London Social Hiking

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (May BH) Pembrokeshire National Park & Puffins of Skomer Island

Sat, May 23 · 6:45 AM BST

Novotel London West, London, GB

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This trip is now FULL.

On this trip, we'll be staying right next to Broad Haven Beach (see the picture) – one of the most beautiful beaches in Wales, and a perfect place to relax and watch the sunset in the evenings.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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This May Bank Holiday weekend, we're heading to the jewel of the Welsh coast – Pembrokeshire National Park – to explore its spectacular coastline and experience the famous puffins of Skomer Island! 🐧

Rated by National Geographic as the second best coastline in the world, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Britain. Here you'll discover beautiful sandy beaches, hidden coves, picturesque harbours, charming fishing villages, a Celtic Saint's chapel, sweeping views across islands, and incredible marine and seabird colonies, including the iconic puffins of Skomer Island – one of the UK's most magical wildlife spectacles.

We've created an itinerary that showcases the very best the National Park has to offer. And when the day's adventures are over, the evenings are entirely yours – swim in the sea, savour fresh local cuisine, or simply sit on the sand and watch the sunset over St Brides Bay.

All hikes on this trip are graded Easy or Moderate, making it suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness – no prior hiking experience is necessary, just a sense of adventure.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – Britain's only coastal national park and one of just three national parks in Wales
• Swim at some of Wales's most beautiful beaches – Newgale, Broad Haven, Marloes Sands and Tenby among them – many holding the prestigious international Blue Flag Award
• Spend two nights in the charming coastal village of Broad Haven, steps from its golden west-facing beach – one of the best sunset spots in Wales
• Take a boat cruise to Skomer Island and witness one of Britain's most extraordinary wildlife spectacles – vast colonies of puffins, guillemots and razorbills nesting on the cliffs. Watch out for seals basking on the rocks and dolphins darting through the waves of this protected Marine Nature Reserve!
• Explore the ancient walled town of Tenby, with its picturesque harbour lined with pretty pastel-coloured houses
• Marvel at the Green Bridge of Wales – one of the most dramatic natural arches in Britain (some jokingly call it the “Durdle Door of Wales”)
• Visit the atmospheric St Govan's Chapel – a tiny 13th-century chapel built into the sea cliffs
• Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and take in dramatic cliff scenery, sweeping views of offshore islands, rocky stacks and natural arches
• Savour Pembrokeshire's fresh, locally sourced produce at some of the finest restaurants the coast has to offer

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Saturday (23/05):

06:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
07:00 Sharp departure
13:00-17:00 Cliff-top hike from Newgale Beach to Broad Haven Beach (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 11km, ascent: 390m)
17:30 Check-in at YHA Broad Haven Hostel
18:30 Dinner at The Ocean Cafe Bar & Restaurant or Rwts Rooms and Resto (tables booked for our group) by the sea and sunset (21:19)

Day 2 – Sunday (24/05):

07:30 Breakfast
08:30 Departure
08:35 Stop to buy packed lunches
10:00-10:30 Photo stop at St Govan's Chapel
11:00-11:30 Photo stop at the Green Bridge of Wales
13:00-14:00 Boat trip to Skomer Island
14:30-16:30 Coastal hike from Martin's Haven to Marloes Sands Beach (difficulty: Easy, distance: 6km, ascent: 100m)
17:00 Return to YHA Broad Haven Hostel for dinner and free time by the sea

Day 3 – Monday (25/05):

07:30 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
09:45-13:45 Coastal hike from Manorbier Bay to Tenby (difficulty: Easy, distance: 13km, ascent: 320m)
13:45-15:30 Free time in Tenby for lunch, browse souvenir shops and relax on its golden award-winning beaches
15:30 Departure to London
21:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

LUGGAGE

You can bring two small bags with you: one cabin size personal item bag (up to 10kg) and one smaller hiking backpack to fit under the seat. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.

ACCOMMODATION

We'll be staying at the excellent, highly rated YHA Broad Haven Hostel, right beside Broad Haven Beach. We've reserved private rooms exclusively for our group, with a maximum of 3-4 people per room, all en-suite with shower and toilet. The hostel also has a well-equipped kitchen – fridges, hobs, microwaves and utensils are available should you wish to self-cater, though plenty of great restaurants are just a short walk away.

BOOKING

The total cost of this trip is £498 per person. A deposit of £249 (50%) is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due by 2 May (three weeks before departure). Any places not paid in full by this date will be lost, and deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

To secure your spot, please RSVP and pay the deposit of £249 by bank transfer to the account below, using your Meetup name and the trip name as your reference (e.g. John Pembrokeshire):

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £498 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Two nights' accommodation at YHA Broad Haven hostel in shared en-suite rooms booked for our group's exclusive use (maximum 3-4 people per room of the same gender)
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Skomer Island Cruise (£24) – booked in advance for the whole group to guarantee our places, as boat trips sell out quickly over bank holidays. This can be paid separately at a later date.
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Towel (not provided by the hostel)
• ID to check in at the hostel – appropriate forms of ID include a passport, driver’s licence, EU resident card with a photograph, student identity card with a photograph, travelcard with a photograph, UK citizen card, etc.
• Suncream
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water bottle (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• Swimwear (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

As stated in the “Booking” section of the event description, a deposit of £249 (50%) is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance due by 2 May (three weeks before departure). Any places not paid in full by this date will be lost, and the deposit will be non-refundable and non-transferable. If you have paid the full balance by 2 May and wish to cancel, our standard refund policy (link) will apply.

🦢 NEW Walking Among Swans: Abbotsbury & Weymouth Day Trip

Sat, May 30 · 7:45 AM BST

Novotel London West, London, GB

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Late May is the best time to visit the Swannery – the hatching season is in full swing, and the grounds are alive with hundreds of fluffy cygnets taking their first steps into the world.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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Join us on a wildlife adventure to the world's only managed colony of Mute Swans!

I visited the Swannery last year and was so captivated that I knew I had to bring the group here – something fresh and truly special, even for those of you who have been on many trips before.

Nestled alongside the Fleet Lagoon on the stunning Jurassic Coast, Abbotsbury Swannery is widely regarded as one of Dorset's most unforgettable wildlife experiences. Late May is a magical time to visit: the swannery is at the height of its hatching season, with hundreds of fluffy grey cygnets filling the grounds. You'll have the rare privilege of walking among them and their nests at remarkably close range. The daily mass swan feeding takes place at noon, and you're warmly invited to take part yourself. With up to 600 Mute Swans jostling and flapping for their share, it's a spectacle you won't forget.

The swannery also has a rich and fascinating history, founded over 600 years ago by Benedictine monks who originally bred the swans for food – today they are fully protected. Film enthusiasts may also recognise the site from its appearance in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

After the swannery, we'll head to the popular seaside resort of Weymouth for lunch. You'll have free time to explore its charming historic harbour, stroll along the beautiful three-mile sandy beach, recognised as one of the finest in the UK, or simply relax by the sea.

We'll round off the day with a visit to the striking chalk figure carved into the hillside, depicting King George III on horseback. Weymouth was the king's favourite holiday retreat, and his patronage transformed the town into a fashionable resort that did much to popularise sea bathing among the upper classes.

This is a relaxed day out suitable for everyone – a wonderful chance to discover new places we rarely get to explore on our hikes! 🤩

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:15-13:15 Abbotsbury Swannery – home to the world's only managed colony of Mute Swans. Wander among hundreds of swans, cygnets and their nests, and take part in the daily feeding.
13:45-15:30 Enjoy lunch at your leisure in the charming seaside resort town of Weymouth. Explore the historic harbour, stroll the Georgian seafront or simply relax on the sandy beach.
15:45 Photo stop at Osmington White Horse – the magnificent chalk figure of King George III on horseback, carved into the hillside
19:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

SAFETY

This trip is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Swans). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Dedicated event host – commentary and guidance throughout the day
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Entry to Abbotsbury Swannery – you can buy it on the day; we'll aim to arrange a discounted group ticket at £10.95
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.

🧙 Hiking Glastonbury: Land of Myths, Magic & Holy Grail Legend

Sun, May 31 · 7:45 AM BST

Novotel London West, London, GB

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Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 15, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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Come and join us on a trip to Glastonbury, possibly the quirkiest town in England, and home to the famous Glastonbury Music Festival! This city is at fascinating crossroads of various religions and spiritualities, from Christianity and paganism, to Druidism and witchcraft, and is unusually rich in legends and mythology. Glastonbury Tor, which we're going to climb, took centre stage in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, celebrating the “idyllic, mythical England”.

Our 4-mile route will follow the Glastonbury Way around the town and its beautiful landscape, taking in the most significant places. We’ll also visit the beautiful White Spring temple at the base of Glastonbury Tor (free entry). Candle-lit and atmospheric, it is a unique and sacred space long cherished by pilgrims and local people, and commonly used for quiet reflection, ceremonies and meditation. Opposite the White Spring are the peaceful, sunlit gardens of Chalice Well and the Red Spring, which you’re also welcome to visit for a small entry fee.

After the hike, you’ll have free time to explore Glastonbury’s weird and wonderful shops. This is the perfect place to browse for crystals (and learn about their healing properties), tarot cards, jewellery, lotions and potions, incense, herbs – and even wizard hats and magic wands! 🌟🔮🃏The town is also home to more than 50 spectacular pieces of street art, with colourful murals decorating the city centre and adding to Glastonbury’s vibrant, creative atmosphere.

This trip is suitable for BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult trips! 🤩

LEGENDS OF GLASTONBURY

There are many legends surrounding Glastonbury. Below are the most famous ones.

Jesus and Joseph of Arimathea

Jesus is said to have come to Glastonbury as a boy, travelling here with his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was a tin merchant and had travelled to England's south west for this valuable metal. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Joseph travelled to Britain with the Holy Grail (the cup used by Jesus at the Last Supper), which he buried under Glastonbury Tor.

The Holy Thorn

Joseph is said to have arrived in Glastonbury by boat over the flooded Somerset Levels. On arriving, he climbed up Wearyall Hill (a 15-minute walk from Glastonbury centre). Exhausted, he thrust his staff into the ground and rested. By morning his staff had taken root and grown into a miraculous thorn tree, known as the Holy Thorn. A flowering sprig of the Holy Thorn is cut every year and presented to the monarch, where it resides on his Christmas Day breakfast table.

The Isle of Avalon and King Arthur

For many people, Glastonbury represents the Isle of Avalon, the mythical island of Celtic tradition, believed to be a gateway to the underworld. Glastonbury is said to be the final resting place of the legendary King Arthur.

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 4 miles (7km).
Ascent: 220m.
Difficulty: Easy.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:15-14:00 Hike to Glastonbury Tor, 2000-year-old oak trees of Gog and Magog and the White Spring
14:00-16:00 Free time for lunch and to explore Glastonbury's quirky shops
16:00 Departure
19:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£7 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Glastonbury). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Lowland Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Lily (07450435289, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.

⛰️ (Lake District) Hiking Scafell Pike – The Highest Mountain in England

Sat, Jun 6 · 6:45 AM BST

Novotel London West, London, GB

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Explore Britain’s most stunning trails in a small group of up to 14, travelling together by private minibus to beautiful, remote locations not easily reached by public transport.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help answer your questions.

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The Lake District is England's largest national park and by far the most popular in the UK. Every year, some 19 million people pitch up to explore the region's mountains and countryside, and it's not hard to see why. Its postcard panorama of craggy hilltops, mountain tarns and glittering lakes has been stirring the imaginations of visitors for centuries. In 2017, the Lake District was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining the likes of the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canyon on the illustrious list. It was the UK’s first national park to be given such status.

On the first day of our trip, we'll summit Scafell Pike – the highest mountain in England, rising to 978 metres above sea level. We'll do our walk from Wasdale valley, which offers the shortest and the most popular approach to the peak. The route starts at almost the sea level, by ascending alongside Lingmell Gill. After crossing the river, the path then leads to Hollow Stones and Lingmell Col, before the final rocky ascent to Scafell Pike. Throughout the whole hike, we'll enjoy superb views of Wast Water, England's deepest lake, the surrounding peaks and dramatic crags. After the hike, we'll drive to our hotel, where we'll have dinner and rest.

Sunday will be much more relaxing! Today's walk is low-level, and will take us around two of the prettiest lakes in the Lake District – Grasmere and Rydal Water. We'll visit the large cavern of Rydal Cave, with its stepping stones. This famous Lakeland beauty spot is actually man-made, and is the result of slate quarrying over 200 years ago. We'll climb Loughrigg Fell (335m) and enjoy amazing panoramic views (it's often from the lower hills that you get the best views!). The hike will finish at Grasmere village, where we'll have lunch and visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – an absolute must-do in the Lakes!

ITINERARY

Saturday:

06:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
07:00 Sharp departure
07:00-14:30 Transfer, with two stops at services (30 and 15 minutes)
14:30-19:00 Hike to Scafell Pike from Wasdale Head (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 9km, ascent: 910m)
20:00 Check-in at Premier Inn Whitehaven Hotel, dinner and free time

Sunday:

07:00 Breakfast
08:00 Departure
09:00­-13:30 Rydal Water and Grasmere circular walk, via Rydal Cave and Loughrigg Fell (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 11km, ascent: 530m)
13:30-15:00 Lunch in Grasmere, one of the prettiest villages in the Lake District; free time to visit the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop and buy souvenirs
15:00 Departure
19:00 Stop at services for dinner
21:00 London, Hammersmith

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

Please note that this trip requires a good level of fitness. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential.

PRIVATE ROOM

The default option is a shared twin room at the hotel (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender). A small number of private rooms, for your own use, is available for £30 extra – let us know if you would like an upgrade!

TRANSPORT

As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.

LUGGAGE

You can bring two small bags with you: one cabin size personal item bag (up to 10kg) and one smaller hiking backpack to fit under the seat. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£20 extra per ticket), we kindly ask for payment by bank transfer. Please include your Meetup name and the trip as the payment reference (e.g. John Lake District). As places are limited, we can hold your place for 24 hours.

Business Account Name: London Social Hiking Limited
Sort Code: 20-17-20
Account Number: 63116514

We'll let you know by changing your status to “Paid” as soon as the payment is cleared. You can check your status next to your name in the attendees list of the event. You don’t need a paid Meetup subscription to do this – just close any pop-up windows and continue.

THE PRICE OF £278 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• One night's accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)
• Food

HOW TO CONTACT US

For all enquiries, please PM Anna (the main organiser) via Meetup. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lshiking.co.uk We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.

Your guide will be Anna (07596844467, only for use during the hike). Please get in touch if you have any difficulty locating the meeting point or need help during the trip.

WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers
• Gloves/hat/cap
• Water bottle (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• Walking poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)
• Second pair of comfortable (non-hiking) shoes for minibus journeys
• Comfortable clothes to change after the hike

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 600 events on Meetup and received an incredible number of positive reviews from our community. We’re proud to have achieved an average event rating of 4.8 out of 5. Please keep sharing your feedback – it helps us continue to improve and make every trip even better!

JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

This is where we share pictures from our events. Feel free to use for inspiration on where to go next!

Facebook group link and Instagram

REFUND POLICY

You can check our refund policy here.