About us
City Mountaineering – Guided UK Mountain Trips from London
We’ve taken thousands of Londoners into the UK mountains over the years — safely, confidently, and in small groups.
## Small-Group Mountain Adventures from London
City Mountaineering organises professionally planned, small‑group mountain hiking trips from London to Snowdonia, the Lake District, and across Scotland.
If you live in London 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 London (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:
- London-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 London 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 London, this group exists for you.
***
## New here?
Most members start with a London social or intro event before booking a mountain weekend.
Upcoming events
8
- £100.00
Winter Ascent of Ben Lomond
Euston Railway Station, Euston Road, NW1 2RT, London, GBA winter wonderland away from London to the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, in Scotland
We will spend 2-days and 2-nights in cosy accommodation close to Loch Lomond itself and explore the local mountains in their cosy (or cold) winter jackets...
This trip will include a winter ascent of Ben Lomond - The most southerly munro (mountain) in Scotland!
To fully appreciate and enjoy a winter ascent, it is best to be properly prepared for the winter environment - with an early start, good crampon technique and the right equipment all helping to give a truly memorable mountain day.
This trip is suitable for anyone, regardless of winter hiking experience - Winter skills tuition will be provided on our journey to the summit of this fantastic mountain with 360-degree, panoramic views of loch Lomond and the surrounding national park!
If you already have winter hiking experience, this day of tuition will be great to hone your skills and reacquaint yourself with the skills you've already learnt
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ITINERARY
Friday PM
Meet outside Euston train station and take a relaxing train journey to Scotland. You will be met in Scotland by your guide and driven a short distance to your first night's accommodation.Saturday
A journey in the local area to a local summit which will include an introduction to the winter environment, an introduction/revision of ice axe/cramponing skills and the style of mountaineering required for a winter ascent.Sunday
An early start, to make the most of the day, we will make our way to the summit of Ben Lomond. The specific route we take will depend on experience, ability and weather conditions.After returning safely to the vehicles, you will be transported to the train station for your onward train journey home.
(Return trains from London are included in the cost of this trip)---------------------------------
ACCOMMODATION
We have exclusive use of a 4-bedroomed hostel for the weekendMinimum kit list:
- Base Layers
- Fleece
- Warm/Insulated Jacket
- Hiking Trousers
- Waterproof Jacket
- Waterproof Trousers/Salopettes
- Hat or Balaclava
- Warm Ski Type Gloves/Mittens
- Warm Socks
- Sturdy Hiking Boots
- Ski Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Back Pack suitable for day hikes (30-35 litres)
- Waterbottle and/or thermos flask
- Headtorch
- Personal medication
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Cost: £for this all inclusive winter adventureIncluded in the price:
- Return train travel from London
- All travel and logistical support in Scotland
- 2-nights Accommodation
- Guided hiking by experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
- Technical equipment (ice axe, crampons and helmet)
- Instruction in how to use the technical kit and how to stay safe in the winter mountains
Not included in the price:
- Food and drink throughout the weekend
- Personal hiking kit
- Personal travel insurance
To join this trip, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We will then be in contact with further trip information, kit list and request for final payment.
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Note: The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed. The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)
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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 joining2 attendees - £100.00
Winter Skills in The Cairngorms National Park
Aviemore Train Station, Grampian Road, , Aviemore PH22 1PD, GBThis 4-day/3-night trip will provide practical learning in the necessary skills required for mountain hiking in the winter, pre-adventure planning to the practical skills required to journey safely in the winter mountain environment.
whether you are new to winter mountaineering, or just need to dust off the cobwebs, this practical trip will cover everything you need to know in order to stay as safe as possible in the mountains
Covered on the trip will include:
- Pre-trip planning (the stuff you do in the comfort of your own home)
- General Safety and risk mitigation
- Weather forecasting and awareness
- Avalanche awareness
- Winter navigation
- Safe use of crampons and ice axe
- Movement techniques on snow and ice
- Ice Axe arrest (the use of you ice axe if you were to fall and slide down a slope - don't worry, this is done in a safe area and is a lot of fun!
- Constructing and using show anchors
- Building an emergency shelter in the snow
- Building (and sleeping in) a snow hole
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ITINERARY
The specific itinerary and order of events may change based on weather and ground conditions at the time (the classroom day will take place on the worst weather day of the trip)Thursday (from 8am) - Meet your guide outside Aviemore train station and head to a local cafe for a trip briefing over breakfast before heading out to the mountains for some snowy fun.
Covered on this day will include:- understanding the snow pack
- basic winter navigation
- safe use of ice axe and crampons
- self-arrest using an ice axe
- what to look out for on your winter journey
- Journey to a local summit
At the end of the day you will check-in to your accommodation for showers before heading to a local pub with your guide for dinner.
Friday - A classroom day of understanding planning and preparation for winter adventures. Covered on this day will include:
- understanding weather forecasts
- understanding avalanche forecasts
- winter terrain traps
- safe route planning
- common mistakes and how to avoid them
Saturday - A second day hiking in the winter wonderland. Covered on this day will include:
- recap on previous days learning
- self-arrest using an ice axe
- building an emergency shelter
- develop more advenaced winter navigation skills
- building a snow hole (if conditions allow)
Sunday - This day will be used as a recap on previous days learnings and to hone the skills you've been taught over the previous days.
- recap and consolidate course learnings
- self-arrest using an ice axe
- Hike to a local peak
At the end of the day you will return to Aviemore for your onward journey home (expect to arrive at 7pm)
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Cost: 4-days and 3-nights in The Cairngorms National Park for just £545! - Simply RSVP, pay the £100 non-refundable despot and we'll be in contact with more details
INCLUDED
- 3-nights mountain chalet/cottage/hostel accommodation
- 4-days instruction and guidance by a highly experienced and qualified winter mountain leader/guide
- Use of safety equipment (ice axe, crampons and helmet)
- Transport and logistical support from Aviemore train station
***
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 - £150.00
Winter West Highland Way!!
Euston Railway Station, Euston Road, NW1 2RT, London, GBYou've probably heard of The West Highland Way: a 150km long-distance hike from Glasgow to Fort William (the gateway to The Scottish Highlands).
Well, we dont lead this route in the summer due to the shear number of people doing it (it's often referred to as The West Highland HighWay).
We like to do things a little differently at City Mountaineering!
We are leading this trip when the route is quiet: In the middle of Winter!The shorter days and often slippery under-foot conditions means that this is likely to be a tough week, often with some hiking in the dark. But that's why we love adventure :)
Lead by a highly qualified guide, you will hike from accommodation to accommodation whilst your luggage is transferred and ready for you when you arrive!
You will then have access to a warm shower, bed and comfortable clothes each night/day.This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and all on the shores of our little island. This is a simply breathtaking hike, however a reasonable level of fitness is a must!
You will be hiking long distances for 7-days in a row potentially in the dark and on slippery terrain.
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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 - The beauty of this trip is that the plans can be loose to allow for uncontrollable factors such as the weatherOptional: Friday (from 6pm) - Meet outside Euston train station and board the train for a relaxing journey north
Friday - Meet outside Glasgow Central Station at 10pm and transported to your hostel accommodation for the night for a full trip briefing, kit check and readying yourself for the days ahead
Saturday - Milngavie to Dryman (19km)
Departing the accommodation, you will head straight out to the trail, heading north towards Loch LomondSunday - Drymen to Rowardennan (23km)
After breakfast, you will continue along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, walking through ancient woodland and overlooked by the great Ben LomondMonday - Rowardennan to Inverarnan (21km)
Today you hike through the most remote area of Loch Lomond as you pass it's most northerly sections. You will then be rewarded with the spectacular 'Inversnaid Waterfall' befoire checking in to your accommodation for the nightTuesday - Inverarnan to Tyndrum (19km)
Leaving Loch Lomond behind, you will follow the river Falloch through the glen. You have now reached the beginnings of The Scottish Highlands. Continuing up the valley, you will reach your hotel in Tyndrum, your next rest point on the trail.Wednesday - Tyndrum to Kingshouse (30km)
Leaving relative civilisation for a couple of days, you will continue north up the valley. Following the West Highalnd Railway Line, the day is relatively flat (albeit, the longest day that still continues gradually uphill :)Thursday - Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (14km)
Hiking over the top of the Glen Coe valley is the where the mountains really impress. You will get sight of probably the most photographed and most striking mountains in The UK: Buachaille Etive Mor.
This day includes the steepest section of the trip as you hike over the zig-zag track of The Devils Staircase and down in to KinlochlevenFriday - Kinlochleven to Fort William (23km)
Leaving the town through Lairigmor (the great pass), you will soon be in an isolated valley, surrounded by huge mountains that, as the day unfolds, will include Ben Nevis - The highest mountain in The UK!Optional: Friday (7pm) - board the sleeper train for your relaxing overnight journey back to London (arriving 8am on Saturday)
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Cost: A 7-day/7-night adventure from just £895!
To join us, simply RSVP and pay the £150 despot. We'll then be in contact with more trip information and details on how to pay the balancing amount.Included in the cost:
- 7-nights accommodation
- Bag transfers each day, so you just carry a light day pack
- 7-days guided hiking
- Breakfast each morning
- All lunches when hiking (unless in a cafe/restaurant/pub)Optional (£250 extra)
- Return train travel from London (evening train to Glasgow at the start of the trip and sleeper train back to London, from Fort William, at the end of the trip).
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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
5 attendees - £100.00
Winter ascent of Ben Nevis - Includes Bed on Sleeper Train!
Euston Railway Station, Euston Road, NW1 2RT, London, GBThis trip includes return travel on The Caledonian Sleeper Train from London to The Scottish Highlands!!
You may have climbed it in the summer, but an ascent of Ben Nevis in winter provides a unique and very different mountain experience, with snow and ice transforming it into one of the UK's most majestic mountains.
Please note that this is a tough trip involving a very long day out on the hills. A good level of fitness is a must, although no experience of hiking in winter conditions is necessary.
To fully appreciate and enjoy a winter ascent, it is best to be properly prepared for the winter environment - with an early start, good crampon technique and the right equipment all helping to give a truly memorable mountain day.
This trip is suitable for anyone, regardless of winter hiking experience - A Full day of winter skills tuition will be provided prior to attempting the hike to the highest point in The UK
If you already have winter hiking experience, this day of tuition will be great to hone your skills and reacquaint yourself with the skills you've already learnt
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No prior winter mountaineering experience is required and full instruction will be provided on the use of the equipment and the skills required to keep safe in the winter environment
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The Itinerary
Friday evening: Meet outside London Euston train station and board the Caledonian Sleeper train for an overnight journey to Fort William (A bed in a twin room)
Saturday: Meet you guide in Fort William at 10am for a trip briefing before journeying in the local area to the snow line for an introduction to the winter environment, an introduction/revision of ice axe/cramponing skills and the style of mountaineering required for a winter ascent.
Sunday: An early start, to make the most of the day, we will make our way to the summit of Ben Nevis. The specific route we take will depend on experience, ability and weather conditions.
At the end of the day you will be transported to Fort William for your departure home.
Sunday evening: Board The Caledonian Sleeper Train from Fort William for an overnight journey back to London (arrives London at 9am)
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Accommodation:
We will be staying in a local hotel/hostel (single-sex rooms) to ensure we are warm and comfortable in the evening.Your minimum kit list should be:
- Base Layers
- Fleece
- Warm/Insulated Jacket
- Hiking Trousers
- Waterproof Jacket
- Waterproof Trousers/Salopettes
- Hat or Balaclava
- Warm Ski Type Gloves/Mittens (A spare pair is also recommended in case one gets wet)
- Warm Socks
- Sturdy Hiking Boots
- Ski Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Back Pack suitable for day hikes (30-35 litres)
- Waterbottle and / or thermos flask
- Head torch
- Personal medication
***
Cost: The price for this weekend is £495
Included in the base price will be:
- Bed in a single-sex twin room on The Caledonian Sleeper Train - return travel from London to Fort William
- Transport and logistical support in Fort William/Ben Nevis region
- 1-night hotel/hostel accommodation
- Technical equipment required for winter hiking (ice axe, crampons and helmet) and lessons in how to use them.
- Tuition and 2-days of guided hikes by a highly experienced and qualified Winter Mountain Leader including the ascent of Ben Nevis
Excluded from the base price:
- Your personal hiking kit
- All food throughout the weekend
- Use of gondola on non-Ben Nevis day if required
- Personal travel insurance
***
To join this trip, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We will then be in contact with further trip information, kit list and request for final payment (amount depends on whether you elect to use the Sleeper train, or not)
***
Note: The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed. The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)
***
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
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