Great Tor Soulscape
Escape. Breathe. Pray.
A breathtaking spiritual journey. Allah (swa) says “Traverse the earth and discovers His signs”. So explore the vastness of this world, find Allah (swa) through His signs and then find yourself.
17th - 21st
Summer of August 2024
Dartmoor National
Park
Why book this trip?
Explore stunning nightscapes and contemplate upon the stars mentioned in the Quran, hike through lush green landscapes on-foot with a backpack and a flask of green tea, trek through the bluewater beachwalk and listen to the waves and connect with Allah (swa) through His signs.
Located in the heart of Dartmooor National Park, you are invited to discover dramatic peaks, open moorlands, hidden waterfall and valleys surrounded by steep sided banks and approximately 900 feet above sea level. Finally, enjoy the breathtaking scenery at the Meldon Reservoir. It is indeed something to behold.
Thrill seekers can participate in fun-filled activities for children and parents alike, with professional instructors at hand in any event, or sit back and feast your eyes on the starry night, sit around campfires and eat hearty home-cooked and spend time in the circles of dhikr with Mufti Moinul Abu Hamza and his wife Muftiyah Nasima Umm Hamza. We will have gatherings for night prayers, circles with Islamic poetry, spiritual reminders and Quranic stories to revive and awake our Iman. If a typical holidays leave us rested, spiritual retreats will bring us back rested and renewed. With everything that has happened this last year, repeat along with us, “We. Need. This”
MEALS INCLUDED
Breakfast: 4
Lunch: 5
Dinner: 4
TRIP STAFF
Mufti Moinul & Muftiyah Nasima & Shaykh Safaruk
Steward(s) Driver(s)
Caterer(s)
ACCOMODATION
5 days and 4 nights in a gender segregated shared lodges that are a few paces away from one another. Surrounded by natural and wildlife.
ACTIVITIES
Spirituality (Tafsir & Outdoor Prayers). Relaxation (Hiking, Beachwalk). Intense Activities (Climbing, Trekking)
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Itinerary
Trip Information
United Kingdom
Climate
The UK has a temperate but very variable climate. In general the summers are warm with July and August being the warmest. The winters are cool and the lowest temperatures are recorded during January and February. Whatever the season it is advisable to be prepared for rain! So pack clothes for both possibilities.
Clothing
A warm sweater or fleece and long trousers are advisable, especially in early and late season when the weather tends to be cooler. Come prepared for all weather especially on the mountain tops - waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece, warm layers, hat, gloves as well T-shirts, sunhat, good sun cream and sunglasses.
Footwear
We recommend you bring walking trainers and boots - leather or fabric are both fine. Some of the paths are rocky underfoot and you could twist an ankle if not wearing boots. Trainers are not recommended. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. Comfortable footwear to change into after the walk.
Luggage
A muslim is indeed a wayfarer so travel light -but not too light! Please pack clothing that is both modest and appropriate for the outdoors. We believe a backpack worth of space is sufficient. But if you have children then one small hand luggage would be ok. One main piece of baggage and a waterproof rucksack large enough to carry what you need for the day - waterproofs, warm layer, water, picnic, sun-cream, phone etc. On hot days you will carry more drinking water.
Equipment
Bring a rucksack for the walks and a water bottle. You may like to bring trekking poles. If your rucksack doesn't have a waterproof cover then consider plastic bags to keep things dry should it rain. It is important to stay well hydrated during the walks. Tap water is fine to drink but there won't be places to refill on the walks. We encourage our clients not to buy mineral water because of the negative environmental impact with plastic bottles.
Arrival and departure information
The times for leaving and arrival will be sent you via email along with other details. We will leave as early as possible from our institute 139 The Highway, London E1W 2BP. We’ll have tea and places to sit and relax as you wait. Once the times are given we cannot say enough that we are all considerate of one another and turn up early or at least, on time. The sooner we can fill the minibus, the sooner we leave and arrive at our destination.
We have three beautiful indoor locations. The Suhba Hall for all of us to pray, drink tea and watch the beautiful countryside landscape. Then we have the Bracken Tor Lodge which is the dedicated building for the sisters and the Bracken Tor House for the brothers. The large open lounge space in Bracken Tor house will be for families to congregate in between activities and events.
Walking grade
Moderate to challenging
Meals, Food and drink
We are providing breakfast, lunch and dinner and snacks along the way, but you may still need a snack or two that you prefer. So we advice you pack a few things if you feel peckish. The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.
Other than the sleeping quarters, the rest of the time will have families sitting and eating together. Our prayers and Islamic circles will have designated places for sisters and brothers to sit in the same hall and same amenities. We ask that in the spirit of this being unapologetically a spiritual and therefore a religious retreat, that all of us as companions on a journey are respectful of private space for brothers and sisters and that all attendees stay with their mahrams. We really want this to be a fun and halal experience that opens up the inner landscape of our hearts that is beyond any worldly gain.
Finally, we would like you to be conscious of the fact that this is spiritual retreat, a place of nature, Quran, helping one another, detoxing bad food and please remember this is not a hotel style experience. We all have a role to play and we hope those who can seek the higher reward of helping one another, take advantage of this character building, soul nourishing experience. Insha’Allah
Children
Please ensure that any child that requires supervision will be sleeping in the same room as their parent of the same gender. For example a young boy will be with his father and a daughter will be with her mother.
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ وَإِنَّا إِلَى رَبِّنَا لَمُنْقَلِبُونَ.
Subhana-alladhi sakh-khara la-na hadha wa ma kunna la-hu muqrinin. Wa inna ila Rabbi-na la munqalibun.
Glory unto Him Who created this transportation, for us, though we were unable to create it on our own. And unto our Lord we shall return.
Surah Az-Zukhruf 43:13-14
Covid & Travel Safety Advice
As we welcome participants to our 5 day retreat our focus is on making sure everyone feels safe in our spaces. We have introduced Covid-19 cleaning and safety procedures at the hostel. We will keep guest rooms and public areas such as corridors and receptions at the highest standard of cleanliness throughout the stay. We also ask you to help us maintain these standards. We’ve introduced measures to ensure social distancing guidance is easy to follow (where possible).
Social distancing
Stay physically distant from other hostel users where possible in line with Government guidelines – signs will be in place to remind both the organisers and guests.
We will also be checking the temperature before we leave. We ask that if you have symptoms on the day that you notify us as soon as possible.
Enhanced cleaning
Organisers have been trained to deliver frequent Covid-19 secure cleaning and disinfecting protocols throughout the hostel
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitiser stations will be positioned throughout the hostel, with signs reminding guests of the importance of frequent hand cleaning
Responsibility of dependents
All parents must take full responsibility of their dependants, from feeding, cleaning and general management of behaviour. We will of course be there to support you if you need supplies, support or first aid.
Medication & Allergies
Please make sure you bring your own medicine for any illnesses you may have. If there are children or adults that have allergies to dairy, nuts and or wheat, the responsibility lies fully with the parents to supervise the eating. We will, providing the parents let us know in advance, bring additional foods that can be given to those with allergies. Otherwise parents should bring alternative food items themselves to feed their children.
Great Tor Soulscape
Escape. Breathe. Pray.
A breathtaking spiritual journey. Allah (swa) says “Traverse the earth and discovers His signs”. So explore the vastness of this world, find Allah (swa) through His signs and then find yourself.
17th - 21st
Summer of August 2024
Dartmoor National
Park
Escape. Breathe. Together.