London Social Hiking

⛰️ (2 Places) Hiking Snowdon – The Highest Mountain in Wales

Sat, Oct 24 · 6:45 AM BST

Novotel London West, London, GB

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2 places available due to last-minute cancellations!

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

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Spend a weekend enjoying some of the best mountain scenery Wales has to offer!

Departing London early on Saturday morning, we'll head to Snowdon – the highest mountain in Wales, at 1,085 metres above sea level. Starting from Pen-y-Pass mountain pass, we'll climb via the Pyg Track – one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit. On the way, we'll enjoy exceptional views of the glacial lakes of Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn, dramatic cliffs and the surrounding peaks of the Snowdon massif. We'll descend via the Miners' Track, so called because it was originally built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine on the slopes of Snowdon. After an initial steep section, the path becomes an easy, gradual downhill along the shores of the lakes and past the historic mine buildings. After the hike, we'll take a short drive to Plas y Brenin, where we'll check in and enjoy a well-deserved dinner (kitchen open until 8pm, bar until 11pm).

On Sunday, after a hearty Full English breakfast at Plas y Brenin (included), we'll head to the most beautiful valley in Snowdonia National Park – the Ogwen Valley, famous for its towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes and dramatic glacial landscapes. It's one of the best places in Britain to see evidence of tremendous geological events and glacial activity that shaped this landscape, and Charles Darwin came here more than once to study them. We'll do a circular route around Llyn Idwal, a lake cradled in a glacial valley beneath sheer cliffs, then climb up to the Devil's Kitchen (Twll Du), a dark cleft in the headwall, before returning along the shore of Llyn Ogwen. It's a shorter, easier walk than Saturday's, with plenty of options to cut it short for anyone who'd prefer to take it easy. After the hike, we'll drive to the scenic village of Betws-y-Coed for lunch, before heading back to London.

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
12:30-18:30 Hike to Snowdon via the Pyg and Miners' Tracks (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 12km, ascent: 810m)
18:45 Check-in at Plas y Brenin, dinner and free time (kitchen open until 8pm, bar until 11pm)

Sunday:

07:45 Breakfast (included)
09:00 Departure
09:15-12:30 Ogwen Valley walk via Llyn Idwal, Llyn Ogwen and the Devil's Kitchen (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 8km, ascent: 450m)
13:00-14:30 Lunch and free time to explore souvenir shops in Betws-y-Coed
14:30 Departure
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 (£22 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 Snowdon). 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 £298 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)
• Full English breakfast on Sunday
• 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 Milena (07869815577, 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 (if there is a chance of rain)
• Gloves/hat/cap
• Head torch
• Water bottle (min 1L)
• Nuts and energy snacks to last you during the trip
• 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

You can check our refund policy here.

🐉 (Halloween Special) Glastonbury – Climb the Tor & Watch the Dragons Battle

Sat, Oct 24 · 7:45 AM BST

Novotel London West, London, GB

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This trip is now FULL.

Come and join us for a special day in Glastonbury! We'll enjoy some easy hiking while exploring the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was later adopted by Christians and became Halloween.

The Samhain procession attracts many visitors to Glastonbury, featuring drummers, dancers and a parade led by two huge dragons – one red and one white! Samhain is a very important date in the Pagan calendar, marking the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). Pagans believed that during Samhain, the veil between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.

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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! 🤩

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
14:00-15:00 Free time for lunch and to explore Glastonbury's quirky shops
15:00 Border Morris (energetic English folk dance) at the Market Cross
16:00 Procession starts. The Glastonbury Red and White Dragons joined by Dragon Drummers will process down Glastonbury High Street to the Market Cross, where the Glastonbury Dragons will “battle for the season”. The winning Glastonbury Dragon will be crowned by the Mayor of Glastonbury.
17:00 Departure
20:00 London, Hammersmith

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

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

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.

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 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)
• 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)
• 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.

🐴 Ponies of the New Forest National Park Day Hike

Sun, Oct 25 · 7:45 AM GMT

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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Step back in time with us and discover the New Forest National Park at the best time of year to see it!

Autumn here has been described as nature's fireworks, and once you've seen the woodland ablaze with red, gold and flaming orange, you'll understand why. Across the open heath, purple heather and bright yellow gorse add even more colour. The New Forest also has the highest concentration of ancient woodland in Western Europe, with more than a thousand veteran trees – a few of them already growing when Elizabeth I sent the English fleet out to face the Armada.

The New Forest became a national park in 2005, but it was a royal hunting ground long before that, established by William the Conqueror. On this hike we'll cross unspoilt woodland, open heath and river valleys, and of course meet the famous New Forest ponies, which roam freely across much of the open forest. We'll also visit two of the loveliest villages in the park:

🌿 Lyndhurst – the “capital” of the New Forest
🐴 Brockenhurst – where ponies, donkeys, deer and cattle are all known to wander the main street. One pony has even been known to pop into the pub 🍺

Read the story of the pub-visiting pony here

This hike is perfect for BEGINNERS – completely flat, on excellent trails.

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 10 miles (16km).
Ascent: 150m.
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
10:00-15:30 Hike through the New Forest National Park, with a lunch stop at the picturesque village of Brockenhurst
15:30-16:30 Drinks and refreshments in Lyndhurst, the “capital” of the New Forest
16:30 Departure
18:30 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 New Forest). 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 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)

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 (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch (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

You can check our refund policy here.

🎃 Haunted Avebury: Halloween Hike to Britain’s Largest Stone Circle

Sat, Oct 31 · 7:45 AM GMT

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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Travel back in time 6,000 years and get into the Halloween spirit on one of the UK’s spookiest walks! 🎃👻🍁 This weekend we’re off to the Avebury UNESCO World Heritage Site – one of the greatest surviving concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in Western Europe. Fittingly, it’s also one of the most haunted places in the country: with 390 recorded paranormal sightings, it ranks among the top 10.

Avebury is listed together with Stonehenge as a single UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it offers a much more intimate experience – you can see the stones up close and actually touch them, and it’s completely free! The Avebury stone circle is also older and far, far larger than Stonehenge.

📸 Avebury featured in one of the first episodes of The Most Haunted – check it out:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2blg31

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

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the world-famous Avebury stone circle – the world’s largest known stone ring and (fun fact!) the only stone ring in the world with a pub inside it! Built around 2,600 BC, the circle measures 330 metres across and is 16 times larger than Stonehenge.
• Walk along the West Kennet Avenue – a ceremonial avenue of standing stones, now about 800 metres long, that once connected the Avebury stone circle to the Sanctuary.
• See Silbury Hill – the largest man-made prehistoric mound in Europe, built around 2,400 BC. It stands around 37 metres high, with a flat top about 30 metres across and a base about 500 metres around.
• Discover West Kennet Long Barrow – built around 3,650 BC, it’s one of the largest and most impressive Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain.
• Hike along the Ridgeway National Trail, often described as Britain’s oldest road, used by travellers, armies and herdsmen for nearly 5,000 years.
• Enjoy fantastic panoramic views from the high ground of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Warm up after the hike with a pint at the Red Lion pub – one of the most haunted pubs in Britain, said to be home to at least four ghosts! 🍺

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 10 miles (16km).
Ascent: 160m.
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
10:00-16:00 Hike from Barbury Castle Iron Age hill fort to Avebury stone circle
16:00-16:45 Drinks and refreshments inside Avebury stone circle at the Red Lion pub (one of the most haunted pubs in Britain!)
16:45 Departure
19:00 London, Hammersmith

TRANSPORT

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

FOOD

We'll stop for a snack lunch halfway through the hike. Please bring a packed lunch with you.

SAFETY

This hike 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 Avebury). 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 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)
• 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 (if there is a chance of rain)
• Packed lunch
• Water (min 1L)
• 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.