The Long Distance Paths
In this hiking group we concentrate exclusively on long-distance paths. We get as far as we can in a single day and then come back for more another time, joining up the sections until we've completed the entire route. This could take a couple of months or much longer, depending on the overall distance to cover and the frequency of the hikes.

We completed the Vanguard Way in 6 hikes from May to August 2012.

Now we are doing the Sussex Border Path, eleven hikes between August 2012 and June 2013.

We are also doing the Essex Way in seven sections from December 2012 to Autumn 2013.

And as if that weren't enough we're tackling the Greensand Way in ten hikes between January and Autumn 2013.

In 2013 the events are alternating between all three of these long-distance paths. That's about 300 miles of joined up hiking during the year.

The Hiking Events

On a typical day’s hiking the main group gathers at a London railway station and travels out to link up with any others making their own way to the starting point. We stop once or twice en route, having lunch in and around a pub or café or else out on the path with a pub stop later on or at the end, depending on the route that has to be covered and the available facilities.

The aim is to do a 10-20 mile hike each time. This includes the stretch from the station to the join-up point on the path and vice versa. Where the train stations are widely dispersed we might have to hop on a local bus at some point, or in the most extreme case make it a weekend expedition with an overnight stay.

The details of every hike include the distance to cover before and after the café/pub stop, a graphic display of the ascents and descents involved and estimated timings. We like to progress at a reasonable pace, but one that still allows for relaxed conversation and appreciation of the scenery en route.

If this is your kind of thing then get your hiking gear together and put your best forward to find the pot of gold, or jar of amber nectar, at the end of the long-distance path.

Be Aware
In coming on any hike you understand that there is a risk of personal injury as there might be in almost any activity and it is your responsibility to take all due precautions regarding your own health and safety.

Here are some hiking tips.