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 allJoin us for a trip to one of UK’s finest landscapes offering remote and tranquil moorland, spectacular coastlines, deep wooded valleys, high sea cliffs and crystal clear rivers. We have designed a great trip combining the very best of this spectacular region in 3 diverse and contrasting hikes taking in sea, hilly moorland, shady wooded valleys and the River Barle.
Dive into the enchanting and magical Exmoor whose landscapes are steeped in history, folklore and tradition spanning back to its days as an ancient royal hunting forest. This magnificent National Park is a true haven for wildlife and grand landscapes. Keep your eyes open for Exmoor ponies and the largest indigenous mammal in Britain - the Wild Red Deer, which often share the trails with us.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Stay at an Eco Hostel that’s been converted from a Victorian Farmhouse which produces its own electricity from a wind turbine and solar panels
• Hostel set in a tranquil and remote location deep on the National Park itself and surrounded by moorland and hills
• A fully catered trip including Saturday and Sunday night dinners
• 3 diverse hikes in the wild and untamed moorlands, valleys, coastline and oak woodlands of Exmoor
• Visit the incredible 3000-year-old stone "Clapper Bridge" of Tarr Steps. A Grade 1 listed scheduled ancient monument – nearly as old as Stonehenge
• Smaller than usual trip - 30 attendees
Video - LINK
WEEKEND DESCRIPTION
Our accommodation for this trip (hired exclusively for us) is surrounded by divine countryside set in the depths of rural Exmoor's 692 square kilometres - it's so remote that the driveway is 1km long. Here we get a real taste of the enchantingly remote and wild Exmoor enjoying an abundance of peace, tranquillity and nature...
We have 3 stunning and contrasting hikes lined up - on the first day we will do a very diverse circular route taking in the famous Tarr Steps as well as the beautiful, dense and lush wooded valley of the River Barle.
Sunday sees us exploring the varied and dramatic landscape of Exmoor's coastline. We visit the villages of Lynton and Lynmouth - nestled in the mouth of a wooded valley in a picture postcard location.
Monday will be a hike up Dunkery Beacon - Exmoor’ s highest point boasting stunning sceneries towards Exmoor, Brecon Beacons and the English Channel.
ITINERARY
Friday
Arrive in the evening to our hostel and we have time for drinks and socialising.
Saturday
Hike: Tarr Steps circular
Distance: 11 miles (17km)
Grading: Intermediate, a few hills, some tough terrain
Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Today we do a diverse and wonderful circular hike taking in the famous Tarr Steps - the longest clapper bridge in the country, as well as one of Exmoor’s gems - the River Barle with its charming Barle Valley. Our route follows the River Barle as it meanders through ancient oak woodlands towards Tarr Steps offering a great diversity of mosses, lichens, wildlife and its babbling and dashing waters home to otters, salmon and trout.
We return to the hostel late afternoon with time to explore our remote and wild setting before enjoying a delicious group dinner together.
Sunday
Hike: Lynmouth Circular
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Grading: Intermediate, a few hills
Hiking time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Our adventure begins from the trail-head of one of the most stunning stretches of the South West Coast Path and loops back inland to finish in the picture postcard fishing village of Lynmouth. Every inch of this trail winds along the undulating shore, treating us to stunning panoramic ocean views framed by the jagged coastline. The keen eyed can see Feral goats too.
We return to the hostel for a delicious barbecue to socialise whilst the sun gently sneaks away taking with it this ancient landscape.
Monday
Hike: Dunkery Beacon circular - the highest point in Exmoor
Distance: 7 miles (10km)
Grading: Intermediate
We start our hike from the nearby Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in Exmoor National Park at 519 metres, we can see all of Exmoor from this peak as well as to the sea.
We hike up slopes carpeted with heather and whortleberry while watching for red deer and ponies in the distance. It's a varied landscape of moorland and woods, sprinkled with streams onto which the sunlight dances and sparkles through the trees. Once we reach the summit of Dunkery Beacon, we will take some time to soak up the stunning views of rolling moorland and expansive ocean where we’ll have a well deserved rest and photo stop.
COST & PAYMENT
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT - £268 until 6th May, then £278. Click “Attend” to pay the £20 deposit by PayPal. The remainder is due by bank transfer within 3 working days. We will send you payment details for this once your booking has been processed.
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 in the cost and will be provided for Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Dinner on Saturday and Sunday is also provided. You will need drinks for the trip (both alcoholic and water) as there is nowhere to buy these.
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 hostel accommodation (4, 5 and 6-bedded single gender rooms)
• Breakfast on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
• Tea (including herbal) and coffee
• Packed lunches on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
• Dinner on Saturday and Sunday
• Hikes by trained guides
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations including Financial protection
THE PRICE EXCLUDES:
• Transport to, from and during the trip
• Drinks and personal expenses
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
Instagram 📸
UK weekend trips 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Facebook page & Photos group
TERMS AND CONDITIONS - By signing up or attending you agree to these
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2024 E & OE.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- TOUGH HIKE 31km Rolling hills of Hertfordshire and the ChilternsKing's Cross, London, AL£29.00
Explore a picturesque and varied part of Hertfordshire with a walk through the magnificent hilly western area of Hitchin and the North Easterly ridge of the Chiltern Hills. Following green rolling hills and ancient woods, we go through picturesque hamlets and villages and through a glacial valley and nature reserve, then finish off returning to the market town of Hitchin.
Highlights
• Explore a picturesque hilly part of Hertfordshire
• See Oughtonhead Nature Reserve - home to a variety of bird species and a picturesque stream & waterfall
• Hike through the charming villages of Great Offley and Little Offley
• See the picturesque village of Pirton famous for its medieval buildings
• Explore Pegsdon Hill and Hoo Bit Nature Reserve offering stunning far reaching views
Hike Description
We start off at Hitchin - a picturesque town with a medieval layout and traditional cobbled streets. From there, we proceed towards Oughtonhead Common - a tranquil nature reserve home to numerous bird species, a little stream and a small waterfall.
Continuing on the Icknield Way Trail, we reach the ancient village of Pirton, known for its medieval architecture and we pass High Down House - a stunning Grade I listed building. Through shady woods and lush rolling hills we reach the Pegsdon Hill and Hoo Bit Nature Reserve. Considered one of the jewels of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - this nature reserve boasts some of the finest views in the county.
Our way back is through the Icknield Way. We descend in the valley near Little Offley, walking through woods and small hamlets and join the Chiltern Way that will take us to Great Offley. Great Offley lies on the top of a chalk escarpment ridge and boasts interesting historic buildings including Offley Place. We leave the village to go south towards the rolling hills near West Wood and Pinnacle Hill, and start making our way back into Hitchin going along the lovely River Purwell.
Meeting Point & Time
Kings Cross station at 8:30am leaving the meeting point at 8:45am for the 8:57am train. Meet in front of the main ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 7:20pm (group train ticket so you are committed until then)
Guide - Corina 07591 945281
Food - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks
Distance & Difficulty
Distance: 19 miles (31km)
Grading: Challenging
Ascent: 405m
Hiking time: 7.5 to 8.5 hoursCost & Payment
£29 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)
• Packed lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day :-)
LINKS
About Us
Facebook photos Group
Facebook Page
Instagram #outdooraholics
Our day hikes by difficulty
All events by dateSafety
This hike is led by a trained hike leader and qualified Outdoor Activity First Aider. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury.
Terms and Conditions
By signing up to or attending this event you agree to our Terms and Conditions
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2024 E & OE
- HIKE 22km Seven Sisters coastal - The Towering Chalk Sea Cliffs of SussexVictoria Station, London, AL£33.00
Come and join us for what is our most popular day hike and the most exhilarating coastal hike in the South East of England, with breathtaking views of the striking and dramatic white cliffs. A good proportion of the hike is up high on the cliffs as they loom down over the sea beneath. We're off to Sussex to hike the classic Seven Sisters hike from Seaford to Eastbourne, a hike Outdooraholics have been organising for nearly 11 years and have had over 130 wonderful trips here. It is epic!
Highlights
• Hike one of the most spectacular coastal hikes in England
• A great physical challenge with several easy options to shorten if needed
• Enjoy amazing views over the coastline for much of this hike
• Finish in Eastbourne - England's sunniest town
• Explore the South Downs National Park - the newest in the UK
Hike Description
This hike treats us with many iconic views and fresh sea air high up on the cliffs. The Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs and are set within the Seven Sisters Country Park. They are remnants of dry valleys in the South Downs and were formed at the end of the last Ice Age by glacial meltwater. There are in fact now eight sisters as an extra one has been created by coastal erosion.
Our hike starts in the coastal town of Seaford which is home to a Martello Tower from 1810 which formed part of a string of 103 towers to defend against French invasion in Napoleonic times. It then follows the cliffs along the South Downs way past Birling Gap and the Belle Tout lighthouse. The lighthouse was actually moved 17 metres in 1999 to stop it from falling victim to coastal erosion. Our hike shall then take us on to the beauty spot of Beachy Head which has a more sinister side, before we head to Eastbourne for some refreshments in a delightful pub.
Meeting Point & Time
Victoria station at 8:30am leaving the meeting point at 8:40am for the 8:54am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 7:36pm (group train ticket so you are committed until then)
Guide - Elizabeth 07360 709998 (texts cannot be replied to)
Food - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks
Distance & Difficulty
Distance: 14 miles (22km)
Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
Ascent: 580m
Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hoursCost & Payment
£33 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)
• Packed lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day :-)
LINKS
About Us
Facebook photos Group
Facebook Page
Instagram #outdooraholics
Our day hikes by difficulty
All events by dateSafety
This hike is led by a trained hike leader and qualified Outdoor Activity First Aider. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury.
Terms and Conditions
By signing up to or attending this event you agree to our Terms and Conditions
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2024 E & OE
Cliffs – danger
There are sheer drops off the cliffs and some of these soft chalk cliffs are crumbling at the edges with chunks regularly falling and no fencing in place. Please keep at least 3 metres away from the edges. If you fall, or the ground at the edge of the cliff collapses it will almost certainly be fatal.
- HILLY HIKE 16km The Hidden Valleys, Vineyards and Tudor Palaces of KentVictoria Station, London, AL£28.00
It’s short in length but a lovely varied route and hilly so still great exercise. This hike is closer to London and a short hike so ideal for people who need to get back earlier with time to spruce up for their evening plans!
We visit a small, private family vineyard where we see the vines, visit their shop and you can grab a coffee. Usually they offer wine tastings too.
The hike offers gorgeous views as we traverse through several hidden and time lost valleys and the fascinating heritage of the North Downs, following the legendary and historic route of the Pilgrim’s Way. The area has been designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Highlights
• Explore the Heritage Village Otford dating back to Roman times with many historical listed buildings
• See Britain's smallest Grade II listed building
• Visit a small family owned vineyard - well hidden but worth a visit
• See Otfords Palace - what remains of a derelict medieval palace once fit for a King - also known as the Archbishop's Palace, called “The lost palace of Henry the VIII”
• Hike along part of the ancient North Downs Way - the 2nd most acclaimed long distance route in South East England
• Walk through the historic Pilgrims Way related to a pre-existing ancient trackway dated back to the stone age
Hike description
Join us as we visit Otford village - a jewel in the heart of the beautiful Darent Valley, nestled at the foot of the beautiful North Downs with a past steeped in history.
Otford village takes you back to the sixth century with its at least 3000 years occupation history (from Iron Age farmers, Romans, Archbishops and Royalty).
We leave Otford as we venture uphill to the beautiful North Downs Way, with breath-taking views over this area and the valley with views of Otford village in the valley below. We pass Otford Manor on a ridge following the South Downs with gorgeous views from our elevated trail. The hike is quite hilly as we follow and pass through several valleys.
We have time enjoy a visit to a small family owned vineyard, often they have (optional extra) wine flights available that we can enjoy as well as snacks, a superb boutique shop and coffees.
Meeting Point & Time
Victoria station at 8:30am, leaving the meeting point at 8:40am for the 8:55am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 5:36pm (group train ticket so you are committed until then)
Guide - Graham 07796 098487 (texts cannot be replied to)
Food - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks
Distance & Difficulty
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 400m
Hiking time: 4.5 to 5 hoursCost and 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)
• Packed lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day :-)
LINKS
About Us
Facebook photos Group
Facebook Page
Instagram #outdooraholics
Our day hikes by difficulty
All events by dateSafety
This hike is led by a trained hike leader and qualified Outdoor Activity First Aider. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury.
Terms and Conditions
By signing up to or attending this event you agree to our Terms and Conditions
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2024 E & OE
- HIKE 23km Windsor Great Park - Castle, Lakes, Flowers, Gardens and Deer ParkPaddington, London£29.00
This hike is based mainly within the Royal Windsor Great Park and is a gorgeous hike with some history too plus we get to admire Windsor Castle - the largest inhabited castle in the world dating back nearly 1000 years. We explore the King's park surrounding the castle and its stunning 5,000 acres - home to more than 500 deer, some dreamy lakes and picture postcard flower gardens.
We hike along one of the most well known images of the royal grounds - the iconic view down the tree lined Long Walk towards Windsor Castle. Add to this sweeping deer lawns, ancient oak trees, far reaching hill views (you can see central London), tranquil rivers, several lakes and ponds and of course the enchanting flower gardens.
This is a hike we ONLY host in late April/early May - either month can be great for seeing Spring in and the stunning colours of the blossom and flowers.
Please note, this is less rural than our usual hikes and is based entirely within a landscaped Royal Park, often on tarmac tracks.
Highlights
• Pass the mighty and ancient Windsor Castle
• Explore the exquisite Windsor Great Park home to magnificent ponds, lakes and a deer park
• Discover the spectacular 17th century architecture of Cumberland Lodge
• See the picturesque Virginia Waters Lake - designed to serve as a royal pleasure ground
• Experience the iconic views of “the Long Walk” towards Windsor Castle, where the funeral procession carriage entered Windsor Castle
Hike Description
Our royal exploration begins in the town of Windsor as we hike right past the spectacular Windsor Castle. We then head along the tree lined 'Long Walk' in the Royal Estate's Windsor Great Park towards the 17th century Cumberland Lodge. The park is full of ancient houses and mansions which act as Grace and Favour homes for members of the family or loyal supporters.
A stroll through a forest then takes us to Obelisk Pond and Wick Pond and and on towards Virginia Water - a stunning lake originally created as a Royal pleasure ground. It is here that we discover the magnificent flowers and blossom of Spring.
Our way back takes us through the deer park and back onto the suitably named “Long Walk” offering truly iconic views towards the castle. We hike along the spectacular mile long tree lined avenue back to Windsor Castle.
Meeting Point & Time
Paddington station at 8:10am leaving the meeting point at 8:20am for the 8:36am train. Meet at the entrance of the main ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 5:51pm (group train ticket so you are committed until then)
Guide - Corina 07591 945281
Food - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks
Distance & Difficulty
Distance: 15 miles (23km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 230m
Hiking time: 6.0 to 6.5 hoursCost & Payment
£29 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)
• Packed lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day :-)
LINKS
About Us
Facebook photos Group
Facebook Page
Instagram #outdooraholics
Our day hikes by difficulty
All events by dateSafety
This hike is led by a trained hike leader and qualified Outdoor Activity First Aider. Outdoor activities involve a risk of personal injury.
Terms and Conditions
By signing up to or attending this event you agree to our Terms and Conditions
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2024 E & OE