Nature Walks

We will meet at the St James' Park tube station. From there we will walk via St James's Park, Buckingham Palace, Green Park and arrive at Hyde Park. * From there we will continue via the Rose Gardens and the Serpentine to arrive at Kensington Gardens. We will finish our walk at the Italian Gardens. * Optional lunch/drinks at the end of the walk. Refreshments and toilet facilities available in the vicinity. What to bring: Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash or card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). ***'No Show' Policy:*** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organiser on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

COUNTRY and COASTAL WALK - BENFLEET to LEIGH on SEA. **This is Part one of our Essex two part coastal walk today.** SCENIC ROUTE : Enjoy a Daytrip by rail to from London to Benfleet for an Essex Country and Coast walk. Commencing with a 5 mile countryside walk from Benfleet to Hadleigh Castle and Leigh-on-Sea. **WALK START: At Benfleet Railway Station** WALK ROUTE: From Benfleet through the countryside and up to Hadleigh Castle before descending down into the historic fishing village of Leigh on Sea. WALK DISTANCE: Approx: 5 miles. WALK FINISH: Leigh on Sea High Street STOPOUT POINTS: None If travelling from London for the walk, meet at London Fenchurch Street Station at 10.00am with a view to catching the 10.30am train (arriving in Benfleet at 11.13am) or at latest 10.45 train from Liverpool Street (arriving at 11.30am).. It will be cheaper to purchase a return ticket to Southend Central Station via Leigh on Sea (if you are also booked on part 2 of the walk to Southend). FRESH AIR: Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air at a couple of seaside towns popular with Londoners. Improve your overall fitness levels on a scenic coastal walk AFTER WALK SOCIALISING: The best way to see these seaside towns is in a group walk. Chat to new friends during the walk and afterwards in a pub. Anyone wishing to travel back to London sooner may do so, but be mindful that you must travel with a group matching the number on your group save ticket. Trains to Liverpool Street are every half hour. http://www.thetrainline.com/ Plan your journey, with TFL's Journey Planner It is NOT recommended that you buy tickets in advance. RISK NOTICE: Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk. In these walks we cross busy roads, use paths alongside water, other rights of way, bridlepaths, country lanes and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Please wear good sturdy shoes, If you require insurance for this walks then you must arrange this yourself. More info: COST: Please note that this is a joint event with Ken's Events. There is a £5 organisers contribution for this walking event for those members and guests not holding the Ken's Events Membership card. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Please only post photos of other members with their consent. **Please note that this is a joint event with Ken's Events.** DISCLAIMER All Ken's Events and events on this group are subject to the same disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer applicable to both groups WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK: For a list of future walks please see[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) You can join kens Events facebook group here. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents)

That weekend they’re doing **Long Walk Live**, a new music festival right on the Long Walk, with **direct views of Windsor Castle**, picnic vibes and a proper summer atmosphere. * **Meeting Point:** [Waterloo Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ugAPNif9kDBui5W26 "Waterloo Station") at 8:30 am * [Download Meeting Point Map (PDF)](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/media/meetingpoint/meeting-point-waterloo-station.pdf "Click here to download the Meeting Point Map") * **Starting Point:** [Virginia Water Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QfiPjkCzY9hZnT7YA "Virginia Water Station") at 9:35 am * **Ending Point:** [Windsor & Eton Riverside Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZJMhQFX8387KLLqt9 "Windsor & Eton Riverside Station") * **Total Distance:** 17.08 km (10.9 miles) * **Hiking Duration:** Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours * **Total Event Duration:** At least 8 hours (including trains, sights, and meals) * **Difficulty:** 2 out of 10 **Event Description:** Join us for a scenic hike through **[Virginia Water Park](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/virginia-water-park "Virginia Water Park")**, featuring the **Cascades** and vibrant **Valley Gardens**. Explore **[Windsor Great Park](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/windsor-great-park "Windsor Great Park")** and follow the iconic **[Long Walk](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/long-walk-in-windsor-great-park "Long Walk")** to the historic **[Windsor Castle](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/windsor-castle "Windsor Castle")**. Highlights include the **Copper Horse Statue** overlooking the **Thames**, the WWII-era **[Virginia Water Lake](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/virginia-water-lake "Virginia Water Lake")**, the enchanting **Cascade waterfall**, and the mysterious **Robber's Cave**. This hike offers both natural beauty and historical charm. **Price**: £12 (without transport) If you’d like to include train tickets, please book directly on our website: https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/virginia-water-cascades-and-windsor-castle-hike.html **Note:** Don’t worry if the attendee list looks small — we also sell tickets on other platforms and our website! Got questions? Call or text **Maria** at **07535 295739**.

For more info and to book visit [HERE](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/upcoming-adventures-1/ola/services/hertfordshire-lee-valley-river-lee-nazeing-marsh-country-park-circular-18-km-moderate-saturday)

Mandy & I had a chat about what Ellie loved, and have decided that this memorial walk should go around the lovely lake in Harrow Lodge Park, and over to where the horses are in The Chase. It will be a bit shorter than the usual walk around that area, as we will have Ellie's friends from other groups coming along, and some may not be used to longer hauls. Some may decide to hop-off at the coffee stop, where Dagenham East Station and bus stops won't be far away. We're meeting at Elm Park Station (11am), when we'll be off through Harrow Lodge Park and over to The Chase & Breton Park. Then its on to Dagenham Village, and Dagenham Parish Church facing the lovely Cross Keys Pub (both pictured above). We'll stop for coffee break in that pub. Normally on this walk, the second half would be a wide arc through Ingrebourne Woods and Hornchurch Country Park, but we'll take a shorter route and also go to a nearer **optional** pub (The Good Intent) where we aim to be by mid-afternoon. For those parked at the start point, or if you need the station, you can either get a 252 bus back or do the walk in 15 minutes. If you do choose to drive to the start point, there are side roads in Elm Park where the yellow lines don't apply on a Saturday. Diban Avenue RM12 4YH is one example, but there's a lot of parking around. If you're coming by train, its Elm Park Station on the District Line. Elm Park is also served by buses 165, 252, 365, 372. [https://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-route-maps/elm-park-a4-0217.pdf](https://content.tfl.gov.uk/bus-route-maps/elm-park-a4-0217.pdf) There will be no need for a £2 contribution today. RISK WARNING/DISCLAIMER: Please remember that as with any physical activity, there can be dangers associated with hiking/walking, especially around waterways, forests, farms and countryside. Your decision to voluntarily participate in this activity is an informed decision. and by attending this event you agree and accept to take sole responsibility for your own actions, your own safety, and your own belongings. Please dress appropriately, including sturdy shoes. Please bring any necessary medication with you. You will need to be sufficiently fit to walk several miles at a moderate pace. We may occasionally cross or walk short distances on roads; country and woodland tracks can be muddy or slippery; animals may be encountered on occasion. INSURANCE: If either yourself or any guests you bring along require insurance for this walk, then you must arrange this yourselves. GUESTS: If you are bringing any guests along, there is no facility on the Meetup site to record their details. Please ensure that you make them fully aware of the Risk Warning/Disclaimer and Insurance statements.

If you crave depth and genuine connection, join a walking think tank of curious people, topics spark meaningful conversations, and you leave inspired. ## Details [The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Join the Introverts of Columbus at Quarry Trails Metro Park for an afternoon walk in the Park. We'll meet near the parking lot area for about 15 minutes before heading out to chat and hike through the metro park. This will be a casually paced walk to allow people to get to know each other, and enjoy nature at the same time. 🚨🚨 Please note that there are multiple parking areas for the Quarry Trails Park, and please note the address in the event to get to the correct starting area! 🚨🚨

Join us for a 2.4 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail south from Casto park to Strawberry Farms park and back. This is a fully paved flat trail along Alum Creek. Come and enjoy a great hike with us!

Gardening for Butterflies Talk and Walk with Butterfly Ridge Saturday, July 18, 2026 Join Chris Kline from Butterfly Ridge for a presentation on gardening for butterflies and a walking tour of Infirmary Mound Park, looking for butterflies, discussing their importance, and how to make butterfly-friendly improvements to residential landscapes. Meet at the James Bradley Center. Christopher Kline’s interest in butterflies began in 1997 when he began tagging Monarch butterflies in Indiana. Since 1997, he has tagged thousands of Monarchs, co-founded the Central Arizona Butterfly Association, and founded the Southwest Monarch Study. He has also served as the Butterfly Specialist at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio. He now is the Director of Butterfly Ridge Butterfly Conservation Center in Rockbridge, Ohio where he and his wife have converted 21 acres of fields and forests into butterfly friendly habitats and have quintupled the butterfly population in the process. He has authored several books including A Field Guide to Tropical Butterflies of American Conservatories, Butterfly Gardening with Native Plants, Butterfly Rider, Moths of Butterfly Ridge, and the Beginner’s Guide to Mothing. Register today! lickingparkdistrict.com You can also drop in the day of. 10AM - 12PM Location: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park, 4351 Lancaster Rd in Granville, Ohio 43023 [Learn more here : https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/226/Upcoming-Programs-and-Events](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/226/Upcoming-Programs-and-Events) [More events in the park: ](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/226/Upcoming-Programs-and-Events) DIY Mosaic Stepping Stone - May 30 Gravel Gardens - June 4 Backyard Prairies - June 11 Rain Barrels - June 18 Moth Night - July 17 Butterfly Talk and Walk - July 18 More! Direct link to LPD activity catalog: https://secure.rec1.com/OH/licking-park-district-oh/catalog

Granville Land Lab 2025 Burg Street | Granville MEADOWS FOR MONARCHS PROJECT Learning Landscapes Tour + Community Science at the Land Lab Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch *meet at shelter house near Granville Intermediate School playground* Free. Registration Required so we know to expect you,[ click here https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour](https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour) Want to make your own wildflower meadow? Residents of licking county can sign up for this free program to receive free seed and training https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/meadows **ABOUT THE EVENT** Join Pollinator Pathway for a morning at the Land Lab, a ~100-acre prairie and outdoor learning space just steps from Granville Intermediate School. This event explores how schools and other campuses can create living classrooms and contribute to community science. * **Tour the Land Lab:** Award-winning environmental science educator Jim Reding will lead guided tours through prairie, wetlands and other restored habitat, sharing the story behind this nationally-recognized space and the students and partnerships who helped make it happen. * **Contribute to Community Science with iNaturalist App:** Learn to identify and document plants, pollinators and other wildlife using iNaturalist. Dr. Karen Goodell, professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University at Newark and one of Ohio's foremost experts on native bees will share how to use this powerful tool to learn about the natural world while contributing to scientific research. * **Connect & Collaborate:** The morning program concludes with an optional BYO picnic lunch and networking at the Land Lab shelter house, overlooking the prairie. **🌸Anyone passionate about conservation and outdoor learning is welcome🌸** **WHAT TO BRING, WEAR & PREPARE** * **Download the iNaturalist app (the new one vs. the "classic" one) & create an account prior to the event if you don't have one already.** * **Sunscreen** * **Water bottle** * **Insect repellent** * **Hat** * **Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain** * **Light-colored clothing.** * **Long pants and socks are encouraged.** * **Please bring a reusable water bottle** * **Packed/picnic lunch.** **Picnic table seating will be available at the shelter house overlooking the Land Lab**

Moth Night with Butterfly Ridge in Granville Friday, July 17, 2026 8:45PM - 11:30PM Join Chris Kline from Butterfly Ridge for an evening learning about and identifying our nocturnal pollinating friends, the moths!! The program lasts a few hours, but you can leave on your own schedule. Free! Registration not required. Christopher Kline’s interest in butterflies began in 1997 when he began tagging Monarch butterflies in Indiana. Since 1997, he has tagged thousands of Monarchs, co-founded the Central Arizona Butterfly Association, and founded the Southwest Monarch Study. He has also served as the Butterfly Specialist at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio. He now is the Director of Butterfly Ridge Butterfly Conservation Center in Rockbridge, Ohio where he and his wife have converted 21 acres of fields and forests into butterfly friendly habitats and have quintupled the butterfly population in the process. He has authored several books including A Field Guide to Tropical Butterflies of American Conservatories, Butterfly Gardening with Native Plants, Butterfly Rider, Moths of Butterfly Ridge, and the Beginner’s Guide to Mothing. 8:30PM - 10:30PM **Location**: Arena Area, Infirmary Mound Park 4351 Lancaster Rd in Granville, Ohio 43023 (Follow Signs in the Park to the Mothing location in the back) Tip: bring a flashlight! More! Direct link to LPD activity catalog: https://secure.rec1.com/OH/licking-park-district-oh/catalog