Picturesque hike in South Downs to celebrate National Walking Month
May 1, 2024
A picturesque hike will take place in the South Downs National Park to celebrate National Walking Month.
The National Park has teamed up with community group Muslim Hikers for a guided seven-mile ramble through stunning woodlands, hills, and historic villages in East Hampshire.
The trek, on Sunday, 19 May, will begin and end at Queen Elizabeth Country Park Visitor Centre, Waterlooville, and will be led by professional mountain guides.
Josh Esan, Engagement and Events Officer for the National Park, said: “With the weather warming up and spring in full swing, National Walking Month is a wonderful opportunity to explore the South Downs and see some of these incredible nature havens that are on the doorstep of places like Portsmouth and Southampton. We’ve chosen a location that is relatively easy to get to and also offers some of the best views of country and coast.
“All have been welcome to this walk, regardless of religious background or ability. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded hikers and adventurers from across the country and enjoy a scenic social trek as part of a professionally-organised event with qualified mountain guides.”
Muslim Hikers is part of the Active Inclusion Network and organises guided walks at locations across the UK.
Haroon Mota, Founder and Director of the Active Inclusion Network, said: “Relationships and partnerships like this are crucial in helping break down barriers to the outdoors and ensuring communities feel more welcome. There is such a huge demand for inclusive community walks like these, and the fact that we already have 150 people booked for this event highlights this need. We hope this will be the first of many projects in this partnership.”
The East Hampshire walk follows on from the success of a similar trek at Seven Sisters Country Park, near Eastbourne, earlier this year.
Tickets have now sold out for this event, but check out the Muslim Hikers website for upcoming events.