About us
City Mountaineering – Guided UK Mountain Trips from Manchester
We’ve taken thousands of people into the UK mountains over the years — safely, confidently, and in small groups.
## Small-Group Mountain Adventures from Manchester
City Mountaineering organises professionally planned, small‑group mountain hiking trips from Manchester to Snowdonia, the Lake District, and across Scotland.
If you live in Manchester and want to explore the UK’s most spectacular mountains — without worrying about logistics, navigation, or finding the right people — you’re in the right place.
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## What We Do
We run guided mountain trips every weekend, taking care of:
- Transport from Manchester (train and road transfers)
- Accommodation
- Route planning and mountain navigation
- Qualified, experienced mountain leadership
Groups are intentionally small (typically max 8 people) to keep trips safe, friendly, and personal.
Our members are usually:
- City-based professionals
- Solo hikers or pairs
- Curious, capable, and community‑minded
- Ranging from confident beginners to experienced walkers
You don’t need to come with friends — most people don’t.
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## Is This Group Right for You?
This group is for you if:
- You want real mountain experiences, not crowded coach tours
- You prefer small groups and a supportive atmosphere
- You like the idea of building confidence over time
- You want clear information about fitness levels and expectations
This group may not be right if:
- You’re looking for ultra‑cheap mass trips
- You only want city walks or casual strolls
- You’re unwilling to follow safety guidance in the mountains
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## New to City Mountaineering? Start Here 👇
If you’re new, we strongly recommend starting with one of:
- A Manchester intro talk or social
- A short UK day hike
These are relaxed, low‑commitment ways to:
- Meet the guides
- Ask questions about fitness and experience
- Understand how our longer trips work
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## Safety, Experience & Trust
City Mountaineering has been running trips for many years and has taken thousands of people into the UK mountains.
Safety is central to everything we do:
- Conservative decision‑making in poor conditions
- Careful route choices
- Clear communication about fitness and kit
- Small groups with individual attention
You’ll always know what’s expected before you book.
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## How to Join a Trip
- Browse upcoming events on Meetup
- Read the event description carefully
- Ask questions in the comments — we’re happy to help
- Follow the booking link provided in the event
Places are limited and trips often fill up.
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## A Note on Community
This is an active, real‑world community — not just an events listing.
We encourage:
- Asking questions
- Commenting on events
- Coming to socials even if you’re unsure about trips yet
If you’re dreaming about the mountains while living in Manchester, this group exists for you.
***
## New here?
Most members start with a Manchester social or intro event before booking a mountain weekend.
Upcoming events
15
- £500.00
Trek Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, Rombo, TZ**9 people signed up so far - Just 3 spaces available**
*5 male, 4 female*Join us on the summit of Kilimanjaro; the highest freestanding volcano in the world and the highest point in Africa!!
You've heard of the mountain, you probably know someone that's climbed it... How about reaching the summit of Africa yourself?
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The Mountain and the Route
At 5,895m, The peak of Kilimanjaro is the highest point on the Africa continent and is the highest free-standing volcano in the world.There are many different routes used to reach the summit and we have chosen one that provides the group with the greatest chance of successfully summiting this wonderful lump of rock.
The route chosen is The Machame Route. This is a hiking route and not a technical climbing route. The hiking is easy and on defined trails with the distances covered each day as follows
(note: A detailed description of the hike can be found on our new website https://www.citymountaineering.com/kilimanjaro):
• Day 1: 9km (4-6 hours)
• Day 2: 9km (4-6 hours)
• Day 3: 15km (6-8 hours)
• Day 4: 5km (4-5 hours)
• Day 5: 4km (3-4 hours)
• Day 6 (summit day): 7km then 12km (12-14 hours)
• Day 7: 10km (4-5 hours)As you can see, the pace will be very slow and the distances very manageable, with a final push for the summit being the typically longest day
The main challenge on this trip is dealing with the altitude of this big mountain, plus the ability to hike for 7-days in a row, without showers (that's what wet wipes are for!) and sleeping in tents
We have chosen the Machame Route to provide you with the best opportunity possible to acclimatise in order to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro!!
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The Detail
We use the best local crew (guides, porters, chefs etc), to ensure the quality of City Mountaineering trips is not deteriorated and to ensure fair pay a treatment of everyone that is supporting us.Yes, you may find cheaper operators online, but they will rarely include a UK guide (after 20 summits and helping over 250 people reach the summit, I have a 99% summit success rate!) and don't offer the same service to you or treatment of their crew (the locally lead success rate for this itinerary is just 76%)
The cost of the trip is just £2,950 and includes:
- Highly experienced high altitude UK expedition leader/guide
- Transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Hotel accommodation for one-night night before, and one-night after, the hike
- 7-days fully supported Kilimanjaro hike (including local guide, team cook and a porter team that will carry all but your light day-pack for the entire trip)
- All food on the mountain
- 10% discount on all City Mountaineering weekend mountain trips, to enable a cost effective training programme* (note: trips to the UK mountains as training are highly advised, but not compulsory)
- Full compliance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations (including Financial protection)
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Join Us
If you would like to join us, please click on the RSVP button below, pay the initial £500 deposit via PayPal and I will send you a separate email with a detailed trip dossier, kit list, training schedule and a few follow up questions for the trip.It is then your responsibility to book your flights and to communicate your flight details to me to help manage the team.
The remaining £2,150 is then payable before 20 June 2026 (instalment payments available)
Please note: It is advisable to RSVP and book your flights as soon as possible to ensure that costs can be kept to an absolute minimum
***
Not included in the price- Flights (currently £650 return)
- Tanzanian Visa costs
- Meals in town
- Vaccinations
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Equipment (although equipment can be hired at a discount from the African ground crew)
- Tips/gratuities for the local team
- The 10% discount will be applicable on all trips (subject to availability) that take place before we travel to Tanzania in December.
Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining
11 attendees - £145.00
Scafell Pike, Lake District Weekend! - Includes return train!
Manchester Piccadilly, Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, GB2-days and 2-nights in The Lake District National Park. We will hike two for two full days including the ascent of Scafell Pike; the highest peak in England! before a relaxing journey back to London on the train
Return train travel from Manchester included, so you don’t need to spend hours sat in the minibus on the busy motorways.
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The main event may be ascending Scafell Pike but, as with all City Mountaineering trips, one the other day we’ll get you off the busy tourist trails and head instead to the quieter parts of the National Park, drawing on our local knowledge and years of experience to provide a truly unique adventure you’ll never forget.
You don't need to have any prior experience of hiking or remote hiking and the small group size will enable us to give you our full attention throughout the weekend, ensuring your safety and enjoyment is our number one priority.
As always, we’ll sort out the travel, accommodation and most of the food (the pubs can do the rest!) so just meet in Manchester and leave the rest to us.
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Itinerary
Please note that exact timings and order of activities are subject to change, based on the local conditions at the time.
Friday (from 7pm)
Board the train in Manchester and enjoy the relaxing journey to The Lake District National Park,
You will be met at the train station and transported across the national park to our tranquil accommodation – nestled amongst towering mountains and next to a beautiful river, this trip is set to be a wonderful detox in nature after a week in the city.
Day 1 – Saturday:
Awaking in the morning, we will have breakfast, discuss the plans for the day including a safety briefing and kit check, then pack our bags and head out for an easy day; hiking the lesser travelled mountains of The Lake District.
We will then head back to the accommodation before having a shower and heading to a local pub for dinner and drinks
Day 2 – Sunday:
We will arise early to give us as much time on the mountain as possible. After breakfast we will have another trip briefing and safety discussion before packing the car and heading out to ascend Scafell Pike.
After the hike you be transferred to the railway station for your train back to Manchester. Glowing and rejuvenated after a relaxing weekend spent in nature (expect to arrive in Manchester at c.8pm)
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DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be a moderate 2-days in The Lake District. The routes are straight forward but some steep uphill and downhill hiking is unavoidable. A reasonable level of fitness is expected, but you don't need to be a super-athlete to join this trip.
Your qualified guide is highly experienced enough to keep the pace slow and everyone happy, safe and motivated throughout the trip
TRANSPORT: Return train journey from Manchester and short distance minibus transfers in The Lake District
ACCOMMODATION: Single-sex rooms in a warm and comfy hostel
***
Cost: £325
To join this trip, simply RSVP and pay the £145 deposit. We will then be in contact with further trip information, kit list and request for final paymentIncluded in the price:
- Return train travel from Manchester to The Lake District
- 2-nights hostel accommodation
- 2-days guided hiking by an experienced and qualified mountain leader
- All travel and logistical support in The Lake District
Not included in the price:
- Personal Snacks
- Personal hiking kit
- All food and drink
- Personal travel insurance
***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)
Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining
2 attendees - £145.00
Easy Hiking in The Lake District - return train included!
Manchester Piccadilly, Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, GB2-days and 2-nights of relaxed hiking in The Lake District National Park. Perfect for anyone wanting a nature-based detox spent in good company exploring the forests, valleys and peaks of this unique and beautiful landscape.
Return train travel from Manchester included, so you don’t need to spend hours sat in the minibus on the busy motorways.
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The UKs National Parks are being inundated with tourists and large hiking at this time of year, so why not enjoy the tranquillity of The Lake District on the quieter side with a small group away from the popular honeypot areas!
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ITINERARY
Friday
Meeting outside Manchester Piccadilly train station at 7pm, you will board the train for a relaxing journey to The Lake District.You will be met at the train station and transported across the national park to our tranquil accommodation – nestled amongst towering mountains and set next to a beautiful river, this trip is set to be a wonderful detox in nature after a week in the city.
Saturday
After a lazy morning eating breakfast in the early sunshine we will pack our day bags and take a leisurely stroll direct from the accommodation to one of the surrounding mountains. We may stop at a secret waterfall for lunch before continuing on our circular hike over the hill and back to the accommodation.Dinner will be in a local pub (one of the most remote pubs in the Lake District!)
Sunday
After another lazy morning, we will head out on a circular hike on the other side of the valley offering spectacular views across much of the Fells (Lake District mountains) and lakes.After the hike will be transferred to the railway station for your train back to Manchester. Glowing and rejuvenated after a relaxing weekend spent in nature.
***DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be an easy and relaxed 2-days in The Lake District. However, some uphill and downhill hiking is unavoidable, but don’t worry, your guide is experienced enough to keep the pace slow and everyone happy and motivated throughout the trip
TRANSPORT: Return train journey from Manchester and short distance minibus transfers in The Lake District
ACCOMMODATION: Single-sex rooms in hostel (rooms rented exclusivelysive for our group)
***
COST: £345
To join, simply RSVP and pay the £145 deposit. We'll then be in contact with more details including specific logistics and kit list.INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Return train travel from Manchester to The Lake District
• Road transfers in The Lake District
• 2-night’s accommodation
• Guiding hiking with a highly experienced and qualified Mountain LeaderNOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Personal hiking kit
• All food and drink
• Personal hiking kit***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining
2 attendees - £145.00
TWIXMAS: Easy Hiking in The Lake District - return train included!
Manchester Piccadilly, Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, GB*TWIXMAS: That lull between Christmas and New Year where we are stuck in a time warp. Our routine is disrupted and the to do list is in limbo. What do we do?*
The Norwegians have a word for this: "Romjul". It's a time to to reflect on the past year and a time to take long walks...
Let's escape to the picturesque Lake District for a weekend of gentle hikes and serene beauty!
Join us as we explore the charming landscapes around Windermere and Langdale, perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the natural wonders of this iconic region at a leisurely pace.
Return train travel from Manchester included, so you don’t need to spend hours sat in the minibus on the busy motorways.
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ITINERARYSunday: Journey to the Lake District
- Meeting Point: Meet outside Manchester Piccadilly train station at 4pm
- Train to the Lake District: You'll travel together as a group by train, enjoying the company of fellow adventurers and the anticipation of the weekend ahead.
- Meet the Guide: Upon arrival in the Lake District, you'll meet your guide who will accompany you throughout the trip.
- Transfer to Accommodation: You'll be transferred to your cozy accommodation near Windermere, where you can settle in and relax for the night.
Monday: Exploring Windermere and the Surrounding Area
- Breakfast: Start the day with a hearty breakfast to fuel up for your first hike.
- Hike: You'll be driven a short distance to begin your first easy hike of the weekend. The specific route will not be confirmed until the weather forecast is known, but rest assured that our highly experienced and qualified guide knows the area better than most and will pick the best options to maximise your enjoyment throughout the weekend.
- Pub Dinner: After a day of hiking, you'll head out for a delicious dinner at a traditional local pub, sharing stories and enjoying the warm atmosphere.
Tuesday: Discovering the Langdale Valley
- Breakfast: Another hearty breakfast to start the day.
- Hike: Again, the specific route will not be confirmed until the weather forecast is known. Your guide may provide you with a few options from hills to lakes, rivers and hidden waterfalls. This is your weekend and we want you to go home after having the best possible experiences
- Return Journey: You'll transfer back to the train station for your return journey to Manchester, filled with wonderful memories of our weekend in the Lake District (expect to arrive in London at around 9pm)
Join us for a weekend of easy hiking and relaxation in the Lake District, where stunning views and tranquil paths await. Reserve your spot now and get ready to unwind in one of the UK's most beautiful natural settings!
***DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be an easy and relaxed 2-days in The Lake District. However, some uphill and downhill hiking is unavoidable, but don’t worry, your guide is experienced enough to keep the pace slow and everyone happy and motivated throughout the trip
TRANSPORT: Return train journey from Manchester and short distance minibus transfers in The Lake District
ACCOMMODATION: Single-sex rooms in hostel (rooms rented exclusivelysive for our group)
***
COST: £325
To join, simply RSVP and pay the £145 deposit. We'll then be in contact with more details including specific logistics and kit list.INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Return train travel from Manchester to The Lake District
• Road transfers in The Lake District
• 2-night’s accommodation
• Guiding hiking with a highly experienced and qualified Mountain LeaderNOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Personal hiking kit
• All food and drink
• Personal hiking kit***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining
2 attendees
Past events
358
