Muslim Hikers Celebrate Five Years with a Month of Milestone Hikes

September marked a special milestone for Muslim Hikers, five years since the launch of the movement.
To celebrate, the community came together for a month of anniversary hikes across the country, each delivered in partnership with a National Park or National Trail.

More than 450 hikers joined across four weekends, from the rolling chalk valleys of Yorkshire to the dramatic cliffs of the South Downs, in a series that showcased the power of community, representation and collaboration in the outdoors.

Yorkshire Wolds Way – In Partnership with National Trails

Our first celebration hike took us to the Yorkshire Wolds, where 100 hikers set off from Huggate for a circular walk through Millington Woods and the stunning dry chalk valleys of this unique landscape.

“A joyful celebration of community and nature saw nearly 100 people hike from Huggate to Millington in a circular route, taking in the stunning dry chalk valleys of the unique Yorkshire Wolds landscape and Millington Woods.

Marking five years of Muslim Hikers, the event was a fantastic way to welcome new members as well as familiar faces to the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail. Muslim Hikers is a fantastic organisation engaging people with nature in an active way, and we look forward to exploring new hikes and landscapes together next year.”

– Edith Denton, Senior Countryside Access Officer, National Trails

Wainstones Circular – In Partnership with North York Moors National Park

The celebrations continued in the North York Moors, where a group of hikers took on the Wainstones Circular, a route of sweeping ridges, heather moorland, and legendary rock formations.

“I’ve had the pleasure of organising and attending Muslim Hiker events in the North York Moors since the partnership began, and September’s walk around the Wainstones was no different — smiles for miles, capturing views and sharing stories.

National Parks are for everyone to enjoy. Our partnership and friendship with Muslim Hikers continues to create lasting memories and meaningful connections with people and the place.”

– Emily Watson, Regenerative Tourism Manager, North York Moors National Park

Seven Sisters Cliffs – In Partnership with South Downs National Park

The third hike in the series took us to the South Coast, where 150 hikers tackled the iconic Seven Sisters Cliffs in partnership with the South Downs National Park, finishing with cream tea at Saltmarsh Farmhouse.

“Working with Muslim Hikers has been a fantastic experience. Their work connects people to nature and our beautiful National Parks, often for the first time. It embodies exactly what our National Parks are about, beautiful landscapes full of nature, enjoyed and cared for by all. In a world full of negativity, it’s wonderful to work with a group that spreads joy, connection, and positive experiences where everyone is welcome. We wish them a very happy fifth anniversary and look forward to continuing our work together.”

– Ruth James, Head of Communications & Engagement, South Downs National Park Authority

Box Hill – In Partnership with Surrey Hills National Landscape

The final hike of the month saw another 100 hikers join us at Box Hill, just 20 miles from London, for a day of woodland trails and sweeping views — hosted with the Surrey Hills National Landscape and the National Trust.

“We’ve loved welcoming Muslim Hikers to the Surrey Hills National Landscape each year — it’s always a joyful experience full of connection.

Partnering with organisations like Muslim Hikers helps bring our mission to life, empowering people to discover nature on their doorstep and travel sustainably, often by train from London. This year’s hike at Box Hill with the National Trust was a brilliant example of how collaboration can deepen our collective impact, and we look forward to more hikes into the future.”

– Emma Cole, Communications Lead, Surrey Hills National Landscape

Reflecting on Five Years

Since launching during lockdown as a small online page, Muslim Hikers has grown into the world’s largest community platform for Muslims in the outdoors, hosting hundreds of hikes and inspiring thousands of people to explore nature with confidence and belonging.

“Five years have passed so quickly. We’ve been so focused on serving communities and managing rapid growth, often with very little resource, that we’ve barely had time to reflect.

But this month was a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how powerful partnerships can be in helping us improve quality, reduce barriers, and reach new communities.

Here’s to the next five years.”

– Haroon Mota, Founder, Muslim Hikers