BACKABUSH XPLORERS - Hiking & Outdoor Adventure Meetup Group

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About us

We are BACKABUSH XPLORERS, the original and best hiking and outdoor activity Meetup group!!!

Who are we and how did it all begin?

Backabush Xplorers is London's longest established hiking and outdoor adventure Meetup group. Our group was originally created back in 2002 (actually before we were on Meetup) by a multinational group of friends who loved hiking and wanted to get more out of our weekends and holidays. We wanted to share our heartfelt passion for the great outdoors and enthusiasm with others. For some years Backabush was an informal, unincorporated association managed by the founders for the benefit of its members.

Our group grew rapidly in those early years and in 2008, following legal advice we decided it would be wise and prudent to become a registered company to protect our organisers and our members. Following this review and the formation of the limited company, our members can now pursue their legitimate activities and aims with complete peace of mind.

Why do we do it?
We love the outdoors! The primary motivation is fun (not profit) which means that our trips offer exceptional value for money. We continue as a group with the same ethos of organising events and trips for the benefit of our members. This is what we love and we are passionate about what we do. We will always endeavour to be budget conscious and price our activities only to cover necessary expenses.

What do we do?

Over the years we have hiked and explored the National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty in Britain and abroad. It may all have started years ago with a few hiking friends gathering for a weekend in a scruffy camping barn somewhere rural and pretty but it has developed a lot from there.

Backabush has been hiking and enjoying outdoor adventure for well over a decade now and over this time we have organised literally hundreds of hiking trips throughout Great Britain. We have enjoyed visits to the Lake District, Snowdonia, Scotland, the Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coast, Cornwall, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Cambrian mountains, the Wye Valley, the Forest of Dean, the North York Moors, the New Forest, the South Downs, the Malvern Hills, the Shropshire Hills, the South Downs, the Cotswolds, the Chiltern Hills, the Jurassic Coast, the Gower Peninsula, the Pennines, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, the Isle of Arran, Glen Shiel, Torridon etc, etc, etc.

National trails and long distance paths in Britain are another favourite of ours and to date we have completed the full length of Hadrian's Wall Path, the West Highland Way, the Cumbria Way, the Herriot Way and Wainwright's Coast to Coast. Although we have yet to complete the full length of many we have also enjoyed hiking sections of the Cotswold Way, Pennine Way, Offa's Dyke Path, Limestone Way, Allerdale Ramble, South West Coast Path, Great Glen Way, Monsal Trail, South Downs Way, Ridgeway, Thames Path and many, many others.

We were also trailblazers when it came to offering exciting outdoor adventures overseas. Back in 2009 we organised our very first foreign trip when we headed down into Africa to climb Mt Toubkal, the highest summit in Morocco. Next we trekked in Nepal, climbing over a 5000+ metre pass linking the Langtang and Helambu valleys. Since these early treks we went on to organise things like via ferrata holidays in the Italian Dolomites, or hiking trips to the French Alps and Jura mountains. We also love 'hut to hut' trekking and have so far completed every step of the Tour du Mt Blanc, summited Monte Perdido in the Ordessa National Park and trekked for days in the French Pyrenees to reach the awe inspiring Cirque de Gavarnie. More recently we even organised trips to Slovakia to seek out winter snowshoeing in the High Tatras and gorge scrambling in the Paradise National Park.

There are many other adventures we could mention. No other Meetup group offers adventure like this!

How do the logistics work?

We know our members are busy people so we do our best to provide a complete package for you. Backabush will research the locations, the hikes, book the accommodation and make a plan for all the meals. If you do not own a car we will help you to find transport or a lift share. You just need to communicate with the organiser who will help to co-ordinate things with you.

With a little co-operation from our members it all works very well and allows us to keep offering new locations and new hikes, year after year. Although we might return to some amazing National Parks quite regularly we always endeavour to find new venues and plan entirely new hikes. If you check out our past events you will see that we offer unrivalled variety in the locations we visit.

What are the hikes like?

On every Backabush trip we try to provide a choice of hikes each day. Obviously we will choose from the most beautiful and best loved hikes in any given area. These hikes tend to be of various length, duration and difficulty. The idea is that each person can choose the hike that best suits their fitness, experience and interests.

It is true that Backabush has a reputation within the Meetup community for offering longer and more challenging hikes but we always also offer more moderate options for those seeking a more relaxed day outdoors. Generally speaking we would say that anyone who can hike for 10 miles in hilly terrain should be fine on our trips. If you have any concerns please don't hesitate to contact us to ask questions.

What about safety?

Safety is always our number one priority. Although we can never make the outdoor environment entirely safe there are many steps that can be taken to minimise risk. Our team of outdoor activity leaders have many, many years of leadership experience and have received extensive outdoor training. Between all of our leaders we have years of military experience, ambulance work or mountain guiding.

Our principal leadership team are qualified Mountain Leaders trained at Plas-y-Brenin (the National Mountain Sports Centre) in North Wales and Winter Skills trained at Glenmore Lodge in Scotland. We regularly update our first aid qualifications and carry the required emergency aid equipment for wilderness situations. Some of us have taught or assisted on micro-navigation training courses and all have excellent route finding skills regardless of visibility or weather.

Additional our experience extends to high altitude mountaineering in several continents, be it summiting 6000+ metre peaks in the Andes, conquering the highest mountains in Africa or completing month long high altitude treks in the Himalayas.

We take our 'duty of care' of very seriously and are trained to deal with outdoor emergencies. Sometimes we hire in specific skills as necessary in the form of fully qualified instructors for things like rock climbing, caving, coasteering, kayaking, horse riding, ghyll scrambling or technical mountaineering. For some foreign trips we will either provide logistical support for safe self guided mountain trekking or hire International Mountain Leaders as deemed necessary.

Who joins our trips?

Although most people in the group are in their, 30s, 40s and 50s, age is not an issue to us - a fun loving and adventurous nature is more important. It is not uncommon to have over a dozen different nationalities represented in a single gathering.

Our groups of hikers and outdoor adventurers vary in size but on every trip some people will be regulars and some first timers. Its a great way to make new hiking friends and you need not worry about coming alone as you will always be made to feel welcome.

What we all have in common is a love of all kinds of outdoor activity including hiking, trekking, hill walking, mountaineering, scrambling, camping, canoeing, canyoning, kayaking, rock climbing, scuba diving, caving, coasteering, mountain biking and just about anything else that offers some outdoor adventure.

We are a very active bunch!

We hope YOU will join us sometime soon.

Positive vibes!

The Backabush Crew & Hiking Team

Contact Geoff & Nathan

backabushxplorers@yahoo.com
nathancapay@googlemail.com

Featured event

£1,379.00

KAZAKHSTAN - THE WILD HEART OF CENTRAL ASIA

Sat, Aug 28, 2027 · 2:00 PM BST

Almaty, KZ

Join Backabush for an incredible adventure into the wild heart of Central Asia. Kazakhstan is a vast country of open steppes, glaciated mountains and deep valleys!

Group size - 16. Nights - 8. Cost - £1379.

Our accommodation will be twin share with 5 nights in hotels/guesthouses and 3 nights of camping.

We are partnering with local expert guides to set out on an unforgettable journey into the untamed landscapes of south-eastern Kazakhstan, where dramatic glaciers, cascading waterfalls, sweeping steppes, alpine lakes, and striking canyons come together.

Beginning in the lively city of Almaty, the route leads into the foothills of the Northern Tien Shan. Here, you’ll climb toward Talgarsky Pass and the breathtaking Bogdanovich Glacier, where panoramic views of snow-covered peaks stretch across the horizon.

The adventure continues down into the lush, shaded forests of Turgen Gorge, where nights are spent beneath open skies. From this base, a hike takes you to the thundering Kairak Waterfall before crossing the expansive Assy Plateau—a high-altitude steppe that still reflects nomadic heritage and hints of ancient Scythian history.

Travelling onward, the scenery shifts to the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon. Its vivid rock formations and sculpted cliffs create a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery. A walk through the famous Valley of Castles reveals towering sandstone shapes carved by time and wind.

Further along, the serene Kolsai Lakes appear—clear blue waters framed by pine forests and rugged mountain slopes. Close by lies Kaindy Lake, known for its haunting beauty, where submerged trees rise eerily above the surface.

The journey finishes with a trek through the wild terrain of Bestamak Canyon, followed by time to unwind in a spa guesthouse featuring natural thermal pools, before heading back to Almaty.

HIKING AND ACTIVITIES:

The hikes on this trip are moderately demanding, with some notable elevation gain, making it best suited to fit and experienced walkers. You should feel confident navigating uneven, rocky ground and be prepared to walk for up to six hours a day. During the hikes, only a day pack will be required.

TRIP OUTLINE:

Saturday 28 Aug - Trip starts in Almaty, with time at leisure to explore the city and enjoy its lively atmosphere.

Sunday 29 Aug - Bogdanovich Glacier Hike → Turgen Gorge: Morning pick-up in Almaty, followed by a cable car ride from Medeu to Shymbulak and onward to Talgarsky Pass (3,000 m). From here, hike to the Bogdanovich Glacier (approximately 5 hours round trip, reaching up to 3,500 m), with a picnic lunch enjoyed at the glacier. Afterward, return by cable car and transfer to Turgen Gorge (around 2 hours). Overnight at a trekking camp (1,600 m) with dinner included.

Monday 30 Aug - Off-road Adventure on the Assy Plateau. After breakfast, travel by 4x4 across the expansive Assy Plateau—wide alpine grasslands framed by snow-capped peaks, dotted with grazing animals and traditional nomadic yurts. Along the way, stop to explore ancient Scythian burial sites, Bronze Age petroglyphs, and the Assy Observatory. A picnic lunch is enjoyed during the journey before returning to camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Tuesday 31 Aug - Kairak Waterfall Hike. Enjoy a scenic trek to Kairak Waterfall (8 km, approx 5 hours round trip), the tallest in the area at around 70 metres and flowing throughout the year. The route winds through alpine meadows and spruce forests, offering beautiful views along the way. Return to camp afterward for dinner and time to relax.

Wednesday 1 Sept - Charyn Canyon and Kolsai National Park. Travel to Charyn Canyon and take a walk through the Valley of Castles (around 2 hours), famous for its towering red rock formations and dramatic canyon walls. Stop for a picnic lunch in the shade of ancient Sogdian ash trees before continuing on to Kolsai National Park. Upon arrival, settle into a comfortable guesthouse, with dinner and an overnight stay in the village.

Thursday 2 Sept - Hike from Kolsai Lake 1 to Lake 2. Travel by vehicle to Lake 1 and begin a hike to Kolsai Lake 2 (approximately 6 hours round trip). The trail winds through forested slopes and alpine meadows, leading to a scenic picnic spot by the lake. Afterward, return to Lake 1 and transfer back to the guesthouse for dinner and an overnight stay.

Friday 3 Sept - Kaindy Lake, Bestamak Canyon and Chunja. Begin the day with a visit to Kaindy Lake, renowned for its submerged forest, and enjoy a hike along the lakeshore (around 2 hours). Continue to Saty village for lunch before heading to Bestamak Canyon for an afternoon walk (approximately 2–2.5 hours), where colourful rock formations and views over the Charyn River create a striking landscape. In the evening, transfer to Chunja and settle into a guesthouse featuring natural thermal pools, with an overnight stay at the hot springs.

Saturday 4 Sept - Relax at Chunja before returning to Almaty. Spend a leisurely morning unwinding in the thermal pools. Check out around 11:00 and set off on the drive back to Almaty (approximately 4.5 hours), with a stop along the way for lunch at a local café. Arrive in Almaty in the afternoon.

Sunday 5 Sept - Our adventures draws to an end back in Almaty.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

Accommodation: 8 nights in twin-share rooms (2 nights in hotels, 3 nights in guesthouses, and 3 nights in comfortable twin-share tents).
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 5 dinners included. Drinking water is provided at 1 litre per person per day (days 2–8).
Transport: All transfers as outlined in the itinerary in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, plus SUVs for the Assy Plateau jeep excursion and the Kaindy Lake transfer.
Guiding: Services of an English-speaking guide from day 2 to day 8, along with one Backabush trip organiser (qualified Mountain Leader).
Activities & Tickets: Cable car tickets (Medeu – Talgarsky Pass – return), SUV transfer to Kaindy Lake, and all guided hikes including Bogdanovich Glacier, Kairak Waterfall, Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lakes, and Bestamak Canyon.
Permits & Fees: All national park and reserve entry fees and permits, including Ile-Alatau, Charyn (both sides), Kolsai, and Kaindy.
Financial Protection: Coverage provided in accordance with the Package Travel Law 2018.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

Flights: Not included (see details below).
Airport transfers: Not included. It is straightforward to take a taxi between the airport and your hotel in Almaty, and assistance will be provided to help coordinate shared taxis for travellers arriving or departing on the same flights.
Meals: Any meals not specifically listed in the itinerary are not included.
Travel insurance: Not included and must be arranged independently.

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:

It is still too early to book flights. We will keep everyone updated.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

The total cost for this trip is £1379 per person, this payment is non refundable and is payable in full or in instalments with a deposit to secure your reservation, then as follows:

£460 due on booking
£460 due by Monday 31 August 2026
£459 due by Tuesday 31 December 2026

To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use KAZAKHSTAN as your payment reference.

The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/

Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.