Muslim Hikers is a global community and award-winning initiative under the umbrella of Active InclusionNetwork CIC, created to inspire and empower Muslims to get outdoors.
Why was your Initiative created?
Muslim Hikers is a global community and award-winning initiative under the umbrella of Active InclusionNetwork CIC, created to inspire and empower Muslims to get outdoors.
Launched during lockdown as an online Instagram community, we’ve grown into the world’s largest platform of its kind - with over 300,000 followers and a reputation for hosting the UK’s biggest regular group hikes.
Through innovative digital storytelling and a packed programme of professionally led hikes, we normalise Muslim representation in the outdoors, promote safety and confidence on the trails, and bring people together from all walks of life.
Our vision is to continue breaking barriers and building connections, while championing and supporting grassroots groups across the UK who share our mission: to help more Muslims experience the joy and benefits of the great outdoors.
How did you understand what people wanted?
We identified a clear gap in access to inclusive, welcoming outdoor spaces, particularly for Muslim women who often face cultural, social, and practical barriers to participation.
Muslim Hikers was created to remove those barriers and provide a safe, supportive environment where women can engage in physical activity without fear of judgement.
How did you promote your activities?
We promoted the initiative through:
- Social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, WhatsApp communities)
- Email marketing
- Community word-of-mouth
- Partnerships with aligned organisations
Impact of Steps & Checks
We have engaged thousands of participants across the UK and internationally.
Key outcomes include:
- Increased confidence among women to participate in outdoor activity
- High retention and repeat attendance
- Strong community engagement and peer support
Feedback consistently highlights:
- Feeling safe and welcomed
- Improved wellbeing
- Increased motivation to stay active
How have you overcome barriers?
Key challenges included cultural perceptions around participation, particularly for Muslim women, as hiking and outdoor activities were often not seen as spaces where our communities belonged.
A lack of diversity and representation in the outdoors also made many people feel excluded or out of place.
Many were faced with confidence and accessibility barriers and first-time participants worried about safety, judgement, transport, equipment, or faith-related needs such as prayer and halal food.
Limited funding in the early stages meant much of the initiative relied on volunteers and grassroots support.
We addressed these barriers by creating welcoming, beginner-friendly and women-friendly spaces built around community and belonging.
Clear communication, reassurance, and practical support helped people feel more confident when taking part, especially as first timers. We also used relatable role models and storytelling to increase representation and show that Muslims - particularly women - belong in the outdoors.
What are your plans for the future?
We plan to continue expanding our programmes both nationally and internationally, building on the growing demand for inclusive outdoor experiences and community-led wellbeing initiatives through Active Inclusion Network.
A key focus on creating more experiences tailored specifically for women, helping to provide safe, welcoming spaces that encourage confidence, leadership, and long-term participation. We also want to increase accessibility by developing more beginner-friendly pathways, making it easier for people with little or no outdoor experience to get involved through guided walks, skills sessions, and community support.
We are looking to expand our international trips and experiences, giving participants opportunities to explore new environments, build confidence, and strengthen connections through shared experiences.
Alongside this, continued partnership work will be key for growth - collaborating with organisations, brands, and community groups much like This Girl Can that share our commitment to inclusion, representation, wellbeing, and access to the outdoors.
Top Tips for other groups
Our top tip for other groups looking to organise something similar would be to focus first on creating a genuinely welcoming and inclusive environment. Community and belonging comes before the activity itself.
People are far more likely to engage when they feel seen, understood, and supported- especially those who might not traditionally feel represented in outdoor or wellbeing spaces.
Small things like clear communication, beginner-friendly experiences, relatable role models, and culturally aware support can make a huge difference in helping people feel comfortable and confident taking part.
One of the biggest lessons that has come from the work Active InclusionNetwork do, is that when people feel safe, valued, and part of a community, participation and confidence naturally grow.
How does Muslim Hikers embody the 'Self-affirming' action area?
Our work focuses on creating environments where women feel confident, comfortable, and empowered to participate as themselves, without fear of judgement.
This is reinforced through strong community support and shared experiences.