What we’re about
Who we are
London's largest and most active international outdoors group for hiking, walking, travel, day trips, holidays, and outdoor adventures for 25 to 49ish... (or young at heart)
We organise hikes across the UK and Europe. Come and join the adventure and find out why hiking has taken off!
Who is this hiking group for
- Anyone who loves the outdoors and hiking
- Keen to meet like minded people
- Explore the UK and Europe
What our members saying - our reviews
https://www.meetup.com/Outdooraholics/about/comments/?op=all
See all of our hiking trips listed by type:
DAY HIKES:
https://outdooraholics.co.uk/hikesbygrade.pdf
UK WEEKEND HIKING TRIPS:
https://outdooraholics.co.uk/weekendtriplist.pdf
FOREIGN TRIPS & HOLIDAYS:
https://outdooraholics.co.uk/foreigntriplist.pdf
Who attends our events?
We're mainly in our mid 20s to mid 40s, but age is no barrier as long as you are young at heart and over 18.
Most of our members generally either live or work in London, although we have people from all over the UK attending and we've had several people visit from abroad for our trips and join us at our destination. After all you don't need to live in London to visit Cornwall, Wales or the Lake District!
We have a lot of international members - either here on work placements or to live and this brings a superb cultural variety and mix of life experiences to the group and helps to make our trips so interesting and diverse.
We get a lot of people who attend their first event on their own and we always go out of our way to make everyone very welcome on our trips. They have proven to be a great way to meet people and make new friends as well as to see this wonderful island
Any questions - do drop us an email: info@outdooraholics.co.uk
Sponsors
See allWe have a single room as an upgrade, please email us at info@outdooraholics.co.uk
For 11 years Outdooraholics have run our ever popular trip to the Gower 3 to 4 times a year. Many members have done the trip 3 times so we now have modified and new routes, so you can discover more of the Gower.
Dive into the rugged beauty and remoteness of the Gower peninsula with miles of diverse coastline to explore. Designated the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty back in 1956, Gower’s protected landscape has thankfully changed little ever since.
We’ve lined up three truly world class hikes that you can enjoy without having to leave the UK, breath taking and dramatic coastal hikes along some of the best beaches in Europe. Add to those a National Nature reserve, truly spectacular cliffs, Europe’s 3rd best beach and a ruined castle and we’re in for a memorable weekend.
Rhossili beach is consistently voted one of the TOP TEN BEACHES IN THE WORLD, let us show you why LINK
HIGHLIGHTS
• Extended 3 night Bank Holiday SPECIAL trip
• Stay on the tip of the spectacular Gower peninsula
• Hike through the Gower Coast National Nature Reserve with its tidal island of Worms Head and Rhossili Down - the highest point on the Gower peninsula (196m)
• See the ruins of the majestic Pennard Castle built in the 12th century
• Explore a remote and rugged stretch of coast from Port Eynon to Rhossili
• Hike to breathtaking Rhossili beach - one of the top beaches in Europe
• Hiking from the hostel door on Sunday
• Hike out to the tidal Worms Head Island (tide permitting)
• Hike out to Burry Holms Island (tide permitting)
WEEKEND DESCRIPTION
There’s no way to fully appreciate Gower’s natural beauty, history and geology unless you take on one of the numerous footpaths which run across this stunning piece of rugged countryside. That’s why we’re exploring the Gower Peninsula in traditional Outdooraholics style - through spectacular hikes and viewed from the hiking trails.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be exhilarating hikes through landscapes ranging from dramatic and rugged cliffs to long and dreamy sandy beaches. We’ll explore the historical sights of Gower, while being surrounded by awe-inspiring coastal, hill, woodland and clifftop landscapes.
ITINERARY
Friday
Head over to our exclusively booked hostel cottage on the tip of the Gower peninsula, with only sand dunes separating us from the beach.
Saturday
Hike: Penmaen Hill and Pennard Castle
Distance: 10 miles (16-17km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 380m
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
We explore a picturesque section of the coast. Accompanied by the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, we’re off on a hike through the rich sand dunes Nature Reserve of Oxwich and Nicholaston Burrows. Our hike will take us past cliffs and heavenly beaches to eventually reach the hidden valley with the ruins of Pennard Castle. Perched high over the stunning Three Cliffs Bay and Penmaen Burrows, this 12th century castle is considered one of the most picturesque ruins on the Gower Peninsula making it a perfect stop for lunch. We then hike up an elevated ridge giving incredible views across Gower and the sea, summiting the 188m Penmaen summit.
Sunday
Hike: Port Eynon to Worms Head Island
Distance: 12 miles (18km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 430m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hours
Today will be a memorable hike in one of the most spectacular areas in Wales rewarding us with stunning and varied coastal landscapes. The stretch of coast from Port Eynon to Rhossili is rugged, wild and remote. This craggy coastline is a mixture of dramatic and towering cliffs interspersed with picture postcard sandy beaches. Tide permitting we walk to Worms Head Island
Rhossili is regularly voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world: LINK
We take the bus back to the hostel or car lift shares
Monday
Hike: Burry Holms Island
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 355m
Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Today we explore another area of Gower, quieter and well hidden and tide permitting we will walk out to Burry Holms Island. We also visit Llanmadoc Hill, at 186m high offering incredible panoramic views across the Gower peninsular, out to sea and to the coast of Exmoor over the sea
COST & PAYMENT
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT - £263 until 27th May, then £273. Click “Attend” to pay the £20 deposit by PayPal. The remainder is due by bank transfer before Sunday 30th June, we’ll email you payment details 1 week before.
Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ
TRANSPORT, ACCOMMODATION AND START TIME
The trip starts at the venue and you will need transport to the hikes.
Lift share discussion - to offer/request lifts
The accommodation address is at the top of this page, you are welcome to arrive from 7pm or any time later.
FOOD
Breakfast and packed lunches are included and will be provided for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. You will need money for drinks for the trip and for dinner on Sunday night.
Breakfast is healthy and nutritious - typically cereal, porridge with fresh fruit, berries, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit salad, free range eggs, yogurt, toast and coffees, teas etc.
For lunch we provide fruit, crisps, cereal bars and a range of options to make your own sandwiches typically tomatoes, cucumber, houmous, peanut butter, honey, jam, ham, cheese and salami.
After the hike we enjoy Cream Teas - an English delicacy consisting of scones, clotted cream and jam, a tasty treat!
Meals are meat based with vegetarian options. To find out if the food being provided meets your intolerance/allergies/preferences/likes/dislikes etc, please email us. You are welcome to bring your own favourite items to meet specific requirements and there is a fridge and kitchen you can use.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
• 3 nights in hostel accommodation (4-6 bedded single gender rooms)
• Breakfast and packed lunches on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
• Tea (including herbal) and coffee
• Dinner on Saturday night
• Hikes by trained guides
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection
THE PRICE EXCLUDES:
• Transport to, from and during the trip
• Dinner on Sunday night
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Bus from Rhossili to Port Eynon (approx £4)
SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- HOTEL Picos de Europa - the Wild Alpine Paradise of Northern Spain FOREIGN TRIPBilbao Airport, Biscay, AL
Spain - the land of sunshine and street festivals is a colourful medley of contrasting scenery, rich culture and also amazing cuisine. Home to the legendary artists Picasso and Dali, Spain inspires with the unique character of each region and diversity of the landscapes.
Explore Spain’s first National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - the remarkable Picos de Europa, this is the largest limestone mountain range in all Europe. The National Park straddles the three provinces of Cantabria, Asturias and León. Deep rivers and glaciers have carved out a remote paradise of deep valleys and gorges.
We hike the narrow rocky cliffs of the Cares Gorge - along a stunning valley. We admire the crystal Lakes of Covadonga and summit some of the most spectacular peaks and viewpoints of the park - the striking Naranjo de Bulnes.
Our accommodation is in the pretty mountain town of Cangas de Onis.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit Spain and discover its greenest and most picturesque region
• Explore Spain’s first National Park (1918) and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - Picos de Europa
• Reach the base of the iconic limestone giant - Naranjo de Bulnes Peak (2519m)
• Complete the most popular path through the Cares Gorge valley
• Hike above 2000m and admire the rugged dramatic views over the park
• Admire the picture postcard Lakes of Covadonga
• Discover a wild and untamed area, home to rich wildlife including vultures, eagles and wild goats
• Experience the local tradition and sample the cuisine of Cangas de OnisHOLIDAY DESCRIPTION
Picos de Europa - a mountainous region in Northern Spain has a charming blend of ancient mountain villages, jagged peaks, lush valley pastures and unique alpine wildlife. Picos de Europa is Spain’s first National Park and was formed at the same time as the Alps and Pyrenees, it’s the largest limestone mountain range in Europe and is UNESCO protected for its wildlife, history and unique geology.
We hike to the base of the towering Naranjo de Bulnes Peak and the mesmerising serene Lakes of Covadonga. We complete one of the most striking hikes in Spain - the Cares Gorge trail that is a true adventure through a winding narrow path carved into the stone high above a roaring river. We also reach spectacular beauty spots that strike us with endless lush vistas at more than 2000m above sea level.
The mountains sit within the Asturias region of Spain - famed for their local cider and cheese which there is ample opportunity to sample in our mountain village.
Important Notes
This trip is suitable for fit and experienced hikers. These are tough mountain hikes involving long uphill/downhill sections on steep and uneven ground as well as walking/scrambling over rocks and boulders. Some of the trails may not be suitable for anyone who suffers from vertigo and an above average level of fitness is required.
Driving - we are driving to the hikes every day, some days have long drives and on mountain roads. The drive to and from the airport is roughly 2.5 hoursITINERARY
Friday
Arrive at Bilbao airport and meet the guide. Complimentary transfer to the accommodation in Cangas de Onis.
Saturday
Hike: the Lakes of Covadonga and Mirador de Ordiales viewpoint
Distance: 12 miles (20km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 650m
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hoursWe start off with an iconic hike to the crystal clear Lakes of Covadonga and the famous Mirador de Ordiales viewpoint also known as the "balcony of the mountain". Our path begins near one of the glistening lakes and we admire its legendary beauty and mirror waters that reflect the rugged mountain tops. We enjoy the idyllic beauty of the area and will see wild goats. We reach the Mirador de Ordiales viewpoint which offers such jaw dropping views that even the "founder" of the Picos de Europa National Park chose to be buried there.
Sunday
Hike: Cares Gorge
Distance: 15 miles (24km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 400m
Hiking time: 7 to 8 hoursToday we follow one of the most beautiful hiking trails in all of Spain - the spectacular Cares Gorge also known as the "Divine Gorge". Piercing right through the heart of the mountain, the river Cares has formed a deep ravine between the central and the western massifs of Picos de Europa. Our path winds up surrounded by wild vegetation and dramatic views and takes us from the province of Asturias to the province of León. We pass through tunnels carved in the rocks and bridges hanging over the valley while we marvel at the splendour of the gorge. It’s a truly thrilling and memorable experience traversing through the towering rock walls along the edge of the cliffs.
Monday
Hike: Base of Naranjo de Bulnes peak (2000m)
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Grading: Challenging
Ascent: 900m
Hiking time: 5 to 6 hoursToday is saved for another must do hike to the base of one of the most recognisable and famous landmarks in the country - the Naranjo de Bulnes Peak. It’s considered to be the jewel of the Picos de Europa mountains with its rusty colour and majestic molar shape. The peak is veiled in stories and myth and is an endless source of inspiration with its high vertical walls and majesty. Starting in the village of Sotres, we gradually ascend to the base of the monolith reaching about 2000m above sea level. We stop for lunch and rest at the mountain refuge to admire the climbers attempting to conquer the staggering peak.
Tuesday - FREE DAY
Free time for you to relax and enjoy yourself or explore more of the local treasures and culture on a self guided hike.
Those of you who wish to truly discover the distinct character of the province of Asturias can visit and self explore its capital Oviedo. It’s a historical town and Spain’s oldest Christian settlement famous for its art and cuisine. You can wander around its cobbled streets and sample the local dishes. The region is famed for its world renowned cider which is poured from a great height to get that fresh fizzy taste.
Should you feel more adventurous, you can kayak along the River Sella through stunning mountain scenery with instruction (extra cost).
Wednesday
Hike: Cuetu Tejau Peak (2129m)
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Grading: Challenging
Ascent: 800m
Hiking time: 5 to 7 hoursWe’ve saved this day for an exploration of a different province in Spain - the lush Cantabria. This rather tiny province carries its own charm and offers an immense natural diversity. We conquer one of the highest peaks in the area - Cuetu Tejau Peak (2129m) and follow a path that reveals another face of Picos de Europa traversing the western slopes passing by the Andara mines. Our trail reaches a high mountain refuge before continuing up to the top of the peak. From our lunch spot we admire the broad views of the entire eastern and central massifs of the National Park and finish our memorable adventure with some mouth watering dinner and a well deserved rest.
Thursday
After breakfast we drive to Bilbao airport for the flight back home.
COST & PAYMENT
£776. Click “Attend” to pay the £776 by PayPal.
Trip payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. When the trip is sold out fully paid spaces can be advertised to the same gender, for details: FAQ
START AND END TIME
Times are local time i.e. the times for Spain are in Spanish time
We suggest an inbound group flight below, for anyone on this flight or at the airport at this time we arrange a complimentary transfer to the accommodation at 12:30pm. If you arrive later you will need to make your own way to the accommodation (we wait for the suggested flight if delayed).
Inbound flight 10.05.2024
Vueling 9:05am from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bilbao (BIO) landing at 12:05pm
Flight: VY6304You can also take this earlier flight which is cheaper and wait for the group transfer:
Easyjet 6:45am from London Gatwick (LGW) to Bilbao (BIO) landing at 9:50am
Flight: EZY8001RETURN
The trip ends after breakfast and you will be transferred to Bilbao airport (approx 11am at the airport). However, due to the risk of delays etc or arriving later, we suggest exploring Bilbao and taking a late afternoon or evening flight.
FOOD
Breakfast and dinner (except 1 days dinner) will be provided each day, you can buy packed lunches from the local shops and the hotel. The local cuisine is diverse with strong Mediterranean features and influenced by the Romans and Arabs. Every region has a distinct cuisine with the most common ingredients being olive oil and garlic.
We need to be aware of all dietary requirements prior to booking, please email us to verify if they can be catered for first: info@outdooraholics.co.uk
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
• 6 nights accommodation in twin bedded hotel rooms
• Breakfast and dinner each day (except one dinner)
• Hikes by trained, local mountain guide (Outdoor First Aider)
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection
• All travel for the hiking days and complimentary airport transfers at the start and the end of the tripTHE PRICE EXCLUDES:
• Flights
• Dinner on one night and meals other than the above mentioned (a typical lunch is approx 5-10 EUR)
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Free day activities - optional and booked on arrivalINSURANCE
It is essential that you have travel insurance that covers the cost of emergency medical treatment and also the activity of hiking (up to 2200m in this case). It is also recommended that this covers illness, cancellation and curtailment. You will be required to provide a copy of this before the trip. Without it we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.
Outdooraholics cannot verify policies or what they cover so please confirm with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy is not an indication that we confirm it is valid or covers what we list, only your insurers can confirm this.
There are lots of insurers who cover hiking, for example the BMC: LINK
You will also need to ensure you have all valid documents to visit this country including a passport and Visa if you require one. Spain is within the EU.
SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and hiking clothes such as warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers - CLOTHING TIPS
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- Lauren - Surrey 3 Peaks Challenge CHARITY CHALLENGE HIKE 33KM 1100M ASCENTVictoria Station, London, AL£40.00
This year our charity is of a personal nature, having a direct effect on one of our hike leaders. In February 2022 Storm Eunice blew through the UK causing a vast amount of devastation. Our guide Lee Cooper's daughter Lauren was a victim of an accident due directly to the storm conditions when a section of her garden wall fell on her (whilst trying to secure other pieces that had already fallen) The resulting injury to her foot was irreparable, and consequently she had to undergo surgery to have her lower left leg amputated. Lauren has made incredible efforts to maintain a normality in her life, as far as is possible. She has returned to her career as a PE Teacher and has adapted her love of playing netball into coaching and umpiring, the coaching qualifications being gained during this traumatic year. She has hiked in Tenerife, been to the Sahara with Outdooraholics, Whernside (one of the Yorkshire 3 peaks) and made an attempt at Pen y Fan (bad weather causing the group to turn back)
Tragically both the landlord of the property she rented and also the insurer refused to pay up for this accident on obscure legal grounds, so Lauren has got zero compensation for this accident
We want to show our support to Lauren, who stands as an inspiration to so many people, her students, her netball team (whom she has coached to league promotion this year) her family and friends, and to us here at Outdooraholics. We hope you will join us in this year's challenge, thank you.
You can follow Lauren on Instagram here:
https://www.instagram.com/netballamputeeYour entry fee for this hike is £40, ALL of which Outdooraholics will be donating to Lauren (Outdooraholics will pay for all hike costs including train tickets, Paypal fees etc)
For this hike we will have 2 guides and up to 40 hikers
Taking in the three highest peaks in Surrey - Box hill (224m), Leith Hill (294m) and Holmbury Hill (261m) and being nearly as long as the Yorkshire Three Peaks, this is a formidable challenge and very accessible from London in a day
As well as being a stunning route in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it's also a great training hike for anyone doing a big challenge this year like The Yorkshire or National 3 Peaks
MEETING POINT
Victoria station 8am, leave at 8:20am for the 8:41am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 8:15pm (you are committed until then)GUIDE - Main guide: SAGAR 07932 008302 (Lee supporting) (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US
FOOD - Bring a packed lunch and hike snacks, it's a long hike
DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY
Distance: 21 miles (33km)
Grading: Challenging
Ascent: 1100m
Hiking time: 8 to 9 hoursCOST & PAYMENT
£40 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join. ALL of this £40 goes to charity, Outdooraholics is paying for train tickets, Paypal fees, everything...
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.WHAT TO BRING
• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• Mental toughness, a great team spirit and proper hiking clothes and footwear
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider
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- HILLY HIKE 17km Jane Austen's Box Hill, England's largest vineyard & North DownsVictoria Station, London, AL£28.00
The beauty of Box Hill has inspired many great artists, writers and musicians for hundreds of years. Jane Austen based the picnic scene from ''Emma'' here, George Lambert's famous painting of Box Hill in 1733 (now in the Tate Gallery) and it's even had several songs written about it, the most recent being ''On Box Hill'' by Everything But the Girl. It also inspired the poet Keats and the writer G.K. Chesterton. Come and discover the magic of Box Hill for yourself and see why it’s attracted and inspired so many famous creatives for centuries.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike along the stunning Surrey Hills (422 km²) - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which covers one quarter of the county of Surrey
• See the famous Box Hill viewpoint with far reaching views over Surrey and Sussex
• Enjoy breathtaking hiking through the woods and hills of the North Downs
• Visit Denbies - England's largest vineyard, which has won international wine awards
• See the twisting hill roads of the 2012 Olympics cycle race where the cyclists did 9 laps of this spectacular sectionHIKE DESCRIPTION
Box Hill is located on the North Downs and lies within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also part of the Mole Gap to Reigate Escarpment Site of Special Scientific Interest. As well as its natural beauty, Box Hill also plays host to a more recent fort built in the 1890s to help defend England from a possible French invasion and a semi derelict folly tower from 1815.
This is a diverse hike through the captivating Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty taking in woodland, rolling downs, Norbury Park, and the River Mole. Let’s not forget the icing on the cake - Box Hill itself and the unique Salomons Memorial offering some stunning views across the Weald to Devils Dyke by the South Coast. We also cross the famous Stepping Stones over the River Mole and we hike through Denbies - England's largest Vineyard that won Gold in the IWC best Rose wine in the world in 2010.
MEETING POINT
Victoria station 8:15am, leave at 8:25am for the 8:41am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 5:45pm (you are committed until then)GUIDE - LYUBAVA 07877 607568 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US
FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks
DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY
Distance: 11 miles (17km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 485m
Hiking time: 4 to 4.5 hoursCOST & PAYMENT
£28 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.WHAT TO BRING
• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider
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