About us
🧭 London’s #1 Hiking and Walking Group – Est. 2011
Guided day hikes and weekend walking adventures from London
Looking to escape the city, meet like-minded people, and explore the great outdoors?
Join our friendly and active hiking community. We run 3 to 5 guided hikes every weekend from London, all easily accessible by train. Our routes explore Kent, Surrey, Sussex, and the North and South Downs.
Our hikes are designed for people in their 20s to 40s, or anyone young at heart who loves the outdoors. They are ideal for expats, beginner hikers, and those looking for a balance of fitness, fun, and sociable hiking adventures.
🌟 Why Join Outdooraholics?
✅ Discover stunning parts of the UK and Europe
✅ Get outdoors and stay active
✅ Escape London for fresh air, fitness, and fun
✅ Make new friends and enjoy great company
✅ Join trips for all levels – from beginners to experienced hikers
📅 Explore Our Trips
🌤️ Day Hikes
Gentle strolls to challenging trails – graded for all levels
👉 View Day Hikes by Grade
🏕️ UK Weekend Hiking Trips 🇬🇧
Explore Britain’s best hiking spots – no passport needed
👉 See Full List
✈️ Foreign Trips & Holidays 🌍⛰️
Epic adventures across Europe and beyond
👉 See Full List
💬 What Our Members Say
👉 Read our Reviews (over 19,000)
🧑🤝🧑 Who Joins Us?
Most of our members are in their 20s to 40s, live or work in London, and come from all walks of life. We attract a truly international, diverse, and friendly crowd.
Many people join solo – and quickly discover just how welcoming and social our group is. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned hiker, you’ll always be made to feel at home.
📩 Got a Question?
Drop us an email at: **info@outdooraholics.co.uk**
🚀 Join the Adventure
Come and find out why so many people are falling in love with hiking – and why Outdooraholics is at the heart of it.
Featured event
Ultimate Amalfi Coast Hiking Adventure: Path of the Gods, Pompeii & Vesuvius
This is our 32nd Amalfi Coast trip, making it the most popular overseas hiking holiday of any Meetup group in the UK.
Join us for six unforgettable nights exploring one of Europe's most spectacular coastlines. We'll hike the legendary Path of the Gods, discover the colourful coastal towns of Positano and Amalfi, explore the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii and visit Mount Vesuvius.
We'll stay in a charming, family run boutique guest house overlooking the mountains, enjoying spectacular hikes, authentic Italian food and beautiful scenery.
Travelling solo? Most of our holidays are enjoyed by people joining on their own, making this a fantastic opportunity to meet like minded people, make new friends and share an unforgettable Italian adventure.
With 31 previous Amalfi Coast trips behind us, you're in experienced hands!
📏 Key Info
• 🌙 Nights: 6 (Fri–Thu)
• 💷 Cost: £873 early bird / £958 standard
• 🥾 Difficulty: Intermediate
• 🛶 Activities: Hiking, sightseeing and limoncello factory visit
• 🛌 Room Type: Boutique Guest House with pool - Twin ensuite rooms (a single occupancy upgrade available)
• 🚐 Transport: Mainly private coach
• 🍽️ Meals Included: All Breakfasts + 4 packed lunches + 2 dinners
• ✈️ Start & End City: Naples
• 🚐 Airport Transfer: Group transfer included for suggested flights
• 🧭 Guide: Graham. He created this Amalfi Coast adventure in 2012 and has been leading trips here ever since.
🌟 Trip Highlights
• Hike the legendary Path of the Gods, one of Europe's most spectacular coastal hikes
• Visit Mount Vesuvius, the famous volcano that destroyed Pompeii nearly 2,000 years ago
• Explore Pompeii the extraordinary ancient Roman city preserved by volcanic ash
• Stay at Casa Pendola, a charming family run Boutique Guest House overlooking the beautiful Agerola valley LINK
• Three spectacular hikes starting directly from our guest house
• Explore Positano, one of Italy's most picturesque coastal towns, famous for its colourful houses cascading down the mountainside
• Discover hidden waterfalls, ancient ruins and lush mountain scenery in Valle delle Ferriere National Park
• Explore Amalfi, with its historic streets, colourful buildings, cafés and famous lemon groves
• A Free Day to visit the island of Capri, Ravello mountain town or relax at our private pool
• Visit a small family-owned limoncello factory, see how it's made and enjoy tastings
• Enjoy authentic Italian food, including two evenings of freshly made stone-baked pizza
• Share the adventure with a friendly group of fellow hikers and travel enthusiasts
🌅 Trip Description
The Amalfi Coast needs little introduction. A UNESCO World Heritage coastline where dramatic mountains rise more than 1,000 metres above the sparkling Mediterranean, with picturesque villages clinging to steep hillsides and colourful houses tumbling towards the sea.
It's undoubtedly one of Europe's most beautiful destinations, and exploring it on foot is one of the very best ways to experience it.
We've designed this holiday to showcase the region's finest hikes alongside some of its world-famous sights, combining spectacular hiking with Italian history, culture and plenty of opportunities to relax.
Our hikes follow ancient paths and mule tracks through landscapes where time seems to have stood still. One moment we'll be high in the mountains, enjoying breathtaking coastal views, and the next we'll be exploring a charming Italian village or enjoying a coffee beside the sea.
And it's not just about the scenery. Part of the pleasure of travelling with Outdooraholics is sharing these experiences with other like-minded people who love hiking, discovering new places and enjoying life!
🛏️ Accommodation & Transport
• Agerola (6 nights) – Twin bedded en-suite rooms at Casa Pendola (LINK), a boutique family owned Guest House high in the hills
• Transport - Private group coach: Naples Airport → Agerola → Naples Airport → Naples train station. Also a private coach on the Vesuvius and Pompeii day.
📅 Itinerary
Friday – Arrival & Transfer to the Guest House
There is a complimentary airport transfer at one fixed time. On arrival at our Guest House, we'll have time to settle in, explore the area and visit the local village. In the evening, we'll enjoy freshly made stone baked pizzas at our guest house, a great chance to get to know each other while enjoying the stunning mountain setting. There's also a bar.
Our guest house is a 10 - 15 minute walk outside the village, offering a peaceful escape from the noise and has an unheated swimming pool.
Saturday
• Hike: Bomerano circular
• Distance: 10km (6 miles)
• Grading: Intermediate, one tough uphill, rocky terrain in places
• Ascent: 640m
Our first hike takes us directly from our guest house into the beautiful mountains surrounding Agerola.
We'll climb to the summit of Monte Tre Calli (1,122m), where we're rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views across the Amalfi Peninsula, its dramatic coastline and the mountain villages below.
It's a fantastic introduction to the region and a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the spectacular scenery.
After our hike, there'll be free time to explore the charming village of Bomerano or relax at our guest house.
Local experience:
• 🍋 Limoncello factory visit: Discover how this famous Italian liqueur is made at a small family-run producer, with tastings of different varieties. Included in the trip price. Subject to availability: as it is run by a team of two, it may occasionally be closed.
Sunday
• Hike: Bomerano to Amalfi via Valle delle Ferriere Park
• Distance: Approx 16km (10 miles)
• Grading: Intermediate, some rough and rocky tracks, use of hands required
• Ascent: 580m
• Descent: 1100m
Today we enjoy one of the most varied and rewarding hikes of the holiday, combining beautiful mountain scenery, hidden waterfalls, lush wooded valleys and the famous coastal town of Amalfi.
Starting from our guest house, we'll follow some roads before heading into the wooded mountains of Valle delle Ferriere, passing waterfalls, ancient ruins and mountain streams, with spectacular views of the coast.
As we descend, we'll pass fragrant lemon groves before reaching the enchanting town of Amalfi, where colourful buildings and narrow streets open out towards the sparkling Mediterranean.
We'll have time to explore Amalfi's historic streets, visit its cafés and enjoy some well deserved refreshments before returning to our accommodation.
Monday - Free day
After two fantastic days of hiking, today is yours to relax or explore more of the beautiful Amalfi Coast at your own pace.
Some wonderful options include:
Visit Capri island
One of Italy's most famous and beautiful islands, Capri has attracted visitors since Roman times. With its dramatic coastal scenery, charming streets and spectacular views, it's a wonderful place to explore.
Discover Ravello
Perched high above the coast, Ravello is one of southern Italy's most romantic and picturesque towns, famous for its beautiful gardens, charming streets and breathtaking sea views.
Relax in Agerola
Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely day exploring Bomerano's cafés, discovering the local countryside or simply relaxing at our guest house.
Please note: This is an unguided free day. Your guide can advise on the different options and travel arrangements, but all activities today are self guided.
Tuesday - Day trip to Vesuvius and Pompeii
Mount Vesuvius
• Distance: 4km
• Grading: Beginner, A gravel track
• Ascent: 200m
We'll visit one of the world's most famous volcanoes, whose devastating eruption in AD 79 buried the Roman city of Pompeii beneath volcanic ash.
Weather and tickets permitting, we'll hike towards the summit, enjoying spectacular views across the Bay of Naples and discovering the fascinating volcanic landscape.
Pompeii
Few archaeological sites are as fascinating as Pompeii, an ancient Roman city remarkably preserved for nearly 2,000 years.
We'll explore its historic cobbled streets, discovering houses, shops, bakeries, public baths and other buildings that offer an extraordinary glimpse into everyday life during the Roman Empire.
You can explore independently or join the private organised tour we arrange with our local guide.
Important: Visiting the Vesuvius summit is subject to weather conditions and ticket availability. If summit tickets cannot be obtained, we'll instead enjoy a shorter walk on Vesuvius to a historic lava flow.
Vesuvius requires advance booking. We'll email you approximately one month before departure with details of how to opt in.
Wednesday
• Hike: The famous "Sentiero degli dei" (Path of the Gods)
• Distance: 7km (5 miles). Various options to extend, you can decide on the day
• Grading: Intermediate
• Ascent: 350m for the standard route
We've saved one of the greatest highlights of the holiday until our final full day!
The legendary Path of the Gods is widely regarded as one of Europe's finest coastal hikes, with breathtaking views across the Amalfi Coast and the sparkling Mediterranean far below.
Our trail winds along the dramatic mountainside, passing ancient stone houses, vineyards, woodland and a traditional goat farm, with spectacular scenery around almost every corner.
It's an unforgettable hike and one of the very best ways to experience the beauty of this extraordinary coastline.
Positano
We'll also visit Positano, arguably the most picturesque and photogenic town on the Amalfi Coast.
Its colourful pastel houses cascade down the steep mountainside towards the sea, creating one of Italy's most iconic sights.
We'll have time to explore its narrow streets, browse the boutique shops, visit the beach or relax at one of its many cafés.
Different hiking options
Today offers several options depending on how much hiking you'd like to do.
The guide will complete the full Path of the Gods, continue down to Positano and return on foot to our guest house. This full guided option is considerably longer and more demanding than the standard 7km section.
Alternatively, you can shorten your hike using local transport, with options including a coastal boat or bus, depending on availability.
You can also choose whether to take the public bus into Positano or extend your hike by descending approximately 1,700 steps.
Your guide will explain the different options so you can choose a route suited to your fitness and preferences.
Final evening
After a wonderful final day, we'll return to our guest house for another delicious meal of freshly made stone-baked pizza.
It's a lovely opportunity to enjoy our final evening together, share memories of the holiday and perhaps start planning our next adventure!
Thursday – Departure
After breakfast, we'll depart for Naples, where our complimentary scheduled group transfer will take us to the airport.
If you'd like to extend your Italian adventure, we also offer a complimentary stop at Naples Central railway station.
Visit Rome, Florence or Milan: High-speed trains from Naples can reach Rome in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and also Florence and Milan, making it easy to add a few days exploring one of these cities.
Explore Naples: Our transfer also makes a complimentary stop at Naples Central railway station, ideal for anyone wanting to discover this fascinating city before travelling home.
🍽️ Food
One of the great pleasures of visiting Italy is the food!
Breakfast: Included every morning at our guest house.
Packed lunches: On our four main hiking and sightseeing days, a local bakery provides a packed lunch.
Dinners: Two evening meals are included, freshly made stone-baked pizzas at our guest house on our first and final evenings.
On the remaining evenings, you're free to explore the local restaurants and cafés, giving you a chance to sample authentic regional Italian cuisine.
Typical dinners cost approximately €12–18 per person, excluding drinks.
Lunch packs come from a local bakery and are available as meat or vegetarian only, they cannot be adjusted to meet any other requirements. Guests with other dietary requirements may wish to supplement these with additional items purchased locally.
Dietary requirements:
• Vegetarian food can be catered for
• Some requirements (including vegan, nut-free, lactose free, gluten free, onion free) cannot be catered for
• Gluten-free options in restaurants are more limited than in the UK due to the local reliance on pasta, bread and pizza. For those avoiding gluten, the most reliable choices are naturally gluten-free foods such as salads, fruit and vegetables.
💷 Cost & Booking
• £873 until the 1st December (Early Booking Discount)
• Then £958 thereafter
How to book:
• Click “Attend” and pay a £200 deposit by PayPal to secure your space
• Remainder due by Sunday 31st January 2027 (by bank transfer)
• Payment details are emailed 1 week before the balance deadline
Payment terms:
• Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable
• When the trip is sold out, fully paid spaces may be advertised to the same gender (see FAQ for details)
✅ Price Includes
• 6 nights’ accommodation in a family run, boutique guest house sharing twin bedded ensuite single gender bedrooms
• Breakfast each day
• 4 packed lunches from a local bakery
• 2 Dinners on the first and last nights - freshly made stone baked pizzas at our guest house
• Complimentary fixed time group transfers from Naples Airport on arrival and to Naples Airport or Central Station on departure
• Private coach transfers to Pompeii and Vesuvius and throughout the day
• Local bus from Amalfi following our hike
• Use of the Guest House private pool (subject to being operational)
• Hikes by a trained guide (Outdoor First Aider)
• Compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations, including financial protection
❌ Price Excludes
• Flights, dinners except the 2 included, lunch on the free day
• Entry to Pompeii (20 Euros) and Mount Vesuvius (12 Euros)
• 1.5 Euros per night Tourist Tax: LINK
✈️ Flights, Start & End Times
All times below are local Italian time.
Arrival – Friday (Naples Airport → Agerola)
For anyone arriving on one of the suggested flights below or already at the airport – we offer a complimentary group transfer, departing 10:15am from Naples Airport. We will wait up to 1 hour for delays on the listed flights below.
Inbound flights – 09.04.2027
• EasyJet flight: EZY8355
5:30am from London Gatwick (LGW) → Naples (NAP) landing 9:25am
• Jet2 flight: LS1517
5:55am from London Stansted (STN) → Naples (NAP) landing 9:45am
• EasyJet flight: EZY2493
6:05am from London Luton (LTN) → Naples (NAP) landing 9:55am
If you arrive later or on a different flight, you’ll need to make your own way to the accommodation. Flights are not part of the package. You are responsible for reaching the meeting point, even if your flight is delayed or changed so please ensure your travel insurance covers travel disruption.
Return – Thursday
After breakfast, we depart at 8:30am. We expect to arrive at our Naples Airport drop off between approximately 9:50am and 10:20am, depending on traffic and road conditions.
As this arrival time cannot be guaranteed, we recommend booking a return flight with a generous time buffer. If you have not visited Naples before, we suggest continuing with the group to Naples Central station, arriving around 30 minutes later, giving you time to explore the city before taking a late afternoon or evening flight home.
If you choose an earlier flight, you do so entirely at your own risk and must allow sufficient time for possible delays, including traffic, roadworks, accidents, vehicle breakdowns, delays departing the accommodation or other unforeseen circumstances. Outdooraholics cannot accept responsibility for missed flights or onward travel arrangements. Your travel insurance should include cover for travel disruption.
🛡️ Insurance & Entry Requirements
It is essential that you have travel insurance which covers:
• Emergency medical treatment
• Hiking (up to 1200m in this case)
• Cancellation and curtailment
• Travel disruption (e.g. if you cannot reach the start of the trip due to delayed or cancelled flights)
You will be required to provide a copy of your insurance policy. Without valid insurance, we cannot accept you onto the trip and no refund will be due in this case.
Outdooraholics cannot verify what any policy covers – you must confirm this directly with your insurer. The guide accepting your policy details is not confirmation that it is valid or adequate.
Entry requirements:
• Valid travel documents for Italy, including a passport and visa if required
• Italy is in the EU – please check entry rules for your nationality
❓ Want to Know More?
• 🔍 New to Our Overseas Trips? – Perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”
• 🏢 About Us – Who Outdooraholics are, credibility & history
• ❓ FAQs – Answers to the most common queries
🔗 Explore More & Stay Connected
Foreign trips list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Instagram 📸
Facebook page & Photos group
⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader. Outdoor activities carry risk. Please bring suitable hiking footwear and clothing. See: Clothing tips.
📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to these
© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2027 E & OE
Upcoming events
41
- £31.00
HIKE 26km Leith Hill Gothic Tower, Ancient Woodlands and Panoramic Views
Victoria Station, Victoria Station, Victoria, London SW1E 5ND, UK, London, al, GB📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 16 miles (26km)
• Grading: Intermediate/Challenging
• Ascent: 530m
• Hiking time: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
• Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, nature (woods/bushes) during hike, and at the end pub📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Victoria station. Meet between WHSmith (no 34) and Nero Express (no 29) - MAP & PHOTO
• Time: Meet 8:05am, leave 8:25am for the 8:41am train
• Return: 7:15pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)🌟 Highlights
• Explore the Surrey Hills AONB, England’s most wooded county
• Conquer Leith Hill (314m) — the highest point in South East England
• Visit Leith Hill Tower, an 18th-century Gothic folly with breathtaking panoramic views
• See Tilling Springs, the source of the River Tillingbourne
• Walk through Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard🥾 Hike Description
Our journey begins in the market town of Dorking, following sandy trails and ancient woodlands onto the Greensand Ridge. From here we ascend to Leith Hill, crowned by its striking 18th-century Gothic tower. At 314m, this is the highest point in South East England, and for nearly 200 years it has been a celebrated picnic spot. We pause here for lunch, with the option, subject to opening and a small admission charge, to climb the tower's 78 spiral steps for panoramic views stretching from London to the English Channel.From the summit, the trail leads us into deep woodland to reach Tilling Springs, the source of the River Tillingbourne, whose waters once powered mills across Surrey villages. We then ascend to the North Downs Way, one of England’s great National Trails, where frequent viewpoints reveal wide vistas across the valleys and back towards Dorking.
Continuing through wooded ridges, we arrive at Ranmore Common, a plateau dotted with sweeping meadows and the beautiful St Barnabas Church, built in 1860. The route offers a mix of quiet forest paths, open landscapes and far-reaching views that show off Surrey at its very best.
Our finale is a walk through the rolling slopes of Denbies Wine Estate, the largest vineyard in England. In summer you can see the vines heavy with grapes, while year-round the estate provides a spectacular backdrop with views towards Box Hill, completing a hike that blends natural beauty, history and English charm.
🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)📲 Explore More & Stay Connected
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Instagram 📸
Facebook page & Photos group📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
27 attendees - £32.00
BEGINNERS HIKE 16km Ivinghoe Beacon and the Forests of the Chiltern Hills
London Euston, Euston Road, London, GB📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 10 miles (16km)
• Grading: Beginners with some hills
• Ascent: 330m
• Hiking time: 4.5 to 5 hours
• Cost: £32 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the mid-afternoon stop, and at the end pub📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Euston station. Meet in front of the main ticket office - MAP
• Time: Meet 8:50am, leave 9:10am for the 9:25am train
• Return: 5:28pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)🌟 Highlights
• Hike to the start of the Ridgeway Trail — Britain’s oldest road (5,000 years)
• Views of the huge 147m White Lion chalk carving at Whipsnade
• Scenic hills in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• The Bridgewater Monument — 33m memorial tower built in 1832
• Explore Aldbury, a traditional “chocolate-box” English village🥾 Hike Description
We set out into the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, following a mix of beech woodland, chalk uplands, and ridge trails. Part of our route follows the ancient Ridgeway Trail, a 5,000-year-old trading path often called Britain’s oldest road. From these high points we enjoy sweeping views across the Vale of Aldbury and the rolling Chiltern countryside.Midway we reach Ivinghoe Beacon, a striking hilltop once used for signalling beacons and now a superb viewpoint across the region. It has featured in TV classics like The Avengers and The Saint. From here, the 147m-long White Lion chalk carving at Whipsnade can be seen across the valley, etched into the hillside and visible for miles.
The trail then continues through the Ashridge Estate, former seat of the Dukes of Bridgewater, where we pass the 33m Bridgewater Monument built in 1832. Finally, we descend into the unspoilt village of Aldbury, famed for its traditional cottages and “chocolate-box” charm, before rounding off the day with a visit to the village pub.
🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)📲 Explore More & Stay Connected
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Instagram 📸
Facebook page & Photos group📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
26 attendees - £31.00
BEGINNERS HIKE 18KM Wind in the Willows: Woodland, River & Photography adventure
Paddington station, 32 Woodfield Road London, W9 2BE. Paddington station, London, GB📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 11.5 miles (18km)
• Grading: Beginners/Intermediate - one main hill that we take gently
• Ascent: 140m
• Hiking time: 5 to 5.5 hours
• Cost: £31 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Paddington station. Meet at the entrance of the main ticket office - MAP
• Time: Meet 8:30am, leave 8:50am for the 9:08am train
• Return: 5:21pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)🌟 Highlights
• Walk the scenic Thames Path with riverside meadows and marshes
• Visit Cookham, home of painter Sir Stanley Spencer
• Discover the site of Saxon Queen Cynethryth’s lost 8th-century monastery
• See ancient Bronze Age burial mounds at Cock Marsh
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Thames Valley from Winter Hill
• Walk through Bisham Woods, inspiration for The Wind in the Willows
• Pass near the Cliveden Estate — famed for grandeur and the Profumo Affair
• Cross Boulters Lock, once a favourite haunt of Victorian society
• Finish in Maidenhead, with Brunel’s iconic 1835 railway bridge🥾 Hike Description
We set off from Cookham and soon make our way into the enchanting Bisham Woods, once part of the Royal Forest of Windsor. Steeped in history and folklore, these ancient woods were said to be haunted by Lady Hoby and inspired Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Rich in flora and wildlife, they provide a beautiful opening to our walk.Climbing to Winter Hill, we enjoy sweeping views across the Thames Valley before descending to the river. The path then leads us through meadows and marshland, past the ancient burial mounds of Cock Marsh, before arriving in the historic heart of Cookham village, famously described by Stanley Spencer as “a village in heaven.” Here we pause for lunch, with time to explore the charming streets, Spencer’s gallery, and Holy Trinity Church where the artist is commemorated, as well as a visit to a traditional pub.
After lunch, we rejoin the Thames Path, widely regarded as one of the most photogenic stretches of the river. The route meanders alongside the water, skirting the edge of the grand Cliveden Estate, once a ducal residence and later the setting of the notorious 1960s Profumo Affair.
Our hike continues along the river past Boulters Lock, a lively boating hub once popular with Victorian high society, before reaching Maidenhead. The finale is at Brunel’s magnificent 1835 railway bridge, a pioneering feat of Victorian engineering and a fitting close to a day rich in riverside scenery, history and culture.
🧭 Guide:
• Leader: BEA
• Contact (hike day only): 07345 241215🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider❓ Want to Know More?
• New to Our Trips? (perfect for first-timers, answers “what to expect”)
• About Us (who Outdooraholics are, credibility, history)
• FAQs (covers common queries)📲 Explore More & Stay Connected
Day hikes list 👣
Calendar - All trips 📖
Instagram 📸
Facebook page & Photos group📄 Terms and Conditions
By signing up or attending you agree to our Terms and Conditions© Outdooraholics Hiking UK Ltd 2026 E & OE
16 attendees - £32.00
HIKE 20km Abbeys, Woodlands, Witches Caves & Country Houses of River Wey
Waterloo Station, Waterloo Station, Lambeth, London SE1 8SW, UK, London, al, GB📏 Key Info:
• Distance: 12 miles (20km)
• Grading: Intermediate
• Ascent: 240m
• Hiking time: 5.5 to 6 hours
• Cost: £32 (includes guided hike + return train)
• Refunds: Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you follow our [Resale Process] and your place is rebooked, we’ll issue a refund.
• Toilet Breaks: On the train, at the lunch stop, and at the end pub📍 Meeting Point
• Location: Waterloo station. Meet under the main central clock - MAP & photo of the clock
• Time: Meet 8:30am, leave 8:50am for the 9:05am train
• Return: 6:34pm arrival back in London (you’re committed until then)🌟 Highlights
• Explore the romantic ruins of Waverley Abbey (founded in 1128)
• Visit Tilford village green — a picture-postcard cricket green flanked by medieval bridges
• See an 800-year-old oak tree with an 8m girth
• Step inside Mother Ludlam’s Cave, legendary home of the White Witch
• Visit the Bourne Woods filming location used in Gladiator, Harry Potter, War Horse and 20+ other films
• Follow woodland and riverside trails along the River Wey
• Discover hidden gems near Farnham, a historic Georgian market town🥾 Hike Description
Our journey begins in the Georgian market town of Farnham, with its history spanning nearly 1,000 years. From here we follow woodland trails to Mother Ludlam’s Cave, once said to be the home of the White Witch of Waverley. Passing the grand Moor Park House, we reach the evocative ruins of Waverley Abbey, England’s first Cistercian monastery founded in 1128, and the nearby Waverley Abbey House, set beside a tranquil lake.The trail then brings us to Tilford village, a picture-perfect English setting with a cricket pitch, riverside pub, and two medieval stone bridges across the River Wey. Continuing on, we pass an 800-year-old oak tree of remarkable size and a nearby farm where pigs — and often piglets — can be seen in the fields.
Next we enter the Bourne Woods, an enchanting mix of heathland and coniferous forest. Here we actually pass through specific filming locations used in Gladiator, Robin Hood, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, War Horse and more than 20 other films. Walking these paths, you’ll stand where legendary battle scenes and cinematic moments were filmed.
We return to Farnham to complete the circuit, finishing a hike rich in history, folklore and cinematic scenery — a trail through time that captures the very best of Surrey’s countryside.
🧭 Guide:
• Leader: GRAHAM
• Contact (hike day only): 07796 098487🍽️ Food:
• Bring a packed lunch
• Pub visit after the hike (drinks optional)🎒What to Bring
• Hiking boots/shoes
• Water (2 litres minimum)
• Packed lunch
• Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
• Hat and gloves if cold
• Train tickets are arranged – just meet us at the meeting point⚠️ Safety
Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider❓ Want to Know More?
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• FAQs (covers common queries)📲 Explore More & Stay Connected
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