
What we’re about
Welcome to the FREE hiking, outdoor fitness, and social activities Group!
About Us - Get ready for new adventures! I’m Amit, the main organiser of this group, and I usually lead the hikes. I was born in India and moved to the UK over two decades ago, where I studied and built my professional career in the legal and financial sectors. I also served in the reserve forces of the British Army’s Royal Military Police. I’ve always had a deep passion for hiking, which I’ve pursued for many years.
I founded this group to continue my love for hiking and fitness while connecting with like-minded individuals. Together, we will explore the countryside, breathtaking landscapes, and hidden gems across the UK, with occasional trips abroad. Whether on weekdays or weekends, you'll be part of a friendly, fun, and adventurous community.
What We Offer In addition to hiking, various outdoor and social activities such as running, fitness events, and group trips are organized. Some events include local and international travel. If you're interested, please communicate directly with me.
Who Can Join? Everyone is welcome! However, please be polite, respectful, and courteous to fellow participants and the organizer.
What the Group Is About - This group is not only for those who already enjoy staying active but also for anyone looking to start or get back into an active lifestyle. The aim is to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors by exploring scenic countryside trails, tackling hills, and discovering hidden gems across the UK and beyond. Hiking offers more than just physical benefits — it builds mental resilience, encourages a positive mindset, and helps clear the mind. Whether you’re climbing a steep hill or pushing through a long-distance trail, these challenges can strengthen your focus, discipline, and confidence. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting, you'll find a supportive community to grow with — physically, mentally, and socially.
Important Guidelines
· Responsibility: Participants are responsible for their safety; the organiser / event host does not accept any liability. The group provides route guidance and event organization only.
· Risk Acknowledgment: By joining, participants agree to take full responsibility for any risks, including accidents, injuries, transport, insurance, and accommodation costs etc. In committing/signing up for the hikes/events, you agree to undertake sole ownership of all and any risks concerned.
· Location: Events take place in and around London, across the UK, and occasionally abroad.
· Weather: Events will not be cancelled due to bad weather; however; participation is at your own risk.
· Rules: Please read and follow the group rules to ensure a welcoming and friendly environment for everyone. Hikes and events are usually led by me.
· Pets & Children: No pets or underage children are allowed unless express permission is granted by the organizer. Once permission is granted, they may attend all other similar events. Dogs aren’t automatically allowed on hikes, but I’m happy to consider it on a case-by-case basis. Please send me a picture of your dog on WhatsApp first. If approved, you’re welcome to bring your dog on future hikes, provided they’re kept on a lead at all times. The dog must be friendly and well-behaved to ensure other hikers feel comfortable. For longer or more challenging hikes, please bring a suitable dog carrier in case your dog gets tired or needs support along the way. Once the dog is approved, you're free to bring them along on future hikes without asking again or until the permission is withdrawn due to an issue during a hike.
· Pace & Difficulty: Most hikes will be at a medium to fast pace and may not be suitable for those who prefer a much slower pace. Longer hikes (20 km+) require a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to keep up with the group. Regular short breaks will be provided to catch up, take pics, or / and recover. Shorter days can also contribute to the pace of the hikes. Those who struggle with endurance or medium / fast-paced hiking may find some longer hikes challenging.
Safety Note: I carry a first aid kit on all hikes, so feel free to ask if you ever need it.
Group Etiquette
· Event Sign-Up: Signing up in advance is compulsory, and those who turn up without signing up may be removed from future events or the group.
· Commitment: The events are posted mostly in advance so that you can plan your time. Repeated last-minute cancellations or no-shows may lead to being placed on the waitlist or removed from the event/group.
· Respect: Respecting others, the organizer, and the groups guidelines is essential for creating a harmonious, enjoyable, and successful outdoor experience. This ensures that our adventures remain fulfilling, safe, and welcoming to all participants. Let’s treat each other with kindness, patience, and consideration to make every event a memorable one.
Disrespectful, argumentative, or challenging behavior directed at the organizer or other members may lead to removal from the group or its events. Similarly, non-cooperation during hikes or events is considered disrespectful to the time and effort put into organizing them.
This group is a community built on shared interests and mutual respect. While friendships and connections may naturally develop, everyone is encouraged to prioritize creating a positive, inclusive, and comfortable atmosphere for all members. Please be mindful of others boundaries and ensure that your actions contribute to the groups friendly and welcoming dynamic.
If you ever feel uncomfortable or notice behavior that doesn’t align with these values, please feel free to reach out to me privately. Together, we can ensure this remains an enjoyable and respectful space for everyone.
· Participation Priority: Regular attendees may receive priority if there is a waiting list. This is because of the certainty of attendance.
· Volunteer-Based: The group is run voluntarily; the organiser pays a subscription to maintain the group on this platform.
· Special / Weekend Away Events: Regular attendees may be invited or given priority for special or weekend-away events announced by the organizer. These events, which may have limited spots, might not always be posted on Meetup but instead shared via a separate WhatsApp group for regular participants. Participation in these events is based on factors such as prior participation, demonstrated commitment, and the ability to contribute to a positive group dynamic. Weekend-away trips can be both enjoyable and demanding; therefore, ensuring group cohesion and a supportive atmosphere is important. To facilitate this, regular attendees who have shown commitment, adherence to rules, and reliability may be prioritised. The organizer may place some eligibility requirements and / or decide on participants to ensure an enjoyable experience for all.
Photography & Social Media By participating in the events, you agree to be in pictures or videos that might be taken by the event host/organiser during the event and which may be used on this or/and other social media platforms.
Donations The events are completely free, with no expectations. However, if you’d like to support a cause, consider donating directly to Cancer Research UK via https://donate.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/your-donation?type=single&amount= or you may donate to any other charity you may deem fit. There is no compulsion or obligation to do so. Thank you.
Got Suggestions? Let’s Talk!
We welcome your event ideas and suggestions—feel free to share them with me during an event, as I would love to hear from you. As the hike leader, I set the pace, guide, and keep the group together, which means I might not be able to interact with everyone as much as I’d like during the hike itself. However, I’m always happy to chat before we set off, during breaks, or over post-hike drinks. So please don’t hesitate to come over and say hello!
Join us for an adventure, stay fit, and make new friends!
Join us for a scenic and moderately challenging circular hike through the heart of West Sussex, featuring sweeping views over the South Downs, riverside trails, and glimpses of Arundel and Amberley castles.
***
### 🗓️ Event Details
- 📍 Start & End Point: Outside Arundel Railway Station, BN18 9PH
- 🚆 By Train: Direct from London Victoria
- 🚗 By Car: Pay & display parking available at the station
- ⏰ Meeting Time: 1:30PM
- 🔁 Route Type: Circular
- 📏 Distance: Approx. 10 to 13 miles
***
### 🌄 Route Highlights
- A beautiful loop trail starting and ending at Arundel Station
- Panoramic views from the South Downs, including a long climb
- Scenic riverside paths and countryside stretches
- Walk past the historic Arundel Castle and views of Amberley Castle
- Varied terrain: open fields, wooded sections, and muddy riverside paths in places
📌 What to Bring:
- Proper hiking boots or shoes
- Hat / Cap and Sunscreen lotion?
- Packed snacks, and at least 1.5L of water
- Good vibes and your best hill-conquering attitude
Important Notes:
- Stay Together: Please stay with or behind the hike leader to maintain group pace and cohesion.
- Rules: Please make sure to read the about us section of the group before signing up for the events. [https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities]
Safety Reminder: This is a voluntary activity, and participants are responsible for their own safety and for respecting fellow walkers, wildlife, and the environment. Please note that no risk or service is inferred or accepted by the organizer.
📱 For any issues, you can reach me via mobile/WhatsApp at 07830374629.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- FREE HIKE - Post-Lunch Sunday Hike: South Downs Climb & Arundel Castle Views !Arundel Train Station, Arundel
Join us for a scenic and moderately challenging circular hike through the heart of West Sussex, featuring sweeping views over the South Downs, riverside trails, and glimpses of Arundel and Amberley castles.
***
### 🗓️ Event Details
- 📍 Start & End Point: Outside Arundel Railway Station, BN18 9PH
- 🚆 By Train: Direct from London Victoria
- 🚗 By Car: Pay & display parking available at the station
- ⏰ Meeting Time: 1:30PM
- 🔁 Route Type: Circular
- 📏 Distance: Approx. 10 to 13 miles
***
### 🌄 Route Highlights
- A beautiful loop trail starting and ending at Arundel Station
- Panoramic views from the South Downs, including a long climb
- Scenic riverside paths and countryside stretches
- Walk past the historic Arundel Castle and views of Amberley Castle
- Varied terrain: open fields, wooded sections, and muddy riverside paths in places
📌 What to Bring:
- Proper hiking boots or shoes
- Hat / Cap and Sunscreen lotion?
- Packed snacks, and at least 1.5L of water
- Good vibes and your best hill-conquering attitude
Important Notes:
- Stay Together: Please stay with or behind the hike leader to maintain group pace and cohesion.
- Rules: Please make sure to read the about us section of the group before signing up for the events. [https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities]
Safety Reminder: This is a voluntary activity, and participants are responsible for their own safety and for respecting fellow walkers, wildlife, and the environment. Please note that no risk or service is inferred or accepted by the organizer.
📱 For any issues, you can reach me via mobile/WhatsApp at 07830374629.