Mountains

**\*TRIP FULL\*** Step into the heart of the **Cairngorms National Park** for a weekend of **stunning mountain scenery, royal history, and Highland charm**. **RETURN TRAVEL ON THE CALEDONIAN SLEEPER TRAIN INCLUDED!** **A bed in a single-sex, twin room from London to The Cairngorms (return)! - NO DAYS OFF WORK!** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* This unforgettable adventure begins with an overnight journey on the **Caledonian Sleeper**, taking you from the bustle of London to the wild beauty of Scotland. Over two days, you’ll **hike one of Scotland’s most famous Munros, explore historic royal landmarks, and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes**—all while enjoying cozy Highland hospitality. On **Saturday**, we’ll take on the mighty **Lochnagar (1,155m)**, a Munro renowned for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping summit views. The hike offers a **perfect mix of challenge and reward**, with unforgettable scenery stretching across the Cairngorms. Afterward, we’ll relax in the charming village of **Ballater or Braemar**, enjoying a well-earned meal and a comfortable stay in a Highland hotel. **Sunday** brings a change of pace with a scenic walk through the **Balmoral Estate**, following the **Royal Cairns Circuit**, a trail that winds through **forests, hills, and striking stone cairns** built in memory of the British royal family. **Trip Highlights:** ✅ **Summit Lochnagar**, one of Scotland’s most iconic Munros ✅ Discover the **Royal Cairns Circuit**, including Prince Albert’s Pyramid ✅ Experience the beauty of **Loch Muick and the Balmoral Estate** ✅ Enjoy a stay in a **Highland village**, with great food and cozy accommodation ✅ Travel in comfort on the **Caledonian Sleeper**—a true Scottish adventure! We will sort out the logistics, travel and accommodation - You just need to turn up at the meeting point and enjoy :) You don't need to have any prior experience (although reasonable fitness is expected as it is a mountain after all) and the small group size will enable us to give you our full attention throughout the weekend, ensuring your safety and enjoyment is our number one priority. \*\*\* **ITINERARY** *Please note that exact timings and order of activities are subject to change, based on the local conditions at the time.* **Day 0 - Friday evening** * Meet outside London Euston train station at 8pm and board the **Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Aberdeen** and settle in for a **night of adventure on the rails** (bed in a single-sex, twin room with one of your fellow adventurers). * Drift off to the gentle rhythm of the train, dreaming of the mountains ahead. **Day 1 - Saturday: Hike Lochnagar & Highland Stay** * Meet your guide as your overnight train arrives in **Aberdeen** and enjoy a scenic 1.5hr drive through **Royal Deeside** to **Loch Muick** where you will begin the ascent of **Lochnagar (1,155m)**, one of Scotland’s most **iconic Munros**, admired by Queen Victoria and immortalized in poetry by Lord Byron. * Expect dramatic **cliffs, sweeping moorland, and unforgettable summit views**over the Cairngorms. * After reaching the summit of Lochnagar, you will descend back to the minibus and drive to the charming villages of **Ballater or Braemar**, nestled in the heart of the Highlands. * You will check into your Highland hotel and enjoy a **well-earned meal**, perhaps sampling **some local whisky**. **Day 2 - Sunda**y: **The Royal Cairns & return to London** * After breakfast, a short drive takes you to the Balmoral Estate, the summer retreat of the British royal family. * Embark on the Royal Cairns Circuit, a scenic 3-4hr walk through woodlands and hills, visiting stone cairns built to commemorate members of the royal family. * Highlights include: * **Prince Albert’s Pyramid**, the largest and most striking memorial. * **Beautiful forest trails** and views over **Balmoral Castle**. * At the end of the day you can enjoy a leisurely drive back to Aberdeen, perhaps stopping for a quick café visit in Ballater before boarding the **Caledonian Sleeper** and settling in for a smooth overnight journey back to London (expect to arrive at London Euston around 8am on Monday) **\*\*\*** **DIFFICULTY:** This trip is designed to be an **easy-moderate** 2-days in Scotland. The routes are straight forward but some steep uphill and downhill hiking is unavoidable. A reasonable level of fitness is expected, but you don't need to be a super-athlete to join this trip. Your **qualified guide** is highly experienced enough to keep the pace slow and everyone happy, safe and motivated throughout the trip **TRANSPORT:** A bed on The Caledonian Sleeper Train between London and Aberdeen and minibus road transfers in Scotland **ACCOMMODATION:** Single-sex, twin rooms on The Sleeper Train and single-sex rooms in a warm and comfy highland log cabin \*\*\* Join us for **a weekend of adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes**—the perfect Highland escape! 🚶‍♂️🏔️✨ **Cost:** £495. *To join, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We'll then be in contact with more details* *Included in the price:* * Return Sleeper Train train travel between London and Aberdeen * Transport and logistical support in Scotland * 1 night accommodation in Scotland * 2-days guided hiking by a highly experienced and qualified mountain leader *Not included in the price:* * All food/drink * Personal hiking kit * Personal travel insurance \*\*\* *All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)* ***Please be aware of our [Participation Statement](https://www.citymountaineering.com/participation-statement) and [Terms & Conditions](https://www.citymountaineering.com/terms-and-conditions) prior to joining***

Ready to get outside? Our Friday morning Nordic Walk in Brockwell Park is back! At this moment we can meet with up to 30 people (of more than two households) to do outdoor exercise and walks. However, i like to keep our exercise groups small, so I have set the maximum participants at 12. For now this walk is for our experienced Nordic Walkers only, who already used to Nordic Walk with us regularly before Covid 19 kept us indoors, and who have their own Nordic Walking poles. As this session is outdoors, we will not ask you to wear a face mask, but we do ask you to keep 2 meters apart. Some of our walkers might be immune compromised or more at risk, so please help us keep everyone safe! Please do not come to the session and stay at home if: - you know you have been in contact - in the last 2 weeks- with someone with symptoms of possible Covid, or if you have been in contact with someone who tested positive. - you have any of the following symptoms: (new) Loss of smell/taste, Persistent cough, Fatigue, Loss of appetite, Skin rash, Hives, Fever, Severe muscle pain, Shortness of breath, Diarrhoea, Delirium, Abdominal pain, Chest pain, Hoarse voice, Eye soreness, Sore or painful throat, Nausea or vomiting, Headache, Dizziness or light headedness We meet by the Blackbird bakery in Herne Hill, between the station and the park. Session Price: £10 per session, £89 for a 10-session card or £70 unlimited sessions per month. Session cards and Pay Monthly can be used in any of our outdoor walks or indoor Zoom classes sessions (except for the Parkinson's sessions). Pay What Works: The price shown above is the “true” value of the session that best reflects the work I put into preparing and leading your session. However, I understand that not everyone can afford to pay full price, and I don’t want that to stop you from joining us. In an effort to find a balance between more financial accessibility and sustainable pricing, I now offer a “Pay What Works” model. This allows for financial flexibility while still valuing and respecting the work and energy I provide in creating and delivering these classes. Then send an email to ailien@fitandhappyoutdoors.com with the heading “INVOICE please”- followed by “FAHO 1” to pay full price as quoted below, “FAHO 2”, for 20% off, or “FAHO 3” for 50% off. Please do tell me if you want to pay for 10 sessions, or if you’d like to pay monthly. I prefer payment by bank transfer, but if that is not possible you could pay in cash. No cheques please, the queues by the banks are just too long. We walk in all safe weather conditions – if a walk is cancelled, we will contact you to let you know. Please check for text messages or Meetup messages before leaving home!

Join us on Friday 12th June at Kiosk N1C, Coal Drops Yard, for the first-ever Mouthpiece Global IRL link-up. Mouthpiece Global is a platform dedicated to documenting, preserving and celebrating the culture and craft of grill making around the world. For one day only, we’re bringing that community into a physical space. Explore a curated space featuring a library of grill maker work from across the globe, discover new creators and connect with fellow creatives, collectors and makers Whether you’re an established jeweller, an emerging grill maker, a collector, artist, or simply curious about the culture, this is an open invitation for everyone! **Opening time; 3pm - 10pm** *LIVE ART DEMO* By Artist Ellise 💸 **Free** Come Through. Meet people. Stay for 10mins or 3hours 🤷🏾‍♀️

**🚨 Important: Meetup RSVP is not a valid ticket. All attendees must purchase a ticket via our link!** Join an exclusive evening at **Nobu Bar, Nobu Hotel London Portman Square** — one of the world's most iconic luxury hotel bars, right in the heart of Mayfair. **[Tickets available in Advance Only Here](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2211695/r/nobuhotel)** We'll be taking over the main section of the Nobu Bar for a stylish semi-private evening with **75 members and guests**. Expect a beautifully curated crowd of London professionals, effortless conversation, and the unmistakable glamour of one of London's most celebrated venues. A **welcome drink** will be waiting for guests who arrive before 8:30pm — simply collect your token on arrival and exchange it at the bar. With a **DJ** setting the mood throughout the evening, this is the perfect Friday night out for those who appreciate exceptional venues, great company, and real-life connection. ### 🕗 Evening Schedule * **8:00 PM** — Arrival & welcome drink token (available until 8:30pm) * **8:00–10:00 PM** — Mingling, cocktails & conversation * **10:00 PM–12:00 AM** — DJ & late evening vibes **Dress code:** Smart, stylish, and evening-ready **Age guide:** 28–49 (approx) 🪪 Photo ID may be required by the venue **[Tickets available in Advance Only Here](https://buytickets.at/cocktailsconversation/2211695/r/nobuhotel)**

Have you ever wanted to be immersed within either the city or nature in the form of a walk and socialise at the same time? If so, this may be the right walk for you. Welcome to another one of the WALK events where you have the opportunity to explore all the scenic routes I’ll execute whether there’s nature within, whether we get immersed within the city and feel great about yourself. 

With this particular walk, we will be walking through Regents park, pit stopping on Primrose Hill for the scenery and then finishing off in Camden Town. A mixture of traversing through nature, embracing the skyline view, possibly embracing the street markets and finishing off at an Irish pub to relax or party. 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: Baker Street
Ending point: Camden Town
Walking length: 2.4 miles
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes +
Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. 

WHAT - Walk from Baker Street to Camden
WHERE - Baker Street/Camden
WHEN - 7:30pm - 11pm
MEETING POINT - Outside Baker Street station near the Sherlock Holmes statue
NEAREST STATION - Baker Street Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. If you are coming to the Irish pub, please bring ID.

 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.

**Backabush is going hiking on the amazing Isle of Man!** Group size - 16. Number of nights - 4. Accommodation - recently refurbished seafront hotel. **FOR MORE INFO AND TO RSVP PLEASE VISIT: [https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/307062588](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/307062588)**

**About** THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER has about 135 roped/auto-belays numbered routes with each route having up to 6 grades giving it approx 700 routes in total. THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER offers bouldering, top-roping, leading and auto-belays at their center. Some of us prefer bouldering while others will be in the top roping, leading or auto-belaying - this is up to you! We climb for a couple of hours and then the group regroups at 12.00 noon sometimes without me other times with me in The Brownswood pub, 271 Green Lanes, Finsbury Park, London N4 2EX for a spot of lunch and a libation. (https://goo.gl/maps/S4FZ9j1AYMPDs7uQ6) a stone's throw from the castle. **Meetups** We get together every Thursday & Sunday at THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER meeting at 9:00am in the warming up area or else look out for someone wearing a black RAMS t-shirt around the center. If you're joining for the first time let us know via message and we will keep an eye out for you at the start :) **New Climbers!** Unfortunately, if you haven't climbed before it isn't as easy as just turning up and climbing up the wall. To climb safely you need to understand the hazards and be able to use the equipment correctly. You must have basic climbing skills and know how to put on a harness, attach a rope to a harness using a rethreaded figure of eight(figure of eight on the bight) and know how to use a belay device to pay out the rope and secure a falling climber etc. So before your first climb, you may be required by the climbing center to fill out health and safety forms. This may involve a quick test on climbing rules at the counter on arrival. Please add an extra 10/15 minutes before your session if you need to register for the first time. THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER terms and conditions will apply. Please also note signing up for the Meetup session won’t necessarily grant you access to the center. **Other communication** Within these groups, you are possibly likely to develop long-lasting friendships. Don't forget we have a Discord page and WhatsApp https://chat.whatsapp.com/JNJ81oLSKB2JGaNm79em0C. The group will always be very varied when it comes to climbing levels, abilities and modality preferences. Do shout out if you have any questions. If you want to have a chat about this or other meetups, or just to keep in touch, ask to join us on Discord and/or WhatsApp. We have a dedicated THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER chat, but also talk about all things climbing (and some non-climbing!) including trips, gear talks and looking for climbing partner/s situations. **You’ll Rock it** A word of warning this sport is very, very addictive once bitten your its mistress for life. The simple challenge of you against the rock is sublime, there are competitions but then really the only real competition is 'you and the rock'. As climbing can be a very social activity we look forward to sharing our passion with yours. *Happy climbing!* p.s. Eventually, we will be starting and incorporating our climbing academy where we aim to bring skills, ropework and technique etc to enhance your climbing ability, using 25mm chalk bag colored belts to indicate your level. Naturally, THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER will also run courses to help improve your techniques too. Contact THE CASTLE CLIMBING CENTER for more info.

**🎟 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** 🦉 **Balcombe Loop (17km) A Scenic Escape around the Ardingly Reservoir** Leave the city behind as we hike through woodlands and farmland, making our way towards the Ouse Valley Viaduct and around the banks of Ardingly Reservoir, a haven for nature lovers. Wrap up your adventure with a relaxing café or pub stop before heading home. 📍 Balcombe Train Station ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Easy to moderate, 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://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** **🐻 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_/)**

Where the journey is the Adventure! From the heart of London to the Isle of Wight and back in a single day (by public transport). A beautiful coastal hike across the Isle of Wight, following open countryside and clifftop paths. As we approach the western tip of the island, the dramatic chalk stacks of the Needles come into view, offering one of the most striking landscapes in the UK. *⚠️ **NOTE: This event is only open to known/selected attendees that are flexible and understand the risks with such a tightly scheduled trip. There is always a chance of delays or missing a connection! Please initially add yourself to the waitlist** (taking limited numbers).* 🟠 **HIKE:** 📏 22km (13.6 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 500m 💓 Av. Pace: **5.3km/h!\*** *[\*Strict pace]* 📍 **Waterloo: Opposite Platform 14** ⌚Meet from 08:01, the train departs at **08:26** **Schedule**: 🚉 **08:26: Waterloo** \> Train to Brockenhurst \> 10:37 🚉 **10:42**: **Brockenhurst** 10:42 > Lymington Pier > 10:52 🛳️ 11:20 (Gate closes **11:05!**): **Lymington Pier Ferry** to Yarmouth Pier > 12:00 🚶🏻 12:15am: Hike to The Needles (circular) 🛳️ 19:05 (Gate closes **18:50!**) **Yarmouth Pier** to Lymington Pier > 19:45 🚉 **19:57**: Lymington Pier to Brockenhurst > 20:07 🚉 **20:14** **Brockenhurst** \> Waterloo 22:21 🎟️ Train Tickets: **It is best to purchase on the day with a Network Rail Card or group disocunt.** Purchase an Open Return from **Waterloo** to **Lymington Pier.** 🎟️ **Ferry Tickets**: **[Book Here](https://www.wightlink.co.uk/book)**[ ](https://www.wightlink.co.uk/book). Purchase a return from Lymington Pier to Yarmouth pier. *Purchase near the time and check for any update messages first.* ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ 🚻 Waterloo, on-board train, destination. 🧎 Prayer: We will take a breaks on route. **🎒 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)**

📏 **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 8:20am, leave 8:40am for the 8:54am train • Return: 7:36pm 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: [LYUBAVA](https://www.outdooraholics.co.uk/MeetTheOutdooraholics.pdf) • Contact (hike day only): 07883 405294 🍽️ **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

**🎟 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** 🦉 **Balcombe Loop (17km) A Scenic Escape around the Ardingly Reservoir** Leave the city behind as we hike through woodlands and farmland, making our way towards the Ouse Valley Viaduct and around the banks of Ardingly Reservoir, a haven for nature lovers. Wrap up your adventure with a relaxing café or pub stop before heading home. 📍 Balcombe Train Station ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM Easy to moderate 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://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** **🐻 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_/)**

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.

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

**HAPPY HOUSE HUNTERS JOIN THE CENTRAL OHIO INVESTOR NETWORK [COIN}** \* Time: 5 pm‎ - ‎8 pm‎ ‎ [Eastern Time] Every Third Tuesday \* Where: Pastimes Pub at Grandview Yard, 775 Yard St., Columbus 43212 \* Description: Join Us for the Ultimate Real Estate Meet and Greet! Flip, Buy and Hold, Long-Term Rentals, Mid-Term Rentals & Short-Term B&B! Are you passionate about real estate investments or curious about the world of long-term rentals, mid-term rentals, or short-term rentals? Look no further because the "Happy House Hunters" and "The Inns and Outs of a B&B" invite you to come together with COIN for exciting monthly Meet and Greet events for all real estate investors! We look forward to seeing you there!

**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.