London Social Hiking

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.

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

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We’re going to Scotland! This 5-day tour is the highlight of our 2026 hiking calendar and truly deserves the title “The Ultimate Scotland Bucket List Adventure”. You’ll explore the dramatic Scottish Highlands, experience the magic of the Isle of Skye and climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. Along the way, you’ll immerse yourself in Scotland’s wild, untamed landscapes and enjoy its outstanding traditional cuisine. We’ve worked hard to secure accommodation in top locations: Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Portree on the Isle of Skye, Ratagan in a breathtakingly remote setting on the shores of Loch Duich, and Balmaha, a picturesque village overlooking Loch Lomond. To ensure maximum flexibility and a truly personal experience, the group will be limited to just 13 participants.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Isle of Skye – Scotland's most Instagrammable and famous destination
• Climb Ben Nevis (1345m) – the highest mountain in Britain
• Spend the night in Portree, the capital of the Isle of Skye, and enjoy its picturesque harbour and jolly, colourful houses
• Hike to the iconic rock pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr
• See Black Cuillin Mountains – some of the most dramatic and challenging mountains in Britain
• Enjoy delicious local specialities and fresh seafood
• Spend the night in a stunning remote location on the shores of Loch Duich (see the picture), with views of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range from the living room
• Walk to the magical Fairy Pools and enjoy a refreshing wild swim in the crystal-clear waters
• Relax in the popular village of Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomond – the largest lake in Britain
• See the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle. It's one of the most famous castles in Scotland, and probably appears on more shortbread tins and calendars than any other.
• Enjoy a breathtaking drive through the Scottish Highlands and Glencoe Valley
• Take a cruise around Loch Lomond and its beautiful islands, or climb Conic Hill (361m), which offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Loch Lomond

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Saturday (13/06):

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
19:30 Arrive in Fort William, check in at Glen Nevis Youth Hostel at the foot of Ben Nevis, dinner and free time

Day 2 – Sunday (14/06):

08:00 Breakfast in Fort William, buy packed lunches/snacks for Ben Nevis
09:30-16:30 Climb Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 17km, ascent: 1340m)
17:00-19:00 Free time for dinner and to explore souvenir shops in Fort William
20:30 Check in at Ratagan Youth Hostel, on the shores of Loch Duich

Day 3 – Monday (15/06):

08:30 Depart
09:00-10:30 Breakfast at Hectors Bothy near the Skye Bridge, buy packed lunches
11:30-13:00 An easy walk to the Fairy Pools, with an option to swim
14:00-17:00 Hike to the Old Man of Storr (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 5km, ascent: 320m)
17:30 Check in at Portree Youth Hostel, in the capital of the Isle of Skye
18:00 Dinner and free time in Portree. Recommended for dinner: Sea Breezes seafood restaurant (please book a table in advance if you prefer to eat out).

Day 4 – Tuesday (16/06):

08:00 Breakfast in Portree
09:15 Depart
09:45-09:55 Photo stop next to the Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
10:15-11:15 A short walk to the Quiraing – a vast, surreal landscape of jagged cliffs, crumpled hills and dramatic rock pinnacles
11:45-12:45 A short walk to Fairy Glen and Castle Ewen
13:30-15:00 Lunch at Sligachan Hotel, with views towards the Cuillin Mountains
16:00-16:45 Photo stop next to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles
16:45-21:30 A scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands
21:30 Check in at Birchwood Guest Lodge in the picturesque village of Balmaha, on the shores of Loch Lomond

Day 5 – Wednesday (17/06):

07:30 Breakfast and free time in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. There are a few fantastic options for how to spend the morning (see below). Everyone can choose what suits them best, as all activities start in Balmaha village, where we’re staying, so no driving is required.
09:00-12:00 Climb Conic Hill (361m) – one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Loch Lomond (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 6km, ascent: 350m), or
10:45-12:15 Take a 90-minute boat cruise around Loch Lomond and its beautiful islands (£19)
12:30 Depart to London
14:00-14:45 Stop for lunch at Cairn Lodge Services Farmshop and Kitchen
14:45 Drive to London, with 2 stops at services (15 minutes)
22:00 London, Hammersmith

DIFFICULTY & EQUIPMENT

Please note that this trip requires a very good level of fitness, particularly if you would like to climb Ben Nevis. However, on each day, your guide will be able to offer easier alternatives. Good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproof clothing are essential.

TRANSPORT

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

LUGGAGE

You may bring two bags with you: one cabin-size personal item bag (maximum 10kg, 55 × 40 × 20 cm) and one hiking backpack. Please note that luggage space is limited, so suitcases larger than cabin size cannot be accommodated. During the hike, you can leave your luggage in the minibus.

BOOKING

To keep ticket prices down and avoid PayPal/Meetup fees (£55 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 Scotland). 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 £798 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Two experienced, professional PSV minibus drivers
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Three nights’ accommodation in excellent, well-reviewed hostels in prime locations, with single-gender rooms reserved exclusively for our group (maximum of four people per room). During peak summer on the Isle of Skye, group hotel accommodation is extremely limited and frequently exceeds £500 per room per night, making hostels the most practical and appropriate option.
• 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)
• 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)

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.

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

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Join us for one of our most magical adventures of 2026 – a rare, once-a-year chance to celebrate the Summer Solstice and witness the sunrise over Stonehenge! 🌅

On the longest day of the year, thousands of people from around the world gather to honour this ancient moment of spiritual and cultural significance. For our ancestors, the Summer Solstice marked the peak of the sun's power – a time of abundance, fertility and light. Stonehenge's precise alignment with the solstice sunrise is no coincidence – it may well have been created to celebrate this extraordinary turning point in the year, when the sun reaches its highest point before the days begin to shorten once more.

During the Summer Solstice, music, dancing, singing and centuries-old rituals fill the air. 🥁🎶 The sunrise is welcomed with joy, gratitude and an outpouring of good energy. Many come simply to embrace the vibrant, mystical atmosphere and share the moment with thousands of like-minded people.

It’s also one of the only times you can stand right among the sacred stones and even touch them. The stone circle opens to the public just twice a year – during the Winter and Summer Solstices. On any other day, Stonehenge is roped off and can only be viewed from around 10 metres away. 🚧

And the best part? Entry during these rare solstice celebrations is completely free – while on a normal day, visiting Stonehenge costs around £30.

See Guardian and BBC articles about last year's event:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2025/jun/21/2025-summer-solstice-at-stonehenge-in-pictures

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg75gp1y233o

ITINERARY

23:00 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
23:15 Sharp departure
02:00 Arrive at Stonehenge
03:00 Free time next to Stonehenge
04:52 Sunrise
06:30 Meet next to the minibus for departure
09:00 London, Hammersmith

WHAT TO BRING

• Please wear sensible footwear – the car park and area around Stonehenge are grassy fields and can be uneven underfoot
• Warm, waterproof clothing – please note that large umbrellas are not permitted during the Solstice
• Small torch for walking to the stone circle
• Small ground sheet and/or blanket
• Food and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the morning

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Large bags – only small bags (approximately 30cm x 25cm x 15cm) are permitted, in line with current security measures. Bag checks may be carried out, with illegal items confiscated and entry refused.
• Alcohol and drugs
• Drones
• Glass – this is to protect livestock and wildlife that graze in the area, plus visitors who walk barefoot during Solstice.

TRANSPORT

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

TRAVELLING TO THE MEETING POINT

The meeting point is accessible by normal tube service – please allow extra time for your journey. Last trains run around midnight, so Night Tube or special arrangements shouldn't be necessary.

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 Stonehenge). 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 £80 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Full commentary where appropriate
• Stonehenge parking fee
• 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.

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.

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

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Join us for a very special trip to Dorset to discover one of the world's most breathtaking coastlines – the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site! Stretching 95 miles between Old Harry Rocks and Orcombe Point, the Jurassic Coast – England’s first Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site – is the most geologically diverse coastline in the world. The exposed cliff sections allow us to look back across 185 million years; dinosaur remains have been found here, and it’s a fossil-hunter’s paradise.

On this magnificent coastal hike, we'll visit the iconic natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and the famous scallop-shaped Lulworth Cove with its white pebble beach and crystal clear waters. On our way, we'll see many lovely bays and beaches and enjoy excellent views of the Isle of Portland, which was host of the sailing events of the 2012 Olympics. Most of the route follows the cliff-top trail, with stunning panoramic views of sweeping bays, folded cliffs and the sea. There will be a few steep ascents and descents, but all of your efforts will be well rewarded by the jaw-dropping beauty around you!

We have kept the distance shorter (5 miles / 8 kilometres) to have the difficulty of this trail on the Easy/Moderate border. We'll walk at a slower pace and take many breaks on the uphill sections, as needed. This trip is therefore suitable for all reasonably fit BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult hikes! 🤩

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 5 miles (8km).
Ascent: 350m.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate.

ITINERARY

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:15-14:30 Hike along the Jurassic Coast from Ringstead Bay to Durdle Door, Man O'War Beach and the chalk headland of Bat's Head; free time on Durdle Door Beach
14:30-15:00 Walk from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove
15:00-16:10 Free time to explore Lulworth village; (if there is time) short walks to Stair Hole (small cove with extravagantly-folded strata) and Lulworth Cove viewpoint
16:15 Departure
19:30 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

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 Jurassic). 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 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
• Sunscreen (if sunny)
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch
• 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.