London Social Hiking

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Travel in a small group (max 15 people) by a private minibus and discover the most beautiful trails in Britain!

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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Come and celebrate the last day of summer with a relaxing one-day escape from the capital to some of England’s best beaches! This trip was created specifically for the warmer weather, to combine some easy hiking and allow plenty of free time to enjoy the iconic Sandbanks and Bournemouth's beaches. These stunning beaches with wide golden sands backed by sand dunes regularly win awards as the country's top seaside destinations, including many prestigious Blue Flag awards.

We’ll start the day by exploring Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve. After a short climb to the summit of Hengistbury Head, we'll be rewarded with fantastic views across the New Forest, the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck Hills. We'll then follow the promenade along the sandy and picturesque beaches to Bournemouth Pier, where we'll stop for lunch for one hour. Don't forget to bring your swimwear, flip flops and a beach towel if you fancy taking a refreshing dip in the sea or walking barefoot on the sand!

We'll then take a short drive to the Miami-like peninsula of Sandbanks. Sandbanks has always attracted celebrities, with its multi-million-pound properties, yacht clubs and world-famous beaches. Past and present residents of Sandbanks include John Lennon, J.R.R. Tolkien, Rick Stein, Liam Gallagher and many others! You'll have time to sunbathe and relax on the four-mile stretch of glorious coastline near Sandbanks Beach, and enjoy spectacular views of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island on the other side.

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 8 miles (13km).
Ascent: 50m.
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
10:30-14:15 Hike from Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve to Bournemouth Pier
14:15-15:15 Free time for swimming, refreshments and enjoying Bournemouth's seafront
15:15 Departure
15:30-16:45 Free time at Sandbanks Beach
17:00 Departure
19:45 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

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

BOOKING

Please RSVP and pay by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Sandbanks):

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. Please allow up to 24 hours for the payment to arrive.

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)
• Swimwear, flip flops and a towel
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 500 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved 4.8 out of 5 average event rating. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips 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.

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Travel in a small group (max 15 people) by a private minibus and discover the most beautiful trails in Britain!

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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Join London Social Hiking on a trip to the heart of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty! The Wye Valley is well-known for its beautiful river landscapes, dramatic limestone gorges, native woodlands, impressive geology, historic hill forts, castles and abbeys. On this trip, we'll discover the River Wye – Britain's fifth longest river and certainly one of the most scenic. Much of the lower length of the river defines the border between England and Wales. We'll be hiking in Wales, with England on the other shore!

We'll do two short hikes, taking in the highlights of the area. On our first hike, we'll visit the famous viewpoint at Symonds Yat Rock. This limestone outcrop is perched 120 metres above the River Wye and provides spectacular views of the river snaking its way through the gorge. The pleasant woodland trail will take us through nature reserves to the limestone rock towers of the Seven Sisters and the dramatic King Arthur’s Cave, which provided a refuge for mammoths, hyenas and rhinoceros in prehistoric times. We'll cross the Indiana Jones style suspension bridge and also pass the distinctive red and white house, which famously featured in the Netflix series ‘Sex Education’ (Otis's and Jean's home).

After resting and having lunch and hot drinks, we'll take a short drive to the start of the second walk. This hike features the picturesque viewpoint known as the Eagle's Nest. The Eagle's Nest boasts unrivalled views down the Wye Valley to the rocks of Wintour's Leap, Chepstow, the Severn bridges and the estuary. The superb woodland path will lead us along the edge of an escarpment to the extraordinary Giant’s Cave and the Grotto, before finally descending to Chepstow and its beautifully preserved, 11th-century Chepstow Castle.

This trip is suitable for reasonably fit BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult 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
11:00-13:30 Symonds Yat Rock, King Arthur's Cave and the Seven Sisters walk (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 7km, ascent: 280m)
13:30-14:15 Lunch near Symonds Yat Rock Café
15:00-17:30 Eagle's Nest, Wyndcliff, Lover's Leap and the Giant's Cave walk (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 6km, ascent: 150m). Alternatively, you can choose to visit the 11th-century Chepstow Castle.
17:45 Departure
20:30 London, Hammersmith.

TRANSPORT

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

SAFETY

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

BOOKING

Please RSVP and pay by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Wye Gorge):

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. Please allow up to 24 hours for the payment to arrive.

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain 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)

WHAT TO BRING

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

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.

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 500 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved 4.8 out of 5 average event rating. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips 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.

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Travel in a small group (max 15 people) by a private minibus and discover the most beautiful trails in Britain!

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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London Social Hiking is off to discover the Isle of Portland, the southernmost point of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site and the venue for sailing events during the 2012 Olympics!

The Isle of Portland is 6 kilometres long by 3 kilometres wide and is connected to the mainland by the breath-taking sweep of the shingle ridge of Chesil Beach. On this walk, we'll explore dramatic, rugged limestone cliffs and hidden coves, and enjoy stunning coastal views and landscapes shaped by centuries of military activity, farming, fishing and quarrying. Did you know that the world-famous Portland stone has been quarried here since Roman times, and many famous buildings – including St Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, Tower Bridge and the United Nations headquarters in New York – were built using it?

The hike will finish at the fishing village of Chiswell, where we'll enjoy well-deserved drinks and refreshments next to Chesil Beach – one of the best sunset locations in Dorset! 🌅

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Breath-taking clifftop views along Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon
• Small secluded beach at Church Ope Cove
• Pulpit Rock and Portland Bill Lighthouse
• Dramatic views to the cliffs of Purbeck and Portland Harbour
• The ‘Spirit of Portland’ sculpture which depicts a fisherman and a quarryman to represent the two main industries of the Isle
• Tout Quarry Sculpture Park – a former quarry that is now home to over 60 sculptures, carved from Portland stone
• The Olympic Rings sculpture, created to celebrate the 2012 Olympics, in which Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy hosted the sailing events

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 9 miles (15km).
Ascent: 290m.
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; 11:30-16:45 Isle of Portland circuit walk; 16:45-17:15 drinks and refreshments by the sea; 17:15 departure; 20:00 London, Hammersmith.

TRANSPORT

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

BOOKING

Please RSVP and pay by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Portland):

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. Please allow up to 24 hours for the payment to arrive.

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)

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)
• Packed lunch
• Water (min 1L)
• Walking poles (optional)
• Gaiters (optional)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 500 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved 4.8 out of 5 average event rating. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips 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.

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This hike is now FULL.

We’ve created a list of FAQs to help you.

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We're going to Scotland! This time, on an island-hopping adventure to the Inner Hebridean Scottish islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa! The 5-day trip would suit our most adventurous travellers, wildlife enthusiasts and seafood lovers, who want to experience the furthest and most magical corners of Britain.

Our group size will be limited to only 14 participants for the maximum flexibility and a fantastic small-group experience!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Isle of Mull – one of the largest islands of the Inner Hebrides, famous for its wildlife including whales, dolphins and sea eagles
• Challenge yourself by climbing Ben More (966m) – the highest mountain on the Isle of Mull and the only island Munro (mountains over 3000ft) outside the Isle of Skye. There are breath-taking views from the summit of the Sound of Mull, the islands of Staffa and Ulva, the Isle of Skye and the mainland Highlands.
• Spend two nights in Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull, and enjoy its picturesque harbour and jolly, colourful houses
• Take a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa and admire the magical Fingal's Cave and its famous hexagonal volcanic rock columns
• Enjoy amazing Scottish specialities and fresh local seafood
• Visit the Isle of Iona. Surrounded by white, sandy beaches and turquoise seas, Iona is a holy isle and has been described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. St Columba and 12 companions came here from Ireland in AD 563.
• Relax and enjoy a waterfront dining experience on the shores of Loch Lomond – the largest lake in Britain
• Go on a charming ferry ride across the Sound of Mull to the Hebridean Isles
• Brace yourselves for a dip in the cool, clear waters and enjoy a wild swim at Calgary Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland
• Visit Oban, known as the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’
• Enjoy a breath-taking drive through the Scottish Highlands and the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
• Spend the morning in Glasgow and experience its most famous sights

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Wednesday:

06:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
07:00 Sharp departure
13:00-13:45 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
16:30 Check in at The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton, leave our luggage
17:30 Depart to the scenic village of Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond
18:00-19:45 Dinner at Colquhoun’s Restaurant by Loch Lomond
20:15 Back to our hotel, free time

Day 2 – Thursday:

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
08:00-10:00 A scenic drive to Oban through the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and the Scottish Highlands
10:00-11:15 Free time to explore the picturesque fishing port town of Oban; fresh local seafood at the famous Oban Seafood Hut
12:15-13:05 Ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull
14:00-15:30 Calgary Beach – the most beautiful beach on the Isle of Mull; free time for swimming (low tide at 3 PM, it's the best time to come)
16:15-17:45 An easy 5-kilometre coastal trail from Aros Park to Tobermory, past waterfalls, Lochan a Ghurrabain (lake), with scenic views of Tobermory Bay and its brightly coloured houses
18:00 Check in at Tobermory Youth Hostel
18:30 Dinner and free time in Tobermory. Please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out (recommended: Mishdish seafood restaurant).

Day 3 – Friday:

08:00 Breakfast in Tobermory
09:00 Depart
09:45-16:30 Climb Ben More (966m) – the highest mountain on the Isle of Mull. Two route choices possible depending on the weather and group's fitness. 1) A more difficult, but hugely scenic ascent via A' Chioch ridge and Beinn Fhada, involving some straightforward scrambling (distance: 12km, ascent: 1270m). 2) An easier route (same way there and back) from Dhiseig (distance: 10km, ascent: 950m).
17:15 Return to Tobermory
18:30 Dinner and free time in Tobermory. Please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out.

Day 4 – Saturday:

06:30 Breakfast
07:15 Depart to Fionnphort
09:30-12:30 The Isle Of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave boat tour (£40, highly recommended), or free time to visit white sandy beaches and Iona Abbey on the Isle of Iona
12:30-14:15 Free time on the Isle of Iona for those who chose the boat tour (disembark on the Isle of Iona at the end of the boat tour)
14:20-14:30 The whole group takes the ferry back to the Isle of Mull from the Isle of Iona
14:45 Depart
17:05-17:55 Ferry crossing from the Isle of Mull to Oban
20:00 Check in at The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton

Day 5 – Sunday:

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
09:00 Depart
09:30-12:00 Free time in Glasgow. Recommended to visit: George Square (the principal square in Glasgow), Buchanan Street (the main shopping street in Glasgow), Glasgow Cathedral (morning service at 11 AM, free entry), Necropolis (a beautiful Victorian cemetery on a hill, one of the best viewpoints of Glasgow).
12:00 Depart to London
14:30-15:15 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
21:45 London, Hammersmith

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

The difficulty of this trip is mostly easy. Ben More climb on day 3 is a challenging mountain hike, graded difficult. It requires an excellent level of fitness and appropriate equipment (hiking boots with ankle support, waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers). You may choose to skip it and spend this day in Tobermory (recommended: visit Tobermory Distillery or go on a Wildlife Adventure Cruise).

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

The total cost of this trip is £728 per person. A deposit of £328 is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance paid two months before the trip (July 10, 2025). Any places not paid in full by this date will be lost, and the deposit will be non-refundable and non-transferable.

To join, please RSVP and pay the deposit (£328) by bank transfer to the account below, leaving your Meetup name and the name of the trip as a reference (e.g. John Scotland):

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. Please allow up to 24 hours for the payment to arrive.

THE PRICE OF £728 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Return ferry ticket to the Isle of Mull and the Isle of Iona
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Two nights' accommodation at a hotel in shared twin rooms with a full Scottish breakfast included (you'll share your room with somebody from our group of the same gender)
• Two nights' accommodation at Tobermory Youth Hostel on the Isle of Mull in single-gender rooms, booked for our group's exclusive use (max 4 people per room). Tobermory Youth Hostel is in a top location and has great reviews. Hotels are not available on the Isle of Mull (prices from £250 per night) and have extremely limited availability, so hostel was our best and only option!
• 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)
• The Isle Of Staffa and Fingal’s Cave boat tour (optional, £40)

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)

REVIEWS ⭐

We have hosted over 500 events on Meetup, you have left us a huge number of positive reviews! We’re very proud to have achieved 4.8 out of 5 average event rating. Please keep sharing your feedback to help us make trips 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 £328 is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance paid two months before the trip (July 10, 2025). 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 (£728) by July 10 and wish to cancel, our standard refund policy (link) will apply.