About us
Must all meetup groups in London be fully booked or ridiculously expensive?! Not here!!
Explore Britain and the Great British outdoors free of charge by connecting with walkers, hikers and outdoor lovers!
We are different from most outdoor Meetup Groups because
- we are 100% free & community-driven;
- we are a group of friends, not a business;
- we do different activity types and levels;
- anyone may organize a walk/trip. You, too!
How does it work?
- You only pay for your train tickets and accommodation (if necessary)
- If possible we will share ticket costs and discounts (e.g. GroupSave)
Who should join this group?
- Anyone who loves the outdoors:
- All ages and experience levels;
- Check each individual event's details to decide if it's suitable for you.
What are the rules?
Because each event has a different organizer, please read each event's rules carefully, e.g. some trips may have limited places due to safety reasons;
Get ready for unforgettable adventures, forests, ancient castles, prehistoric ruins, valley walks and hills, weekend breaks and day walks - along the English coasts, the mountains of Wales and the Highlands of Scotland - all for free!
Upcoming events
5
Hoo Peninsula circular walk approx 17 Miles (moderate)
Higham Train Station, School Lane, Strood, Kent, ME3 7JQ, GBJoin us for a 17-mile circular hike starting and finishing in Higham, the charming village once home to Charles Dickens. This route explores the diverse landscapes of the Hoo Peninsula, combining woodland trails, historic military forts, wetlands, industrial sites, and sweeping Thames estuary views.
We’ll begin in the shaded paths and gentle hills of Shorne Woods Country Park, before heading out to the open farmland and marshes of the peninsula. Along the way, you’ll see the industrial side of the Thames estuary, including old brickworks, power stations, and shipping infrastructure that reflect the area’s long history of industry and trade.
As we approach the river, the route takes us past Napoleonic-era defensive structures, including the riverside Cliffe Fort, built to protect London from invasion. These historic forts contrast strikingly with the industrial landscape nearby, offering a unique blend of history and modernity.
The walk continues along sea walls and marshland paths to the bird-rich wetlands of Cliffe Pools, an essential habitat for waders, marsh harriers, and other wildlife. From here, the loop returns through quiet lanes, villages, and farmland, completing a rewarding circuit that combines literary heritage, natural beauty, military history, and industrial landscapes.
Key details
Distance: ~17 miles (27 km)
Route: Circular
Start/Finish: Higham
Terrain: Woodland paths, marsh trails, sea walls, farm tracks, quiet lanes, and some industrial-adjacent paths
Highlights: Shorne Woods Country Park, Napoleonic forts including Cliffe Fort, the wetlands of Cliffe Pools, the literary heritage of Charles Dickens, and the industrial landscapes of the Thames estuaryWalk starts at 11:25 at Higham(Kent) railway Station. Walk ENDS approx 18:30 at Higham(Kent) Station. Buy a day return to Higham(Kent) , cost is £12.50 with railcard or groupsave. Get the 10:18 train from London Bridge to Higham arr. 11:25. I will get the train from Abbey wood(Elizabeth line) Bring a packed lunch. Pub stop for lunch.
How to join? - The walk is entirely free of charge; - You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses; - Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part); - Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ - Please answer the RSVP question; Guests with missing or incorrect answers will be removed from the list! What to bring - Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended - Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk - Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case - Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy - Spare socks - Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-) - Yourself... - ...and your camera! - Cash for train ticket - Cash for pub at the end of the walk? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section! IMPORTANT Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-) By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer. Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered. As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave. Any questions, feel free to ask below or send a private message!
60 attendees
Past events
892
