Nature Walks

Hello ! Join us for a beautiful summer walk through the stunning Darent Valley, taking in chocolate-box villages, riverside scenery, spectacular lavender fields and historic countryside. ⭐️ Organiser’s fee: £7 💜 What’s Included 💜 🌿 Approximately 5-mile linear walk through the picturesque Darent Valley 💜 Visit to the spectacular Castle Farm Lavender Fields, one of the largest lavender farms in the UK 🌿 Wander through acres of vibrant purple lavender in full bloom, filling the air with its wonderful fragrance 📸 Fantastic photo opportunities amongst the lavender fields 🍦 Opportunity to purchase delicious lavender ice cream ☕️ Try lavender tea and browse a wonderful selection of lavender gifts, plants and artisan products 🌾 Enjoy beautiful views across the Kent countryside ⭐️ One of the most colourful and photogenic walks of the summer! ⭐️📸 PHOTO COMPETITION 📸⭐️ Win a beautiful selection of lavender products from the Castle Farm shop! 💜 Simply upload your favourite artistic photographs from the day onto the Meetup event page after the walk. 🌿 I’ll choose a winning image from this wonderfully photogenic walk. ⭐️ Prize: A lovely selection of lavender goodies from the farm shop! ⭐️ Optional Extra ⭐️ For anyone wishing to extend the day, nearby Lullingstone Castle is hosting a special English Civil War Society Weekend. ⚔️ Living history displays ⚔️ Musket and cannon firing demonstrations ⚔️ Re-enactors and historic encampments ⚔️ Castle grounds and gardens A fun and fascinating optional addition for history lovers. 🚆 Meeting Details ⭐️ Meet outside the main ticket barriers at London Victoria Station at 10:20am on Saturday 4th July 🚆 We will catch the 10:55am train to Shoreham (Kent) ⭐️ Alternatively, if you would prefer to meet the group at Shoreham Station, please let me know in advance. 🍺 End of Walk 🌿 We will finish in the attractive village of Eynsford 🍴 Opportunity for food and drinks at The Malt Shovel pub 🚆 Return to London from Eynsford Station 💷 Travel Costs ⭐️ Approximate return train fare: £11 (including GroupSave discount) 🎒 Please Bring 💧 Water ☀️ Sunscreen 🧢 A hat if hot weather is forecast 🥾 Suitable walking footwear 📞 Contact 07816 866300 💜🌿 Come and enjoy one of Kent’s most spectacular summer displays as the lavender reaches its peak bloom. The scent, colour and scenery make this one of the most memorable countryside walks of the year! 🌿💜

Let's spend relaxed afternoon strolling through the great outdoors in Richmond Park with its wide open spaces, grasslands and deer herds; after which we will head over to Bushy Park, the second-largest of London’s eight Royal Parks, famed for its mix of waterways, gardens, and roaming herds of red and fallow deer; and we will end our walk in Hampton Court. * **Meeting point:** We'll meet at Sainsbury's main entrance (location here: https://goo.gl/maps/7PJaSyHpfU16RLYf9) which is 4 min away from the North Sheen Station (Manor Rd.) * **When:** We will meet at 2:00 PM and will depart at 2:15 PM. * **Planned route:** https://ibb.co/JF88g0mQ * **Distance:** 9.32 miles / 15km (about 4 hours and a half) * **Elevation gain:** 80m (elevation chart: https://ibb.co/PGdsgjT5 ) * **Breaks:** There will be bathrooms available midway at Isabella plantation * **Minimum attendees:** 3 (if less, by 5PM the day before, event will be cancelled) Why £1? Nominal fee to incentivize commitment and engagement between us all, which makes for an overall better experience; and helps offset meetup's organizer cost.

I am going to guide us on this 'gentle stroll' through this ever expanding park . This park is taking over from the the former Mucking Landfill Tip.....and the area has seen more changes in recent years than any other place on the Essex coast. The area has diverse habitats which include :- Coastal Mudflats and Saltmarsh designated as a site of special interest and a special protection area. Thames terrace grasslands Ancient Woodlands New woodlands and hedgerows A lake, Ponds and Reed Beds There are takeaway refreshments available.... but please do bring water and any snacks you would require. I shall probably take a picnic.

Canterbury celebrates its famous **Medieval Pageant**, a vibrant festival filled with **knights**, **drums**, **medieval banners**, and **street performances**. After our hike, we’ll arrive just in time to enjoy the **festive atmosphere** and make this **Spartan adventure truly unforgettable**. ## What to See * **Canterbury Cathedral** (exterior visit and precincts time). * **River Stour** meadows and boardwalks. * **Westgate Towers** and medieval streets. * **Greyfriars Gardens** & **Dane John Gardens** for a relaxed city green-space loop. ## Event Details * **Meeting Time:** [Victoria Station ](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PRu6pnryiRf6knnF8 "Victoria Station")at **08:45 am** * **[Download Meeting Point Map (PDF)](https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/media/meetingpoint/meeting-time-victoria-station.pdf "Download Meeting Point Map (PDF)")** * **Starting Point:** [Canterbury East Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yo19zXvUmq21ynXUA "Canterbury East Station") at **10:41 am** * **Finishing Point:** [Canterbury East Station](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yo19zXvUmq21ynXUA "Canterbury East Station") * **Total Distance:** 14 km * **Difficulty:** 4/10 * **Elevation Gain:** 136 m * **Walk Duration:** approx. 5 hours (steady pace + city stops) *Led by Hiking in London Club — see you on the trail, Spartans!* We expect to return to London around 07:30 pm. Any problem finding us, please call or text Maria at 07535295739.

🌿 **Nature Walk & Conversational Spanish** Join us this **Saturday, 4th July at 10:00 AM** for a relaxing walk through **Epping Forest**. We'll enjoy the beauty of nature while chatting about its many benefits for our wellbeing—and you'll also have the chance to practise some conversational Spanish in a friendly, informal setting. Whether you're looking to connect with nature, improve your Spanish, or simply meet new people, everyone is welcome! 📍 **Meeting Point: Pelly House Members Club** 🕙 **Time:** Saturday, 4th July, 10:00 AM **Please confirm your attendance by Friday** so we can plan the group. We look forward to walking and chatting with you! 🌳💚

Join us for a chilled out, circular, stroll around Wanstead Park. The Park is a peaceful space with old trees, open grassland, woodland paths and a beautiful chain of lakes. It has history, with traces of the grand Wanstead House estate that once stood there. We'll take this time to slow down, engage and enjoy nature. We ask that you bring a specific topic you'd like to explore, or a question that's slightly unusual to the every day thinking we get caught in. Examples could be something like: * If you were to be born again, which career would you try out? * What's the best decision you made in the last year? * What is the smallest thing you could change in your life that would have the biggest positive impact right now? No need to bring the cleverest question. Come curious, open, prepared to share and ready to hear new perspectives and maybe even meet life long friends. (See previous events for questions from previous walks.) We'll meet at the park entrance at 10.30am (see photo and map). We'll wait until 10.45am (only) if we know someone is delayed. We'll share our questions all together and then head off as a (loose) group, in pairs or threes, returning to the same park gates around 12.30pm. Access to the park entrance on Wanstead Park Road is easy by public transport, Central Line or Elizabeth Line. By joining the walk you (of course) take full responsibility for your wellbeing. We look forward to meeting you!

A scenic London walk combining royal gardens, hidden ponds, canalside paths, and one of the best skyline viewpoints in the city. Join Sunday Vacations for a relaxed social walk through some of London’s most beautiful green spaces. We’ll explore the elegant gardens of Regent’s Park, climb Primrose Hill for spectacular panoramic views over London, and enjoy a peaceful route filled with nature, hidden corners, and great conversations. This is the perfect activity to meet international people, enjoy a slower side of London, and experience a mix of nature, culture, and iconic city scenery together. ## What to expect ✨ Queen Mary’s Garden & Rose Garden ✨ Japanese Garden & lakeside paths ✨ Regent’s Canal scenery ✨ Primrose Hill panoramic viewpoint ✨ Relaxed social atmosphere ✨ Optional café break near the boating lake ✨ International community vibes The route is approximately **6.4 km** and considered **easy**, with an estimated duration of around **1.5–2 hours** depending on breaks and group pace. Perfect for: • Expats & internationals • Nature lovers • Casual walkers • Newcomers to London • Anyone wanting a relaxed Sunday activity ## Meeting Point 📍 Regent’s Park area (exact location shared in the WhatsApp group before the event) ## Important • Please wear comfortable walking shoes • Bring water and weather-appropriate clothing • Dogs may not be permitted on certain sections of the route • Toilets and cafés are available along the walk ## Sunday Vacations Community Sunday Vacations brings together internationals, expats, professionals, and adventurous locals through social activities, hikes, cultural outings, and curated trips around the world. 🌍 This event is about: ✔ Meeting new people ✔ Enjoying the moment ✔ Discovering places together ✔ Building genuine connections

Join a fun 1-hour walk from Blackheath Station to South Quay Station. Meet and enjoy nature together. instagram @walkieactive 13:00 MEETING POINT: Blackheath Coffee Co, 6-8 Blackheath Village, Blackheath, London SE3 9LE At 13:00 Sunday 5th July. Join us for a fun in-person stroll from Blackheath Station to South Quay. This walk is perfect to enjoy some fresh air, connect with our community, and explore local sights together. Everyone’s welcome, so bring your friends, family, or just yourself! No need to sign up—just turn up ready for a relaxed, one-hour adventure. **IMPORTANT: We will be walking downhill at one point of the walk. We will also shortly walk through a foot tunnel for Approx 10mins.**

Looking for a Sunday that feels like a soft slice of summer? Join us for a beautiful 12–15 km loop through the Darent Valley, where riverside paths, rolling green fields, and blooming lavender come together in one of Kent's most charming landscapes. This valley has been shaped by centuries of life and travel, and you feel it as soon as you step onto the trail. We'll pass beneath the towering arches of the Eynsford Viaduct, a Victorian engineering landmark that has carried trains across the valley since the 1860s. Further along, the route brushes past the historic grounds of Lullingstone Castle, a Tudor manor once visited by Henry VIII and home to the Hart Dyke family for over 500 years. From there, the path opens into the quiet lanes of Shoreham village and the purple shimmer of the lavender fields drifting across the hillsides. As we move through meadows, woodlands, and open countryside, the day settles into that easy summer rhythm where everything feels unhurried and lightly golden. It's the kind of walk where the scenery does the talking: the river winding beside us, the scent of lavender in the warm air, and the countryside unfolding in soft greens and purples — a Sunday that feels sun-warmed, peaceful, and just a little bit dreamy. We will head to a pub near the station when we finish for a pint or/and lunch. ## 📅 **Event Details** **Meeting Point:** Eynsford Station (Start / Finish) **Meeting Time:** 10:15 AM for 10:30 AM sharp start. **Distance:** approx. 12 to 15 km **Elevation:** \~300 m approx **Difficulty:** Moderate **Pace:** Steady **Estimated Finish:** Around 2 PM ## 🌿 **Route Highlights** * **Eynsford Viaduct Viewpoint** — one of Kent’s most photogenic spots, especially in summer light. * **Ancient woodland paths** around Ashen Bank, offering shade and cool forest air. * **Shoreham Village** — postcard‑perfect with its stone bridge and riverside charm. * **Darent Valley Path** — peaceful riverside walking with open fields and gentle breezes. * **Shoreham Lavender Fields** — with sweeping purple rows and great photo opportunities. * **Lullingstone Country Park** and **Castle** — meadows, woodlands, and a relaxed finish back toward Eynsford. This is a circular route full of **colour, greenery, and soft summer atmosphere** — the kind of day that feels wrapped in the easy warmth of summer countryside. ## 🎒 **What to Bring** * Comfortable hiking boots or sturdy shoes * At least **2L of water** * Packed snacks * Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) * Light layers — summer can still surprise * Good vibes and your best Sunday‑summer energy ## 📌 **Important Notes** * **Stay Together:** Please stay with or behind the hike leader to keep the group moving smoothly and regular catch ups. * **Respect the Area:** Parts of the route pass through the **Kent Downs National Landscape** — please respect wildlife, fields, and local guidelines. * **Group Rules:** Please read the “About Us” section before joining: [https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities](https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities?utm_source=copilot.com%20%22www.meetup.com%22) * **Safety:** This is a voluntary activity. You are responsible for your own safety and for respecting fellow walkers, wildlife, and the environment. No risk or service is inferred or accepted by the organiser. 📱 **If you’re lost or running late:** 07830 374 629

## Walk With Pawla @ Hampstead Heath Join us for a relaxed, friendly dog group walk through one of London’s most beautiful green spaces This walk is all about connection — for both dogs *and* humans. ## WALK DETAILS **Walk Start:** Hampstead Heath Station *(We’ll meet just outside the station — look out for Pawla staff)* **Walk Route:** A scenic walk through Hampstead Heath, passing **Parliament Hill**, and finishing at **Kenwood House**. **Walk Duration:** Approx. **40–50 minutes** at an easy, relaxed pace **Walk Finish:** Kenwood House *(A great spot to chat, take photos, and let the dogs enjoy the space)* ## ABOUT THE WALK This is a **social dog walk**, designed to be calm, welcoming, and inclusive. Whether you’re coming alone or with friends, you’ll find it easy to chat, connect, and enjoy the walk together. ✔ Friendly dogs welcome ✔ No pressure, no rush ✔ A mix of walking and socialising ✔ First-timers very welcome We’re also giving out **free healthy dog snacks** during the walk ## PHOTOS & VIDEOS (FRIENDLY NOTICE) Pawla staff will be taking **photos and short videos throughout the walk** to share in the **Pawla community group chat** and on our **social channels**. By attending, you’re happy to appear in casual event content. If you’d prefer not to be filmed, just let a Pawla team member know on the day — **no problem at all**. ## COST **Free to attend** Just RSVP so we know numbers ## ️ WEATHER The walk will go ahead in normal weather conditions. If there’s extreme weather, we’ll post an update on the event page on the morning of the walk. ## FRIENDLY DISCLAIMER This is a **community-led social walk**, not a professional guided tour or training session. Please: * Dress appropriately for the weather * Wear comfortable shoes * Keep dogs under control and be mindful of others * Be aware of uneven paths, other walkers, cyclists, and wildlife By joining the walk, you take part at your own discretion and accept the usual risks associated with outdoor walking in public green spaces. Above all — **be kind, relaxed, and enjoy the walk** ### Follow Pawla Come hang out with us in our **WhatsApp community** — it’s where all the fun happens **Join WhatsApp:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KeiAO9uyS0aLY1QHSWbx7a](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KeiAO9uyS0aLY1QHSWbx7a) Follow & explore Pawla: **Official website:** [https://www.heypawla.com/](https://www.heypawla.com/) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/pawla.uk/](https://www.instagram.com/pawla.uk/) TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@pawla.uk/](https://www.tiktok.com/@pawla.uk/)

“Adopt the pace of nature her secret is patience.” Ralph Waldo Emerson An embodied, deep time, meditative walk, exploring the key events and spirituality of the formation and life of our 4.5 billion year old mother earth. Reflecting on what the earth's life story is telling us about the our relationship to nature, the fecundity and diversity of life, humanity, the nature of possibility and hope. Widening our understanding of the span of time, waking us up to deep time, broadening our sense of what's truly possible now and emerge with a renewed sense of calm, awe and hope in these challenging times. The walk will bring alive key moments in mother earths life inviting participants to inhabit those moments using our bodies, meditation, reflective exercises, music, readings and poetry. A meditative walk on the life of the earth is next on Sunday 5th July 2-5pm in the churchyard and surrounding countryside of St. Peter & St. Paul Church, Church Ln, Chaldon, Caterham CR3 5AL, UK. arrive 1.45pm for a prompt start at 2pm. Please contact Soul Rewilding [https://www.soulrewilding.co.uk/](https://www.soulrewilding.co.uk/) directly if you'd like us to run an event for your community.

Update:*POSTPONED DUE TO HEAT ADVISORY* Wednesday, July 1, 2026 TENTATIVE RE-SCHEDULED DATE Monday, July 27, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch Updates: https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour 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**

[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).

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

Gravel Gardens 101 with Native Plants Thursday, July 9, 2026 Learn how to design, install, and maintain a water-wise and low-maintenance gravel garden. We will cover plant selection (like drought-tolerant natives), proper gravel depth, and weed prevention. FREE! Register by July 7th at Licking Parks website https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/272/July-2026 Or just show up! (Registering will let you know of any date/time changes) 6PM - 7:30 PM