About us
Free, volunteer-led day hikes for fit and confident walkers across London and the surrounding counties
---
We’re a London-based hiking group exploring routes across London and the surrounding counties, from scenic woodlands and rolling hills to the occasional muddy stretch. Our hikes usually cover 20 to 35 km (12 to 22 miles), with most day hikes around 25 km (15.5 miles). We walk at a moderate to brisk pace of about 5 to 5.5 km/h (3.1 to 3.4 mph), so our walks are best suited to people comfortable with longer distances and mixed terrain.
All hikes are free and led by experienced volunteer organisers. We usually set off around 10:00 and finish in the mid to late afternoon, often around 17:00. Most routes are accessible by train, and you can travel with the group from central London or meet us at the start.
Our event hosts pre-walk each route before publishing the hike. This helps them identify potential issues and plan an enjoyable day out.
We welcome adults aged 21 and over who enjoy longer, more challenging walks and value fresh air, adventure and good company in a friendly, well-organised group.
Before you RSVP: Please read the event description carefully and make sure the distance and difficulty suit you. Sign up only if you genuinely plan to attend.
---
🌱 About Us
Hike Together was founded by AdrianB in April 2025, and AdrianB remains the group owner.
Our volunteer hosts play an important part in the group’s success. They take turns leading hikes, each bringing their own routes and style, so every event has its own character. We believe hiking is as much about people as it is about distance, and aim to make every walk friendly and welcoming.
Many of our hikes are long and challenging. If you’re new to long-distance hiking, you’re welcome to join an event that matches your fitness level.
After a day in the hills, you might be tired, muddy and a little achy, but smiling. The fresh air, the miles, the laughter, the challenge, the conversations, the new friendships and the views stay with you long after the hike is over. By Monday you’re recovering; by Tuesday, you’re already looking for the next adventure.
We call it the hiker’s high.
For us, the route is only part of the experience. What matters most is exploring nature, sharing the day and getting to know the people we meet along the way.
---
👋 First Time Joining a Hike
If this is your first hike with the group, welcome.
We encourage newcomers to introduce themselves to the organiser at the start of the walk. Many members join their first event without knowing anyone, and we aim to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Please make sure you are comfortable with the distance and pace described in the event before joining. If you are unsure, feel free to ask questions in the event comments.
During the hike, stay aware of the group and avoid becoming separated, particularly at junctions or in remote areas.
---
🏛️ How We’re Run
The group is run by a small team of volunteer organisers. We plan and lead walks as peers rather than professionals. We organise UK day hikes only and do not run or promote activities involving travel providers.
Our event hosts and organisers volunteer their personal time to plan, organise, and lead events for the benefit of the community. They do this freely because they enjoy helping people get outdoors, meet new people, and explore nature together.
By attending our events, members acknowledge that organisers volunteer their time and organise activities in good faith. While we always aim to provide a great experience, not everything will go exactly as planned. Flexibility, understanding, and a positive attitude are appreciated.
Hike Together is first and foremost a social community. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where people can make new friends, enjoy the outdoors, and share memorable experiences.
To maintain a positive atmosphere, we ask all members to treat others with courtesy, respect, and consideration. We are committed to maintaining a respectful and welcoming community. Members whose actions negatively impact the group, its organisers, or other attendees may be removed from events and, where appropriate, from the group.
---
✅ Who Can Join
Participation is limited to adults aged 21 and over. Children and pets are not permitted, as routes can be long and physically demanding.
---
🔒 Group Independence
This group is dedicated to free, volunteer-led UK day hikes. External trips, paid events, or other organisations should not be promoted through group channels.
---
💰 Cost
All hikes are free to attend. In some cases, organisers may arrange optional group rail tickets to help reduce travel costs, and participants using these must travel on the same train and contribute their share. Optional social events may sometimes require a venue or accommodation deposit. Organisers do not profit from any payments.
---
💪 Walk Distance and Conditions
Most hikes cover around 20 to 30 km (12 to 19 miles) across hilly and varied terrain.
Typical moving pace is around 4.5 to 5.5 km/h, depending on terrain and conditions. These are not slow or casual walks, and pace may vary slightly between events.
Routes explore classic English countryside including woodland paths, rolling hills, open ridgelines, and farm tracks. Underfoot conditions can change quickly and may include mud, chalk paths, uneven ground, and occasional steeper sections.
After wet weather, standing water and large puddles may be encountered, sometimes reaching above the ankle of standard walking shoes. On rare occasions short scrambles up steeper sections may require using your hands.
If you are new to longer hikes, we recommend starting with an easier event and building up gradually.
Breaks are limited, and the group maintains a steady forward pace throughout the day. We typically pause for a couple of minutes at junctions to allow everyone to catch up, take a drink, or use the toilet if needed. Longer stops are generally limited to lunch and any planned refreshment stops. As each event is different, please review the event page for specific details.
---
🗺️ Hike Difficulty Levels
- Easy: Up to 12 km, mostly flat
- Easy to Moderate: Up to 15 km, some slopes
- Moderate: Up to 20 km, mixed terrain
- Moderate to Strenuous: Up to 30 km, steep sections
- Strenuous: 30+ km, rough terrain
- 👉 Full grading reference available HERE.
---
👨👩👧👦 Travel and Meeting Points
Most hikes are accessible by train. Participants should buy their own ticket unless using an organised group option. Some hikes may offer two meeting points, either at a London station or at the hike start. Please arrive on time, as the group cannot wait for late arrivals.
---
👥 Group Size
Most hikes typically have between 25 and 50 participants, depending on the event and conditions, with larger groups being less common. As we move as one group, staying with the leader is important.
---
🎒 What to Bring (Essential)
- Packed lunch, snacks, at least 2L water
- Proper hiking footwear is essential. Trainers are not suitable for most of our routes, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
- Layers, waterproofs, warm layer
- Sun protection
- Personal medication and blister plasters
- Fully charged phone and head torch
- Offline maps or GPS app
- Some cash or bank card
Recommended: Walking poles, power bank, whistle, dry bags, navigation apps such as AllTrails or Gaia GPS and know how to use them.
---
🚻 Facilities
Facilities can be limited or unavailable on rural routes.
Mobile signal may be unreliable in remote areas.
---
🧭 Navigation
Please read the event details carefully and bring appropriate navigation tools, such as AllTrails, GaiaGPS, or OS Maps, on your mobile device or a suitable alternative.
If you become separated from the group, stop and remain where you are if it is safe to do so, and contact the host so we can assist in reconnecting you.
If you are unable to contact the host, make safe and sensible decisions using your own judgement and available resources.
We do our best to keep everyone together, but we can’t stop frequently for individuals who are unable to maintain the pace. In these situations, you may need to continue at your own pace.
Do not rely solely on other participants for navigation.
If you choose to move ahead or leave the group structure, you’ll be considered to be continuing independently and responsible for your own route and safety. If you do so without informing an organiser, it will be assumed you’re managing independently.
---
⛈️ Cancellations
Hikes run in most weather but may be cancelled for safety or organiser availability. Always check the event page before travelling.
Walks generally go ahead in rain, wind, and cold conditions. Expect wet paths, mud, and exposure at times. Comfort is your responsibility.
---
⏰ Typical Schedule
Each hike is slightly different, but most follow a similar structure.
Some participants choose to meet in central London and travel together by train, while others make their own way directly to the starting point.
Once everyone has arrived, the organiser will give a short briefing covering the planned route, key safety points, and what to expect during the walk.
Most hikes begin at around 10:00. We walk at a steady, comfortable pace, with short rest stops along the way and a longer lunch break of approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
The hike leader will guide the group throughout. All participants are expected to follow the leader at all times and must not walk ahead or fall too far behind. The leader will also provide instructions and share important information as needed during the event.
Walks typically finish in the mid to late afternoon, usually between 16:00 and 17:00, depending on distance, conditions, and pace. When possible, there may be an optional pub stop near the finish or close to the train station.
---
📸 Photos and Media
Group photos may be taken during hikes and shared on Meetup or social media.
If an image includes you and you prefer not to appear, you may ask the organiser to remove it or replace it with a version where you are blurred or not recognisable. All requests will be respected and choosing not to appear in photos will never affect your participation in the group.
---
🛡️ CODE OF CONDUCT
👥 Lift Sharing
Any agreements relating to travel, insurance, costs, timing, or other related matters are between the individuals involved. Please arrange privately and move any lift-sharing discussions off this platform where possible.
🌿 Behaviour & Respect
Our events are intended to be social, safe, and welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy hiking and good company.
Members are expected to behave in a respectful, courteous, and considerate manner at all times. Please be mindful of personal boundaries and maintain appropriate personal space. Unwanted physical contact is not acceptable.
Conversations should remain friendly and respectful. Comments, jokes, or behaviour that make others uncomfortable are not appropriate.
Respect the diversity of our members and treat everyone with kindness.
Conversation on hikes is encouraged but optional. Some people enjoy chatting throughout the walk while others prefer quieter time outdoors. Both are welcome.
👤 Personal Conduct
Smoking, recreational drug use, and the use of loudspeakers are not permitted during group events.
Medications prescribed by a medical professional are permitted. If listening to music or audio, please use headphones so that others can enjoy the natural surroundings.
📝 Attendance, Waiting List and No-Show Policy
Our events often have limited spaces. When a place is taken, it may prevent someone else from joining.
As our events are free, we ask members to be mindful when RSVPing and only sign up if they genuinely plan to attend. Please also avoid booking multiple events on the same day. If your plans change, we understand that things come up, but please cancel as early as possible so your place can be offered to someone on the waitlist.
If an event has a waiting list, the event host may allocate places at their discretion, taking into account factors such as attendance reliability, previous no-shows, and overall commitment to attending. This helps make the best use of limited places.
If you are on a long waiting list and are particularly keen to attend, you are welcome to message the event host. Where appropriate, members with a reliable attendance record may be given priority if places become available. Any decision remains at the event host's discretion.
If your name is not listed as Going, please do not simply turn up and assume you will be able to join the event. Organisers reserve the right to refuse participation at their discretion.
When attending an event, it is important to locate the event host and check in using the QR code.
If you do not check in, you may inadvertently be recorded as a no-show, even if you attended.
If you are unable to attend at the last minute, we understand that unexpected situations happen. However, it is important that you let the event host know as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be recorded as a no-show.
Members who accumulate three no-shows without providing any explanation or context for their absence may be removed from the group.
Members who repeatedly sign up "just in case" and then cancel at the last minute may be deprioritised when places become available from the waiting list. Where this becomes a persistent pattern, it may also result in removal from the group.
Accounts that appear to be fake or suspicious, particularly those with no previous attendance that sign up and then no-show, may be removed much sooner at the organisers' discretion to help protect the integrity of the group.
🚶 Fitness, Pace and Group Movement
Our hikes are designed for participants who are confident they can maintain the stated group pace over the full distance and terrain.
Pace and difficulty may vary depending on terrain, elevation, and conditions. Event descriptions aim to clearly explain the distance, terrain, and difficulty so members can decide whether a hike is suitable for their fitness level.
Please ensure you read the event description and fitness requirements carefully before signing up.
🌱 Respect for Nature
Please follow the Leave No Trace principle by taking all litter with you and leaving the environment as you found it. Stay on marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and respect gates, signage, farmland, and landowners at all times.
🛡️ Safety and Responsibility
This is a self-supported hiking group. While we walk together, each participant is responsible for their own safety, preparation, and decision-making throughout the event.
Participation is at your own risk. Hiking involves hazards such as changing weather, uneven terrain, and the possibility of injury.
Participants should be honest about their fitness and come properly prepared with suitable equipment, clothing, food, water, and navigation tools.
Organisers are volunteers and may refuse participation if they believe there is a safety concern.
Decisions made by organisers regarding safety, pace, and participation are final on the day.
Organisers are not liable for injury, accidents, or loss of personal items. The group does not provide personal accident or travel insurance.
Leaving a hike early is not always straightforward and may involve a significant walk to the nearest exit point or station. You should only join if you are confident you can complete the full distance. An organiser may help identify an exit option but cannot leave the group.
Organisers may have basic first aid knowledge but are not medical professionals. In the event of a serious incident, emergency services may need to be contacted. Response times in rural areas may be delayed.
🩺 Illness
Please do not attend events if you are unwell or recovering from illness. You are welcome to join again once fully fit.
🚩 Reporting Concerns
If you experience behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please report it directly to Meetup through their reporting channels: Meetup Trust and Safety. Meetup may contact the organiser AdrianB so that the situation can be reviewed and appropriate action taken. Alternatively, contact the group owner and founder, AdrianB, directly.
---
📞 Contact During Events
Each event host should provide a working mobile number at the start of the walk for use in case of separation or emergency. If you are unable to reach the event host and require urgent assistance, you may contact the group owner, AdrianB, via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663 on the day of the event only.
---
📩 Contact, Feedback and Complaints
Contact the group owner and founder AdrianB directly. Members are welcome to provide constructive feedback, suggestions, or comments regarding group wording, policies, organisation, or any other aspect of the group. However to help keep discussions constructive and manageable, and to avoid turning the meetup platform into a debate forum, please share feedback privately with the organiser AdrianB rather than posting it publicly on the platform. This allows feedback to be considered carefully and addressed appropriately while keeping group discussions focused on hiking-related activities and events.
---
☑️ Final Acknowledgement
By joining an event, you confirm that you have read and agree to these guidelines and understand that participation is at your own risk.
---
📢 Stay Connected
Follow us on: Online | 📸 Instagram | 🐦 X | 🎥 YouTube | 💼 LinkedIn | 🌳 LinkTree
---
🍃 We look forward to welcoming you on the trail and sharing many great walks together.
Upcoming events
6
Leatherhead, Mole Gap & Box Hill: Hills, Steps & Mud | 19 km (12 mi) | Free Hike
Leatherhead, Station Approach, Leatherhead KT22 7SQ, UK, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5 (Moderate to strenuous)
ℹ️ If you’re on the waitlist and are want to attend then contact the event host. Don’t rely on the waitlist moving automatically.
---
🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers → comfortable overall, with a few steep ascents
Casual walkers → challenging, especially on the climbs
Beginners→ a very tough and demanding day
---
🚨 PLEASE NOTE: This hike is for experienced hikers who can maintain a moderate pace throughout and get moving again quickly after steep climbs. Please sign up only if you’re committed to attending and fit enough for the challenge. This hike is not suitable for beginners.
---
Join us for a Sunday social hike starting and finishing in Leatherhead. Don’t let the shorter distance fool you: expect steep climbs, steep descents and a moderate pace throughout.We’ll start along the Mole Gap Trail before heading through the Norbury Park woodlands. Then it’s on to the Box Hill steps.
The climb up Box Hill is steep, so expect your heart rate to rise. The steps are a proper workout, but reaching the top is a rewarding part of the route. We’ll stop for lunch at the Box Hill Visitor Centre.
After lunch, we’ll descend Box Hill’s steep slopes and loop back towards the Mole Gap. The return route may take us through cattle fields with deep, squishy mud. If it’s not mud, it might be something the cows left behind! The mud will try to keep your boots for itself, so proper hiking boots and gaiters are strongly recommended. You may want shoe covers for the journey home, or you’ll be taking half of Mole Valley back with you.
We should reach Leatherhead by mid to late afternoon. There’ll be an optional stop at the local Wetherspoons for a quick drink before heading home.
---
HIGHLIGHTS
🥾 Sunday social hike starting and finishing in Leatherhead
🌳 Route through the Mole Gap Trail and Norbury Park
⛰️ Steep climb up the Box Hill steps
🥪 A well-earned lunch stop at the Box Hill Visitor Centre
🔥 Moderate pace and a proper hill challenge
🟤 Squishy, muddy cattle fields on the return route
🌄 Lovely views along the way, if you can keep up!
🍻 An optional post-hike drink at the local Wetherspoons
---
OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 19 km (≈12 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, due to the steep hills
📈📉 Elevation: 309 m ascent and 308 m descent
🚶Pace: Around 4.5–5.5 km/h (2.8–3.4 mph, not a slow walk).The terrain includes concrete paths, uneven tracks beside fields, wide and narrow woodland trails, cattle fields, grassy slopes and lots of steps on the climbs. Woodland sections may have exposed tree roots, and paths can be slippery and muddy after rain.
---
📍 LONDON GROUP TRAVEL (OPTIONAL)
For those travelling from London: Buy a return ticket to Leatherhead. The fare is £9.90 with a Network Railcard or £14.40 without one.08:15 Meet at the London Bridge ticket office
08:30 Leave the meeting point and walk to the platform
08:37 Train departs towards Dorking
09:29 Arrive at Leatherhead
---
MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍Meet at the entrance to Platform 2 at Leatherhead railway station at 09:35.
▶️ Start: as soon as check-in is complete (around 09:45).
🏁 Finish: Leatherhead town centre at approximately 15:30–16:00.
⏱️ Estimated walking time: Approximately 4.5 hours
🕒 Estimated total duration: 5.5 hours, including breaks and stops
---
🚗 BY CAR
Parking at Leatherhead railway station.
---
FOOD AND FACILITIES
Lunch will be at the Box Hill Visitor Centre, which has a café serving snacks and hot and cold drinks, as well as toilets and indoor and outdoor seating.
---
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
Packed lunch and snacks
At least 2 litres of water, and more in hot weather
Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip
Weather-appropriate clothing and waterproofs
A fully charged phone
Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
Optional trekking poles
More snacks than you think you need
A smile, good vibes and a sense of adventure
🔦 Head torch
---
✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
---
📅 RSVP & ATTENDANCE
Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. If you can no longer come, cancel as early as possible so someone else can take your place.A no-show means RSVPing but not attending, or cancelling shortly before the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group.
If you are stuck on the waitlist and would like to attend, please message the event host directly.
---
👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social group hike, and everyone is expected to stay reasonably connected with the group rather than rushing far ahead or falling behind.Please keep the group in sight and remain within a reasonable distance, as a back marker may not always be present. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may stop at suitable points to allow the group to regroup.
If you choose to leave the group structure or continue at a significantly different pace, you will be considered to be hiking independently and will be responsible for your own route and safety.
By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
---
EXIT POINTS
Box Hill & Westhumble railway station (halfway)
---
📞 CONTACT: For questions, please message the event host via Meetup. On the day of the walk, you may contact AdrianB via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663.
---
⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
You are responsible for deciding whether this hike is suitable for you and for taking reasonable care of your own safety. Please read the group policy before attending. The host and group accept no responsibility for injury, loss or damage.37 attendees
🍂 Autumn colours and Arboretums | Free hike 25k (15.5 mi)
Farncombe Station Car Park, Farncombe, Godalming GU7 3AY, UK, Godalming, GB📌 This hike is FULL. If you’re on the waitlist and are committed to attending then contact event host. Don’t rely on the waitlist moving automatically.
---
📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5 (Moderate, due to hills)
---
🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers → comfortable overall, with a few steep ascents
Casual walkers → challenging, especially on the climbs
Newcomers → a tough and demanding day
---
Step into autumn with a sociable hike through the Surrey Hills National Landscape.Starting in Farncombe, we’ll walk through varied countryside and enjoy scenic autumn viewpoints along the way. One of the highlights will be Winkworth Arboretum, where we hope to see the autumn colours among its lakes, woodland and diverse collection of trees and shrubs.
There’ll be a stop at Winkworth for facilities before we continue to Chinthurst Hill, where we’ll pause for lunch and take in the views.
After lunch, we’ll make our way through Blackheath and head towards St Martha’s Church via a gentler ascent. From there, we’ll loop back towards Guildford, following sections of the North Downs Way.
This is a moderately paced hike through mixed woodland and varied terrain, with a few manageable hills to get the legs moving.
At the end, anyone who’d like to can join us at Wetherspoons for a drink and a chance to chat with the friends they’ve made along the way before heading home.
---
HIGHLIGHTS
🍂 Autumn scenery at Winkworth Arboretum, among the lakes and woodland
🚻 A facilities stop at Winkworth before lunch
🥪 Lunch with views from Chinthurst Hill
🌳 Varied countryside through Blackheath and along sections of the North Downs Way
⛪ St Martha’s Church and its hilltop setting
🍻 A relaxed social finish with an optional drink in Guildford
---
OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 25 km (≈15.5 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate
📈📉 Elevation: 524 m ascent and 545 m descent
🚶 Pace: around 5 to 5.5 km/h (a steady pace throughout, not a race but not a slow stroll)
---
MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍 Meet: Farncombe railway station entrance at 09:30
▶️ Start: as soon as check-in completed (around 09:40)
🏁 Finish: Guildford town centre approximately 17:30
⏱️ Estimated walking time: Approximately 6.5 hours
🕒 Estimated total duration: 7.5 hours, including breaks and stops🌅 Sunset is at 17:51. A head torch is recommended in case we are delayed and finish around dusk.
---
📍 OPTIONAL LONDON GROUP TRAVEL
For those travelling from London: A return ticket to Farncombe costs £17.00 with a Network Railcard or £25.60 without. We’ll finish in Guildford and catch the train back to London from there.08:15 Meet at London Waterloo (next to ticket office)
08:30 Walk to platform
08:45 Depart London Waterloo
09:30 Arrive Farncombe
---
🚗 BY CAR
Parking in Guildford and Farncombe railway station
---
FOOD AND FACILITIES
🍔 Lunch: Bring a packed lunch, snacks and water, around 1pm
🚻 Facilities: Limited. Toilets are available at Winkworth Arboretum around 11am
...
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
Packed lunch and snacks
At least 2 litres of water, and more in hot weather
Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip
Weather-appropriate clothing and waterproofs
A fully charged phone
Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
Optional trekking poles
More snacks than you think you need
A smile, good vibes and a sense of adventure
🔦 Head torch
...
✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
...
📅 RSVP & ATTENDANCE
Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. If you can no longer come, cancel as early as possible so someone else can take your place.A no-show means RSVPing but not attending, or cancelling shortly before the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group.
If you are stuck on the waitlist and would like to attend, please message the event host directly.
---
👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social group hike, and everyone is expected to stay reasonably connected with the group rather than rushing far ahead or falling behind.Please keep the group in sight and remain within a reasonable distance, as a back marker may not always be present. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may stop at suitable points to allow the group to regroup.
If you choose to leave the group structure or continue at a significantly different pace, you will be considered to be hiking independently and will be responsible for your own route and safety.
By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
...
EXIT POINTS
Chilworth railway station.
...
📞 CONTACT: For questions, please message the event host via Meetup. On the day of the walk, you may contact AdrianB via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663.
...
⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
You are responsible for deciding whether this hike is suitable for you and for taking reasonable care of your own safety. Please read the group policy before attending. The host and group accept no responsibility for injury, loss or damage.56 attendees
Sandstone Wonders & Woodland Trails | Free Hike 21 km (13 mi)
Ashurst (Kent) Train Station - Southern Railway, Ashurst station off A264, Ashurst Hill, Ashurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9TL, UK, Ashurst, GB📈 Grade: 🥾🥾🥾 Level 3/5 (Moderate, with no major climbs)
ℹ️ If you’re on the waitlist and want to attend, please contact the event host. Don’t rely on the waitlist moving automatically.
---
🧠 How it will feel
Regular hikers → comfortable overall
Casual walkers → challenging, due to distance
Newcomers → a tough and demanding day due to distance and hills
---
Set off from Ashurst, Kent, and settle into a day of woodland trails, open views and remarkable sandstone scenery.We’ll follow sections of the Wealdway and Tunbridge Wells Circular, taking a steady pace through a changing landscape of country lanes and tree-lined paths.
Around lunchtime, we’ll pause beneath the trees for a picnic, with logs to sit on. We’ll be near Groombridge Place, a historic moated manor first recorded in 1286. Its Drunken Garden is known for its unusual leaning yew topiary. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, was said to have enjoyed it.
After lunch, the route leads through Birchden Wood to Harrison’s Rocks. Formed around 135 million years ago, these striking sandstone outcrops are a distinctive feature of the area and a popular spot for climbers. We’ll have time to take in the rock formations and views before continuing through Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve.
The walk finishes in Eridge village, just a two-minute stroll from the station. Trains towards London run hourly, and there’s an optional cosy pub nearby where we can relax and socialise before heading home.
The varied terrain includes wide and narrow woodland trails, country lanes, some steep steps and several stiles. A few stiles are in need of repair, so please take care and we will need to allow extra time to cross them.
We’ll keep to a steady moving pace of around 5 km/h (3.1 mph), taking care on uneven ground and around the rocks. It’s a lovely Sunday journey with a few easy-to-moderate hills and plenty to enjoy along the way.
🌇 Sunset on Sunday 25 October is at about 16:46 GMT. The clocks go back that morning. Bring a head torch!
---
HIGHLIGHTS
🚶 Follow sections of the Wealdway and Tunbridge Wells Circular
🌳 Enjoy woodland trails and a picnic lunch beneath the trees
🏰 Pass near Groombridge Place and its quirky Drunken Garden
🪨 Explore the dramatic sandstone formations of Harrison’s Rocks
🌲 Walk through Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve
🍻 Finish near Eridge station, with an optional pub stop before the train home
---
OVERVIEW
📏 Distance: 21 km (≈13 miles)
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate, with no major climbs
📈📉 Elevation: 239 m ascent and 208 m descent
🚶 Pace: Around 5 km/h (3.1 mph), a steady, sociable walking pace.
---
📍 LONDON GROUP TRAVEL (OPTIONAL)
For those travelling from London, buy a return ticket to Eridge (£12.25 with a Network Railcard or £19.00 without one), and get off at Ashurst (Kent).08:30 Meet at the London Victoria ticket office
08:45 Leave the meeting point and walk to the platform
09:00 Train departs towards Brighton
09:16 Change at East Croydon
09:23 Train departs East Croydon towards Uckfield
09:58 Arrive in Ashurst (Kent)
---
RETURN TRAINS TO LONDON
Trains run hourly. We’ll aim to catch the 16:51 train from Eridge.16:51 Depart Eridge
17:18 Change at Hurst Green
17:26 Depart Hurst Green
18:10 Arrive at London Victoria
---
MEETING POINT AND TIMINGS
📍Meet at Ashurst (Kent) railway station car park at 10:00
▶️ Start: as soon as check-in is complete (around 10:15).
🏁 Finish: (Eridge (ERI) railway station 16:15.
⏱️ Estimated walking time: Approximately 5 hours
🕒 Estimated total duration: 6 hours, including breaks and stops
---
The hike will start on time, so please arrive promptly. We can’t wait for latecomers, and limited mobile signal in the area means we may not be able to share live locations.
---
🚗 BY CAR
Parking at Ashurst (Kent) railway station car park
---
FOOD AND FACILITIES
Lunch will be a picnic. There’s a pub about a five-minute walk from the lunch spot for anyone who’d like to use the toilets or buy a drink. Please don’t eat your picnic in the pub, as you may be asked to leave.
---
🎒 WHAT TO BRING
Packed lunch and snacks
At least 2 litres of water, and more in hot weather
Proper hiking boots or shoes with good grip
Weather-appropriate clothing and waterproofs
A fully charged phone
Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
Optional trekking poles
More snacks than you think you need
A smile, good vibes and a sense of adventure
🔦 Head torch
---
✅ WHO CAN JOIN
Adults aged 21 and over
No children
No pets
---
📅 RSVP & ATTENDANCE
Please RSVP only if you genuinely plan to attend. If you can no longer come, cancel as early as possible so someone else can take your place.A no-show means RSVPing but not attending, or cancelling shortly before the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal from the group.
If you are stuck on the waitlist and would like to attend, please message the event host directly.
---
👣 GROUP PACE & PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
This is a social group hike, and everyone is expected to stay reasonably connected with the group rather than rushing far ahead or falling behind.Please keep the group in sight and remain within a reasonable distance, as a back marker may not always be present. Faster walkers should wait at junctions, and organisers may stop at suitable points to allow the group to regroup.
If you choose to leave the group structure or continue at a significantly different pace, you will be considered to be hiking independently and will be responsible for your own route and safety.
By attending, you agree to follow these guidelines.
---
EXIT POINTS
Possible exit point: Groombridge village. Buses run to Royal Tunbridge Wells; for Ashurst or Eridge, arrange a taxi or check other transport options.
---
📞 CONTACT: For questions, please message the event host via Meetup. On the day of the walk, you may contact AdrianB via WhatsApp on +44 (0) 7438 812 663.
---
⚠️ DISCLAIMER:
You are responsible for deciding whether this hike is suitable for you and for taking reasonable care of your own safety. Please read the group policy before attending. The host and group accept no responsibility for injury, loss or damage.32 attendees
Past events
121
