Recently, I’ve found it very grounding to remember that, whilst we’re creating chaos and division here in our human world, Nature has her own exquisite agenda. She remains steadfast — for now — in her design and rhythms.

The ferns unfurl and reach for the spring sky, the ants build their tiny empires, and all that lay quiet through the cold and darkness of winter regathers, ready to make its dazzling re-entrance. Violence and death play out in Nature, too, of course. But it’s all so much more necessary. And so again, I turn to her, seeking peace among the trees and understanding how privileged I am to be able to do so. Because these are troubled times we’re in.

When things feel particularly hard to hold on the human scale, I find it comforting to think of the macro and micro. Zoom out, and we can appreciate that we’re only a minuscule drop in the ocean; a 16-second blip on the universe’s 24-hour clock. Zoom in, and we find entire civilisations beneath our feet, busy with their master plans as we continue doing what humans do.

Whatever that will be, Nature has her course and, though we might derail it momentarily, she will find it again. So I take deep, grateful breaths in the forest, knowing that, if one thing’s for certain, it’s that everything is transient — both good and bad. And “this, too, shall pass”.

Sophie x

Join a Moved hike

Spring

“In the north country now it is spring and there
Is a certain celebration. The thrush
Has come home. He is shy and likes the
Evening best, also the hour just before
Morning; in that blue and gritty light he
Climbs to his branch, or smoothly
Sails there. It is okay to know only
One song if it is this one. Hear it
Rise and fall; the very elements of you should
Shiver nicely. What would spring be
Without it? Mostly frogs. But don’t worry, he

Arrives, year after year, humble and obedient
And gorgeous. You listen and you know
You could live a better life than you do, be
Softer, kinder. And maybe this year you will
Be able to do it. Hear how his voice
Rises and falls. There is no way to be
Sufficiently grateful for the gifts we are
Given, no way to speak the Lord’s name
Often enough, though we do try, and

Especially now, as that dappled breast
Breathes in the pines and heaven’s
Windows in the north country,
Now spring has come,
Are opened wide.”

— Mary Oliver

Where to hike in the months ahead

May

The Seven Sisters — Eastbourne

The Seven Sisters are a septet of sea-eroded South Downs hills spanning from Eastbourne in East Sussex to the mouth of the River Cuckmere near Seaford. From up here, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the Channel and dazzling flashes of those famous White Cliffs that define England’s south coast.

On Saturday, May 10th, we’ll be heading out for a big, whole-day hike from Eastbourne to Seaford and — for the brave — back again. It’s a tough 33km trail with challenging ups and downs. But, particularly if the weather’s good, it promises to be beautiful.

This is the longest Moved Monthly of the year and an ideal opportunity to put in the miles if you’re working towards a marathon or endurance event. For those who fancy joining but would rather take on a shorter trail, there’s the option to finish halfway at Seaford.

You can join the hike here. Or, if you’d rather follow in our footsteps by yourself, head for the Seven Sisters and Seaford route on AllTrails.

Join the Seven Sisters hike

June

Whitstable to Margate - Kent Coast

The Kent coastline is a stunning place to walk at all times of year — even on blustery winter days. But in the springtime, it’s peppered with yellow, purple and pink flowers and an absolute joy to be beside. Whitstable to Margate is one of my favourite sections.

Beginning in the picture-perfect seaside town of Whitstable — all wooden-cladded houses, oyster shacks and narrow alleys named delightful things like “Squeeze Gut” — the route winds along a gentle, flat path as far as Herne Bay. From there, you ascend into The Downs, a wild sliver of land, and along to Reculver Country Park. Here, perched high above the sea, sit the Reculver Towers and Roman Fort; a perfect spot for a picnic. Then, after lunch, you pick your way gently back down again, passing by the pretty villages of Birchington-on-Sea and Westgate-on-Sea before, eventually, coming into lively Margate for a post-hike drink and perhaps a bite to eat.

You can join Moved to hike this gorgeous 25 km stretch of Kentish coast on Saturday, June 7th, here. For those who prefer a shorter stomp, the trail follows a good bus route. So there are plenty of opportunities to skip off early.

Join the Whitstable to Margate hike

July

Sandwich to Dover - Kent coast

It’s the season of the sunshine coastal walk. And this beautiful, energising 25 km hike follows the Saxon Shore Way from the historic town of Sandwich along the undulating shoreline to Dover. For those who prefer a smaller hike, there’s an easy hop-off point roughly 10 km along at Deal.

Beginning in the historic town of Sandwich, the Saxon Shore Way winds through farmland and the occasional golf course out to the coast. Following the seafront past quintessential Victorian villas and townhouses, you’ll pass Deal Castle and Walmer Castle, which make for the perfect picnic stop. The trail then passes through pretty St Margaret’s at Cliffe — aptly nestled into the hillside — with a tearoom offering a nice place to perch before continuing on over the famous White Cliffs to Dover.

Join Moved’s July 19th hike and take on this challenging route in the company of some wonderful women. Again, there’s the option to finish at Deal if you only fancy joining for a portion of the walk.

For those who can’t join in July, you can follow the AllTrails route here.

Join the Sandwich to Dover hike

Moved News

Moved x Singing Mamas | Friday, May 16th

There’s a beautiful new Collab underway for May! Moved and Amy, of Singing Mamas, invite you and your sweet one to join us for a gentle walk along Broadstairs’ beautiful coastline — anchored around a song-sharing circle facilitated by Singing Mamas. We’ll also treat you to a drink and something delicious from Giant Coffee, where we’ll meet.

Walking together side-by-side and sharing song are two powerfully uplifting practices that can not only bring you back to yourself but also envelop you in soft, social interaction to lessen feelings of postpartum isolation.

Amy and I would love for you to join us for this very special launch event to celebrate Moved Mums — soft & gentle walks & events for mum and baby. There are only a handful of spaces left, so book now if you’d like to come along.

Join Moved x Singing Mamas

Moved x Sea Scrub Sauna | Saturday, May 31st

We’re back in the sauna at the end of May. But this time, we’re hiking to Sea Scrub’s brand new space at Macknade’s in Faversham. And the best part? As well as the private sauna and plunge barrels, there’s also hot tub for us to soothe those post-hike aches in!

There are only nine spaces available for this exclusive event. So it’s a smaller, cuter affair. It’s also more expensive to private hire, so ticket prices will be just a smidge higher.

We’ll be starting in Whitstable’s Grain + Hearth Bakery this time, walking back towards Faversham. And I’m giving us extra time for the walk so that we can stop and have a leisurely picnic lunch en route.

Bookings open soon on the Moved website, so keep your eyes peeled to snatch your ticket!