City Mountaineering

London, GB

9,084 members · Public group

Organized by Stuart and 6 others

What we’re about

Thank you for joining City Mountaineering - London's most exciting mountain hiking group - and the only group specialising in small group, environmentally sustainable mountain adventures!
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All our weekend trips include return train travel from London. This is not only the most environmentally sustainable way to travel, but maximises your time in the mountains!
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LATEST INFORMATION
Many of our trips fill up months in advance, before they are even promoted on MeetUp...
How? Because many people subscribe to our regular email updates and get first notice of any new trip added to the diary. You can also get early notice by subscribing here

We're also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityMountaineering
And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citymountaineering/

We will hopefully see you in the mountains soon!
Stuart
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ABOUT CITY MOUNTAINEERING
London's best and most exciting mountaineering group.

This is a group for anyone interested in walking, hiking, rock climbing, camping and anyone with a sense of adventure to experience the wonders of the British mountain environment in a relaxed, fun and safe manner.
Our purpose is simple: To provide access to the British mountain environment for all. Irrelevant of social, economic and cultural background and irrelevant of your mountain/hiking experience: All skill levels are welcome.
This group was started to offer more adventurous trips, with small groups, from London to all areas of the UK.
Summary of what to expect on City Mountaineering trips:
• All trips are lead by passionate, qualified and highly experienced mountaineers (Qualified Mountain Leaders and Climbing Instructors)
• All trips, unless otherwise stated, are fully inclusive of return travel, food, accommodation and guided hiking (all you have to do is turn up at the London meeting point and enjoy!)

• Small group sizes (maximum 8 people per trip), this enables:

> • Best quality support
> • Trip flexibility (to provide a true wilderness experience)
> • Get to know your fellow mountaineers better than in larger groups
> • Allow you to realise potential that you may never have thought possible
> • Reduce the human impact on the natural environment

We look forward to exploring and sharing the Great British mountain environment with you!

Featured event

Sat, Jul 26, 2025, 10:00 AM BSTOrkney Hiking Adventure!

Inverness airport, Inverness-shire

£100.00

**JUST 2 SPACES AVAILABLE**
*Current Group: 4 female, 2 male. All solo travellers*

A Journey Through History and Nature
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day hiking adventure through Orkney, a land of dramatic coastlines, ancient history, and breathtaking landscapes.
This journey is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike, offering a unique blend of challenging hikes, wild camping, and cultural discoveries.

From exploring Neolithic monuments and Viking ruins to hiking along rugged coastal cliffs, every day presents a new and exciting experience.

Trip Highlights:

Visit the awe-inspiring Neolithic sites of the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae.
Hike through the stunning landscapes of Hoy, including the Glens of Kinnaird and Ward Hill.
Witness the towering Old Man of Hoy, the UK's tallest sea stack.
Trek along Orkney’s dramatic west coast, taking in sea stacks, cliffs, and remote beaches.
Explore the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island with Viking and medieval history.
Follow the St Magnus Way pilgrimage route, ending at the ancient Broch of Gurness.
Immerse yourself in Kirkwall’s rich culture, with its historic cathedral, museums, and local shops.
Discover wartime history at the Churchill Barriers and the Italian Chapel.
Enjoy wild camping in breathtaking coastal locations and cozy hostel stays in Kirkwall.
Look out for orcas, seabirds, and other wildlife along the journey.

### Your Trip Includes

Guided hiking by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
Road travel and logistical Support from Inverness
4 ferry crossings
All food on the wild camping sections of the itinerary
3 nights hostel/hotel accommodation
1 night on a campsite
4 nights wild camping
tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats provided for all camping sections

Spaces are limited – book your spot today and start your adventure!
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EXAMPLE ITINERARY
The specific route will be decided when group size and weather is known. We could hike north-south/east-west/any other variant...

Day 1 – Saturday (Arrival & Exploration)
Gather in Inverness at 10am, where the adventure begins! Travel north through the rugged Scottish Highlands, passing stunning landscapes on the way to Thurso. Keep an eye out for red deer and soaring golden eagles as we make our way to the coast.

Board the ferry to Stromness for a scenic 90-minute crossing, where you might spot seals or even a pod of dolphins. As we approach Orkney, take in the first views of the archipelago’s dramatic coastline.

After arriving in Stromness, pitch tents at a welcoming campsite, then set off to explore the charming, historic town. Wander along narrow flagstone streets, browse local craft shops, and visit the Pier Arts Centre. End the day with a hearty meal at a cozy local pub, enjoying traditional Orcadian hospitality.

Day 2 – Sunday (Hiking Hoy)
Rise early for a ferry ride to Hoy, the wildest and most mountainous of the Orkney Islands. Begin an exhilarating hike through the Glens of Kinnaird, surrounded by heather-clad hills and breathtaking scenery. A detour to Ward Hill, Orkney’s highest point at 479m, offers rewarding panoramic views across the islands.

Descend towards the remote beauty of Rackwick Bay, a secluded sandy beach framed by towering cliffs. Set up your wild camp with a spectacular view of the North Sea. Relax and soak in the serene atmosphere as the sun sets over the waves, with the sound of seabirds echoing across the bay.

Day 3 – Monday (Old Man of Hoy Hike)
Prepare for an unforgettable hike to one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, the Old Man of Hoy. This 137m sea stack rises dramatically from the ocean, defying gravity with its towering sandstone cliffs. If you're lucky, you might witness rock climbers scaling its vertical face!

Enjoy a picnic lunch with awe-inspiring sea views before trekking back over the hills. Along the way, look out for puffins, fulmars, and other seabirds nesting in the cliffs. Return to camp at Rackwick Bay for a second night wildcamping under the stars, with the rhythmic sound of the waves as your backdrop.

Day 4 – Tuesday (Coastal Trek to Skaill Bay)
Hike back through the glen and catch the ferry to Stromness. Stock up on supplies before setting off on an epic trek along Orkney’s rugged west coast.

Marvel at the towering sea cliffs and the dramatic Yesnaby sea stacks, sculpted by centuries of wind and waves. The landscape here is wild and untamed, offering countless photo opportunities. Finally, arrive at the picturesque Skaill Bay, where we’ll wild camp beside the beach, falling asleep to the soothing sound of the surf.

For those interested, there’s an optional visit to Skara Brae, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic settlement over 5,000 years old. Wander through ancient stone dwellings and imagine the lives of Orkney’s prehistoric inhabitants.

Day 5 – Wednesday (Brough of Birsay Exploration)
Continue trekking along the west coast towards Birsay, passing windswept cliffs and open moorland. Arriving at the Brough of Birsay, a tidal island steeped in history, we’ll cross the causeway (tide permitting) to explore Viking ruins, a medieval monastery, and a striking lighthouse.

This is also one of the best places in Orkney for wildlife spotting. Scan the waves for orcas, seals, and diving seabirds as we set up wild camp for the night with sweeping coastal views.

Day 6 – Thursday (St Magnus Way & Ancient Ruins)
Join the historic St Magnus Way pilgrimage route, following in the footsteps of Viking-era travelers. Hike via Costa Head, one of Orkney’s highest sea cliffs, with views stretching across the North Atlantic. Arrive at the Iron Age Broch of Gurness, an impressive circular stone fort that once housed ancient islanders.

After a day of exploration, transfer to Kirkwall, where a warm hostel awaits. Enjoy a well-earned shower before heading to a lively local pub for a delicious meal and a toast to our adventure so far.

Day 7 – Friday (Exploring Kirkwall & Beyond)
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring Kirkwall, Orkney’s vibrant capital. Options include:

Visiting the majestic St Magnus Cathedral, a stunning red sandstone church founded in 1137.
Exploring the Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces, rich in medieval and Renaissance history.
Discovering Orkney’s Viking and wartime past at local museums.
Strolling through charming shops and cafes, picking up unique souvenirs and tasting local delicacies.

For those eager for more adventure, take a road trip to Scapa Bay, The Ring of Brodgar (a dramatic Neolithic stone circle), or The Gloup, a dramatic sea cave. Alternatively, hike up Wideford Hill for panoramic views over Kirkwall and beyond.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a group dinner and a second night in the Kirkwall hostel.

Day 8 – Saturday (Final Adventures & Return to Mainland)
Begin the day with a drive across the historic Churchill Barriers, causeways built during WWII. Stop at the Italian Chapel, a beautifully decorated chapel built by Italian prisoners of war, a poignant reminder of Orkney’s wartime history.

For those interested, there’s an optional coastal walk to spot orcas one last time before catching the ferry from St Margaret’s Hope back to the Scottish mainland. Enjoy the final scenic drive to our hostel/hotel accommodation and a celebratory farewell dinner, reminiscing about our unforgettable journey.

Day 9 – Sunday (Departure)
Before heading home, visit John O' Groats, the most north-easterly point of mainland Britain, where you can snap a final group photo at the famous signpost.

Transfer back to Inverness, where our adventure comes to an end. Say your goodbyes and depart with incredible memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the wild beauty of Orkney.

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Small group!! (Maximum 6-people)

This trip is suitable for everyone and no prior experience of multi-day hiking is necessary.

The small group size will enable us to enjoy the tranquility of the area whilst enabling a flexible itinerary to explore the hidden gems that Orkney has to offer.
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Join this week-long adventure for just £895! Simply RSVP and pay the £100 non-refundable deposit to secure your place and we’ll be in contact with further details