‘Open minded hearted-centred walks in nature’
Soulwalks are open minded hearted-centred walks in nature, designed and structured to facilitate a more therapeutic and restorative experience whilst walking. In the process creating healthier and happier people and planet.
Soulwalking super-charges the naturally holistic benefits of walking by integrating simple embodied practices of slower movement, breath, mindfulness, honest expression and deep listening, that gently yet profoundly guides people into a more nourishing and trusting relationship with oneself, others and nature.
Soulwalks are both a low cost/on-donation monthly community offering across the UK and beyond. Over the years we’ve had Soulwalks in Kingston, Bristol, York and the Black Mountains. Each Soulwalk is unique and so is their timetable, so please do use the search below to find one near you. This changes on a regular basis, so if there’s not one near you today, there may be one next time you’re looking.
‘Soulwalk for Business’ are also options for organisations and businesses primarily used as a wonderful tool to connect your communities and employees.
Search below for your local Soulwalk.
They are hosted by Soulwalk Leaders who have been trained by Soulhub, and offer their own flavour for your unique experience, including themed Soulwalks for herbalism, photography, sound baths etc.
What do you need to know about Soulwalks?
Soulwalks are very much about the awareness and presence of the person(s) leading the Soulwalk in creating and holding a space, or atmosphere that is safe, welcoming and therapeutic. It’s a type of moving “Sangha” (buddhist term for group support), it’s a sharing circle by nature but not always in structure. In other words there is no professional therapy or advice given, but rather just a responsibly guided social support group where matters of the mind, heart & soul can be safely shared and explored.
Soulwalks are multi-faith or even no faith spaces where the meanings and terrain of life can be compassionately explored from multiple perspectives.
Soulwalks are limited to 12 people per leader so as to make sure everyone feels seen, heard and held. In general they are morning walks, of approx. 3kms (more or less), walking at a gentle pace for all.
At Soulhub we are passionate about empowering and supporting others. Hence we love to theme some our Soulwalks, giving local people an opportunity to be featured on part of a walk. People can share either their inspirational life stories or specialist subjects and talents such as botany, herbalism, foraging, gardening, music, art, dance or anything that is either educational or inspirational.
Soulwalks are always on public land and in spaces that are safe and easily accessible. They must not enter private property or any protected environment without permission. Each Soulwalk Leader has a different level of experience of their local terrain and area. E.g. Some are Mountain Leader qualified, others are more ‘group facilitator’s’ and so they are asked to inform you on the booking system, so you can take responsibility of the terrain they will be leading you through.
Background:
We held our first public Soulwalk in October 2019 in Richmond Park. Soon after, we collaborated with Crabtree & Evelyn to bring 7 themed Soulwalks (Safari tales, herbal medicine tour) across the major parks in London. Extract Coffee, asked us to create their Soulwalk in Bristol for customers and community. From here, we’ve been rolling with them.
In 2020, Carmen headed off for an ‘Around the British Isles’ Soulwalk which was halted by the pandemic, a return to London, meeting Andrew to create monthly Soulwalks in Richmond.
Soulwalk™ aims are to facilitate:
- Better understand and compassion of ourselves and each other
- Improved mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing
- Deeper connection, appreciation and conservation of our natural world
It is imperative that anyone wishing to partake in a Soulwalk™ resonates, agrees and follows the fundamental principles and values below:
Soulwalk™ values:
- Everyone is WELCOME
- Act local, think global
- Be honest and speak only from personal experience
- Be kind and compassionate to self and others
- Empower others
- No Soulwalker is left behind
- Be YOU and be PRESENT
Terms & Conditions:
- Soulhub has no permissions expressed or implied. Participants make use of the course at their own risk and without express permission from Soulhub.
- Soulhub Soulwalk Leaders will do everything within their capability and knowledge to keep you safe and well throughout our Soulwalks. However, it’s your responsibility to inform the Soulwalk Leader (before you walk) of the following:
- any medical conditions that are relevant to the activity e.g. Pacemaker, stroke.
- serious allergies such as bee stings
- if you are pregnant
- Soulhub do not accept responsibility for injury, loss and damage sustained by a participant unless the above injury, loss and damage is proven to have been caused as a direct result of negligence on the part of the organisers.
- Any current mental diagnosis from a health professional, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, psychotic or borderline psychotic states. Any other medical, psychiatric or physical conditions which would impair or affect your ability to walk or be in a group.
- You should seek advice from your GP if you have concerns about walking for up to 2 hours.
- In joining a Soulwalk, you accept that you do so entirely at your own risk and that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and able to take part in the walk.
- Children under the age of 16 years old are the responsibility of their parents or guardians and need to be accompanied at all times before, during and after the walk.
- The walk is generally not suitable or appropriate for children under 12 years old and definitely not suitable for pushchairs. Please speak to the Soulwalk Leader if you wish to bring children with you, as this will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Children under the age of 11 years old are the responsibility of their parents or guardians and need to be accompanied at all times before, during and after the walk.
- Sadly no dogs allowed, unless they are a certified “Therapy Dog”
‘In every walk with nature one received far more than he seeks.‘
Conservationist and environmentalist John Muir.
Want to get involved?
We’re continually creating Soulwalks for groups, communities and businesses. If you’d like to join a community Soulwalk, or organise one then find out more here or email Carmen.
These are just some of the ways you can get involved:
- Come join us for our next Soulwalk, Bring your friends, school, families, businesses.
- Share news and images from your own daily Soulwalks and follow us #soulwalk @soul_hub
- Become a Soulwalk Leader for your community, business or university.
- Join our Soulhub Community WhatsApp Group
Hear from Soulwalkers:
“I count myself lucky to have discovered Carmen and Andrew’s Soulwalk, and the bonding with nature, trees and deep breathing that happens when you do a soulwalk. I have met ‘by chance’ some amazing people, and it’s been a breath of fresh air to arrive with no expectations (and I must admit a bit of OMG what people will I meet this week) to discover that on each walk I have been fortunate enough to have had some fantastic conversations and have embraced the unexpected, and the unexpected is what I seem to get each time !!!!! I remain a dedicated follower…”
Sophie Martinez
Soulwalk Richmond, 2020
”A great walk with Soulwalk in Hyde Park. Perfect way to spend a Sunday morning. We all met at the meeting point, gathered and started our walk. During our time together we discovered parts of the park we had not seen before, which led to new conversations as the scenery led to new open thoughts and fresh perspectives. Soulwalks are such a great idea as it gives you time out of your day to day life to express hopes and dreams and realities, and therefore wellbeing in nature. I felt up lifted and looking forward to the rest of the day and week. Can’t wait to join the next walk.”
Jason Moore
Soulwalk Hyde Park, 2019
