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
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© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2024 E & OE.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- HIKE 29km Eden Valley, Garden of England. Ancient woodlands, medieval landscapesLondon Bridge Station, London, AL£31.00
Join us to explore the hidden treasures of Eden Valley, stepping back into ancient times while soaking in the rich green hues of this picturesque landscape!
We embark upon a journey through time past ancient woodlands, tranquil rivers and remarkable historical buildings. These divine landscapes with their rolling hills, grassy fields and deciduous woods are keepers of many medieval houses and castles that can be traced back to the 11th century.
Starting from Tonbridge, where many of Jane Austen's family houses are located, we hike through the countryside to pass the hunting lodge of King Henry VIII and reach Chiddingstone - a Tudor one street village. We pass by Leigh and end the hike back in Tonbridge with a view of the motte and bailey Tonbridge castle.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the picturesque Eden Valley
• Pass the Medieval Manor House Penshurst Place - a hunting lodge of King Henry VIII
• Visit one of Kent’s most attractive villages - Chiddingstone - famed for its architecture, ghost stories and use as a filming location
• Hike along the banks of the rivers Eden and Medway in the High Weald area - considered one of the best surviving medieval landscapes in Northern Europe
• Visit the buzzing Tonbridge - a market town from the Middle Ages
• Pass the 11th century Tonbridge Castle - a great example of motte and bailey gatehouse beside the River MedwayHIKE DESCRIPTION
We start off in Tonbridge village, with its idyllic manors and picture postcard castle. As we reach Haysden Country Park, our hike opens up to the breathtaking greens across parkland, woodlands, open fields and low hills. The High Weald is considered to be one of the best surviving medieval landscapes in Northern Europe. The area boasts the highest proportion of ancient woodland in the country and is one of the most densely wooded landscapes in Britain. Following a sunken lane, we start treading in the steps of Saxon drovers. We take a short break to admire Penshurst Place - an impressive sight that has kept rich history throughout the decades. The original medieval house is one of the most complete surviving examples of 14th century domestic architecture in England. In the mid 16th century it was the hunting ground of Henry VIII.
Our path crosses the rivers Eden and Medway meandering across the enchanting Eden Valley. In the afternoon the charming Chiddingstone will accommodates us for lunch. It is a potent example of a single street Tudor village in typical Kent style. The village shop and post office date back to 1453 – just before the Wars of the Roses. After lunch we pass by Leigh and we see the remains of Tonbridge Castle, built in the 11th century and reputedly England's finest example of a motte and bailey castle.
MEETING POINT
London Bridge station 8:10am, leave at 8:25am for the 8:38am train. Meet upstairs (up the escalators) between WHSmith (no 15) and M&S (no 16) - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 6:38pm (you are committed until then)GUIDE - LEE 07591 977464 (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: 18 miles (29km)
Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
Ascent: 285m
Hiking time: 7.5 to 8 hoursCOST & PAYMENT
£31 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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Facebook page & Photos groupTERMS AND CONDITIONS - By signing up or attending you agree to these
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2024 E & OE
- HILLY HIKE 24km - The Devils Dyke valley and Shoreham on Sea South DownsVictoria Station, London, AL£32.00
Our trail takes us across the South Downs along elevated tracks with superb far reaching views and both into and then across the tops of the chalk valleys. It’s quite a varied route with sections of woodland and for much of the time we will be high up on the South Downs Hills offering far reaching views. On our route the sea slowly gets closer until we finally hit the beach at the coastal town of Shoreham by Sea.
Along our trail we visit the remains of the ancient Wolstonbury Hill Fort hill fort dating back around 3000 years to the Bronze Age - the Late Neolithic period.
TOUGHNESS - please note, this is not a hike for beginners or for anyone who has not been hiking regularly recently. The total ascent today is 600/650m (twice the height of the Shard), if the idea of walking up the Shard twice does not appeal, then this hilly hike is not the hike for you.
Highlights
• Hike in the South Downs - one of the best National Parks in the South of England
• Visit the remains of a Bronze Age hill fort
• Hike along the ancient Devil's Dyke valley
• Enjoy stunning coastal views as we approach our destination by the sea
• Explore the adorable historical town and beach of Shoreham on SeaHike Description
We start at Hassocks and our adventure takes us up onto the South Downs ridge, traversing part of the South Downs National Park, Britain's newest National Park. A 3000 year old route takes us along the top of the chalk highlands and passes by Wolstonbury Hill, a good location for wild orchid spotting with views almost as far as London. Our trail continues further along the chalk ridges of the famous South Downs Way with superb views both inland and to the sea.
We reach the Devil's Dyke, a deep valley surrounded by steep hills - one of the best view points of the South Downs where we can see The Sussex Weald and on a clear day, the Isle of Wight. It is the site of an Iron Age hillfort, and a pub. The view is so gorgeous, that a tourist railway and station was once built here just for day trippers to admire the view
Our next stop is Fulking Hill, an area of bowl barrows containing archaeological remains and environmental evidence relating to the way the monument was constructed and used in the Late Neolithic and the Bronze Age. We enjoy more views from the top of the slope at Truleigh Hill, picked out by its distinctive masts, with the crown of trees on Chanctonbury Ring further on.
The South Downs reward us with yet more fantastic and far reaching panoramas as we approach the sea on our way past the tiny Shoreham airport - the oldest commercial airport in the world with a protected 1936 art deco terminal building that plays host to many films including "The Da Vinci Code", Agatha Christie's "Poirot" and "Woman in Gold". We finish our hike in the historic fishing town of Shoreham on Sea for a well earned drink.
Meeting Point & Time
Victoria station at 8:15am leaving the meeting point at 8:30am for the 8:46am train. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 6:58pm (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 and Difficulty
Distance: 15 miles (24km)
Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
Ascent: 620m
Hiking time: 5.5 to 6 hoursCost & Payment
£32 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
- BLUEBELLS & Wild Garlic - HILLY 22km Bourne Valley - the Mills, Orchards of KentVictoria Station, London, AL£28.00
We should see on this hike bluebells and also wild garlic, both are now out :-D
Join us on this hike through the stunning Bourne Valley - an area so beautiful it’s been officially designated the "Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty". This protected and preserved rural area presents lush landscapes, ancient woods, beautiful orchards and a sense of remoteness and tranquillity in Kent - a county known as the ''Garden of England''.
Admire its meandering rivers, ancient mills and royal grounds used for training the Queen’s horses. Hike to the glorious Fairlawne estate, the home of a Saudi Prince with a vast park of over 1000 acres. Follow the edge of the Greensand Ridge, past Knight’s manors and the rare landscapes of unique cobnut trees. All of this just a short train ride away from London.
Please note: This hike is titled HILLY, it is around 450m of ascent, but most of them are small hills, most people are fine on it, but it's not a hike for beginners
Highlights:
• Hike through a lush part of the Metropolitan Green belt
• Discover the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Pass the vast and awe inspiring Fairlawne mansion - the home of a Saudi Prince and a royal horse training site
• Hike on the Greensand Ridge and follow parts of the Greensand Way path
• Admire ancient hamlets and picturesque mills dating back to the 18th century
• Visit Old Soar Manor - a 13th century knight's dwelling and an English Heritage property
• Explore the county of Kent known as the Garden of England
• Visit Shipbourne Common - a Special Landscape Area
Hike Description
Our hike takes place in the lush Bourne Valley - an untouched area that boasts a colourful variety of flowers, orchards and the rare and treasured Kentish cobnut trees. We hike on the Greensand Ridge following the dreamy river past some of the ancient mills that it used to power in a bygone era.
We start off at Borough Green whose ancient heritage can be traced back over 2000 years and follow the lush valley past colourful apple orchards and ascending into the ancient Yopps Green to marvel at a fine vista across the whole Bourne Valley. We continue on through the Fairlawne Park which surrounds the wonderful 17th century Fairlawne country mansion, the home of a Saudi Prince. This park was the place where the horses of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother were trained. The estate spreads between 2 villages with vast lawns and beautiful centuries old gardens. After lunch our trail continues past the remnants of ancient paper mills as we hike though chestnut woodlands to reach the Knight's dwelling of Old Soar Manor dating back to 1290. We then head off to the steep sided gorge cut by the river and the picturesque former paper mills at Basted Mill which operated for over 2 centuries.
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 6:36pm (group train ticket so you are committed until then)
Guide - Kevin 07918 329854
Food - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks
Distance & Difficulty
Distance: 14 miles (22km)
Grading: Intermediate
Ascent: 450m
Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 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)
• 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
- BLUEBELLS & Wild Garlic - The Medieval Country Houses and Deer Parks of KentCharing Cross Station, London, AL£28.00
We should see on this hike bluebells and also wild garlic :-D
Join us to explore the ancient woodlands, medieval deer park and picturesque fields of Kent. This diverse and stunning hike takes us on a journey via Knole House, Knole Deer Park and Ightham Mote. We usually see deer too in one of the last Tudor Deer Parks in the UK dating from the time of King Henry VIII.
Come and see for yourself why the beauty of this area attracted the Beatles to film promotional videos for "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" here.
Highlights
• Hike along a stunning stretch of the Greensands Way - much of which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Explore the ancient 1000 acre Knole Deer Park
• See the stunning Knole House - one of England's largest houses boasting 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and 7 courtyards
• Pass through Ightham Mote - Grade I listed medieval moated manor house dating from circa 1340AD
Hike Description
Our hike takes us through the 1000 acre Knole Deer Park which is home to over 350 deer and whose picturesque landscape attracted the Beatles to film promotional videos for "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields Forever". The videos went on to be selected by New York's MoMA as two of the most influential music videos of the late 1960s.
Knole House is one of England's largest houses boasting 365 rooms and 52 staircases and has remained surprisingly unchanged during its history going back to 1486. Being surrounded by the glorious 1000 acre Knole Deer Park completes its picturesque setting.
We also pass Ightham Mote, a largely original moated medieval manor house dating back to 1320 and described by David Starkey as "one of the most beautiful and interesting of English country houses". It has an extensive history encompassing ownership from medieval knights to courtiers to Henry VIII.
Meeting Point & Time
Charing Cross station at 8:40am, leaving the meeting point at 8:55am for the 9:08am train. Meet in front of the ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival back into London is 5:19pm (group train ticket so you are committed until then)
Guide - Sagar 07932 008302
Food - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks
Distance & Difficulty
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Grading: Intermediate
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)
• 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