London Social Hiking

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This hike is now FULL. If you missed the trip, final places are available on 25-29 September! Sign up via the link:
https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/306678758/

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

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We're going to Scotland! This 5-day tour is the highlight of our 2025 hiking calendar and can truly be called the ‘Ultimate Scotland Bucket List Adventure’! You'll discover the Scottish Highlands, the magical Isle of Skye, climb the highest British mountain – Ben Nevis, and experience Scotland's untamed natural beauty and amazing traditional food. We have worked very hard to secure accommodation during summer in the top locations – Portree (the capital of the Isle of Skye), Ratagan (stunning remote location on the shores of Loch Duich) and Glasgow City Centre. 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 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
• Venture into the heart of the Black Cuillin Mountains – some of the most dramatic and challenging mountains in Britain
• Enjoy amazing 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
• Spend an evening in Glasgow and experience its vibrant and historic city centre
• Relax 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

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Wednesday:

07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
14:00-14:45 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
17:00 Check in at Sandyford Hotel (a short walk from Glasgow City Centre)
17:30 Free time to explore Glasgow and dinner. Recommended to visit: George Square (the principal square in Glasgow), Buchanan Street (the main shopping street in Glasgow), Glasgow Cathedral.

Day 2 – Thursday:

07:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
08:00-13:30 A scenic drive with photo stops through the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park and the mountain pass of Glencoe
13:30-14:30 Lunch at the Pitstop at Kintail café, on the shores of Loch Duich
14:30-16:30 Continue our scenic journey to the Isle of Skye, with a stop next to the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles
16:30-18:00 An easy walk to the Fairy Pools, with an option to swim
18:45-20:15 Dinner at Sligachan Hotel, with views towards the Cuillin Mountains
20:30 Check in at Portree Youth Hostel, in the capital of the Isle of Skye

Day 3 – Friday:

08:00 Breakfast in Portree
09:00 Depart
10:00-13:30 Hike to the spectacular Coire Lagan and a small lochan in the heart of the Black Cuillins Mountains (see here)
14:30-15:30 Lunch at the Oyster Shed seafood café
16:30-18:15 Hike to the Old Man of Storr (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 5km, ascent: 320m)
20:15 Check in at Ratagan Youth Hostel, on the shores of Loch Duich

Day 4 – Saturday:

08:00 Breakfast
08:45 Depart
10:30-17:00 Climb Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in Britain (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 17km, ascent: 1340m)
17:15-19:30 Free time for dinner and to explore souvenir shops in Fort William
21:45 Check in at The Abbotsford Hotel in Dumbarton

Day 5 – Sunday:

08:00 Breakfast at the hotel (included)
09:15 Depart
09:30-11:00 Free time on the shores of Loch Lomond and to buy gifts from Scotland
11:00 Depart to London
13:30-14:15 Stop for lunch at Tebay Services Farmshop and Kitchen
18:00-18:45 Stop at services for dinner
21:30 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 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 £698 per person. A deposit of £298 is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance paid two months before the trip (May 2, 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 (£298) 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 £698 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Two nights' accommodation at hotels 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 hostels in single-gender rooms, booked for our group's exclusive use (most rooms for up to 4 people). Both hostels (Portree and Ratagan) are in top locations and have great reviews. Hotels are not available on the Isle of Skye during the peak summer season (prices of £500+ per night), so hostels were 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)

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 £298 is required to secure your place, with the remaining balance paid two months before the trip (May 2, 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 (£698) by May 2 and wish to cancel, our standard refund policy (link) will apply.

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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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There are never enough colours in our happy world, this time we're going to add a bit of the pure Roman magic – Lavender! This weekend, we're visiting a family-run farm near Snowshill village (or 'Snozell' as locals say it). Apparently, it's so called because the snow can arrive here sooner, and persist longer, than anywhere else in the Cotswolds.

Lavender growing started here back in 1999. The lavender loves the free-draining limestone soils 1,000 feet above sea level, giving the best growing conditions for the purest English Lavender Essential Oils. At the peak of the summer sunshine, the lavender is harvested and distilled by traditional methods and aged for a year before use. We're going to enjoy beautiful lavender fields and wildflowers in all their glory and take many amazing pictures. Of course, no visit to the farm would be complete without purchasing some lavender gifts for your friends and loved ones, or even tasting some lavender-themed foods at the tearoom!

Beginning at the Lavender Farm, we'll then do a beautiful, undulating rural walk through pleasant woodlands and across green pastures of Cotswold valleys and hills. This circular route explores three picture-postcard villages of Snowshill, Stanton and Stanway, and climbs to the crest of the Cotswold escarpment. After the hike, you can enjoy a well-deserved pint at the traditional 15th-century Snowshill Arms Pub.

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 8 miles (12km).
Ascent: 340m.
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; 10:30-11:30 Cotswold Lavender Farm; 11:30-16:00 Snowshill Circular Walk via the Cotswold Way National Trail; 16:00-16:45 drinks and refreshments at the 15th-century Snowshill Arms Pub; 19:00 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 Lavender):

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

• Entrance ticket to Cotswold Lavender (£7.75, you can buy it on the day)

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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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 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)
• 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. If you missed it, we're repeating it one week later, July 26-27! Sign up via the link:
https://www.meetup.com/londonsocialhiking/events/307749297/

On this trip, we're going to stay in Llandudno – the largest seaside resort town in Wales!

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

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The Snowdonia National Park boasts vast areas of natural beauty and unique scenery. It is also known as ‘Eryri’, a Welsh name that can be translated as ‘the place of the eagles’. Covering 838 square miles, it is the largest and oldest national park in Wales. There are nine mountain ranges here and they cover over half of the national park’s surface.

Departing from London early on Saturday morning, we'll head to Snowdon – the tallest mountain in Wales, at an elevation of 1085 metres above sea level. Starting from Pen-y-Pass mountain pass, we'll climb Snowdon via the Pyg Track, which offers one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit. On our way, we'll enjoy exceptional views of the beautiful glacial lakes of Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn, dramatic cliffs and the surrounding peaks of the Snowdon Massif mountain range. The descent is via the Miners' Track. It's so called as it was originally built to serve the Britannia Copper Mine on the slopes of Snowdon. After an initial steep descent, we'll follow an easy and gradual downhill path along the shores of beautiful lakes, past the historic mine buildings. After the hike, we'll drive to our hotel at the seaside resort town of Llandudno, where we'll have dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening.

On Sunday, we'll visit the hidden gem – the Aber Valley on the north coast, with its spectacular cascade of waterfalls. The Aber Falls tumble down 40 metres from the Carneddau mountain range, and have earned the title of the most ‘Instagrammable’ 📸 waterfall in the UK. We'll follow the North Wales Path along the scenic hillsides and enjoy superb views of the coastline and Lafan Sands. After the hike, we'll stop for lunch in the medieval town of Conwy. You'll have time to visit the 13th-century Conwy Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This large royal fortress was built on the orders of King Edward I of England during his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century, and is recognised around the world as one of the best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture. Or, simply stroll around the picturesque Conwy Quay and take a look inside the Smallest House in Great Britain, just 1.8 metres wide and 2.8 metres tall! 🏠

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
13:30-18:30 Hike to Snowdon via the Pyg and and Miners' Tracks (difficulty: Difficult, distance: 12km, ascent: 810m)
19:30 Check-in at Can-Y-Bae Hotel on Llandudno seafront, dinner and free time

Sunday:

08:00 Breakfast
09:00 Departure
09:30­-13:00 Hike to the Aber Falls (difficulty: Easy, distance: 11km, ascent: 320m)
13:30-15:30 Lunch in Conwy, free time to visit Conwy Castle, the picturesque quay and the Smallest House in Great Britain
15:30 Departure
19:00 Stop at services for dinner
21:30 London, Hammersmith.

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

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 Snowdonia):

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 £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)
• 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)
• 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

You can check our refund policy here.