3ho_ZI)', '[Best of 2025 Menus](https://www.instagram.com/lettucesustain_london/p/DRFNL_fCF0X)', and '[The Shahi Table](https://youtu.be/2eWHjCEgKKc)' join [Zarna](https://www.instagram.com/lettucesustain_london) & Akshay of **[Lettuce Sustain](https://www.happycow.net/reviews/lettuce-sustain-supper-club-south-east-london-445661)** ([map](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1292767007518595930)) for '**[Chai O'Clock 2.0](https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lettucesustain/2197204)**'. **Chai O'Clock 2.0 — A Gujarati Table** Step into something a little more personal this time. **Chai O'Clock 2.0** is rooted in Gujarat — in the dishes that shaped a childhood, the flavours that live in muscle memory, and the kind of cooking that doesn't need explaining to the people who grew up with it. For everyone else, consider this your introduction. We've taken the recipes closest to home and let them travel — picking up new textures, new techniques, new companions along the way — without ever losing sight of where they came from. The result is a menu that feels at once deeply familiar and quietly surprising. Your cup will never be empty. Expect bottomless chai and coffee flowing through the evening — hot, cold, and always with a twist you won't see coming. Come hungry, come curious — because **Chai O’Clock** is more than a supper club. It's a table where memories brew, laughter streams, and every flavour feels like home. **The Menu** Bottomless Masala Chai & Coffee — hot, cold and unexpected * **Gujarati Grazing Board** — a selection of classic Gujarati snacks to set the tone * **Handvo Galette** — a savoury cake of mixed vegetables and lentil-spiced flour, reimagined as a galette * **Chilli Muthiya** — steamed and pan-tossed Gujarati dumplings made with spiced flour and fresh greens * **Dabeli Pastry** — the beloved spiced potato street snack of Kutchh, dressed up in a flaky layer * **Omakase** — chef's choice * **Palak Dal Dhokli** — silky lentil broth with hand-rolled wheat pasta, spinach, and all the sides * **Mango Pudding** — a sweet three layered, cool finish *Fully plant-based, intimate gathering of 10 people, BYOB if you wish.*

Hi all, cost & info below, Please join everyone for a stunning 3.5 mile, 5 mile or 6.5 mile beautiful, fascinating walk. We will walk along part of an amazing stretch of the River Thames and the local area adjacent, see where some of the Pilgrims set sail on the Mayflower ship, the captain of the Mayflower is buried in the local churchyard, the names and messages from the crew written on the walls, the old warehouses, remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, where Captain Cook prepared his Australian voyage and Samuel Pepys drank, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted by J.W Turner coming in to be hauled and scrapped Where Charles Dickens described this area as the poorest in London, Butler's Whaft and the amazing Shad Thames, a stunning historical area, location of Maltby Street Market (operates weekends only) a Tibetan tea room, a old factory where seal fur was made, beautiful parks and canals and a wall with an eye looking at you! £10 cash/card payment by simply turning up on the day Please meet outside the front of The Gregorian Pub, 96 Jamaica Road, Bermondsey, SE16 4SQ. Turn Left out of Bermondsey Underground Station (Jubilee Line) and the pun is about 200 meters on your left past all the small shops. Please note: This walk does not repeat or cover routes from the recent London Bridge and Bermondsey walk. This is a completely different walk 3.5 mile option ends back at Bermondsey Underground Station, does not include walk along an amazing stretch of the River Thames, Pilgrims Mayflower ship, captain burial, names and messages from the remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, Captain, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted, beautiful parks and canals 5 mile option ends at Canada Water Underground Station (Jubilee Line) does not include walk along an amazing stretch of the River Thames, Pilgrims Mayflower ship, captain burial, names and messages from the remains Edward III Manor House, Mudlarkers, Captain, the 'Fighting Temeraire' was painted 6.5 mile circular walk ends back at Bermondsey Underground Station ABOUT OUR SECRET LONDON WALKS It is a 15-year fascinating journey together to explore the whole of beautiful, enchanting Secret London. The only walking group in the World offering this unique experience! The individual walks have been created from an original route several miles in length (usually on average about 25 miles) where we have checked every nook and cranny, every hidden alleyway, lane, lost cobbled path, cul de sac, avenue, road or street in that area for you! It is then shortened, to give back to you a magical walk with all the best bits of 'Lovely London', voted the best City in the World for the 10th year running! What is given back to you is the most scenic, healthy walk (usually 3-6 miles in length) with some of the walks containing hidden cobbled lanes, lost shops, secret gems, areas lost in time, wonderful views, idyllic Instagram photo shots and all sorts! Now and then some brief local info is mentioned or something of historical importance along the way. You will have plenty of time to chat and meet new friends whilst walking the amazing lost areas of London! So we welcome you to the colourful highlights of this fascinating City of London with simply wonderful things to see! TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE ensure ARRIVAL at least 15 minutes BEFORE the start of the walk, sorry no latecomers are accepted for whatever reason. Members attend the unique walks from our different meetup groups. IF LATE, SORRY WE ARE UNABLE TO RECEIVE CALLS OR ANSWER EMAILS AS WELCOMING MEMBERS, LEADING THE WALK, AND CONCENTRATING ON THE SAFETY OF THE GROUP. PLEASE DO NOT BE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CATCH THE GROUP UP, PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Part Tour - Medium pace walk from 'Visit England' Award-Winning Guide and our group featured in the National Press! Please Note: Some events, being a large attended meetup group will be an organised walk only, but members are very welcome to organise their own get-togethers after the event. You are required to be fit and healthy with appropriate footwear & clothing, responsible for meeting at the correct location, own safety and to not lose the group by viewing the organiser/making the organiser aware as much as possible, or follow/not lose sight of the person(s) from the same walk in front. We advise carrying water and some snacks. The organiser is also not responsible for any circumstances that may affect the group or personally such as personal accidents, rail information, engineering works, cancellations, rail strikes or delays, heavy traffic, tours affected, weather, walk paths or routes closed, postcodes for car parks or for when we arrive back at the station, or anything else not mentioned! By joining the event you agree to all the terms and conditions. No Dogs allowed sorry We really look forward to welcoming you on the walks/tours for a wonderful, great, fun day!

BOOK YOUR TICKET 👉🏼 [HERE](https://itsadate.club/event/sunday-park-walk-30/). Connecting with potential partners is a walk in the park when you’re doing something you love! If you’re active, enjoy a good social scene, and are into the outdoors, join us with 30 single guests for a 6.5 km walk around the Regents Park and Primrose Hill Circular. Switch scrolling for strolling during this wholesome morning, which includes a hosted walk, coffee (or tea), and a homemade chocolate brownie. Meet Ollie, your host, outside Regents Bar and Kitchen in Regents Park Inner Circle and just a short walk from Baker Street Station. After a stroll around Queen Mary’s Garden, we will continue through Marylebone Green and the English Gardens of Regent’s Park. We’ll then head north, crossing Regents Canal via the Monkey Gate, and make our way up to the viewpoint at Primrose Hill. Here, we’ll stop for coffee and homemade brownies—a great opportunity to socialise more widely with the group and get to know as many people as possible. If the weather isn’t kind to us, we’ll take refuge in a nearby café around Primrose Hill. After this short interlude, we will continue clockwise on the circuit, re-joining The Board Walk in Regents Park as we pass London Zoo, and then return to Marylebone Green, where we’ll conclude at the Japanese Garden. This is a super-relaxed morning walk and a fantastic opportunity to meet a fun bunch of people while getting your steps in along the way. After the walk, the usual post-event matching and messaging will be available on your It’s a Date dashboard. Alternatively, there are plenty of nearby trails and cosy Marylebone pubs to extend your date with newfound connections. If you have any questions about the event or how things will work, please get in touch with Ollie at 07517 065492 or ollie@itsadate.club.

**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.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

ASH is Atheists, Skeptics and Humanists of First Unitarian Universalists of Columbus Ohio TBD Snacks are usually available, and you are welcome to bringing something to share!