The Abbey
By Tayyibah + Husnaa Mota
Coventry, UK
Tayyibah and Husnaa are two sisters from the small city of Coventry, UK. Growing up in the city, their experiences of the outdoors and nature was limited to local green spaces, parks, canal walks and the annual trip to a beach or seaside. The pandemic changed things, and they deepend their exploration and appreciation of local outdoor advenures. They are also part of the group Muslim Hikers, which their older brother Haroon founded.
Route:
The route is circular, so it can be picked up at any point. For those with cars, you can park at the main car park of Coombe Country Park. We started our walk behind the Coombe fields (Faber Road – no car parking – permits only) this is more convenient for those taking an Uber which is easily available in Coventry. We discovered this loop by accident, while cycling during the pandemic and have done it several times since.
Follow The Route On ALLTRAILS >
3-4 hours
Challenging only because of the duration
A picnic mat, picnic, there are a few cute picnic spots along the route
Hiking Key
The Look
"These were lightweight, super comfy and wide enough for my feet. The Goretex meant I could submerge my feet in the lake to wash all the mud off at the end of the hike! I feel ready to conquer all my hikes in these"
- Husnaa
"Light, comfortable boot. I walked through many puddles and my feet did not get wet."
- Tayyibah
Field Notes:
This park holds many cherished memories. It's a park we have visited since we were children. With our parents, siblings, cousins, and friends. We have gone for walks, played on the grounds, hosted picnics, and family games of football and rounders. We have played, prayed, laughed, and cried at this park for over 20 years. As we have grown up and evolved, our relationship with the park has changed. This new loop we stumbled upon shows where we are at now - looking for a challenge in nature.
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Good To Know
The route goes through a farm, so you will see some cows and sheep.You also pass through a village, so you can buy some ice cream from a local shop. There is also a small playing field, and park, which is a nice spot for lunch! If you finish at the main park, you can always have lunch at the café (bathrooms here too), and then relax in the park grounds.
"I don't think it was one moment but a combination of great experiences in the outdoors that left me yearning for more."
When To Visit
Preferably when it's been a dry week, to avoid the mud and puddles ( unless you enjoy this!) The route is really gentle, mostly flat.
Q&A:
When did you each fall in love with hiking?
T: My first proper hike was Snowdon in 2008 with my older brother. We were raising money for a charity for water wells. It was a summer's day in August, and we were fortunate enough to have experienced a full day of sunshine on the Welsh mountain. I didn't need my waterproofs (my niece now actually wears my waterproof Jacket, from that first hike) I can remember just being in awe of how gorgeous the lake looked at the bottom of the valley. It was glistening in the sun, and I just couldn't believe how pretty it was. My next big hike was a few years later after my dad passed away, this time we were raising money for water wells in his memory. A lot of the first few hikes we did as a family, were with different Muslim charities, raising money in memory of our dad.
H: I always say I was born to be outdoors, and I thrive in nature and running wild in the outdoors! For me, I don't think it was one moment but a combination of great experiences in the outdoors that left me yearning for more. Whilst I was in secondary school, I really became connected with nature and would literally take a picture of every tree I saw😂 I loved going on walks with Tayyibah and she would have to stop each time I would take a picture.
Why do you like to hike together?
T: Before we began hiking, Husnaa and I would always go for walks together. I had to bribe her to join me, with food. We enjoyed finding new places, taking photographs along the way. Mostly, we enjoy each other's company, we both like doing crazy things and Husnaa is happy to join in with the crazy!It's more fun with Husnaa!
H: Tayyibah is the perfect hiking Buddy because she is my best friend! We motivate each each-other and enjoy each other's company. She makes great sandwiches and most of all puts up with my jungleeness and I try to put up with hers. I wouldn't choose anyone else to hike with!
Why is it important to wear the right shoes?
T: Shoes are everything! They really dictate what kind of experience you have. If you are wearing the wrong type of shoe, your walk feels it. Your feet feel it. You get blisters, pain and discomfort, wet, soggy, and heavy feet. Having the right shoe, that is comfortable, waterproof, light on the feet means you don't have to worry about running, jumping and you can have the most fun.
H: It's so important to feel comfortable and grounded when in the outdoors! To feel firmly rooted to the ground and pain free as possible. I have very wide feet and minimal arch, so I have found it so difficult to find the right shoes for me in the past. But when you have a shoe isn't narrow, has a wide toe box and doesn't suffocate your feet you can't help but enjoy the experience 10000 times more. Because you feel stable and confident that you won't twist an ankle or finish the hike with new blisters and blue toes!!
Why is it important to see women like you in the outdoors?
It's important to see women like us in the outdoors, to make it easier and more comfortable for people of colour, or Muslim women to go outdoors. It's encouraging and makes people feel like they are part of a community, and they are not alone in the outdoors. When we first started to share our experiences in the outdoors, it was more to document our own journey and progress. We didn't realise the impact that it had on our community. But we had a great response from Muslim women, who really appreciated our experiences. We want to continue to share our experiences, to show Muslim women that they too can enjoy the outdoors just as they are!
Place in the world you’d like to travel to most to hike next?
T: I would love to climb Mount Toubkal, Kilimanjaro, and Everest Basecamp. We have summited several mountains here in the UK, I would like to experience a change of scenery, and challenge myself.
H: I want to attempt to climb Snowdon via the Crib Goch route first! But like Tayyibah think we are both ready for a new international challenge. For me Kilimanjaro is the goal and God willingly we can complete it together one day.
