GO London hiking.

GRADE: Beginner 18km 12m this trail is on good footpaths and tracks and towpaths. 4.5 hrs hiking time 118m ascent.

This delightful country hike invites us to embark on a scenic adventure starting in Ware and following the captivating course of the River Lea, which eventually merges with the New River. Constructed in 1613, the New River was a vital source of drinking water for London. We trace the meandering path of the River Lea.

Crossing the picturesque Hartham Common, and making our way to the charming and historically significant market town of Hertford, our journey leads us through the grounds of Hertford Castle, which once played a role as the relocation site for Parliament during the great plague.

Continuing on our route, we join an old railway that guides us to Panshangar Country Park, where we immerse ourselves in the picturesque countryside. Here, we discover lush grasslands, serene lakes, and ancient woodlands. Notably, we pay a visit to The Great Oak, famously planted by Queen Elizabeth I, and celebrated as the largest oak tree in the country.

Along the way, we pass well-preserved remnants of an Orangery and continue on to the foundations of the original manor house, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the Mimram Valley. If luck is on our side, we may even have the chance to spot passing Ospreys and the tranquil sight of Longhorn Cattle grazing in the distance.

Our path eventually brings us back to the enchanting town of Hertford, where a variety of charming cafes and inviting pubs await for a post hike social, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind before we begin our journey back home.

COST: £10 pay on RSVP

MEETING TIME: 10:05 Ware Station outside the main entrance.
Inside the London travel card zone so you can use your Oyster card.
Trains from Stratford and Tottenham Hale arriving in Ware at 09:56 please use the train toilets, there are no toilets at Ware Station.

WALK STARTS: 10:05 Ware Station

LUNCH: Pack lunch on route

ESTIMATED FINISH: 16:30, Hertford East Station.

GRADE: Intermediate. 22km/13.5 miles, 320m elevation. About 6-7 hours active walking time. This is a very long hike so please bring plenty of water and snacks.

ROUTE:
This scenic and varied hike takes us through the western reaches of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, combining woodland trails, riverside paths, and stretches of classic English countryside.
We begin in the historic market town of Farnham and follow tree-lined footpaths to reach the ruins of Waverley Abbey — the first Cistercian monastery built in England, now a tranquil spot by the River Wey.

From there, we’ll pass through quiet villages and rolling farmland, with sections of shady woodland and open fields. Along the way, we follow stretches of the Greensand Way, and enjoy the gentle company of the River Wey as we draw closer to Godalming.

This route offers a great balance of history, natural beauty, and sustained distance — ideal for hikers looking for a full day of adventure without intense climbs.

We end our journey in the charming town of Godalming, with its medieval high street and waterside charm, where people are welcome to stop for a well-deserved drink before catching the train home.

COST; £10.00 organiser fee pay on RSVP
The price doesn't include train or bus fares. Please purchase your own train ticket.

MEETING TIME: 08:30 at London Waterloo Station near the ticket office. If you're planning to meet us there, please DM me so that we don't miss you.

TRAINS: Train tickets not included. We'll take the 08:54 train from London Waterloo Station, arriving at Farnham station at 09:55. Journey time is approximately 1 hour. Train tickets are not included - purchase 2 single tickets: 1 x London Waterloo to Farnham, 1x Goldalming to London Waterloo on the day or in advance. Group save tickets buy on the day.

WALK STARTS: 10:00 sharp from Farnham station, shortly after the train arrives. If you're meeting us at Eynsford station, please DM me to let me know so that we don't miss you

WALK FINISHES: Approx 17.30 Godalming Station. Finish times depend on the pace of the group on the day and are not guaranteed, so please consider yourself committed for the day.

WHAT TO BRING: Lunch, snacks, water, suitable clothing and hiking footwear

CONTACT: Davina via DM

No dogs allowed except service dogs - please DM me in advance.

I will be waiting for you at Rye, since I am also leading the hike from Hastings to Rye the previous day.

GRADE: Intermediate/, 20km / 12 miles, 125m of ascent and approx 5 hr walking time, on farmland and seaside.
This is a spectacular circular walk, starting and ending in Rye, with breathtaking views of the dramatic chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast in south-east England.
Starting from the Rye railway station, we are heading southwest following 1066 Country Walk, crossing farms, till we reach Pannel Seweres where we change direction, eastwards, walking for a while on Royal Military canal and we reach Winchelsea beach, a quiet rural resort with a shingle beach offering splendid views of the sea and the cliffs. We can stop here for lunchenjoying the sae breeze and the sun.
We continue walking seaside for a while before heading inland to our next stop, Camber castle. This castle is also known as Winchelsea castle and is a 16th century Device Fort, built near Rye by King Henry VIII to protect the Sussex coast of England against French attack. As we walk to the top of the sea cliffs, we enjoy the spectacular coastal views. We hike through the wooded Ecclesbourne Glen and Meadow and several woods and fields before arriving at Fairlight. We cross the village before continuing on the cliff footpath towards Cliff End. We continue passing the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and following the River Bride we return to Rye, where we finish our hike in a traditional pub before taking the train back to London.

COST: £10.00 organiser fee pay on RSVP

MEETING POINT & TIME: 10:50 at Rye train station.

TRAINS: Trains depart from London St Pancras International train station. You can take the 09:40 Southeastern train direction to Margate, changing at Ashford International to catch up the 10:24 train direction to Eastbourne, getting off Rye. Estimated journey time 1hr and 6min (one change).
Return train ticket to Rye purchased with Network railcard costs approx approx £30.

WALK STARTS: 10:50 at Rye train station

WALK FINISHES: Approx 16:00 at Rye.
OPTION: You can join Hastings to Rye hike on Saturday the 28th of June. For more details click here:
https://www.meetup.com/go-london/events/306045395/?eventOrigin=your_events

Hike Leader: Fofi